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Considering replacing my old Cub Cadet 129 with a Kubota...any advice from owners?
#1
T
three4re
T
three4re
Hi,
I have no experience with Kubota at all. A relative on my sister-in-law's side has one that he has been using for 24 years, seemingly with little problems along the way. I've read enough about the newer MTD-made Cubs to be fairly convinced that I don't want to buy a new Cub. The quality just doesn't seem to be there anymore. I had not considered Kubota until it was suggested on another part of the forum as a possible option to replace mine. For the vastly different price compared to many tractor brands, I would think this is a good machine? Not sure if I'd want a sub-compact or just one of their garden tractors. I see there are many different styles and models.
My needs are to mow approximately 1 acre on fairly level property, but I also mow hiking paths in a more wooded area with hilly terrain. I tow a utility cart to remove clippings, branches, etc. around my property, and also to plow (sometimes substantial amounts of) snow. My driveway gets high drifts that really get packed down from the heavy winds we get. So, any thoughts on particular models, etc. that might suit my needs would be appreciated. Right now my (1970s) 129 is in the repair shop but it has yet to be determined why there is an intermittent running condition - sometimes runs well, other times not. I won't go into any repair history on it since that has been covered in detail on the Cub side of the forum. It has given great service for 36 years but may well be in need of a new engine at this point, if I decide to keep it.
Thanks...
Update...just found out my relative has a B7100 that he got in '73. Says it has 150,000 miles on it and only ever had oil changes and replaced a few belts. Pretty impressive. Wonder if the new ones are as good?
I have no experience with Kubota at all. A relative on my sister-in-law's side has one that he has been using for 24 years, seemingly with little problems along the way. I've read enough about the newer MTD-made Cubs to be fairly convinced that I don't want to buy a new Cub. The quality just doesn't seem to be there anymore. I had not considered Kubota until it was suggested on another part of the forum as a possible option to replace mine. For the vastly different price compared to many tractor brands, I would think this is a good machine? Not sure if I'd want a sub-compact or just one of their garden tractors. I see there are many different styles and models.
My needs are to mow approximately 1 acre on fairly level property, but I also mow hiking paths in a more wooded area with hilly terrain. I tow a utility cart to remove clippings, branches, etc. around my property, and also to plow (sometimes substantial amounts of) snow. My driveway gets high drifts that really get packed down from the heavy winds we get. So, any thoughts on particular models, etc. that might suit my needs would be appreciated. Right now my (1970s) 129 is in the repair shop but it has yet to be determined why there is an intermittent running condition - sometimes runs well, other times not. I won't go into any repair history on it since that has been covered in detail on the Cub side of the forum. It has given great service for 36 years but may well be in need of a new engine at this point, if I decide to keep it.
Thanks...
Update...just found out my relative has a B7100 that he got in '73. Says it has 150,000 miles on it and only ever had oil changes and replaced a few belts. Pretty impressive. Wonder if the new ones are as good?
#2
I
ILENGINE
I
ILENGINE
For just mowing the lawn then the garden tractor may be a good fit, but with your other activities I would upgrade to a subcompact tractor. A BX1880 or similar with a loader would work circles around any 25 hp garden tractor on the market.
#3
Scrubcadet10
Scrubcadet10
My advice to you: ANYTHING but a Scrub Cadet!
#4
cpurvis
cpurvis
Lots of brands of sub-compact tractors out there--Kubota, John Deere, Kyoti, Mahindra, etc.
They're all double or triple the price of the typical top-of-the-line vertical shaft gas engine tractors.
Hit as many of those dealers as you can, take a look at their tractors, and see what model they recommend. Sticker shock won't be so bad after the first visit.
IIRC, the 129 sold for about $1100 new. Get ready to lay out about ten times that if you go with a new one.
They're all double or triple the price of the typical top-of-the-line vertical shaft gas engine tractors.
Hit as many of those dealers as you can, take a look at their tractors, and see what model they recommend. Sticker shock won't be so bad after the first visit.
IIRC, the 129 sold for about $1100 new. Get ready to lay out about ten times that if you go with a new one.
#5
T
three4re
Ten times? What Cub models are you referring to? The most expensive I found on their website is the Enduro XT3 series...around 5-6k or so the way it appears. LOL about the sticker shock!
T
three4re
Lots of brands of sub-compact tractors out there--Kubota, John Deere, Kyoti, Mahindra, etc.
They're all double or triple the price of the typical top-of-the-line vertical shaft gas engine tractors.
Hit as many of those dealers as you can, take a look at their tractors, and see what model they recommend. Sticker shock won't be so bad after the first visit.
IIRC, the 129 sold for about $1100 new. Get ready to lay out about ten times that if you go with a new one.
Ten times? What Cub models are you referring to? The most expensive I found on their website is the Enduro XT3 series...around 5-6k or so the way it appears. LOL about the sticker shock!
#6
T
three4re
I think going with a new Cub is my least favorite option.
T
three4re
My advice to you: ANYTHING but a Scrub Cadet!
I think going with a new Cub is my least favorite option.
#7
cpurvis
Ten times the ~$1100 the 129 cost when it was new.
cpurvis
Ten times? What Cub models are you referring to? The most expensive I found on their website is the Enduro XT3 series...around 5-6k or so the way it appears. LOL about the sticker shock!
Ten times the ~$1100 the 129 cost when it was new.
#8
D
deminin
D
deminin
Finding a "one size fits all" mower/tractor is going to require quite a bit of research. I have a Kubota B2910 for my heavy work...logging, brush hog, digging, snow removal, etc., etc. It has served me well for 12+ years, and is a Great small tractor. For mowing I have a Husqvarna 24Hp 48Inch deck. It does a superb job of mowing over 1.5 acres with lots of trees in the yard. I think some of the smaller Kubotas with a removable mower deck Might be your best choice if you want to try one unit that will do almost anything. There is a good reason why Kubota outsells every other brand in this range.
#9
T
three4re
It has been suggested to me by the local Kubota dealer that I should consider the GR2020 - has a 20 HP Kohler engine (I'm curious as to which one - have to check on that) that would also come with a 48" front blade and 48" mower deck. I really don't think I need a sub-compact, nor a model with a front-end loader. Not being familiar with any Kubota models other than my brief perusal on the website, I'll have to look at this GR2020 and see what I think. I'm still weighing all this against the option of just putting a rebuilt Kohler 301 in my 129 Cub, since I know that tractor like the back of my hand, know the quality and longevity it has shown, etc. The rebuild, with labor, would probably be in the neighborhood of $1k, give or take. This GR2020 recommendation came with a quote of a bit over $9k. Tough decision, and one that can't be made anyway until a bit more troubleshooting is done on my Cub to determine if indeed it should have a new engine.
T
three4re
Finding a "one size fits all" mower/tractor is going to require quite a bit of research. I have a Kubota B2910 for my heavy work...logging, brush hog, digging, snow removal, etc., etc. It has served me well for 12+ years, and is a Great small tractor. For mowing I have a Husqvarna 24Hp 48Inch deck. It does a superb job of mowing over 1.5 acres with lots of trees in the yard. I think some of the smaller Kubotas with a removable mower deck Might be your best choice if you want to try one unit that will do almost anything. There is a good reason why Kubota outsells every other brand in this range.
It has been suggested to me by the local Kubota dealer that I should consider the GR2020 - has a 20 HP Kohler engine (I'm curious as to which one - have to check on that) that would also come with a 48" front blade and 48" mower deck. I really don't think I need a sub-compact, nor a model with a front-end loader. Not being familiar with any Kubota models other than my brief perusal on the website, I'll have to look at this GR2020 and see what I think. I'm still weighing all this against the option of just putting a rebuilt Kohler 301 in my 129 Cub, since I know that tractor like the back of my hand, know the quality and longevity it has shown, etc. The rebuild, with labor, would probably be in the neighborhood of $1k, give or take. This GR2020 recommendation came with a quote of a bit over $9k. Tough decision, and one that can't be made anyway until a bit more troubleshooting is done on my Cub to determine if indeed it should have a new engine.
#10
D
deminin
I'm not familiar with the GR 2020, but I looked it up and it is just a good sturdy lawn tractor. However, at $9k, it seems a bit pricey if all you want to do is mow the yard, and do some occasional blading. I agree that the new Cub Cadets aren't the same as some of the older models. I have a couple of neighbors who have newer CC's, and they both have problems with throwing the deck belt. You might want to check out the Husqvarna mowers....mine is doing real good after 2 years, and I only paid $2k at Lowe's. Even if you went for the top of the line Husq, with attachments, you would still be way below half of what your GR quote was. If your Cub is still in good shape..no rust, etc., you might be money ahead to just put a good engine in it, and keep it.
D
deminin
It has been suggested to me by the local Kubota dealer that I should consider the GR2020 - has a 20 HP Kohler engine (I'm curious as to which one - have to check on that) that would also come with a 48" front blade and 48" mower deck. I really don't think I need a sub-compact, nor a model with a front-end loader. Not being familiar with any Kubota models other than my brief perusal on the website, I'll have to look at this GR2020 and see what I think. I'm still weighing all this against the option of just putting a rebuilt Kohler 301 in my 129 Cub, since I know that tractor like the back of my hand, know the quality and longevity it has shown, etc. The rebuild, with labor, would probably be in the neighborhood of $1k, give or take. This GR2020 recommendation came with a quote of a bit over $9k. Tough decision, and one that can't be made anyway until a bit more troubleshooting is done on my Cub to determine if indeed it should have a new engine.
I'm not familiar with the GR 2020, but I looked it up and it is just a good sturdy lawn tractor. However, at $9k, it seems a bit pricey if all you want to do is mow the yard, and do some occasional blading. I agree that the new Cub Cadets aren't the same as some of the older models. I have a couple of neighbors who have newer CC's, and they both have problems with throwing the deck belt. You might want to check out the Husqvarna mowers....mine is doing real good after 2 years, and I only paid $2k at Lowe's. Even if you went for the top of the line Husq, with attachments, you would still be way below half of what your GR quote was. If your Cub is still in good shape..no rust, etc., you might be money ahead to just put a good engine in it, and keep it.
#11
T
three4re
Thanks for additional thoughts. I checked out pictures of the GR2020 and it looks ok, but has lots of plastic on it and just reminds me of the Sears Craftsman that my Mom used to have. As you say, it looks like a lawn tractor. I always thought of my Cub 129 as being substantially more than that. I will take a look at Husqvarna, being that several people have suggested this to me.
The Cub has no rust..is quite solid for its age...with the only main issues (besides the engine no longer running well) being a constant but fairly minor leak from the transmission, a drain plug that has had issues with some leakage over the years - actually I think this is the third plug to go in there, and, of course, a good amount of oil consumption (which would likely be resolved with a rebuilt engine). Other than that, it has been holding up pretty well. There is some play in the deck spindles, but I guess that is to be expected after 40+ years.
T
three4re
I'm not familiar with the GR 2020, but I looked it up and it is just a good sturdy lawn tractor. However, at $9k, it seems a bit pricey if all you want to do is mow the yard, and do some occasional blading. I agree that the new Cub Cadets aren't the same as some of the older models. I have a couple of neighbors who have newer CC's, and they both have problems with throwing the deck belt. You might want to check out the Husqvarna mowers....mine is doing real good after 2 years, and I only paid $2k at Lowe's. Even if you went for the top of the line Husq, with attachments, you would still be way below half of what your GR quote was. If your Cub is still in good shape..no rust, etc., you might be money ahead to just put a good engine in it, and keep it.
Thanks for additional thoughts. I checked out pictures of the GR2020 and it looks ok, but has lots of plastic on it and just reminds me of the Sears Craftsman that my Mom used to have. As you say, it looks like a lawn tractor. I always thought of my Cub 129 as being substantially more than that. I will take a look at Husqvarna, being that several people have suggested this to me.
The Cub has no rust..is quite solid for its age...with the only main issues (besides the engine no longer running well) being a constant but fairly minor leak from the transmission, a drain plug that has had issues with some leakage over the years - actually I think this is the third plug to go in there, and, of course, a good amount of oil consumption (which would likely be resolved with a rebuilt engine). Other than that, it has been holding up pretty well. There is some play in the deck spindles, but I guess that is to be expected after 40+ years.
#12
J
jp1961
J
jp1961
I'd have to agree with ILENGINE recommending upgrading to a subcompact tractor. My Kubota BX2230 has a 3-point hitch, so many implements will work with it. With a garden tractor, you're stuck with that manufactures implements. True, they are more money new, but the only thing I've replaced on my BX2230 is the battery.
I looked at a Cub Cadet subcompact tractor powered by a Daihatsu diesel (the price of the Cub vs the Kubota were almost the exact same and the Cub had plastic fenders and hood), but went with the Kubota, as the Kubota dealer is right down the road from me. Glad I did as Kubota makes great stuff.
The other issue is after Googling images of a Cub Cadet 129, that is an old tractor with possibly an all cast iron engine,,,you won't get nearly the years of service with a new garden tractor, as you got with the 129.
Regards
Jeff
I looked at a Cub Cadet subcompact tractor powered by a Daihatsu diesel (the price of the Cub vs the Kubota were almost the exact same and the Cub had plastic fenders and hood), but went with the Kubota, as the Kubota dealer is right down the road from me. Glad I did as Kubota makes great stuff.
The other issue is after Googling images of a Cub Cadet 129, that is an old tractor with possibly an all cast iron engine,,,you won't get nearly the years of service with a new garden tractor, as you got with the 129.
Regards
Jeff
#13
T
three4re
Thanks Jeff. I'm leaning more and more towards the Kubota. My brother's shop can't seem to pin down the reason for the intermittent poor engine performance, although I don't believe any in-depth valve checking has been done. I know they have the head pulled off at this point. The solution there is undoubtedly to just put in a new engine. While I'm sentimentally attached to the old war horse, not sure it's really worth it. The transmission has been leaking fluid for years, the oil pan bolt has given issues, the spindles and bearings on the deck aren't exactly in the best condition either. I mean, I've used the Cub since '81! The local Kubota dealer has suggested a BX1880V that would come with a 48" deck and 60" HD Front blade...all in for around 13k. I should really go look at them.
T
three4re
I'd have to agree with ILENGINE recommending upgrading to a subcompact tractor. My Kubota BX2230 has a 3-point hitch, so many implements will work with it. With a garden tractor, you're stuck with that manufactures implements. True, they are more money new, but the only thing I've replaced on my BX2230 is the battery.
I looked at a Cub Cadet subcompact tractor powered by a Daihatsu diesel (the price of the Cub vs the Kubota were almost the exact same and the Cub had plastic fenders and hood), but went with the Kubota, as the Kubota dealer is right down the road from me. Glad I did as Kubota makes great stuff.
The other issue is after Googling images of a Cub Cadet 129, that is an old tractor with possibly an all cast iron engine,,,you won't get nearly the years of service with a new garden tractor, as you got with the 129.
Regards
Jeff
Thanks Jeff. I'm leaning more and more towards the Kubota. My brother's shop can't seem to pin down the reason for the intermittent poor engine performance, although I don't believe any in-depth valve checking has been done. I know they have the head pulled off at this point. The solution there is undoubtedly to just put in a new engine. While I'm sentimentally attached to the old war horse, not sure it's really worth it. The transmission has been leaking fluid for years, the oil pan bolt has given issues, the spindles and bearings on the deck aren't exactly in the best condition either. I mean, I've used the Cub since '81! The local Kubota dealer has suggested a BX1880V that would come with a 48" deck and 60" HD Front blade...all in for around 13k. I should really go look at them.
#14
J
jp1961
J
jp1961
Funny,,,I just dropped my wife off at work (an elementary school) and the town has the tractor you mentioned with the front blade and a salt spreader on the back (used for clearing the towns sidewalks).
I know it's tough to depart with a tractor that you used for a long time and have sentimental attachments to, but at some point, you realize you're throwing good money after bad.
Regards
Jeff
I know it's tough to depart with a tractor that you used for a long time and have sentimental attachments to, but at some point, you realize you're throwing good money after bad.
Regards
Jeff
#15
J
jp1961
J
jp1961
Hi, just want to run another option past you and that's have you considered a used Kubota.
I owned a used 2 cylinder Yanmar tractor before the Kubota. It served me well for quite a few years, but only being 2WD it had it's limitations and the only guy selling parts for it was quite a drive away. The Kubota dealer gave me 2500.00 trade in for it and considering the looks of the machine, I think I got the better end of the deal.
The diesel engines do last a long time and buying used might make cents (word play on sense).
Jeff
I owned a used 2 cylinder Yanmar tractor before the Kubota. It served me well for quite a few years, but only being 2WD it had it's limitations and the only guy selling parts for it was quite a drive away. The Kubota dealer gave me 2500.00 trade in for it and considering the looks of the machine, I think I got the better end of the deal.
The diesel engines do last a long time and buying used might make cents (word play on sense).
Jeff