Cub Cadet 7235

[Builder]

Might have an opportunity to buy a 1997 CC-7235 and on paper, it fits my budget and needs. This one is 23HP, hydro, 4WD, diesel and has a 72" MMM on it. Overall appearance looks pretty nice. Only 270 hours. Seller wants ~$7,000.

Does anyone have a 72XXX series? What is their general reputation? I hear parts are a problem, but that might be just a rumor. Little concerned the HP at 23, might be a little on the light side with a 72" MMM in high stuff.

Real world experience appreciated. Thanks.

 

[scoutcub]

I used to have a 99 7305 before someone decided they wanted it more than me. It had a loader/hoe, and worked/ran great the short amount of time I had it. It had the Mitsubishi 30 HP motor, great engines.
No loader? 7K seems a bit high to me for tractor and mower, even with the low hours. I have a 23HP 5000 series Cub and run a 60" deck, don't think it could handle a 72". However, 2 different animals, the older 7000 series were a bit bigger/heavier duty.
Good luck!

 

[Builder]

Nope, no loader.

As long as I've looked, it's the cheapest diesel, 4x4, hydro tractor with a 72" MMM I can find that was in good condition that isn't an old relic. Most other used tractors made by Deere, Kubota, NH, CaseIH, etc. are $10,000 or more, so I thought $7,000 in real good condition seemed reasonable.

You think it's over-priced?

 

[scoutcub]

According to my 2007 Equipment blue book, the tractor (alone) originally sold for 16K! Lo and Hi trade-in value (in 07) was 4950 & 6250. 72" deck was originally $2600, Lo and Hi was 650 and 900. So, perhaps he's not far off.
I think one of your former posts you were originally looking for the 72" deck?
I would try it out, under some heavy grass/slopes to see how it handles. Since it came as an option, I would "assume" the tractor can handle it.
If he's asking 7 for it, seems like 6 or 6500 would be a good deal.....
I almost bought one of those 72" decks for my 7305, what a beast of a deck.
And it does have the 3 cylinder Mits engine, which is a very good motor.

 

[Builder]

OK, thanks. You seem to be the reigning helpful person on Cub cadet. Yes, I definately need 72" deck. Want to mow tons of grass fast, but do not want a zero-turn. Let me ask you some tough questions:

Obviously, this unit is no longer produced. Are parts a problem? What if the hydrostatic takes a dump? Are parts getting difficult to get?

Would it be possible to get a front snowblower for it? If yes, would it be through a Cub dealer and be a Cub cadet blower or a difft manufacturer?Could it have a chute that rotates left/right from operators seat?

What are the drawbacks (if any) you can think of on this tractor?

Again, thanks.

 

[mcwhorterstl]

I have owned and operated an older CC 7234 for the past 8 years and almost 800 hrs on my 14 acre farm. I purchased it with an underbelly 70" mower, which it could handle with ease, even in wet and tall spring grass. However, I hated the underbelly design because it was such a pain to exchange out and I had a lot more duties for the tractor than just mowing. I bought a rear 3 pt 60" finish mower instead. I could have gone with the larger 72", but I have lots of trees and needed a little extra mobility. This tractor is a workhorse - handles a 60" rototiller and fullsize bushhog without hesitation. The Mitubishi engine is rated at 23 1/2 horsepower, and yet operates like a much bigger tractor. The 4WD is a big plus, but in general these utility tractors were built so much heavier and stronger than what they put out today! The Mitubishi parts are terribly expensive, but available. Some Kubuto parts can be matched and substituted. The biggest problem I have had has been the electronics on this older model. With patience and persistence these have, for the most part, been resolvable. I grew up working a farm with a gas-powered Ferguson with more HP. This CC seems so much more versatile and I like it so much more! Good luck!

 

[kevin45]

I have a 7272 with a 72" deck and a FEL. Although the 7272 is a 2wd I like it very much other than the fact that in taller grass it would toss the belt for the deck. Dull blades were the culprit. It looks like the deck needs an idler across the longest portion of the belt to keep some flop out of it. Tossing two belts and cutting them in half in two months time was a little on the expensive side @ $100/belt Other than that the tractor has the typical electrical starting problem that seems to be common among them. Click with no start unless you keep fiddling with it for about 5 minutes then it will take ahold. I guess the safety switches pull some current away from the starter and causes this. A relay fix is in order this winter. BTW...with a FEL and a 72" belly mower and 326 hours, I paid $9500 for the tractor and components and was the cheapest around in our neck of the woods.

 

[Builder]

I'm trying to decide between CC 72XX series and a JD X748/9.

2 different tractors for sure.

 

[scoutcub]

OK, thanks. You seem to be the reigning helpful person on Cub cadet. Yes, I definately need 72" deck. Want to mow tons of grass fast, but do not want a zero-turn. Let me ask you some tough questions:

Obviously, this unit is no longer produced. Are parts a problem? What if the hydrostatic takes a dump? Are parts getting difficult to get?

Would it be possible to get a front snowblower for it? If yes, would it be through a Cub dealer and be a Cub cadet blower or a difft manufacturer?Could it have a chute that rotates left/right from operators seat?

What are the drawbacks (if any) you can think of on this tractor?

Again, thanks.

Builder -

Sorry, I've been super busy with several projects and with the new ultra-slow internet I haven't been online very much as of late.
To try and answer your questions - yes, I'm quite sure parts are still available, though as another member pointed out might be a few more $$. There are a few Cub graveyards out there you could possibly get lucky with.
I wanted to call a few of my dealer contacts to ask them about parts but never did....sorry. You could call a dealer or 2 and ask them to get their opinions?
Snowblower - Cub did not make one for this model. (at least not listed as an option) Not to say you can't make something work for new one....I know the last generation compact Cubs (2004-2007) share the same hitch setup with the newer CCY's....and can be adapted. I'd have to see the 7235's front to see if it's the same design. Cub made a 48" with manual crank and a 54" with a hydraulic chute. (a beast)
I buy and sell the Cub compacts (last generation) as a hobby and own 3 of them for my use. Not very familiar with the previous generation except for the 7305 I owned before it was stolen. That generation tractor seemed to be pretty strongly built, and the Mitsubishi is a great engine. My big Cub (32 HP) has the Mits engine and I've been working it very hard for the last 4 weeks digging and moving dirt out of a hillside with no complaints.

If it were me, and i was looking for a 72" deck....I'd get the M-72 Zero turn with the CAT diesel. Had one, and sold it.....(******) but, you said no zero turn. Cub currently doesn't offer a compact/72" deck, so I would have no hesitation to buy the 7235. Again, if you could get him in the 6K range, you'd be $$ ahead.
Good luck!

 

[Joegoesfishing]

I have had a Cub 7275 since 2004. I bought it with 400 hours, I now have 1400hrs. I mow, till, load, grade, excavate with backhoe, haul firewood & timber, plow snow & other with this tractor.

Major problems are as follows:
* Cracked Block where front frame bolts to engine. This was due to mounting bolts working loose. A common problem. Had blockj welded.
* Starting problem due to current loss thru safety switches - fixed with relay.
* PTO Override clutch stripped - twice. This is a huge weak link in the PTO. Really limits heavy use of the PTO.

Due to the above, the tractor has some serious weaknesses, especially the PTO Override, which is a difficult repair. The tractor needs to be split to fix.

Joe