2166 value, if any

Wayne · #1 08-13-2021, 02:22 PM

I can pick up a running, working, mowing 2166 for about $300. I think 200 would be a better price but I rarely if ever see any local riding mowers going that cheap. Doing a quick google I see these have a lot of niggling problems but they also have some adherents. I'm not looking for a long term relationship, I just want something that will cut the lawn for a year without needing major repair. If he won't go down, would you walk away or is it worth taking the chance? I'm not at all familiar with these and havent looked at this one in person yet but they seem to maybe suck less than some other MTD LTs?

Sam Mac · #2 08-13-2021, 03:15 PM

Without pics and more info like condition it's just a guess. That said $300 seems like a fair price if it's halfway decent. I have about $300 into this 2135. It's ugly but it cuts grass.

EternalArianne · #3 08-13-2021, 03:29 PM

I paid $200 for a 2155 and I’ve put about $175 into it fixing various issues (new front tire, inner tubes in two other tires, new deck spindle bearings, new deck belt, new battery). I’d say if you can get one that runs good and it “ready to mow” for $300, go for it!

Wayne · #4 08-13-2021, 03:36 PM

It has some rust on the rear wheel well and a substantial amount on the mower deck (this is the rust belt) but I don't care about looks. Paint is apparently not one of their strengths anyway, from what I've gleaned in a short search.

All I know is that it (supposedly) runs well and mows, and that's all I'm likely to know until its back at my house. I doubt I will have time to think it over once I look at it, because someone will snatch it up. If it lasts one season without major repair, I'm happy.

I haven't seen anyone say "avoid at all costs" or "avoid at that cost" which is all anyone can really tell me at this point.

EternalArianne · #5 08-13-2021, 06:32 PM

The way I see it, ANY decent running riding mower for $300 is good (at least where I live). So the fact that it’s a CC and an older one is a bonus!

Wayne · #6 08-13-2021, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Without pics and more info like condition it's just a guess. That said $300 seems like a fair price if it's halfway decent. I have about $300 into this 2135. It's ugly but it cuts grass.

Does it have a hood? This one has a hood, or 2/3 of it anyway. lol

Wayne · #7 08-13-2021, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EternalArianne

The way I see it, ANY decent running riding mower for $300 is good (at least where I live). So the fact that it’s a CC and an older one is a bonus!

That's kind of what I'm thinking, at least the first part. If it runs and mows its worth 200 or 250 anyway. I know little about the MTD Cubs except they are not in the same class as the IH cubs, and more recent ones look like toys. Not that I've looked at many, because I haven't.

EternalArianne · #8 08-13-2021, 07:58 PM

I Think the general consensus is that anything from the late 90s to early 2000s CC were some of the last “good” ones, based on dealers and lawn and garden shops I’ve talked to. The 2000-3000 series fall in that category, after that I feel like they all turned into the same MTD tractor with different branding…

Wayne · #9 08-13-2021, 09:00 PM

That's reassuring! I'll probably have one tomorrow if the guy doesn't flake out on me. Craigslist ya know. Wouldn't be the first time. But I did talk to him today so he should show up.

EternalArianne · #10 08-17-2021, 06:50 PM

If you’ve got ANY movement in the blades and the spindles are bolted down tight, then the bearings need replacing. You won’t notice it until you release the tension on the deck belt so the blades move freely. Release the belt tension and try wiggling the blades up and down.