Cub Cadet at Lowes
Hi all,
I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
Be careful about buying by brand name only. More companies who in the
past made only top quality equipment are making "homeowner quality" equipment and selling them at stores like Home Depot and Lowes. In essesence it is MTD level with a higher price because of the name. I know some of the John Deere's at Home Depot are this way, but havent heard about the Cub Cadet. Do more research before you blindly plunk down money at Lowes thinking you are getting a really good deal. Also their service is just subbed out to low bid repair shops. Service will usually be better from a real dealer, and if you shop around, very often the price also, especially if you consider the expertise that you get when buying it. Good luck, Bryan |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I've had almost every kind of riding mower/tractor from a typical Sears/MTD
in the 70's to a John Deere 650 diesel, 4WD. If I've learned anything, it's to try the machine out before buying and to get the least expensive one that does the job. I strongly recommend the lowest end mowers- the kind that use a belt tensioner as the clutch. They are jumpy and can flip over backwards. Instead, consider a low end hydrostatic drive. It is infinitely variable and smooth. Brand means less than the weight. Horsepower means little for towing and if you're over 12hp, you have enough for mowing as well. Weight is important for plowing, dragging and towing. It isn't the "go," it's the "stop and turn" that matters, and that's where weight counts. Cub was a darned good line in the 80's, but I am not familiar with it nowadays. If I was going to just go buy something without much research, I'd look at Cub, John Deere and (?) the one sold at Home Depot- is it Husquevarna? If you're just mowing a typical, flat, small lot, consider getting the MTD-type of bottom end riding mowers and trade it off every 3-5 years. The MTD types actually do a decent job of mowing. -- Tom Gauldin, Las Vegas NV NEW EMAIL NEW PHONE (702) 263-8804 voice/fax "BRN" wrote in message ... Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
Tom Gauldin wrote:
I've had almost every kind of riding mower/tractor from a typical Sears/MTD in the 70's to a John Deere 650 diesel, 4WD. If I've learned anything, it's to try the machine out before buying and to get the least expensive one that does the job. I strongly recommend the lowest end mowers- the kind that use a belt tensioner as the clutch. They are jumpy and can flip over backwards. You recommend them? Why, cause you like doing backflips while mowing? :-) Chuck |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I just sold off a nearly-new low-end Murray - belt clutch, rear-engine.
I replaced it with a 5 year old Cub Cadet 1864 with 48" mower deck. It's like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac. The lawn looks much better in half the time. I understand that MTD makes all CCs now, but it appears to me that there is the retail models and there are the models that certified dealers sell. Mine is of the latter variety, with a Kohler engine and hydraulics, 3-pt hitch, electric PTO, power steering and Hydrostatic drive. I gave $1000 for mine used, which was a bargain. I think its a better unit than those at Lowes for several times that. One difference may be the engine, because I know some of the lower-price CCs use a Briggs motor. Even the best B&S is not equal to a Kohler, IMHO. I have read that JDs are made by MTD and may not live up to the name. I suggest you study the CC models at Lowes, get model numbers and brochures. Then go to an indpependent CC dealer and compare what they have. I bet the difference becomes apparent pretty quickly. On Tue, 22 Apr 2003 09:11:04 -0400, "BRN" wrote: |Hi all, | |I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at |most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off |brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now |sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least |in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I |know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the |longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a |price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the |cheapest brands. | |Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say |they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair |service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? | |Thank in advance. | |Bart | | |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
Much longer answer than I expected....
I think the key to survival on the ones with the cheaper clutches is to avoid using the clutch when going uphill unless you are certain you can ease it out smoothly. Tom Gauldin wrote: Chuck, they're OK on a flat lawn. The back flip my neighbor did was when he started up a ramp. Assuming that the belt tensioner is reasonably good, and assuming that the lawn doesn't have hills, then the trade off is between a decent clutch and being able to just trade mowers every few years. That eliminates a lot of hassles, like tires, battery, starter motor, BELTS and bearings in the mower housing. -- Tom Gauldin, Las Vegas NV NEW EMAIL NEW PHONE (702) 263-8804 voice/fax "C G" wrote in message ... Tom Gauldin wrote: I've had almost every kind of riding mower/tractor from a typical Sears/MTD in the 70's to a John Deere 650 diesel, 4WD. If I've learned anything, it's to try the machine out before buying and to get the least expensive one that does the job. I strongly recommend the lowest end mowers- the kind that use a belt tensioner as the clutch. They are jumpy and can flip over backwards. You recommend them? Why, cause you like doing backflips while mowing? :-) Chuck |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I bought a new Toro walk behind last year. Prior to the purchase I did my
research and found that the Toro mowers at most hardware store, ACE Home Depot etc. were not the same mowers sold by Toro dealers although the Toro dealers did sell the low end product. It was explained to me that Toro wanted to get in that low end niche and started have the low end Toro built. After a lot of research I got to the point where I could understand the differences. I bought a high end Toro and must say it is a wonderful mower. David |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I bought a Cub Cadet just about 2 years ago and love it. I got a 2000
series lawn tractor from a local dealer. The big selling point for me was the shaft drive. Nothing else had a shaft drive at anywhere close to the same price. Although labeled a lawn tractor it appears to be better made and more rugged than most "garden" tractors. Regarding getting it at Lowes I'd second what some others have said: Do your homework and be sure that you're comparing apples to apples when deciding between a dealer item and a chain store item. "BRN" pontificated wisely that: Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart Kevin Miller (rot13) http://www.net1plus.com/users/miller9 |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I've had a 16hp V-Twin Cub for a few years. I can't recall the model number
but I believe it is a 16xx series. It has been a great piece of equipment. It has a hydrostatic transmission, hydraulic lift, and a PTO. I use it for snow removal in the winter and mowing the rest of the time. This one replaced a Cub that was at least twenty years old when we traded it. Cub has different lines of tractors. Go to a real Cub dealer and they will show you the differences. I know mine is the same color as the ones at Lowes, but that's about where the similarity ends. Good Luck Jim "BRN" wrote in message ... Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I live an die by Consumer Reports. I think you should try it for a
year. Small price to pay for good advice. Bought a Craftsman V-Twin hydrostat and love it. Careful about Cub Cadet. Consumer Reports likes the line but cautions on its repair history. It's top 10 worst. "BRN" wrote in message ... Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
In misc.rural JayPomp wrote:
I live an die by Consumer Reports. I think you should try it for a year. Small price to pay for good advice. Hm. Every time I've seen something in CR that I own, I've disagreed strongly with their opinions. Almost to the point where I treat it's advice as a "Don't do this" kind of a thing. Bought a Craftsman V-Twin hydrostat and love it. Careful about Cub Cadet. Consumer Reports likes the line but cautions on its repair history. It's top 10 worst. And here seems to be an example. I've never owned a piece of Craftsman equipment (tools, engine-driven, or electrical) that I haven't regretted buying. I avoid it now, and have been much happier with my purchases. Then again, I did step up from a Craftsman riding mower to a 30-year old John Deer garden tractor, so it's not really the same class of machine. Dave Hinz |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
Hi,
Some advice: Whichever one you get, the one thing I for specifically is a Full pressure Oil system. The non-pressurized system's rely on the splash of the crank to lube the engine -- I feel they don't get enough lubrication. You'll get better life out of the engine that is fully pressurized. This also means more cost -- but it is well worth it. dB "BRN" wrote in message ... Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I agree, go with what works for you. JD makes a good solid mower, but the
actual mowing quality is substandard. My dad has owner 6 JD mowers since 1988. 3 of those were traded in because the motor was smoking badly after he used them to snow blow heavy snow or do tilling work. All of them will not cut the grass while turning. They bend the grass and leave trails of taller uncut grass. He has a 2003 345?? I think it is...it will not mow corners either. I have a JD 60 from 1967. It is a awesome little mower for it's age. It has a new motor , seat, and blades. I acquired it for $125. it even has a nice JD cover for it. :) For a little 6 hp motor, it mows the tall stuff perfect the first cut, UNLESS I'm turning a corner. Same thing. My brother in law fixes and sells used mowers. I asked him about it and he said, yup, that's a Deer. They can only run in straight lines. :) Good quality, great durability. So so mowing. We had a 1981 24hp Sears with a 60" 3 blade deck that could mow anything we threw at it. Funny thing is, when you pulled up to another 24hp JD of the same year, they were identical to the letter. Just different colors. :) I haven't seen much for mowers at Sears since that one. Lannie "Tom Gauldin" wrote in message news:8Kfpa.34788$e73.21283@fed1read04... I've had almost every kind of riding mower/tractor from a typical Sears/MTD in the 70's to a John Deere 650 diesel, 4WD. If I've learned anything, it's to try the machine out before buying and to get the least expensive one that does the job. I strongly recommend the lowest end mowers- the kind that use a belt tensioner as the clutch. They are jumpy and can flip over backwards. Instead, consider a low end hydrostatic drive. It is infinitely variable and smooth. Brand means less than the weight. Horsepower means little for towing and if you're over 12hp, you have enough for mowing as well. Weight is important for plowing, dragging and towing. It isn't the "go," it's the "stop and turn" that matters, and that's where weight counts. Cub was a darned good line in the 80's, but I am not familiar with it nowadays. If I was going to just go buy something without much research, I'd look at Cub, John Deere and (?) the one sold at Home Depot- is it Husquevarna? If you're just mowing a typical, flat, small lot, consider getting the MTD-type of bottom end riding mowers and trade it off every 3-5 years. The MTD types actually do a decent job of mowing. -- Tom Gauldin, Las Vegas NV NEW EMAIL NEW PHONE (702) 263-8804 voice/fax "BRN" wrote in message ... Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
|
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I wondered if that Simplicity garden tractor was really 36 years old
so I went to the ultimate authority; My wife. She calculated instantly that since my youngest son is now 43, the tractor is 44 years old. Only in the mind of a woman can the age of a tractor be calculated by the birth of the buyers grandson. So 44 years later, both tractor and grandson are doing well thank you, but the tractor has required less maintenance and upkeep, and fewer repairs. On Thu, 24 Apr 2003 17:39:21 GMT, (Oliver B. Lafferty) wrote: On 23 Apr 2003 18:18:33 GMT, wrote: Hm. Every time I've seen something in CR that I own, I've disagreed strongly with their opinions. Almost to the point where I treat it's advice as a "Don't do this" kind of a thing. Bought a Craftsman V-Twin hydrostat and love it. Careful about Cub Cadet. Consumer Reports likes the line but cautions on its repair history. It's top 10 worst. And here seems to be an example. I've never owned a piece of Craftsman equipment (tools, engine-driven, or electrical) that I haven't regretted buying. I avoid it now, and have been much happier with my purchases. Then again, I did step up from a Craftsman riding mower to a 30-year old John Deer garden tractor, so it's not really the same class of machine. I've read the Re Cub Cadet replies and found some useful information like the high and low end stuff at Lowes and Home Depot as compared to the dealers stuff. (important to know) I don't have those problems. I inherited my Dad's Simplicity riding tractor with all the accessories. It's about 36 years old I think, the engine is no longer made although some parts are still available and the last time I tried to get new blades for the mower, Simplicity had to switch the dealer to the oldest employee at their factory to find out which were the right ones. Everything is made of real HEAVY metal and not bendable tin. It is used every year to mow about two acres although I no longer pull the plow or use the chipper or snow blower, and from the looks of it, I think it's going to outlive me, but I do have a grandson to leave it to. My trouble is, I'm old enough to think everything should be built to last instead of the kind of junk now being sold to a much younger generation that has never known what quality means. BTW, I avoid Sears like the plague. |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
In article ,
(Oliver B. Lafferty) wrote: My trouble is, I'm old enough to think everything should be built to last instead of the kind of junk now being sold to a much younger generation that has never known what quality means. BTW, I avoid Sears like the plague. Even for less complex tools, I have been repeatedly alarmed by poor quality even on those that are alleging to be high-end. A brand new pick-axe was so poorly tempered it bent after a week of use so was replaced by a rusty vintage pick-axe with authentic hickory handle still intact, & the idea of me being able to cause that tip to bend is beyond imagining. A "made to last a lifetime" stainless steel trowel that LOOKED like old-fashioned quality (for having real wooden handles) bends within a day of use, & I was just lucky I hadn't bought the whole pretty matching set of expensive junk tools. The "best" pruning sheers that if carried around in the pocket, the spring gets knocked out of them & lost. Wheelbarrows designed with wheel-guards that dig into the ground at the slightest angles so the barrow hangs up, or has to be backed over even a four-inch brick curb since it can't go forward. Poor design, poor materials with as much plastic as can replace wood or metal, forcing me to haunt antique & junk shops in search of the real stuff which even if all rusty do the job so much better. And such UGLY tools with garish yellow or orange handles. Over time I've replaced almost all the tools with beutiful ones, traditional Japanese tools & vintage American & European made tools, even a Mennanite wheelbarrow. By now I have only one "modern" tool left that I can't do without, a little pointy angle-iron orange-handled thingy for popping dandylions out of the ground, & someday I'm bound to find a more aesthetic version of that. Garden tools not only should be made better, but they also shouldn't be eyesoars. -paghat the ratgirl -- "Of what are you afraid, my child?" inquired the kindly teacher. "Oh, sir! The flowers, they are wild," replied the timid creature. -from Peter Newell's "Wild Flowers" See the Garden of Paghat the Ratgirl: http://www.paghat.com/ |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
the idea of me being able to cause that tip to bend is beyond
imagining. A "made to last a lifetime" stainless steel trowel that LOOKED like old-fashioned quality (for having real wooden handles) bends within a day of use, & I was just lucky I hadn't bought the whole pretty matching set of expensive junk tools. The "best" pruning sheers that if carried around in the pocket, the spring gets knocked out of them & lost. Ah, someone who abuses tools like I do. Though I have always tried to spend extra on tools I thought would last, I have regretfully come to think of most tools as disposable. Bryan |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
I'm reading this in misc.rural ...
if the handles weren't yellow or orange you'd find them again in the underbrush? paghat wrote: And such UGLY tools with garish yellow or orange handles. Over time I've replaced almost all the tools with beutiful ones, traditional Japanese tools & vintage American & European made tools, I thought the bright yellow was a really good idea. I wish they'd make them dayglow. Maren (in the corrosions capital of the planet, where it rains 125"/year, and the rain contains both sea salt and sulphuric acid from an active volcano) |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
BRN wrote:
Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart Most of the mowers are now made by MTD. I bought the cheapo 18HP from them 3 years ago, and it has been wonderful. No problems except a new battery this spring(I think the cold got it this past winter). They farm out the service, I'm told. |
Cub Cadet at Lowes
Go to your nearest home depot and buy a honda.
Aaron "BRN" wrote in message ... Hi all, I have been looking into buying a lawn or garden tractor. I have looked at most of the major brands (J.D., Simplicity, Toro) as well as some of the off brands or cheap brands (Sears, Murray, etc). Lowes (no H.D in our area) now sells Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. My understanding is that at least in the past, this used to be a good, solid brand with decent reliability. I know that the brand is now manufactured by MTD, but was wondering what the longevity and reliability of these lawn tractors is now? They seem to be a price point lower than the premium brands, but a bit more expensive than the cheapest brands. Additionally, has anyone bought such a large purchase from Lowes? The say they "service what they sell". Anyone have experience with Lowes repair service? Do they just farm out the service to local repair shops? Thank in advance. Bart |
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