I was very fortunate to have been given a CC 3206 from my grandfather. I was looking for a new (used) garden tractor and he gave me this one. I know very little about this tractor and wondered what it is truly capable of. It has a 20 hp Kohler w/ 250 hrs. I've read what CC says it can do, but would like to hear from actual owners. I have no attachments but would like to have a snow blade and tiller for it at some point. I've also read where owners are purchasing loaders for this size tractor (Groundhog etc.). Is that really a possibility? It mows great. I've never had a tractor with power steering, hydraulic lift, etc. so it's exceeded my expectations. So my question I guess is...are the attachments worth the money? Or should I save and buy a sub compact? I have 3 acres with a large garden, large drive way, and numerous landscaping projects each year. Thanks
New Guy with CC 3206, Questions
- Thread starter Chipster
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VinceSMTA
Silver Member
Congratulations on the new to you Cub 3206. I am sure you'll probably get a variety of answers to your question. I think from what you have described you'll probably want to think about saving for a sub compact. The hydraulic driven rear tiller is a nice set-up but is pricey since I believe it is necessary to add the 3 pt hitch. For the front blade you'll need to add auxillary valves along with the front quick hitch then the blade. By the time you are finished doing that you'll have around $4,500 in it and that doesn't count the labor if you need to have someone else install it. Then if you want to add a front end loader add that cost and you'll have a pretty good chunk of a used sub compact paid for.
highboy1975
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the only drawback to these mowers is the price of implements. everything is sooooo expensive. my thinking is to get an old ih cub cadet and get implements for that, and use my 3000 for mowing, which it does very very well. nice power steering, good power, easy controls, good cut, big deck, fast cut speed, tight turn radius.....these can take attachments, but i look at them as big lawnmowers.
Chipster, that's a great tractor you've been given, quite a nice gesture from your grandfather. We have a 3204, almost the same machine but I think the 3206 has the rear end diff lock.
These guys are right, the implements are very pricey. Depending on how handy you are, and how much tolerance you have for used stuff, there may be alternatives. You can look for a used blade and wheel weights, buy some chains, buy the front hydraulic kit (also probably can be found used), build a rear weight box or hanger, and you'll have a good plow setup for maybe a grand or so. Finding the blade is just a matter of searching Ebay and Craigslist and calling some of the used Cub dealers until you find one.
I'm not as familiar with the tiller and 3 pt. hitch so I can't comment on those. A loader on a tractor this size is limited, OK for moving some landscaping materials around but you won't have the weight for heavy earth moving. A Johnny Bucket is another option, pretty useful for landscaping and less money than setting up a loader.
It would be great to have a sub, certainly would do all the jobs you want with more capability than this tractor, but I think by the time you were done it would be a lot of money. If you can afford it, go for it, but for 3 acres and a bunch of local projects you might enjoy setting up the 3206.
These guys are right, the implements are very pricey. Depending on how handy you are, and how much tolerance you have for used stuff, there may be alternatives. You can look for a used blade and wheel weights, buy some chains, buy the front hydraulic kit (also probably can be found used), build a rear weight box or hanger, and you'll have a good plow setup for maybe a grand or so. Finding the blade is just a matter of searching Ebay and Craigslist and calling some of the used Cub dealers until you find one.
I'm not as familiar with the tiller and 3 pt. hitch so I can't comment on those. A loader on a tractor this size is limited, OK for moving some landscaping materials around but you won't have the weight for heavy earth moving. A Johnny Bucket is another option, pretty useful for landscaping and less money than setting up a loader.
It would be great to have a sub, certainly would do all the jobs you want with more capability than this tractor, but I think by the time you were done it would be a lot of money. If you can afford it, go for it, but for 3 acres and a bunch of local projects you might enjoy setting up the 3206.
Thanks guys. Appreciate the info. The tractor seems to be a great model. Has all kinds of options. But like you all have mentioned, the attachments are expensive! Couldnt hardly believe it. I did find a used blade with hydraulic lift for 650. Mine has the aux ports already installed. Just need another lever on the fender i guess? May just do that for now and use the ol wheelbarrow for moving stuff. Got an old tiller for the garden too.
highboy1975
Silver Member
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well, since you got the tractor for free, it would make it worthwhile to buy attachments for the 3000 series. other than that, i plan on buying an old 149 or 127 to do the tilling and plowing.
scoutcub
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Chipster;
Congrats on the new Cub! A very nice gift indeed...
Did you buy the front blade? Did the front hitch come with it? You said you have the front ports, which is great! Is there one or two handles on the left panel? If 2, then you are set-up for the front lift. Otherwise, a handle alone is very easy to install.
There is some recent discussion here in the Cub forum regarding a loader. I believe it's "Evan" that is doing the same thing you are, adding a loader and 3-pt.
Cub makes a 4-lever kit to add an extra valve and handle.
I just set up a GT3200 for my dad with the front hitch, blade, and power angle kit. Very nice setup! I really like the 3000 series.
I think if you're in no rush, you can find the items you want used. I've seen a new Cub tiller on Ebay for $1500 for awhile, it's not on there now. All the stuff is around, just have to look & be patient!
I agree with Vince and others, to buy new is very costly. Although you got the tractor for free, buying new implements would put you close to a sub-compact for $$$.
In my mind, it really depends on what you will be using the tractor(s) for. I own 4 Cubs, and buy and sell them as a hobby, so have owned several models. I owned a 1782 Super Garden tractor with the 3-pt and loader, and used it for plowing, tilling, digging, etc. A very capable machine, but built a bit heavier than the 3000 series. I ultimately traded up to a Cub Sub-Compact that I use for mowing blowing and blading. The big things for me are the 4Wd, and Cat 1 3-pt hitch/PTO, that makes it so much more versatile. I recently sold a 2006 Cub sub-compact with loader (gas engine) for $5600.
Sooo....again, depends on what you're doing. With 3.5 acres, you're right on the cusp! Maybe you could keep the 3206 for mowing, pick up some attachments for the right price, and also save for the sub-compact!?
Sorry for the winded response, but the coffee is kicking in this morning....
Congrats on the new Cub! A very nice gift indeed...
Did you buy the front blade? Did the front hitch come with it? You said you have the front ports, which is great! Is there one or two handles on the left panel? If 2, then you are set-up for the front lift. Otherwise, a handle alone is very easy to install.
There is some recent discussion here in the Cub forum regarding a loader. I believe it's "Evan" that is doing the same thing you are, adding a loader and 3-pt.
Cub makes a 4-lever kit to add an extra valve and handle.
I just set up a GT3200 for my dad with the front hitch, blade, and power angle kit. Very nice setup! I really like the 3000 series.
I think if you're in no rush, you can find the items you want used. I've seen a new Cub tiller on Ebay for $1500 for awhile, it's not on there now. All the stuff is around, just have to look & be patient!
I agree with Vince and others, to buy new is very costly. Although you got the tractor for free, buying new implements would put you close to a sub-compact for $$$.
In my mind, it really depends on what you will be using the tractor(s) for. I own 4 Cubs, and buy and sell them as a hobby, so have owned several models. I owned a 1782 Super Garden tractor with the 3-pt and loader, and used it for plowing, tilling, digging, etc. A very capable machine, but built a bit heavier than the 3000 series. I ultimately traded up to a Cub Sub-Compact that I use for mowing blowing and blading. The big things for me are the 4Wd, and Cat 1 3-pt hitch/PTO, that makes it so much more versatile. I recently sold a 2006 Cub sub-compact with loader (gas engine) for $5600.
Sooo....again, depends on what you're doing. With 3.5 acres, you're right on the cusp! Maybe you could keep the 3206 for mowing, pick up some attachments for the right price, and also save for the sub-compact!?
Sorry for the winded response, but the coffee is kicking in this morning....
I will have my groundhog loader with any luck on Tuesday this week. I paid $1,100 with shipping and $90 to get the floor mounts from Concord equipment. I will need to fabricate the front mounts to the loader because Concord equipment did not have any. In all I will have about $1,250 in the whole thing. It will lift 400 lbs 60" high. The best part is it is a 12v hydraulic system as it is there ATV model. I can take this thing off and put it on about anything if I get rid of my mower, so it is a good investment if you can find a slightly used one like I got. I will be posting photo's as soon as I get it all setup.
I also have a 3 point hitch from Cub. This thing will lift anything you put on it if you can keep the front end on the ground. I have lifted over 500 lbs with mine no problem.
I also have a 3 point hitch from Cub. This thing will lift anything you put on it if you can keep the front end on the ground. I have lifted over 500 lbs with mine no problem.
Due to the fact that I did get the tractor for free, I think its worth looking for some used attachments. The blade I found was on ebay but its gone now. Didnt sell I dont think, just ended. It had the hydraulic lift but not angle. He was asking $675 I think. Less than half of a new one. The tiller would be nice. My garden gets bigger each year it seems. So, snow removal and tilling is what I'm really after. Plus I have a few small food plots for hunting. The tiller would be handy there as well. I just cant believe there isnt a company out there that builds attachments for less. They could make a killing I would think?
highboy1975
Silver Member
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well, johnny bucket and kwikway make attachments, but theyre not cheap and im pretty sure cub cadet makes the only ones where you can leave the deck on. i was considering looking into modifying an old plow to put on the 3000 series but i doubt im going to. too much going on. as far as the tiller, i dont know the options. im pretty sure theres a berkomak snowblade available for these too, which seem pretty nice, but they run around 1k$ new. might be able to find a used berko blade and buy the subframe from them. personally, i'd love a kwikway loader for mine. they make a plow and bucket attachment for the loader frame. options are there, but none of them are cheap. these tractors are very heavy duty and the implements need to be on par with what the tractor can do. even if you start blowing money on implements, youll be miles ahead of buying a bigger tractor. a kwikway loader and a cub hydro tiller would be the first things id buy if i had a small lotery hit.
