Buying Advice Need advise on Cub Cadet purchase

[Bob_Bainbridge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I bought a 2518 last year. The only advice from me is: if it's at all possible stay away from a Kohler engine. Compared to, say, a Briggs Vanguard engine, the Kohlers are junk. Terrible fuel economy. The engines surge (hunt) and backfire upon shutdown (and there's NO carb adjustment). I don't even think they have a ball bearing on the PTO end of the crank. More marketing than hardware, for sure. Kohler, like Cub, *used to be* a good product. )</font>

If the Kohler 25hp in my 2004 3235 holds up half as long as the 14hp single cyl Kohler did in my old 1450, I'll be happy. 1100 hours and 26 years with NO engine problems other than a voltage regulator and oil pan replacement due to wear from running with all engine mounting bolts gone, unbeknown to me.

Bob B.

 

[JTKub]

I know whatcha mean Bob, The Kohler "K" series 10hp in our old JD 110 ran as long as we owned it & never was opened up! 26 years! Those old side valve all iron beasts ran forever. I'm not sure we'll get that long of service out of the new OHV twins /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.
G/luck
Joel

 

[Geo148]

Update;
I recieved my Cub LT1018 on 4-15-05. It came with the B&S 18.5 hp. I thought that it was coming with the Kohler. When the dealer unpact the crate, he called me and asked if there would be a problem with the different motor. There was a special edition floor model that he has and even he thought that all LT1018 for '05 came with the kohler, no worries, I'm still pleased.
I ran the LT for the first 5 hours very "gingerly" to break in the motor and changed the oil as per the owners manuel.
during that time I noticed there was a loud metal to metal banging noise. I found that it was the drive belt idler bracket assembly that was banging against the floor pan. It was louder at half throttle or lower. When I contacted the CC web site they had NO ANSWER for me only to contact the local dealer. I did. He came & picked it up on Mon and brought it back Tuesday morning !! (Cool) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. He told me all it needed ws a "stiffer spring" on the bracket. I love this machine!!
I did notice what the poster was talking about with teh deck belt, I found that if I have the deck set at the # 3 or 4 mark the belt is in a "level" position and not ridding on the edges.
I have also noticed that with the new spring, the LT seems to pull a little smoother. so far so good, thanx for all the input.
Geo.

 

[gamble77]

Congrats on your purchase! One thing though, all LT1018's are 2004 models. The 2005 model that took the place of the LT1018 is the 1042 (which has a Kohler). During 2004, due to demmand, Cub offered the LT1018 for a limited time with a Kohler engine, as standard units had the Briggs.

 

[Geo148]

another update:
The medal banging noise was only a temporary fix with a stiffer spring. It got worse. The 1018 went back to the dealer, he called Cub, they told him that some machines shipped out without some sort of bushing in the bracket ( I recall reading this somewhere, but don't recall where) It is home now after a day and a half, that empty space in the garage looked soooo baren!
Seems to be running well, Even the wife thinks it is quieter than ever now. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[anthonyk]

In response to the original question:

I don't think there's going to be that much of a differnce.
They're both single piston engines. Now, if you go to a V twin, by stepping up to another model, THAT will make a difference. I just bought a 1046, and even though I didn't need the 23 hp, I wanted the Vtwin because it was so much more stable, and had a LOT less vibration.

anthony

 

[MrWiggles2]

I've owned two tractors. A 2002 Cub 1515 with a CV15 Kohler and my current 2004 Cub 2180 with an 18hp Vanguard Vtwin. I always wanted a Kohler motor in my first tractor. After 30 hours, I couldn't wait to get rid of it. Yes, it smoked at startup, but only if it was backed into my garage, the slope making the oil run to the front of the engine. Park straight in, the nose is very slightly elevated, no smoke at startup. But, each time I'd cut my backyard, you'd smell the smoke going down the decline. With headlights on at night, couldn't miss the blue smoke. After about every 3 cuts, I'd be a 1/2 quart low on oil. So, I took it in for value ticking and get a new lifter put in. Then take it back again 5 hours later, more ticking. Long story short, the oil passageways in the lower part of the engine were milled too narrow. Top of the engine was being starved for oil. A new shortblock cured it all. See ya. Sold it with 95 hours and in showroom shape. It did cut beautifully, just too quirky for me. Enter my new Cub 2180. Horizontal shaft engine so I can park wherever and it won't smoke.