How Good are Older Cub Cadets?

[scgargoyle]

I know the early ones from the 60's are pretty much indestructible. I have a 122 and a 70, both with the original engines, never rebuilt. As Bontai Joe said, the transaxle is the same one as the Cub. I just tore apart the transaxle on my 70 because the seals were shot, and the only appreciable wear is the rear axle bushings. I think a number of GT's from that era are pretty rugged, but CC's are easier to get parts for. You could literal build one from parts off ebay, if yer pockets are deep enough!

 

[Fordlords]

Yes, during that period of production International had quality problems, not so much related to the tractors but to the mentioned Kohler KT17 Series I opposed twin engine. Every manufacturer who used these engines after Kohler introduced them had problems with them soon after they hit the market. As mentioned they had oil pressure issues when used on slopes.

They sort of ruined the initial reputation of Cub's 682 and 782 tractors, which were two of their best GT's to the date short of the engines. I'm inclined to believe this was one of the factors as to why Cub Cadet was sold to MTD- International Harvester was already having serious financial problems, many of which due to body integrity warranty issues with the Scout trucks. Then when they knew they would be faced with long lines of warranty issues with the 682 and 782 GT's, they decided to unload the division to MTD. Even Deere had big problems with the KT17 used on their 317 model, because Kohler did not have a quick fix for the engine's oil issues. Until the KT17 Series II came out with a fully pressurized oil system, Deere made a kit that would retrofit an Onan P18 twin in to the 317. MTD offered nothing of the such to Cub 682 and 782 owners, and opted to wait until the Series II was out to solve warranty issues with the 682 and 782.

Up until that point most manufacturers were sold only on Kohler power, yet Deere was so impressed by the Onan Performer engine in retrofitted 317's that they chose the P18 as the engine for the model 318 that followed the 317, and the 318 became one of Deere's most respected GT's to date. \

Just watch out because there are still plenty of Kohler KT17 Series I's out there. If it was not used on slopes, it lasted every bit as long as other Kohlers of the time. But once or if you happen to hit a slope, it doesn't last long there after and it's not pretty- usually throws a rod right through the block.

-Fordlords-

 

[artfull dodger]

The percieved quality problems were mainly with the Kohler KT17 series 1 and that bit John Deere as well on the 317 model. That engine was a big black eye for Kohler. Many consider the red 82 series to be some of the best Cubs, both IH built and CCC built. CCC ie Cub Cadet Corperation, was a seperate company from MTD, but owned by them. It wasnt till a few years later that MTD took total control. Other than the addition of the diesel and power steering on the Super Garden Tractors, the basic IH design didnt change till they started cheapening things like plastic hoods, alum rear ends and now today, not all are shaft drive. I would look for a clean 149, 169, 782, 782d, 882 ect. All have strong motors and hydrostatic drives with Hyd lift. With the 782, look for either a series II motor or a repowered one with a Kohler Magnum motor or Honda engine in it. The 782d and 882 are the 15hp Kubota diesel powered cubs, a bit more expensive, but way more fuel effectient over the twin cylinder gas motors. Cheers Mike

 

[artfull dodger]

Hiya Fordlords, I am from Erie/Faiview PA myself!!! Howdy neighbor!!! Mike T

 

[mpegg]

I have one of the older cc its a 1000 with a 10hp engine. It is a tank. I still plow my driveway with it, even when i have a gc2310 tlb sitting in the shed. I bought it for $800 about 5 years ago. I have thought about getting rid of it, but just didnt.

 

[Gittyup]

The Gravely's have shaft driven mower decks too. IMO, a belt drive system is always inferior to a shaft drive: less maintenance, easier on/off (in most cases), and maximumized hp to the mower deck. That doesn't mean there aren't good belt drive systems out there (e.g. Wheelhorse).

The CC's are popular because they are good, but also because there are more out there on the market. The other brands listed are very good too. Just not as common.

I had an old Gravely, 10 hp. That thing couldn't be stopped. Would cut thick 2 feet high grass without so much as a studder. The cut quality was better than I get now with my JD425, 20 hp machine. And on hills, its low center of gravity (probably the lowest of any GT) made it very stable. It also had excellent traction. Never slid, not once during the five years that I used it on my very hilly terrain. It didn't matter, wet or dry, that little thing would just go and go.

Find the best cared for machine you can in any of the brands mentioned. You'll be satisfied.

 

[JohnSinVA]

Up until that point most manufacturers were sold only on Kohler power, yet Deere was so impressed by the Onan Performer engine in retrofitted 317's that they chose the P18 as the engine for the model 318 that followed the 317, and the 318 became one of Deere's most respected GT's to date.

The initial engine choice for the new 318 tractor was the Onan B43g, the predecessor to the Onan P (performer) series engines. You could also find the Onans on the big 500 series Wheel Horse machines. The KT-17 fiasco nearly killed Deere's L&G business as well. It wasn't just the Onan engines that made the 318 such a remarkable tractor, but it certainly didn't hurt.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The 318 is probably the best tractor Deere ever built. Its still very sought after because you can't find a machine its size with all the features it has anymore.

 

[JB4310]

I had the cub 109, I believe that was the model number, was only 10 hp with hydro tranny, so it was a little under powered in heavy grass but was a work horse, had it for almost 20 years after buying it used. Had the 42" plow and 42" deck.

Here's a sad pic of the last day when I gave it to the guy who works for me. it was my first tractor of any kind.

 

[oldmech]

Hi! Is somebody knows the Cub Cadet 1604. The engine vertical(lawn mower) or horizontal as 109 etc. Thanks Oldmech