comparing

   / comparing #1  

highboy1975

Silver Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
205
im curious to know how the 3000 series compares to the tractors of the past. i always hear that the old cubs are better built. would my 3185 be comparable to an 1872? 1864?
 
   / comparing #2  
Mmmm....good question. The older GT's were built a bit heavier.
I used to have a 1996 1782 and have owned several 3000 series including the GT3200. The 1782 would simply outdo the 3000 series.
BUT....it's not really a fair comparison....the 1782 was one of the few Super Garden Tractors, a step above the GT and right below the Sub-compact. Mine had a 3-pt, rear PTO, front hydraulic outlets, and the Kubota diesel....it was a machine! I often question whether I should have sold it or not....I'm not too familiar with the older Gt's, except I know they were built with a lot more steel, running gear might have been a bit sturdier as well. I really do like the 3000 series as well, but ended up with a couple of Cub Subcompacts and Compacts.
 
   / comparing
  • Thread Starter
#3  
ilooked at a few of the sgts, and theyre really nice, big machines. its my understanding though that theyre the same as the next step down (1864,1862, 882) but with 8 inches more frame, but identical front and rearends and indie brakes. the 54" deck on mine is very similar to the decks used through the 90s, but definately feels heavier than the white decks ive seen used in the 80s. id say its not much less than the haban, just smaller. seems almost as heavy as the habans ive seen.
 
   / comparing #4  
While the SGT always has a similar GT model, it is not just a longer wheelbase. They had higher hp engines, larger rear and front wheels and tires, of course weigh more. Add it all together and they are more capable machines for heavier use than their GT brothers.

The newer GT decks are so much larger and heavier than the old "white" decks that to me its a bit over the top. We ran a 50" white deck for many years with a ton of hard cutting and it did a great job, not sure my newer yellow decks are any better, and they sure are hard to handle.

Your 3185 compares well with an 1864. I run both an 1864 and a 3204 so I have a good feel for the similarities and differences. The 3000 series is a bit heavier, the decks nearly identical. The engines are the same Kohler Command. The 3000 has shaft drive deck and foot pedals while the 1864 has belt drive and hand control. Thats about it for the differences as far as I know. The 3204 handles heavy grass a bit better than the 1864, not sure if its the extra 2 hp or the shaft drive deck or a bit of both.

The older Cubs were great machines, but so are some of the newer ones. I'm partial to the 1864/2084 series of the '90's so that's my preference right now.
 
   / comparing #5  
I think the difference in the old & new decks will be apparent after many years of use. The white 44R deck on my 1450 rusted through after 9-10 years and I kept welding patches on it till finally I ordered a new shell to the tune of $400+. I had that tractor for 28 years but the new deck was starting to rust through when I traded it in. My current 54 inch deck has gone 6 seasons but still looks good so far. Time will tell. I did put a coat of POR-15 on the underside a year ago.

Bob B.
 

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