New member here: First Cub Cadet, 882

[TheSaturnV]

Hi everyone.

I just wanted to introduce myself, now that I've become a Cub Cadet owner. I've had an interest in tractors and especially older riders and garden tractors for as long as I can remember. A few years ago we bought an acreage and at last I had an excuse to finally own one. I wound up picking up a Troy Built lawn tractor off of CL. That probably was the best way to go at that time. It starts every time and cuts the grass, but I still wanted something a bit more interesting.

My first was a '67 Sears Suburban, I got about 6 months ago. I am currently restoring it and have a YouTube series going under the same username. However, when I started looking for an older tractor, I really wanted a Cub Cadet in the 149, 129, etc., series. I've had several CL misses, including the most recent heartbreaker: A running 149 with snowplow, weights, 3-point and some other AG attachments for $300......a mere 50 miles up the road.

Then, I spotted this ad:



Around here, older Cubs have a CL life expectancy of a few hours. However, the seller had no ability to post photos and snail like communication.It was a full week of emails before I finally got a phone number. I got the feeling I was the only person pursuing this stealthy ad. Not knowing any better, I was disappointed when the guy had to go out and look at the model number, returning to the phone with "It's an 882." "Oh," I said. "Well, I'll have to get back to you." After a trip to these forums and a few others...I couldn't get my trailer hitched up quick enough. The guy was asking $500 obo. I figured the hitch alone was worth something.

When I got there to load it up, I was bummed that it was sitting out in his field. At least the hood was down, but the side panels were laying off to one side. The starter switch was hanging out the side. It had the 50" deck mounted, which came off very easily. The spindles turned free and it looks to be in really good shape. Final haggling price: $345

Here are the pics:

Radiator screen still there, grill piece missing. Front hookups.



It came with some full-size tractor muffler that stuck out in front a full foot. It's gone.



Came with a factory 3-point. Lift arms and rods missing. Goodyears with plenty of life left in them.



The engine is actually pretty clean in person. Turns over and feels like it has good compression. Crankcase was full of dirty oil. That can be a good sign.



Sheet metal is in good condition. No major dents, scratches or rust.



Front left tire was poor. I was going to patch it up with an inner, but $16 for tube and labor already had me halfway to a new tire. So, I sandblasted the wheel, painted it with POR-15 and had new rubber mounted. Looks like a police cruiser until I can get a dry day to paint it.



Pulled the fuel tank off to clean it and the small screen. Replaced all fuel line.



Top of hydro was filthy. I knocked the big stuff off with a quick wash. Will have to go back in with degreaser. There was only a drop of fluid showing on the stick. I assume all the rest wound up stuck to the outside.





Well, that's a pretty long-winded intro post. Hope I didn't over-do it. So far, I've not been able to get it started. I'll start a new post just for that topic.

Thank you host, for this great resource.

[ACecil]

Glad to have you! You got an awesome deal on your 882. Please keep us updated on your progress!

[Methos]

Great price for a 882D! You did very good!

Prefect intro with pics and all! Keep them coming!

[camarokidz28]

[toyman]

Welcome! What a find. I thought an 1872 parts tractor for $350 was a screaming deal. Keep the pics coming.

[TheSaturnV]

Thanks for the nice welcome, I sure appreciate it.

This is a YouTube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P52G2CklkAE of me picking it up. It is actually #10 in my Sears Suburban restoration. I think a few of my subscribers are getting antsy that I may abandon the old Sears in favor of something yellow & white.

Forgive the comment about the 882's looks, I just didn't know any better. Right now I am waiting for my second starter to arrive. The first was supposed to be an OEM style with the nose cone, but it was too big. Since then, I researched and decided to go with the gear reduction mod as seen on the interweb. It gets here tomorrow, and I sure hope I can get this thing running. The few times I can get it to crank, it puffs white smoke.

Update:

New starter just hit the doorstep. I'll check back this evening, hopefully with a running smoker.

[aagitch]

It looks to be in pretty good condition. What a steal. Unless you've removed it, you may want to look into getting the metal shrouding that surrounds the radiator fan. It's not installed in the pic. I can also tell by the pic you may want to clean out all the fins on the radiator. I thought my radiator was a clean then I took a flashlight and looked real good and about half the radiator fins were plugged. It ran much much cooler after i hosed and air blew it out.

[TheSaturnV]

Thank you, I will check the radiator closely.

You are correct in that I had already removed the cooling shroud. Aside from the missing cosmetic grill piece, this one was really complete. I am working on drilling out the engine mount to fit the new starter now...

[truckntran]

Gee, its only an 882......DIESEL!!! Steal of the year ....no doubt!

Congrats, and enjoy!

[aagitch]

Please post pics! It looks like you're turning that into a real nice machine.