Going to look at a 149

[Tom4981]

First posting for me........l plan on looking at Cub 149, it comes with a 42 inch mower deck and a QA-42 Snowthrower my question is what would you look at for problems, the asking price is 750 and the owner claims that everything works as it should......any advice would be welcomed.

[sawdustdad]

I would drive it and see if it maintains speed up an incline and doesn't speed up dramatically going down a moderate slope. (without touching the hydro speed lever). If it loses speed uphill and gains speed down hill, then the hydro needs some adjustment (which is typical of these old tractors). If it holds speed pretty well, then that's a very good sign that it's been maintained.

I'd buy it either way, but negotiate the price down if it misbehaves. $750 is not ridiculous but it needs to be a nice tractor to get that price. The 149 should have a 48 inch or 50 inch deck on it. The 42 is fine, but not typical for that tractor.

Look for excess play in the steering, smooth engagement of the PTO for the mower deck, proper operation of the hydraulic lift for the deck. Should go up and down a few inches.

Check tires for dry rot. Seat for good condition. Lights if they work.

Should be in nice condition for that price.

[Yosemite Sam]

Make sure that the engine doesn't smoke, if it does, $750.00 is TOO much.

Check the steering column for excessive play.

When setting still on the tractor, turn the steering wheel back and forth a little while watching the front axle, see if the axle moves forward and back indicating problems at the axle pivot point.

Check to see if the forward reverse wants to "run away" while driving.

This is a hydrostatic drive tractor, to maintain a constant speed going up you will have to "give it more lever", it does not have "cruse control" so it will slow some (depending on the hill, it could slow a lot). Going down hill however, the tractor ground speed should change very little.

You may want to look at the engine to drive shaft coupler, it should have two slots for the drive shaft pin, these slots should not be worn sideways.

Look to make sure there are two bolts on each side holding the tractor frame to the rear end (at the axle tubes) sometimes these bolts are broken off or missing.

For $750.00 I personally would want to know that the charging system is working. With the engine running, you should be able to remove a battery cable and the engine should continue to run. If the engine dies, it could cost $200.00 or more to get the charging system back in order.

Turn the drive pulley on the snow thrower back and forth and note how much play there is in the gear box. Then make sure the pulley turns easily and the snow thrower rotates smoothly. Check the chain for rust and the small sprocket for wear. Make sure the lift rod and the chute rotater rods for the thrower are there. Make sure the flutes on the auger are not beat up or badly bent.

Nearly everything on this tractor and thrower can be rebuilt or repaired, most of the necessary repairs can be done for only a few dollars and a little work, but if there are several things that need attention, those few dollars can add up pretty quick. For $750.00 any issues should have already been addressed.

Don't be afraid to offer less money (a lot less if there are many issues) or walk away, 149's are great tractors, but there are thousands of them out there that can be had for less than $750.00 and don't be fooled by what could have been a quick paint job, slick paint won't keep an engine from shooting craps next week.

[dbuck]

Originally Posted by Tom4981

First posting for me........l plan on looking at Cub 149, it comes with a 42 inch mower deck and a QA-42 Snowthrower my question is what would you look at for problems, the asking price is 750 and the owner claims that everything works as it should......any advice would be welcomed.

The 1st thing I would do, is give an overall detail inspection. Looking for leaks and check the engine oil level. Then take it for a test drive. 750$ does not sound kinda high. I bought mine around 5/6 years ago, it came with a 48" deck, snow blade, snow thrower, tiller, wheel weights and chains for 750$. I have since sold the tiller and snow thrower and recovered my money.

























then check the engine oil level

[JLM78]

We had 3 149 Paid ,$150 for first one be had no engine . $200 sec one .$150 last one . pics Just what shape they was in And welcome from South michigan

[Tom4981]

Originally Posted by JLM78

We had 3 149 Paid ,$150 for first one be had no engine . $200 sec one .$150 last one . pics Just what shape they was in And welcome from South michigan

Thats a nice deal......I've been working craigslist for Upper Michigan and Northern Wisc......The pickings haven't been the best

[vr4Legacy]

Price is a subjective thing.

If everything looks good, and you are comfortable spending the money, then it's the right price.

I spent $200 for my 149. The guy hadn't used it in 2 years becaue the PTO broke. It sat under a tarp and he wasn't sure if it ran. We pushed it onto a trailer and towed it home. It came with wheel weights, 28" deck and blade. BUT I didn't get to see if it ran, so I essentially bought it as a parts tractor.

Fortunately for me, I've got it running, the PTO just needs rebuilt and there are a few odds and ends that need fixed.

Personally, I'd pay $200+ for a good working snow thrower. If it's in good shape and good running order, $500 is fair for a good running Cub. So I don't think the price is too high if everything is good.

One thing is sure, the people on here can help you diagnose and fix any issues you may have.

Welcome to OCC

[dbuck]

Originally Posted by JLM78

We had 3 149 Paid ,$150 for first one be had no engine . $200 sec one .$150 last one . pics Just what shape they was in And welcome from South michigan

That is one he77 of a deal There are several Cubs of various model for sale around the the Fort area, but they want box stores prices for them.