Cub Cadet CUB1200 5.00 star(s) (2)

Cub Cadet 1200 Garden Tractor
Model Year: 1974

I bought this well-used 12 horsepower, 3-speed manual garden tractor for use as a lawnmower, but I never mounted the deck, as I also purchased a 42" front snow plow, chains and filled the rear tires. I probably would have been better off with a Cub hydro, but this has done very well in plowing my gravel and concrete 150 yard driveway. Its only limitation in this task has been traction (snow was a foot deep) and I found it did best in third gear with some speed up.

Pros: Powerful, reliable,tough, heavy-duty unit
Cons: Manual trans is not shift-on-the-fly. Must come to a complete stop to shift gears

Cub Cadet 1200
Model Year: 1975

Great tractor, however I suggest installing solid motor mounts. The 1200 is a Quietline tractor which means it has rubber motor mounts and has a flexible drive and driver plate. If the mounts go bad (and they will) it can cause the engine to move. The flexible driver plate is designed to flex, however if the engine is not in the correct position the driver plate will fail. At the cost of around $100.00, it is not a part you want to keep replacing. I put solid motor mounts on and I have not had a problem since. Some say that it will vibrate a lot more when mounted solid, however I have felt no difference. Now saying that, my rubber mounts were shot and it already vibrated. Overall I am very happy with this tractor.

Pros: Designed to be fixed. This tractor at 34 years old will last a very long time.
Cons: Parts are costly.