Fix old Cub Cadet or buy a new tractor?

three4rd · Jul 2, 2018

Hi,

Long story that I'll condense as best I can. My tractor is a 1972 model 129 with a Kohler 301 engine. These old Cubs were built by IH and are very tough machines. I've used it now for 47 years. Over that time, various things have gone wrong (though relatively minor for the most part), and a bit more major engine work just a few months ago. All was working fine until yesterday when a rod broke. I know this cause I pulled the head and noticed the valves are working but not the piston. I am uncertain as to what to do. This has been a highly dependable tractor and so a part of me is inclined to put a rebuilt engine in it. On the other side of the coin, the entire tractor is the same age as the engine and no knowing how long all the other parts will last.

So, I'm faced with deciding on what I want to replace it with (if that will be the chosen option). Any suggestions? I do not hear good things regarding MTD - at least relative to the new Cubs. And, have talked to many people in the business (as well as people on these forums) that suggest fixing up this old Cub is the better way to go. I also hear stories about almost any new tractor as only lasting 3-5 years.

I need something that has a good amount of weight to it since I also plow large amounts of snow at my property when we get significant storms.

Thanks for any suggestions...
Keith

mddorange · Jul 2, 2018

Cub Cadet's today are made by MTD as are a lot of other brand names.

I have a Craftsman made by MTD that is 8 years old. The HST transmission and B&S motor have been very good. I am on my second deck though.

three4rd · Jul 2, 2018

mddorange said:
Cub Cadet's today are made by MTD as are a lot of other brand names.

I have a Craftsman made by MTD that is 8 years old. The HST transmission and B&S motor have been very good. I am on my second deck though.

Yeah..I've not heard real good things about the newer Cubs. My Mom used to have a Craftsman rider...sold it for close to $900 about a year ago. It was only around 3 years old.

Fuddy1952 · Jul 2, 2018

If it has a sentimental value, fix it, otherwise I'd be shopping around to see what's new that's similar. Some say the dealer John Deere mowers for example are better than Lowes.
Curious if there are small engine places in your area that would have a good used motor? Price of fixing yours? So many variables. Regardless after 46 years you've certainly gotten your money's worth out of it.

three4rd · Jul 2, 2018

Yeah, I'm pretty sentimental about it (like alot of things..too much so in some cases). I've been in contact with a guy in Illinois who rebuilds the engines - including mine. He sounds extremely reliable and has great references vouching for his good work. I'd wind up putting out roughly $1k - which would not include the labor to do the work. Like you say....there are many variables. A local dealer has recommended a Simplicity that he feels would be roughly comparable to mine. That guy also rebuilds the old Kohler engines and is very familiar with what I have now, so his opinion - which is not to fix the Cub - counts for something as well. But, of course, his thoughts are undoubtedly influenced by the chance to sell me a new mower.

Tractorable · Jul 2, 2018

Since you’re at a potential turning point, why don’t you let us know how much property you have and what kind of work you intend to do with your tractor. You mentioned mowing and pushing snow, anything else? This would help us help you in determining the best course of action. Also, do you have a hard budget that you need to stay within?

Grandad4 · Jul 2, 2018

In case you haven't kept up with such things, vintage Cub Cadets have become collectible items and there is a market for old ones like yours. Don't know much beyond that, but if you're inclined to replace your old workhorse, don't get flim-flammed by some salesman telling you it's not worth anything in trade but he'll do you a favor and take care of disposing of your old tractor, no extra charge.

three4rd · Jul 2, 2018

Tractorable...I mow around 1 acre, but have also been taking care of maintaining paths in the woods across from our property (long story) - a bit of uneven terrain and inclines. Some of that grass gets really high by the time I get around to it since I only do it a few times a year. Besides that and the snow, that's it. I don't use the tractor for anything else.

three4rd · Jul 2, 2018

Grandad4 said:
In case you haven't kept up with such things, vintage Cub Cadets have become collectible items and there is a market for old ones like yours. Don't know much beyond that, but if you're inclined to replace your old workhorse, don't get flim-flammed by some salesman telling you it's not worth anything in trade but he'll do you a favor and take care of disposing of your old tractor, no extra charge.

Would definitely sell the Cub if I buy a new tractor.

Tractorable · Jul 2, 2018

A new equivalent garden tractor suitable for pushing snow would be a John Deere X500 or X700 series. Husqvarna has some good riding mowers too.

The key to shopping for mowers is to shop for the transaxle, K58, K66, or K72 are what you want.