2186 vs 2544

[Dave01]

I thought the 1811 was just the 18 HP version of the 1211. I have an 1864 which I assume is out of the series you are referring to with much different tractor and deck design, made mid '90's while the 1211 was late '80's to early '90's. Here is a picture of an 1811 on Ebay, I've seen a number of pictures like this and it looks identical to my 1211.

Maybe I'm wrong, let me know what you think.

 

[Fordlords]

You are right- the 1811 looks to be basically the old International 782 with an 18 HP Kohler Magnum twin in place of the 782's KT17 Kohler twin. That and the 1211 are just the same tractor with a different engine. 680, 682, 782, 1282, 1211, 1212, 1811... all just about the same tractor with either a different engine bolted in or hydraulic lift accessory. They all use the old style mule drive and "C" series mower decks. MTD jumbled the model mumbers around a lot which makes it confusing, but more or less in the late 80's MTD switched the tractors and decks from the International designs to designs of their own that are much different and have little if any parts interchangability with the International designs.

I don't know if it's just the history lover in me, but it sure seems like the old International Cub Cadet garden tractor designs were more rugged than most of the stuff MTD has been designing. Melting plastic hoods and panels, exhaust popping, lifter noise, or slipping or weak hydro transaxles were things one just didn't run across when they invested in a new International Harvester built Cub Cadet 25-30 years ago. I'm not just faulting MTD, all the other makes have cheaped out what a true garden tractor should be also.

For one who doesn't mind a bit of mechanical maintenance or light repairs here and there, an old classic Cub Cadet is a wise investment.

-Fordlords-

 

[Dave01]

I also enjoy the history of the Cubs. My dad bought an early Cub in the '60's, I think it was a model 80, then we had a 129, then the 1211, then 3204, and I have the 1864. We've swapped around a few times just to keep it interesting. I loved the old Cubs, and they were very rugged machines, but I hesitate to flat out say they were better. Its just the nature of technology that older machines were more rebuildable than newer ones, try rebuilding a '68 Oldsmobile vs. a newer car, the old one was so simple that it lends itself to being fixed and put back together by a weekend mechanic.

That 80 did a lot of work but we struggled to cut high grass with the 8 hp, the deck would jam up easily, etc. The 129 needed a lot of maintenance over its life. The 1211 is a great running machine though lacking power for the oversized 50" deck. The 3204 and 1864 have tons of power, hydros that hold speed better (the 129 and 1211 slowed down uphill and sped up downhill to a point that had you constantly adjusting speed). The shaft drive on the 3204 is certainly an improvement and lowers the maintenance.

The old Cubs were great but for weekly use I chose to buy newer models that had more power and some modern improvements. So which are better? I guess its just personal preference when all is said and done. I do agree that putting plastic hoods on these machines is pretty foolish, and I've said before that for the price the 3204 should have gauges instead of idiot lights and bigger tires standard. But its still a very good machine.

 

[ducati996]

The old Cubs were great but for weekly use I chose to buy newer models that had more power and some modern improvements. So which are better? I guess its just personal preference when all is said and done. I do agree that putting plastic hoods on these machines is pretty foolish, and I've said before that for the price the 3204 should have gauges instead of idiot lights and bigger tires standard. But its still a very good machine.

I think you summed it up here the best - I love the old machines but I love them for emotional and sentimental reasons only. The newer ones especially the 3000 series in this case are superior in so many ways. Cut quality for one is far superior, ease of attachments and setup (mule drives are gone forever!!), ease of maintainence, etc...even the 3000 has a steel hood (which I dont prefer actually), comfort and power at hand surpasses the old cubs. There are areas on the 3000 series that do need enhancements for longivity reasons, they were done to kept costs down. Overall the stuff thats matters most are of a very solid design. the headlights, flimsey hood hinges, plastic cowels, etc.. need to go but its not the end of the world. The tires are a simple and inexpensive fix as well.

Just my .02 cents