Cub Cadet GT3200 or 1864?

[aczlan]

Looking at a couple of tractors to clear a sidewalk with and I have two options:

• Cub Cadet GT3200 - Local dealer asking $3750, $4050 with Taxes
  
  1. 600 Hours on the clock
  2. 60" Mower Deck
  3. 45" 2 stage Snow Blower
  4. 54"(?) Manual Angle Plow Blade (like new)
• Cub Cadet 1864 - Private party asking $2600
  
  1. 1200 Hours on the clock
  2. 54" Mower Deck
  3. 45" 2 stage Snow Blower
  4. 54" Plow Blade

Anyone have any recommendations as to which would be better? How long is the engine on the 1864 good for?
It looks like the blower on the 1864 is ~8" closer to the front axle than the one on the GT3200 (which would be good for the sidewalk corners), but I haven't seen the 1864 in person yet.

Thanks

Aaron Z

[Captain Ned]

A GT3200 with all those goodies for the same price I paid for a stock GT2544 in 2008 would be a hard deal to pass up.

[Carl_NH]

The 1864 is probably a little heavier built than the 3200, but the hours @ 1200 are getting close to an engine rebuild within 2-300 hours depending on the care and maintenance the machine has had. I have the 1811 (1989 model) and the Kohler magnum are good engines - mine is cranky to start in cold weather.

If the 1864 is clean and starts/runs well I would offer $2200+- and guage the reaction. Also you acn repower these in the $1500 range so you woulf be at the same price. It comes down to which has had the best care and maintenance at the end of the day.

If you are concerned about replacing/fixing things the 3200 would be the better deal and maybe the dealer could throw in some warranty - say 90 days or 20 hours which could be a plus in the event something happens.

[aczlan]

The 1864 is probably a little heavier built than the 3200, but the hours @ 1200 are getting close to an engine rebuild within 2-300 hours depending on the care and maintenance the machine has had. I have the 1811 (1989 model) and the Kohler magnum are good engines - mine is cranky to start in cold weather.
If the 1864 is clean and starts/runs well I would offer $2200+- and guage the reaction. Also you acn repower these in the $1500 range so you woulf be at the same price. It comes down to which has had the best care and maintenance at the end of the day.

So the engines are good for ~1500 hours? I will go with the 3200 then. It is in nice shape and I have a good relationship with the dealer.

If you are concerned about replacing/fixing things the 3200 would be the better deal and maybe the dealer could throw in some warranty - say 90 days or 20 hours which could be a plus in the event something happens.

I will have to ask. I would prefer that they change the oil in the transaxle and the engine if I had to choose.

Aaron Z

[MrFoPow]

I think the GT3200 will serve you better.

[Carl_NH]

Quote:

I will have to ask. I would prefer that they change the oil in the transaxle and the engine if I had to choose.

Aaron Z

Aaron,

Changing the engine and transmission oil should be a given from a dealer! This is a $20 max part/oil cost and maybe an hour at most. I dont know if the 3200 series requires Hytran in the hydro, if it does its a bit more $$, but if I recall they use a regualr synthetic now?

A 20 hr/90 day warranty for critical things like the Hydro, Engine and "major items" should not be an issue - of course there will be the normal exlcusions - due to operator error etc.

At 600 hours and from a dealer, I would ask for all fluids and filters (air too) be changed, blades replaced (or sharpen existing and provide a spare new set also) then deck leveled and in good running order before delivery.

Many times they will sell used units as is / where is, so once they deliver or you pick up you own it, so unless you stipulate the T&C upfront, you have no recourse.

Carl

[scoutcub]

I would also vote for the 3200. The 1864 is a heavier built machine, but several years older, and twice the hours would kill it for me. The GT 3200 is an awesome machine, I've had a few. You could add the 3rd valve and a cylinder to the plow to make it power angle as well.....a very nice feature.

Good luck!

[aczlan]

Paid for the 3200 yesterday.
$3770 with tax for the tractor, a 60" mower, 45" 2 stage blower and a 54" manual angle blade. They are doing a change of the transmission oil, swapping the blower for the mower deck and delivering it on Mon or Tue.

Aaron Z

[scoutcub]

Paid for the 3200 yesterday.
$3770 with tax for the tractor, a 60" mower, 45" 2 stage blower and a 54" manual angle blade. They are doing a change of the transmission oil, swapping the blower for the mower deck and delivering it on Mon or Tue.

Aaron Z

Great deal....enjoy!!