782D compared to gas Cub GTs.

[EuropaChris]

I'm a self admitted diesel nut. My motto is "real engines don't have spark plugs". I've been trying to find an excuse to by a diesel tractor most of my life (I'm 37 now), but up to this point, haven't had a good enough one. So, I've been happy with my '05 2544.

I did run across a used diesel Cub GT (782D or similar model) last year, but never stopped to see it because I'm sure my checkbook would have had my pants severely on fire.....

But, I wonder what the Kubota diesel Cubs are like to use? I assume that the Kubota engine winds up to 3600 rpm, same as the gas engines? It would make sense as you have to keep the input speeds to the hydro unit and mower deck the same. I seem to recall seeing brochure or spec. sheets mentioning that high engine speed.

Seems to me it would be one LOUD LOUD tractor to use with that screamin' little engine. I know my Jetta TDI really gets loud at that rpm.

I also ran across a YouTube video of a guy with a Kubota brand GT, but it uses a 2-cylinder version of the engine, and I forgot how much I dislike a 2-cylinder diesel (except a JD johnny popper). I mowed behind a Ford 1500 diesel MANY years ago, and always hated that missing cylinder exhaust beat.

Anyway, just looking to start some discussion on diesels.

Chris

 

[OhioGuy]

Chris,
I have no Cub diesel experience but I have owned a Ford 1220 compact for about 5 years. I've been completely happy with that purchase, I use the loader more than any other attachment. I believe the rpm's are set to 2500 to get the PTO's operating at the 540 speed.

It's just amazing how fuel efficient the diesels are. I tried to get a belly mower for the Ford but the PTO was removed prior to my purchasing it and it couldn't be located.

I mow with a Cub 5252 or 1872 both really nice Cubs. However the 5252 uses about half the fuel with the Kohler Command as the 1872 with the Magnum.

I've looked at a number of diesel cubs on Ebay and at auctions, I just haven't found a good enough deal yet.

Why does diesel fuel cost more than gas, isn't it less refining to make diesel?

Here's a couple of Ford pics.

Curt

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

Why does diesel fuel cost more than gas, isn't it less refining to make diesel?

Here's a couple of Ford pics.

Curt

Diesel fuel is produced before gasoline during the cracking process and is less refined so should be cheaper to produce. OTOH diesel fuel contains more BTU's per gallon than gas does. The price, however, seems to be based more on supply and demand. In the winter when heating oil (which is a level below diesel fuel) is in high demand, there is less crude available to make diesel. In my area (NE Ohio) diesel has been a little cheaper than gas for the past year or so. When gas was $3 per gallon, diesel was around $2.79.

Bob B.

 

[OhioGuy]

Diesel fuel is produced before gasoline during the cracking process and is less refined so should be cheaper to produce. OTOH diesel fuel contains more BTU's per gallon than gas does. The price, however, seems to be based more on supply and demand. In the winter when heating oil (which is a level below diesel fuel) is in high demand, there is less crude available to make diesel. In my area (NE Ohio) diesel has been a little cheaper than gas for the past year or so. When gas was $3 per gallon, diesel was around $2.79.

Bob B.

It's the old supply and demand philosophy!
Thanks Bob.

Curt

 

[Fordlords]

The 782D was the first diesel garden tractor to hit the market, right after MTD took over Cub Cadet from IH. They plopped a Kubota diesel into the stock 782 tractor, and it worked excellent. Many are still in service today.

I have messed around with quite a few 782D's. They are not loud, they actually have kind of a nifty sound to them, not unlike any other Kubota/Yanmar 3 banger out there today. The engines can last several thousand hours, most easily outlive the rest of the tractor they are in. The 782D uses a large muffler mounted outside the hood to keep it quiet- the muffler can be bolted on horizontally or vertically.

The old 782D has one small problem. It uses a standard size garden tractor battery, mounted under the seat just as it was in the gas 782. These batteries don't have enough grunt to crank the diesel over when it is cold out, and you can't fit a bigger battery in there. Only a problem if you desire to use the tractor in the winter. Otherwise, if you see a 782D in good shape at a nice price, (They still fetch good $), jump on it.

-Fordlords-

 

[EuropaChris]

The 782D was the first diesel garden tractor to hit the market, right after MTD took over Cub Cadet from IH. They plopped a Kubota diesel into the stock 782 tractor, and it worked excellent. Many are still in service today.

-Fordlords-

Thanks for the info! I just assumed due to the high speed of the engine that they would be pretty raucous, especially if the cooling fan ran at that high speed also. Evidently not!

I did read here on the group about the cooling system issues of these tractors ingesting all sorts of dust, fuzz, grass debris, etc. and clogging up the radiator frequently. But I suppose that can be managed.....

But indeed, I thought the same about putting a multi-thousand hour capable engine in a tractor that might only make a thousand or so hours, two thousand tops. I mow an acre with my 2544, and only have 75 hours on it in a little over two years mowing. It would take me a LONG time to wear out a diesel.....

I'll have to keep my eyes open for one of these gems in clean shape locally.

Thanks!

Chris

 

[anthonyk]

diesel USED to be cheaper, but nowadays with the ultra low sulfur mandates, the refining is pushing the cost higher than regular unleaded. Bummer.

anthony

 

[LBrown59]

Diesel fuel is produced before gasoline during the cracking process and is less refined so should be cheaper to produce. OTOH diesel fuel contains more BTU's per gallon than gas does. The price, however, seems to be based more on supply and demand. In the winter when heating oil (which is a level below diesel fuel) is in high demand, there is less crude available to make diesel. In my area (NE Ohio) diesel has been a little cheaper than gas for the past year or so. When gas was $3 per gallon, diesel was around $2.79.

Bob B.

Dieselfuel , home heating oil and fuel oil are all the same thing here.

 

[Fordlords]

Even if gasoline is a little cheaper than diesel, the Kubota diesel (even an old one) will still use quite a bit less fuel per hour than a comparable HP gas engine, making it worth it. The diesels definitely pay for themselves over the life of the tractor, if you can swallow the initial cost to buy one.

Diesel advantages: Considerably longer life, liquid cooling, less fuel use, more torque

Diesel disadvatages: Harder cold starting, more initial cost, possible fuel gelling, expensive repairs (though not often a factor on Yanmar/Kubota diesels)

-Fordlords-

 

[EuropaChris]

Diesel advantages: Considerably longer life, liquid cooling, less fuel use, more torque

-Fordlords-

We just had an extended power outage due to some pretty nasty rains, lightning, etc. I FINALLY had the chance to use my backup generator "in combat". It's a ChangFa (Chinese) R185 hopper cooled diesel (about 8hp) coupled to a 3.5kW generator head via 6-rib industrial L belt & pulleys.

I put about 8 hours on it, average load about a kilowatt (fridge, freezer, lights) and it used maybe a gallon of diesel. It also used several gallons of water in the hopper......could be an issue during an extended outage as the generator won't start my current-hog of a well pump....

chris