Is this Cub Cadet really a Tank?

[DMax82]

Hey everybody, it's time to buy a mower. I need to cut about 2 acres on a weekly basis. Another three I will cut monthly. So a dealer about an hour and a half away has a CC Tank M60 for sale at what seems to be a great price. The Craigslist ad doesn't mention age or hours, but says that it is one owner. They are closed today and tomorrow, so I'll call Tuesday to ask. It looks nice in the pictures, but I am no expert. Is this a decent mower for my uses? I am not obsessed with getting the best possible cut, I primarily just want something relatively fast (This has a 60" cut, so it should be. At least faster than my 22" push mower!), and most importantly I want reliable. They are asking $2450 and if I could get out the door for $2500 I would be happy.

Thanks for your thoughts, David

 

[EddieWalker]

Tractor House https://www.tractorhouse.com/listin...ro-turn/manufacturer/cub-cadet/model/tank-m60 has a list of them for sale with the lower priced ones having the Kohler engine. I'm not a fan of that engine and would avoid anything with it. For me, they do not last very long and it will require constant maintenance and repairs to keep it running. When I was buying, I read all I could on what to get and came to the conclusion that I had to have a Kawasaki engine. https://www.lawnsite.com/ is a good source for gaining information from the pros, but they are also kind of snobbish and you have to tread lightly there or they will just attack you all the time.

 

[DMax82]

Thanks Eddie! On Tuesday I'll call for more details, and will now ask about the engine. I'm sure it's the cheap Kohler. I looked at those listings on Tractor House previously, and the prices there made me thing this was a good deal. Of course it isn't though if the mower sucks. I'll keep looking for an option in the $2500 price range.

 

[Carl_NH]

If it has been well kept and under 400 hours (typical homeowner 10-12 years) then its a good deal even with a Kohler engine. But I suspect for the money its going to have 800 hours or so. Most of these engines will go 700-1000 hrs or more if taken care of and Kawasaki 1500 hrs is not unusual. Check the drive motors and hydro oil smell (a burnt smell) then fwd/rev and controls should be smooth. Same with deck engagement

 

[DMax82]

Thanks Carl! I'll check on the hours when I call.

 

[Tomtint]

I wouldn’t spend that money on something with a Koehler engine... I would look and wait for one with a Kawasaki to come up.

 

[The kid]

I agree on the Kawasaki engine. I paid 2500 for my used M60 and got it home and found that it was losing power. Discovered the magneto magnets came loose and destroyed the alternator. The seller agreed to refund $700 back. Installed new parts reset the valves and it’s been running flawless for two years now. The M60 is not that great on slopes and turf tires will break loose. They are indeed built like a tank.