new here.....

[Mojoman]

Hi all, found this site while on the great search for my next new toy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
There's quite a bit of good info, and I was hoping that I could get some specific to a couple of models I'm looking at.
Unfortunately, I can't spend the kind of money I want to so that I buy 1 tractor and be done with it for 20 yrs, I just can't do it. So......I've got to go on the cheap, but I hope that cheap doesn't mean I can't get 10-15 yrs out of a tractor with proper maintenance. I've got just over an acre of relatively flat ground to mow, just have a culvert in front that is a fairly soft angle (typical 70's acreage development, if ya know what I mean)
have about a 60-70' asphalt drive
and I plan on bagging here and there

So here are my finalists....
JD L111 or L118 ( maybe a L120 if the boss says yes)
thing I'm not sure of on these is the B&S motors, are B&S motors just not that great?
I do like the thicker guage deck on the JD than the comparable cub cadet, I also wonder if the frame is a little more stout as well, but not sure on this...

Cub cadet LT1046
I've heard good things about the kohler motors, and consensus is that they're better than the B&S, is this the case?
The cub has a few more features than the JD at the same price point - is this a model that will last 10 yrs? I liked it when I sat on it, it was comfy.

last - a used cub cadet 1641
now this one is a little more than I originally told myself I'd spend, but I think it could be worth it if's a good tractor
The seller is the original owner he bought it new in 1993-94
hrs - ? maybe around 500 +/-
16 hp twin cyl kohler w/spin on filter
tilt
hydro tranny w/spin on filter (or something like it)
shaft drive (I believe)
hydraulic deck lift (thrower lift too?)
tooless deck attach
comes with snowthrower/chains/weights
asking $2500

so what do yall think? I'd like to get new, but the 1641 sounds like more of a garden tractor, thus I gather more heavy duty, probably more than I need, but it'll be there if I ever do.

I thought I'd ask some cub experts specifically about the used tractor, but also about the comparison between cub and JD
thanks in advance,
Benny

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

$2500 may be a little high for a 1641. My local dealer has a 1995 1863 (18hp) with 2-stage snow blower and 677 hours for $2450 and a 1996 1864 with 644 hours for $2500. These both have hydro transmission and 54 inch decks.

Bob B.

 

[Mojoman]

Thanks for the input Bob, just where do you happen to live? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I thought about offering around $1900-2000, would that be more in line? I still have my reservations about buying a used tractor though, but the thought of getting the blower & access. for the same price as the new one still intrigues me.

Anyway, I know this is a cub forum, but since a few of you have purchased new cubs and have most likely looked the JD's over, I figure this is a good a place as any to get some good pro/con advice

I sat on both JD L111/118/L120 & CC LT1046/1050 and overall, I think they feel pretty comparable, definitely some feature advantage with the CC. Elec. PTO, cruise, and most peoples opinions, a better engine (kohler)

I guess I'm just looking for some confirmation that the CC is a good unit and will last just as long as the comparable JD in these 2 series.

I'm definitely partial to the cub LT1050 mainly for the nose roller and the heavier guage deck. Is this something I should even worry about or will the deck rust out in 5yrs? but on the flipside, you don't get a nose roller until you get into a JD L120 which is $200 more than the 1050. Both have spring assist deck lift which I like but thought that the JD's was easier to operate, JD has a high back seat which was definitely more comfy.

A question that I can't seem to get an answer for is, are the cub frames all welded like the JD's? I know they're both c-channel, but can't tell if both are welded.

 

[gamble77]

Fully welded frames...the 1050 is an awesome unit. I have sold four in the past month and everybody just loves them. I think they are the best buy in the 1000 series cubs...that includes the 1500 series.

 

[Mojoman]

thanks gamble, I think it's pretty awesome too, it probably wouldn't take me but about 1/3 of the time to mow with the 50" deck.
The big upside to the 1050 is the thicker deck & spring assist for me so far

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Thanks for the input Bob, just where do you happen to live? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I thought about offering around $1900-2000, would that be more in line? I still have my reservations about buying a used tractor though, but the thought of getting the blower & access. for the same price as the new one still intrigues me.

Anyway, I know this is a cub forum, but since a few of you have purchased new cubs and have most likely looked the JD's over, I figure this is a good a place as any to get some good pro/con advice

I sat on both JD L111/118/L120 & CC LT1046/1050 and overall, I think they feel pretty comparable, definitely some feature advantage with the CC. Elec. PTO, cruise, and most peoples opinions, a better engine (kohler)

I guess I'm just looking for some confirmation that the CC is a good unit and will last just as long as the comparable JD in these 2 series.

I'm definitely partial to the cub LT1050 mainly for the nose roller and the heavier guage deck. Is this something I should even worry about or will the deck rust out in 5yrs? but on the flipside, you don't get a nose roller until you get into a JD L120 which is $200 more than the 1050. Both have spring assist deck lift which I like but thought that the JD's was easier to operate, JD has a high back seat which was definitely more comfy.

A question that I can't seem to get an answer for is, are the cub frames all welded like the JD's? I know they're both c-channel, but can't tell if both are welded. )</font>
I live about 30 miles west of Cleveland, OH. I liked John Deere's too but I didn't like the idea of a belt drive. My 1450 lasted 26 years with no major problems. The 44 inch deck rusted out after 17 years so I bought a new shell and started hosing it off underneath after every mowing. It started to rust through after only nine years, That's one reason I'm not completely sold on the Deck Wash system on the 2005's. My 1450 was built by International Harvester and I wasn't confident about the new MTD manufactured mowers being as good. I bought a 2004 3235 with 54 inch deck and triple bagger. The deck seems much heavier than the 1450 and does not clog up nearly as much. I mow an acre of sometimes really wet (standing water) grass and only hosed it off underneath once all last season. So far it seems to be a really solid machine. The 3000 series has a high back seat like the JD. They also have a shaft drive to the mower deck, which I like since it eliminates another belt. I WAS dissapointed, however, to see them replace the electric PTO clutch with a vacuum operated on and add 2 belts in its place.

Bob B.

 

[Mojoman]

Well, I guess that still is a testament to how you feel about cubs, even after the deck problem.
I did call a dealer today and he said he had a new '02 GT2166 (i think) that he'd let go for $2300 if I remember right. Sounded like it had shaft drive, hydro tranny, 48" deck. Caught my attention for sure. I'll have to mull over that one now! It's only about $300 over what I had originally intended to spend, but a heavy duty tractor. I think he said it had a vanguard engine, twin cyl, 16 hp (not sure). Is that enough HP for that big of a machine? I might go for that one, but I'm still leaning toward the LT1050 just to save that extra $$ for a thatcher and bagger.