Cub 1223 or 3235?

Dockhead · May 2, 2007

I'm a little stumped. After adding the mower deck, the 3235 adds up to almost double the cost of the 1223 with the exact same engine (Kohler Command) and with a 50" deck included.

I appreciate the shaft drive, hydraulics, diff lock, etc., of the 3235 but the price over here in Russia makes me choke a little -- nearly $10k (after buying the deck) versus $4800 for the 1223.

My main task is mowing about 2 acres minus three buildings and driveway on fairly level ground. But I wouldn't mind being able to plow and blow snow on 150 meters (500 feet) of level drive, maybe do a little light grading and so forth.

Is the 1223 a complete POS for these tasks? I've read a lot of complaints about the belt drive system and I don't like shoddy machinery.

I can theoretically afford the 3235 but there's always something else to do with the money if the 1223 will satisfy.

Your advice will be a lot of help, thanks in advance!

Dockhead · May 2, 2007

Oh, and there is a third choice -- the Cub Cadet CC 1023. Again the exact same Kohler Command enginer, but this one has grass catcher included and, apparently, the electric lift, for about the same price as the GT 1223. There are the only three Cub Cadets sold in Russia.

JTKub · May 2, 2007

Doc, I wish I could add to the discussion, but the model numbers you list apparently are not available in the States. If the 1000 vs. 3000 holds true, they are night and day machines. Both will cut grass very well, but the 3000 is a much heavier, more capable & comfortable machine.

Joel

Bob_Bainbridge · May 2, 2007

The 3000 series will probably still be running 20 years from now. The 1000 may only be good for 5 years or so. My 1450 ran for 26 years and was still running when I trade it in. IMO the 3000 series are built as well as the 1450 was. THe 1450 was built by International Harvester and is not the same class as the current 1000 series (1450 was a garden tractor and new 1000 is a lawn tractor).

Bob B.

Dockhead · May 3, 2007

The Cub Cadet nomenclature is confusing. They seem to make quite different models for Europe. The GT 1223 can be seen on the mtd europe website:

M T D E u r o p e - -

Cub Cadet / Cub Cadet Products / GT 1223

127 cm FastAttach™ decks with anti-scalping wheels.
Premium Kohler engine, ensures durability that quietly goes about its business.
Hydrostatic transmission: easiest to use.
Aluminium foot pedal.
Deck wash hose attachment high-pressure water blast cleans out grass and debris after each mowing.
New, easy to read monitor package.
Cast-iron front axle: the heaviest in its class. It also pivots adjusting to the contour of the terrain.
Electric PTO for smoother deck engagement.
RevTEK - reverse mowing technology.
Cruise control.

Product data

Cutting width 127 cm
Engine 17,2 kW (23 hp), Kohler OHV *
Cylinders 2
Transmission Hydrostat
Fuel capacity (approx.) 13,2 l
Wheels (f/r) 16'' x 6,5'' / 23'' x 9,5''
Cruise Control standard
Hour meter standard
Turning radius (approx.) 46 cm

It's very odd that although the picture shown looks like the U.S. 1000-series, the specifications SEEM to be more like the U.S. 2500-series:

* Command, rather than Courage engine
* Tire sizes exactly like the U.S. 2500 series and much bigger than those on the U.S. 1000- and 1500- series tractors.

Hmmmm.