Cub 128 vs 2165 ?

[prof fate]

Same price...the 128 includes deck, snow blade, has ag tires and wheel weights, while the 2165 just the mower deck.

The 2165 is newer of course, more HP, easier to get parts and hydro.

The old stuff is just build better, for longer life I"m thinkin'.

I mow maybe an acre with it, pull a small trailer for cleaning horse stalls. I have worn out many mowers over the years... currently have a big box store ariens (el cheap..but stupid simple, no elec pto) that works, but isn't really HD enough for my uses (got it for 500 with some attachments which I sold for $150...so can't really complain. still works fine).

So assuming both tractors are in good shape, which is the 'better' choice?

 

[Iamblessed]

It would be nice to have both because they both have their strong points. The 128 is a heavy duty tractor that is perfectly capable of pulling a moldboard plow because it has basically the same 3 speed manual transmission that was in the farmall cubs. The transmissions are almost bulletproof and about the only problem they have is jumping out of gear sometimes but I think this is mostly caused by hard shifting. The clutches are strong if not abused and will last for years. The cast iron Kohler is tough and can be rebuilt many times unless they throw the rod thru the block.The 128 would not be as handy for mowing as you would have to mow in 1st or second gear and mowing speed limited to range in these gears. The old Cub mower decks do a good job if maintained. How much weight do you pull with the trailer? This is important because the Mtd 2165 will not hold up to continued heavy loads. Now I have a Gt2542 that I use to pull a small trailer for yard debris and I also pull a sprayer a lot. I have slightly over 800 hours on it but I bought it new and have always changed the hydro fluid and filter at 100 hours. The hydro transmission is king for mowing and if you are only pulling a light load regularly with the trailer say, less than 500 pounds, might be your best choice if in good shape. I think that my GT2542 would be similar to the 2185 except I believe it has Briggs engine and mine is a Kohler Command. If possible buy both if they are in good shape.The older Cubs were similar to a lot of older garden tractors in that you can repair them and use indefinitely.These newer Cub Cadet are basically throw away units if anything major goes wrong due to the low value. I had a Cub Cadet model 70 with gear drive and you wouldn't believe what it would tow. Mechanical parts for the older Cubs are available but expensive in my opinion. It is almost impossible to rebuild an older cub and be able to sell it for what you spend on it. I have done this twice.

 

[prof fate]

Thanks...no real decision...

The cost of older parts I understand, moved from a mid 70s kubota L175 to a new 2018 kioti CK3510HST.

I MUCH prefer hst over gear for mowing.

The trailer is a small 3x3ish thing for cleaning out stalls. Anything 'real' we have the kioti for. it's pulled my camper ((6k lbs) and a baler (3500lbs or so) plus hay on a wagon, disks, box blade, etc. But it's a tad large for use in the barn, mowing around the barn, etc.

The old tractor we had wore out (huskee, an MTD item that I never liked, the better half loved it). Went to zero turn that she hated (used, had some issues). Got a cheap ariens big box unit used and it's been fine, very simple machine (manual pto) but with a 1 gal fuel tank it's always empty. and it was just a stop gap till we could find/afford something 'real' or more HD.

Torn between somethign vintage (simple, rugged) or something more modern (easier to get parts). If it could till a garden that would be a plus as it may be cheaper to get a tiller for it than a 3pt one. But that's just a side thought.

Doesn't seem to be a 'perfect' choice out there...