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After 1981, Cub Cadets were no longer made by International Harvester. While I applaud current maker MTD for its commitment to the machine's heritage and its goodness in assuring that parts are still available, I must say that as with most makes, the machines made now are cheaper in materials quality than the ones from "back when," in my opinion. That doesn't mean they won't last a good while, but plastic and aluminum are no substitute for steel and cast iron. If you are looking first and foremost for ruggedness and durablity, find yourself a 122, a 12 hp 3-speed made by IH from '65 through '67. You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of plastic parts on that machine. It has a manual PTO clutch and is available with 3-point hitch for tillers, etc., and either a 38, 42 or somewhat harder to find 48-inch deck. Headlights were an option. The first IH hydro was the sister 123. Other narrow-framed models that followed these like the 124 gear or 125 hydro, and the 126 and 127 gear and hydro machines, are equally rugged. The quick attach decks came into use on these '68-'69 models. If you are looking for ruggedness but more comfort, look for a wide-frame gear 108 or 128, or hydro 109, 129, 149 or 169 (10, 12, 14 or 16 hp). Made '71 to '74, these machines have solid mounted engines, manual PTO clutches, newer-style quick attach decks in 42, and 48 inch models, optional 3-point hitches. They offer optional headlights and more comfort than earlier narrow-frames. The 149 and 169 came with standard hydraulic deck lift that also raises the optional 3-point, if so equipped. If you want a unit that is tougher than today's new machines but still has all the bells and whistles available today, go for the Quiet Line hydro 1250, 1450 or 1650, or the gear-drive 1000 and 1200. Featuring decks with fully enclosed drive belts in 44, 48 and 52 inch sizes, electric PTO clutch, wide frame, and beefy 1-inch front axles on some '80-81 models, these machines offer everything that you'll find on new units, but it's all a whole lot beefier. Rubber mounted cast iron engines, cast iron front axles. Steel in most other areas, fiberglas dash. Quiet operation. Be sure to get one with the side panels still on it, it is much quieter to run. There is also the "red series 82 models"...the 482, 582, 682, 782, and 982...but I'm a yellow and white CC man, so I'll leave it to someone else on those. BTW, the hydros were made by Sunstrand, and have lasted 25-30 years with very few problems. These IH machines are available carefully reconditioned by quality hobby craftsmen who love the line, in many cases for $2,000 or less. Unless you want to make a project for yourself (which can be very satisfying), find someone who reconditions them and get one that's done. You'll be buying a like-new machine that is far tougher than most machines out there today. If you want to recondition one yourself, cheap junkers are out there that would make excellent winter projects. Visit www.ihcubcadet.com and go to the discussion board there if you want more opinions from hard-core CC nuts. Caution, though: Once you buy one, it can get addicting. I own 16! Heheheh!
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