Need advice regarding purchase of Cub Cadet 7284 with loader

[Grizzlyman]

I am thinking seriously about purchasing a 7284 with 243 hours. It appears to be very clean and only used for mowing a field. It has a front loader but no belly/mid-mount mower. I located a mid mount/belly deck which I need for my lawn. I have not been able to find much information online regarding this model other than the stats. I have not found any reviews. My main use will be mowing the lawn and moving mulch with the loader. The problem I am running into is the parts to mount the deck are totaling over $900 and the deck has 4 of the main mounting links. Two of the frame plates are discontinued. I could fabricate the frame plates but the other parts are so expensive. The deck I found is NOS and only $500. Doses anyone know of a good source for 5000-7000 series mowing deck parts? Is this a good machine for around 6K?

 

[scoutcub]

Hey Griz -

:welcome: to TBN! Lots of good info on here.

I've dealt with lots of Cubs (bought/sold/own) and the 7284 is a good machine. Without looking up the specs, I believe it's the CAT 1.1 liter 28 HP diesel, which CAT used in many applications. Good little engine....but doesn't like the cold weather. (talking below 30 F, should be fine in NC and if stored inside)
I can't remember if it's the auto 4WD, like the 6284....but think it is. Front wheel seals were an issue on the 6284's, you can check the threads on the Cub section in here.
Tractor/loader with 243 hours.....for 6K is an exceptional deal. And a NOS deck for 500.....also an exceptional deal. Is it a 60"? I have heard the 54" decks weren't as reliable. 60" is a great deck, mows very nice. I recently sold a 6284 with a 60" deck, very nice setup.
As for deck parts.....yes, most of them aren't manufactured anymore, and very $$$. However, I have accumulated many NOS deck parts and have everything you need including the frame plates.
The only issue.....I'm currently overseas and won't be home for a bit. If you can get a list together (maybe with pics) I can have my FIL or wife dig thru and get all the parts you need. You can PM me.

Frank

 

[Grizzlyman]

Hey Griz -

:welcome: to TBN! Lots of good info on here.

I've dealt with lots of Cubs (bought/sold/own) and the 7284 is a good machine. Without looking up the specs, I believe it's the CAT 1.1 liter 28 HP diesel, which CAT used in many applications. Good little engine....but doesn't like the cold weather. (talking below 30 F, should be fine in NC and if stored inside)
I can't remember if it's the auto 4WD, like the 6284....but think it is. Front wheel seals were an issue on the 6284's, you can check the threads on the Cub section in here.
Tractor/loader with 243 hours.....for 6K is an exceptional deal. And a NOS deck for 500.....also an exceptional deal. Is it a 60"? I have heard the 54" decks weren't as reliable. 60" is a great deck, mows very nice. I recently sold a 6284 with a 60" deck, very nice setup.
As for deck parts.....yes, most of them aren't manufactured anymore, and very $$$. However, I have accumulated many NOS deck parts and have everything you need including the frame plates.
The only issue.....I'm currently overseas and won't be home for a bit. If you can get a list together (maybe with pics) I can have my FIL or wife dig thru and get all the parts you need. You can PM me.

Frank

Frank, unfortunately it is a 54" deck. I've been researching and the 7000 series seems to have issues with the transmission. Not as problematic as the 5000 and 6000 series but concerning. I will be using the tractor for mowing the lawn and moving mulch. I will get a list of part number together for you. Thanks!

 

[DaveNJ]

I have a 7254. It's a Frankenstein monster in design with parts cobbled together from many different manufacturers. Some things are great, others are really flawed. Before you spend time on the mower deck google it (its a 590-614-100). It constantly tears up belts and throws them- you can spend hours trying to mow an acre. Many of the Cadet decks from the mid 2000's appear to suffer design flaws.

 

[Grizzlyman]

I have a 7254. It's a Frankenstein monster in design with parts cobbled together from many different manufacturers. Some things are great, others are really flawed. Before you spend time on the mower deck google it (its a 590-614-100). It constantly tears up belts and throws them- you can spend hours trying to mow an acre. Many of the Cadet decks from the mid 2000's appear to suffer design flaws.

Thank you for the info. I just did a quick search regarding the deck issue. Not only that PTO and transmission issues with this model. Think I'm going to pass on this tractor.

 

[vik1706]

I recently purchase a 2005 Cub Cadet 5254E with the loader attachment. I wanted to mount the 54" belly mower but I'm have trouble locating the parts for the lift & mounting kits. A number of the parts are potentially available through Cadet but the front and rear hangers are OOS. I did find a deck in good condition but I need all the stuff to hook it up.

Would love if anyone has stuff to sell would contact me. Thanks!

 

[whizdbiz2]

Seems like y'all would be better of forgetting the belly mower and going with a 3pt. mounted finish mower. Appears to be a lot less hassle all the way around (and, yes, I have one for my Mahindra SCUT). Or better yet, get an inexpensive riding mower for the close in work and use the rear mount finish mower for the open areas.