CC versus Sears

[Roger May]

I have a chance to buy a 1997 Sears Craftsman 25 HP Kohler tractor, with blower, cab, chains etc. I also have an opportunity to buy a Cub Cadet 149 with blower, chains, maybe plow. Forget the money, what would you pros say would be my best choice? Really need help from the pros! Your thoughts?

 

[Mark W.]

The cub cadet is more of a tractor and the sears is more of a lawmower. The 149 is of vintage when the cc was still of good quality, not the mtd junk you but today. You really can't beat those single cylinder cast iron kohlers with anything and parts are still readily available. The last craftsman I was on shook me so bad I thought I reversed my vasectomy!

 

[Trailer Trash Tractors]

If " The good die Young " is true, than the round Hood Craftsman must be a " good " tractor, cause you see a lot of dead ones ! The transaxles and steering seem to give out too soon. The Cub would be a good choice, providing you have what it takes, to get it running strong.
Old wiring needs TLC [ clean terminals, replace damaged lengths ] to be reliable. Fuel System too. Once those tasks are done, you'll have a good machine with lots of resale value

 

[dhermesc]

Given the age of the Sears I would go with the Cub 149. As stated below the Sears is a lawn mower and the Cub is garden tractor. If the Sears was newer I might go with it.

Even though the Sears is "rated" more hp you'll find that that 14 hp Kohler has more power. A couple years ago I was mowing with my 1450 (next generation of the 149) with a 50" deck and was still moving faster than my wife with a MTD 20HP machine with a 44" deck.

I just bought a 125 for $200 and had the Kohler engine overhauled for $200, rebuilt the PTO clutch for $80 and changed the hydrostat oil and filter (about $50). I have $530 in the machine but its probably good for another 30 years if I take care of it.

 

[Roger May]

Thanks, all. That's what I was thinking, but needed someone with more expertise to reinforce my thought. I knew this was the place to go for the truth. It's just that the Craftsman has a cab!!!! O well, I'll just dress warmer on the Cub!! Thanks again!