Give me some opinions Cub fans!

[Bob_Bainbridge]

My first Cub was a 1978 1450, which was built by International.It had a Kohler engine with roller bearings and never gave any problems except for ignition point replacement and 1 voltage regulator. I put 100+ hours on it before trading it in on my 3235. The engine mount bolts fell out, unknown to me, which caused the aluminum oil pan to wear at the mounting points. When I lifted the engine and removed the old pan I was amazed at how clean the engine was inside. I religiously changed the oil every 100 hours using Quaker State 10W-30. The 1450 has a 44 inch deck which didn't ground follow but hung on the tractor linkage, which could be raised or lowered for cutting heighth. If I mowed too fast on the corners it would leave a stepped effect in the grass apparently from the tractor leaning on the turns. My 3235 has the 54 inch deck which can be set to hang from the tractor or adjusted for ground following, which is the way I use it. I mow 1 acre and it does a beutiful job, including "striping" if you mow in alternate directions. I was a little apprehensive about the quality since they are now made by MTD but the quality looks very solid. I've mowed almost the entire 2004 season without cleaning the deck underside yet. The old 44 inch mower had to be removed at least monthly or hosed off underneath to keep the grass buildup off. My only complaint is it doesn't go as fast as the 1450 did even though the advertised speed is about the same. Perhaps a hydrostatic linkage adjustment is needed.

Bob B.

 

[cubmaster]

Quote Thanks for the reply MBDiagMan. I am partial to the Vangaurd engines also. However, I have heard that the 2000 and above series will be all Kohler in 2005. I got an over the phone round about price on a 2521 from a local dealer and he told me around $3400. Something along that line is what I really want, I like the idea of the heavy transmission on the 2500 series.


I think you would be happy with that model and the price sounds good to, I still think you should opt for the AG tires though /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif seriously I really don't have a problem with them tearing up my yard and you could get them thrown in on the deal as this is what I did. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif


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[DmansPadge]

Thanks for a great reply Bob. The more I hear from the old school Cub owners the more I think I have decided to go the CC route. I have also noticed that the Cub's speed is a little slower than some of the other brands, but hey, I'm not buying one to be a hot rod! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MBDiagMan]

Like Gamble 77 said, the Kohler is considered by many to be a very good engine and most likely you would get a good one. The only thing that I'm saying about the Kohler is to research the particular model that you are getting.

Not only should you see that it is not the model with a reputation for smoking, but see if the model has bearings instead of bushings on both the drive and flywheel end of the crankshaft. I expect that Kohler makes them in different combinations just as Briggs does.

The most important thing is a bearing on the drive end, but a bearing on both ends is highly desirable. That's where the vangaurd has it over the intek. Since the intek has a bearing on the drive end and it is in a constant speed application when using a hydrostatic drive I think that is okay.

What I would NEVER settle for is an engine with a bushing on both ends. Some times the engine makers will make such an engine for the cheap, K-Mart type market. The unsuspecting buyer thinks that an X horsepower engine is an X horsepower engine and doesn't know the difference.

All that said, I'm not knocking the Kohler, but I am very impressed with the Vanguard.

The B&S website makes it very clear what bearing arrangements are found on which engines. The Kohler site is not so clear. I did not spend lots of time, but it seems that there are all different models with overlapping names like Command, Command Pro, etc., It would be worth digging deep and learning EXACTLY which Kohler is being used on the particular mower you're looking at.

All I'm suggesting is that you do your homework and enjoy your new mower. It sounds like you're in for a fun spring. Since you're on the coast you might mow nearly all year around though.

Have a great day,
Doc

 

[DmansPadge]

Thanks Cubmaster. I haven't totally settled on one model, just been calling around and getting some ideas. I'm gonna look closely at the ag tires. They surely have to be superior for traction. Also, that would probably be a great way to go when I buy because my land is still in the developement stage. I'll be using it for alot more "tractor" work for the next year or two until I build. Then if I wanted I could get some turf tires once my lawn is the way I want it.

Have a great one!

 

[DmansPadge]

Great insight MBDiagMan. I haven't even considered that. I just assumed bearings were always used. I have looked at both the B&S and Kohler sites and the B&S site does seem to be more detailed. You have just inspired me to keep checking everything out and make sure I make the right decision. Thats why this site is so wonderful! I ask all these questions because there are knowledgable people such as yourself with great info.

As far as living on the coast... yep, the grass around here grows about 9-10 months of the year! A year or two ago, we did not have one day all year that got below freezing. At least I don't need a snowblower! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif