I've got a line on a broken 7235 (23hp, hydrostatic drive). Looks like this tractor died due to the engine mounting bracket issue and not only is the engine toast somebody tried to weld the frame mounts but got it messed up and too low. There's no way to connect the transmission to the front axle though I suppose you'd have to split the tractor to get a new engine mounted properly. This includes a Cub Cadet loader (model 417).
Seller is asking $2500/obo. I can see what a wonderful strong machine it was made to be, but I will need to hire out the welding and see if I can find a used replacement engine to drop in. I need to decide if I can tackle this affordably or if it's too big a job. Wife says no, so I'll need web pages with prices for an engine to show her before she'll agree to have a long-term project in the yard.
Anyone know if any of the K3 series engines will fit? Can I go with either a K3G or K3H? I haven't been able to find anything that specifies the differences in these engines other than the H is the next HP up size. Would it be possible to put in another engine entirely like a more plentiful kubota or Kohler diesel? This will be my first tractor and I'm trying to get into a diesel tractor for about $5K. I see some older Kubota with loader in that range sometimes. I just don't know how much it'd cost to hire a professional welder to fix/fabricate new mounts for whatever engine I'd get to put in this shell. Any/all advise welcomed!