IH Cub Cadets vs. ANYBODY

Horsepower for horsepower (and even against bigger hp machines, since hp is inflated these days), I'll put my old 20-30 year old Cub Cadets up against anything made today and they will come out well. Cast iron rear ends. Cast iron front ends, cast iron axle, cast iron engine blocks. Get an early narrow frame (original through 123), and there will be fewer plastic parts on it than you can count on one hand. Even the later narrow frames (124-147) have fewer plastic parts on them than you can count on 2 hands.

Best part is the price. For around $500-$3,000 (depending on model and condition) you can get a great runner ready to work. And when I mean work, I'm talking: mow, snow throw, push dirt with front or rear blade, plow, till, cultivate, rake, sweep, tow...anything you can do with a bigger tractor, these lil ones will do.

For far less (sometimes free), you can get a nonrunner to restore and have a brand new machine when yer done...but with the heavy construction used then. (IH Cub Cadets from the original through the 1650 weighed 700-850 pounds each). Parts are readily available new or used.

Dollar for dollar, as far as biggest bang for the buck, I'll stick with my old IH Cub Cadets.

I do not agree that MTD makes a crappy Cub Cadet, but I do agree you get what you pay for. The MTD lineup of Cub Cadets is broader than it ever has been, as the company tried to catch a user getting off his Murray and then have him graduate up the Cub Cadet line right on up to the utility 4WD tractors they make.

Starting about the 2166 (now on end of season sale at my local TSC for $2,399...$600 off), it starts getting into the better stuff. In the 3000 series, you are firmly into good machinery by today's standards. The 1500 series (low end) is a mower and not much else, designed to keep company with Murray and Sears, etc.

I think many who have poor opinions of the current CC lineup do one of the following:

1.) Buy a low-end model and try to use it like a medium or high-end model. Low-end models are mowers...period.

2.) Don't understand that the model offerings are much wider than IH ever had (IH typically offered just 3 or 4 versions of the same basic series of machine, with hp and gear or hydro being the biggest differences).

In the end, I'll still take my old IHCCs over anything made nowadays. Seems like every maker is too interested in making them look like a car rather than run and last like a tractor.

Gravely is an OK make, I won't say it isn't. But they are higher priced here than a comparable IH Cub Cadet. Best bang for the buck is still the IH Cub Cadet, IMHO.

At the risk of gitting shot at, I'll echo that again as it applies to my John Deeres of the same vintage. (Just have to add a few bucks to the price range! ;-) Gadget

I do have to say, I like the X series, tho. I wonder if they are paying royalties to Dan H. for the 4WD idea? Heheheh.