help needed with cub cadet purchase (used)

[jet62095]

International Harvester used to make Cub Cadets until they sold the product line to MTD around 1981 ( I think).

Roughly speaking, there was the original Cub Cadet that had a 7 hp engine and variations thereon, then in the later 60's there was a more refined version 106 and on series, then in the early to mid 1970's there was the 1250-1450-1650 series that had the engine panels,and finally there was a more refined version 582-682--series of which I think there was even a diesel version that is highly sought after.

Some are of the opinion that the 147-167 series were the best of the bunch because they had solid engine mounts, no side panels, etc so they were the most serviceable. The rubber engine mounts on the 1250-1450-1650 series eventually fail and are pricey and a pain, IMO, to replace.

Someone else would have to give you the history since MTD.
Most of the products are discussed in detail at: IHRegistry Home

Does this help?

IH sold Cub Cadet in 1981 to MTD.

The Cub Cadet Original had a 7HP, along with the 70. Then came the 100 with the Kohler K-241 (10 Hp).

Then came the 71, 102 and the 122 (Gear Drive) and 123 (Hydro) The 123 was the first to offer a Hydro, and they both were the first Cub Cadets to use the Kohler K-301 12 Hp engine.

Then, in 1967 came the 72, 104, 105 (The First 10Hp Hydro), 124 and 125. They had mostly minor aesthetic changes, aside from the first electric lift.

Next was the 73, 106, 107, 126, 127 and 147 (The First 14Hp Cub Cadet). These models had a different hood, decals and fenders than the other IH Built Cub Cadets.

The first major change since the Original to the 70 series, the Wide Frame Cub Cadet.
Models 86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149 and 169 (The first 16Hp Cub Cadet) had a much wider front frame area, some new options like Hydraulic Lift, a different hood and decals, a completely different grill (due to the frame being closed in the front) along with other aesthetic changes. These, in the opinion of most Cub Cadet owners, were the best Cub Cadet Tractors Ever Built.

Then, in 1975 came the Quiet Line series. Models 1000, 1200, 1250, 1450 and 1650. These had Rubber ISO Mounts to try to dampen vibration which in the future became very problematic, side panels to try to dampen noise, a new muffler to try to keep Cadets quieter, a new hood and new dashboard layout with a more involved hydro control.

Lastly came the "82 Series" 482, 582, 682, 782, 782D, 882, 882D, 982 and 1282. The 682, 782, 882 and had the same Kohler Twin Cylinder Engine, with 17 HP. The 482 had a 11HP Single Cylinder Briggs and Stratton and the 1282 had a 12 HP Kohler K-301. The last Cub Cadet made by IH was serial # 700,000.
I hope this vast history helps you!
Lastly in the IH Cub Cadets came the "82 Series.

 

[Donsyl]

You cant get any better info than that.....awesome job Jet

 

[highboy1975]

ive always been under the impression that the x82 series was the most desireable. that series carried over into the mtd years up until the mid 90s. im not trying to start a debate, but, most of the cub cadets i see in use are from the mid 90s and newer. if most of whats being used is from that era, thats whats mostly going to be serviced. i also think that the bottom of the cub cadet line is also at fault for alot of that. the new low end ones are way more cheaply made than the old ones. another thing to look at is that the older ones are alot simpler and easier for a person to fix at home. you have to be alot more ambitious to work on a newer anything. all im really trying to say is not to discount the newer high end cubs. my 3185 can do anything an older model can do and do it with more comfort. if i were the op, id be looking at something up through about the late 80s or a 3000 series if hes got money to buy the other attachments. as the saying goes, " if its got wheels or t--- its gona give you trouble."

 

[Donsyl]

You got that right about the wheels and t-ts. And Highboy im not trying to get a debate going, im just giving my opinion. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. My dad had a dealership when i was young and i was a huge fan of the cub, but after the 1996 model i had, i just wasnt a fan of the newer ones. i think that the newer ones r cheaper made, and just dont have the dependability. Thats why this site is so interesting. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. They have their own ideas and a lot of knowledge. i have really enjoyed this site.

 

[Gator6x4]

In my opinion the best Cub's built were between 1980 and 1997. This is the years Cub was building the Super Garden Tractors -Gas & Diesel. For a more information than I wanted to know about Cub Cadet , please vist the following web page;

IH Cub Cadet Tractors!

If I was looking for a used Cub Cadet I would look for one of the Super Garden Tractors. They are pricey to repair but tough as iron. They also have features not found on units today.

 

[scoutcub]

In my opinion the best Cub's built were between 1980 and 1997. This is the years Cub was building the Super Garden Tractors -Gas & Diesel. For a more information than I wanted to know about Cub Cadet , please vist the following web page;

IH Cub Cadet Tractors!

If I was looking for a used Cub Cadet I would look for one of the Super Garden Tractors. They are pricey to repair but tough as iron. They also have features not found on units today.

I tend to agree with Gator here. I've owned a 1772 and a 1782, both supers with the kubota diesel. I've also owned several 3000 series. I like the differential lock on some of the 3000's, but for ruggedness and durability I'd have to go for one of the supers. Never owned the older era Cubs, have heard many good things about them. I had a 3 - pt hitch, rear PTO, and front hydraulics on my 1782, so I could put any cat "0" implement and it would just plain work. I also had a loader on it, also very handy. Not everyone would want/need all that capability, but if you do, the supers are hard to beat.
Having said that, there's quite a following for the older Cubs, and a great network of parts and info. If that's what you're after, you won't get stuck for need of either.....Good luck!

 

[highboy1975]

im not by any means knocking the older cubs. i have every intention of picking one up one of these days. all im saying is dont rule out the newer cubs either. the top end ones anyway. the mid 90s ones are some of the nicer ones, using the old intl frame but having tilt wheel, nicer seat suspension, and i think a better feel in general. i dont think the op can go wrong with anything he might buy so long as its a gt. i would be looking at about anything up until the wide frame was discontinued, and nothing less than a 3k on the newer ones. i suggested the 80s models that were the same as the x82 because the rear lift is alot simpler than the 3pt setup mounted on the diff cover plate. find a gt that wasnt used commercially and go with that. there was an 1812 on cl here with a plow for 1ooo a few months ago. that would have been a good buy for me if i had the cash.

 

[Donsyl]

I would like to try out one of the cubs with a diesel for fun. I am a big fan of diesel engines. But diesels r very expensive when you need parts, or take it to be fixed.

 

[Big Hammer]

...Hope I don't get flamed here too bad...

thanks for all the great responses, by the way.

I am going to go look at a Bolens tomorrow. It is a 1979-89 model I believe.

It has the same great features (as far as I know) as a good 'ol Cub Cadet!

I will have to move on over to the Bolens forum if the purchase is made...

I really do like Cub cadets... and Bolens... and MF and Yanmar and Ford and... etc Early garden tractors

Mark

 

[highboy1975]

i looked at a few bolens. the problem i found was parts availability. very good tractors, very limited parts availability. i hope your not opposed to having parts shipped.