Turnerriver, now that's what I'm talkin about
. Nice machines. I'm a tractor guy, more of an International Harvester guy myself, but I like 'em all, and hope to have a full sized IH someday.
Mudcat, I dont know if you use your machine for more than mowing, like pushing snow or plowing, but I'd save the several grand you'll spend at Lowes or Sears and do what I did.
I know yours blew, but if you have time, I'd try to find a 70s or 60's Cub Cadet, when they were still made by IH, shaft driven, or a Wheel Horse (ok, the vintage Green ones are good too). I got a near mint one-owner low hour 1975 Cub for around $600. You may have to put a few hundred into usual items like a clutch, tune up, mower deck bearings, carb kit, etc. At first, mine ran like a dog and stalled on a slope, due to no fuel filter, and a dead beetle plugging the fuel line and blocking fuel flow.
They have a super heavy duty frame, a tranny as good as some cars, and do not wimp out under a load like a belt driven plastic machine, ever, especially if you're doing any heavier pulling. Power to spare. It will last forever, instead of 10 yrs, for half the $$.
I found a guy an hour away in who has a Cub Cadet salvage yard, and nearly every used part by the dozens. I got spare wheels, tires, chains, wheel weights, spring assist, snow blade, for very reasonable prices. My other friend has a new $3000 Deere, and was a little envious of my IH when he saw how it was built.
Most of the old tractor brands have forums too. Like this one, I've learned lots from the CC forum. Good luck with whatever you get.
Josh P
I detailed all of the paint with compound and car wax. It had probably never been cleaned since 1975 and was covered with baked on grass, and I thought the hood would need painted, but 80% of the scratches buffed out, and the orig paint and decals shined up nicely. All I repainted was the white part of the mower deck and front rims. All in all, a worthwhile project.
