New Owner of a 1997 HDS 3185 Cub

iquester · Aug 7, 2006

Hello all. I am new to the forum and new to Cub Cadets. I just purchased a used 3185 Cub Cadet with an 18hp B&S engine that was a new tractor trade at an implement dealer. It only has 189 hours on it and other than a few dings looks to be in excellent condition.

Does anyone know information on this mower/tractor. I do mostly mowing of a 1.5 acre yard, and some wagon hauling and aeration of my yard, spraying with a towable sprayer and towing a spreader for overseeding, fertilizing.

I have been using a Husqvarna that has given a couple of years of really good service, but the shaft drive deck and drive, plus a little bigger unit really appeals to me.

I have not done my first mowing yet as the dealer is servicing the tractor and deck and blades for me before delivery.

I think I got a good deal, and the price was right.

Some questions. The original tires are on the mower and look fine but I would like to replace them with 4 plys. The tires sizes listed in the manual are 24x10.5-12 in the rear and 16x7.5-8 in the front.

Michael Gardner
Wichita, KS

JTKub · Aug 7, 2006

Sweet machine! welcome aboard!

Joel

Fordlords · Aug 7, 2006

Great machine, the Briggs Vanguard is an excellent engine. Should be no problem getting 4 ply tires in those sizes. I found 4 ply Carlisles at this place for my tractor: www.tiresunlimited.com They even have some 6 plys!

This place ships FAST! The 4 ply tires were a bit of a pain to mount though. I finally ended up putting tubes in the rears as I could not get the beads to stay close enough to the rim to get air in. The front beads took some work to get them to snap into the right place. Just a labor of love

-Fordlords-

iquester · Aug 10, 2006

I am really looking for information regarding this model. Anyone own one or a similar 3000 series tractor with the BS Vanguard 18hp twin? I am also looking for tire recommendations. Will a 24x12-12 fit the rear for example. 24x10.5-12 is an uncommon size. Thanks for any hellp.

Fordlords · Aug 10, 2006

Check one of your actual tires and make sure the manual doesn't contain a typo, because 23x10.5x12's are what the EMPART parts listing shows for the 3185, and are one of the most common common rear tire sizes. A 24x12x12 would likely fit on to your rear 12" rim, but might look funny and raise the height of the tractor and the deck. I'm very the sure the 24" overall height size in your manual was a typo.

Only other thing I can tell you is the Briggs Vanguard is made for Briggs by Diahatsu, a well known Japanese engine and machine manufacturer. It is Briggs, "commercial," grade engine that I consider to be right on par with Kohler Command, Kawasaki, and Honda. Not sure what else we could tell ya-great machine, take care of it and it will serve you well.

-Fordlords-

iquester · Aug 10, 2006

Sure enough, original tires are marked 24x10.5-12.

Measure out that tall too!

Fordlords · Aug 10, 2006

Curious as to the maker of the original tires? I know Carlisle has been one of the biggest tire suppliers to Cub Cadet, the only rear tire I see Carlisle has listed at the 24x10.5x12 size is their Turf Pro model for about $52 ea. I didn't see this size from any other maker I looked at.

This is what Cub shows for the 3185 rear tire: 1 734-3191
Add to cart Tire, Turf, 23 x 10.5 - 12 Apparently they made some changes to various 3185's during production, the tire size being one of them.

The 24x12x12 is 1.5" wider in width than what you have. It should still go on to the rim just fine, just make sure you have the extra 3/4" clearance inside the fenders (should not be a problem at all.) Wider will look and probably work better, but taller or shorter could be a problem.

-Fordlords-

iquester · Aug 11, 2006

First cut today! Went through my thick Bermuda like it was butter. Even with the mulching plate and blades it came with! Gotta love this tractor!

M Gardner

aratapuss · Aug 12, 2006

I've got the 18 HP Vanguard on m CC 2166, and think it is great. Mine has 150 hours on it so far, and nothing to report other than it works and never acts up.

iquester · Aug 12, 2006

Hey Fordlords,

"Curious as to the maker of the original tires? I know Carlisle has been one of the biggest tire suppliers to Cub Cadet, the only rear tire I see Carlisle has listed at the 24x10.5x12 size is their Turf Pro model for about $52 ea. I didn't see this size from any other maker I looked at."

Tire is labeled Turf Pro with the Cub Cadet name in the sidewall, so my guess is that it is a factory tire, probably made by Carlisle.

M Gardner