Cub Cadet lo boy
 

Any body have any experience with cub lo boys??. I am seriously considering getting one to help mow my 3.5 acre lawn. In 11 years of living here, I have sent 3 lawn tractors to their maker, and for the same money as a new home depot tractor, I can get an older lo boy. I like tinkering with old stuff anyhow, and they do have some cool factor( in a redneck sort of way) Water cooled 4 cyl, huge mowing deck , and built to last, I would probably have it for the rest of my life. Some parts are discontinued, but hell so are some parts for my craftsman tractor that is only 6 years old, and there seems to be a whole bunch of used stuff out there.
I think I really need a heavier unit for my yard, but do not want to shell out 10k or better for something new.

I'd used the same John Deere lawn tractor for about 30 years and finally bought an Exmark. Best decision I've made as far as a mower goes. (still have the JD to tow around a trailer & various lawn stuff)

I looked at a lo boy when making the same decision as you. I have 3.5 acres which is divided up between horse pasture and yard. I found the lo boys to be underpowered for their size. IIRC they range from 11 hp to about 18 hp. Even though they are a 4 cylinder the drive train seemed pretty wimpy. What I decided on was an old 1947 Ford 8N with a 6 foot wide belly mower made by Woods. It runs like a champ, has plenty of power, 27.5 hp and about 90 ft-lbs of torque, is fully supported by parts manufactures, good at snow removal with a rear blade, reliable and easy to work on. I bought mine about 3 years ago for $2400. The tractor had new tires and paint. The guy used it quite often and kept it up.

Speedy:)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248836746.jpg

This one is similar to mine.

Speedy:)

I have two MF CG2300s (not me in the pic). I bought one new six years ago, loved it so much I found a used one a year later. They are versatile, powerful (water cooled diesel) and have supplanted the larger tractor for all tasks other than major bush-hogging. I pull a 200 gallon field sprayer effortlessly.

Both have hydrostatic transmissions, 60" mower decks, four wheel drive and a rear pto (that drive an amazing array of attachments). I put a front end loader on one.

I have really changed my approach to how I run the farm based on the versatility of these compact tractors. I have also had zero issues with either unit.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248865965.jpg

You should have no probs with the Cub. They are reliable and easy to fix as there are lots of parts out there on ebay. Does it have full hydraulics? You will find that nice if it does because you will then get into accessories! It IS the wrong color though. My 22 year old J D 330 diesel does everything I need on 2+ acres here just north of you. They do seem to hold their price better than the red tractors. Paid $2200. for mine.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248868260.jpg

Paul, is that unit AWD?

^^^I couldn't afford the green paint!

Seriously, I did a lot of homework on engines, etc. and the price difference between the red and green paint jobs was amazing. That and I'll drive these things until they won't drive no mo'

Six years in they drive like new...I put about 120 hours a year on each.

No knock on Deere, great gear as evidenced by your tractor...which so cool.

Edit: They are AWD, with locking diff.

Oh I know what you're saying and the fact that yours are AWD is a HUGE leg up.. I just had to have a collectible tractor because I gave up a collectable car. I'm crazy jealous that you have a front loader! New JD's are stupid expensive.

Here is one with all the good stuff close to you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Very-Nice-John-Deere-322-3-cyl-pwr-steer-hydro-800hr_W0QQitemZ250468665553QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item3a511888d1&_trksid=p3286.c 0.m14#ht_500wt_868
or diesel......
http://cgi.ebay.com/JOHN-DEERE-332-LAWN-GARDEN-TRACTOR-50-MOWER-DIESEL_W0QQitemZ330346650340QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4cea31dae4&_trksid=p3286. c0.m14#ht_1438wt_853

Well, I had a 154 that I restored. Nice mower, but not a tractor. It does have a pto, but it turns the opposite way of a real pto. Really underpowered, but its ok w/ a 60in belly mower if you don't beat it up. Won't move snow for crap unless chains are used.

The 8n/9n 's are better deals imho. A 2cyl or 3cyl Yanmar/Deere/kubota/whatever even better, as you can keep multiple gallons of diesel around without the worries of gas.

I agree the 100 series is a riding lawn mower.

We had an old Farmall B, tripod style. If you have any hills, STAY AWAY FROM TRIPODS!!!! Emphasis is MEANT!! They can be VERY dangerous.

The Farmall Cub has belly mowers. I have heard good things about Woods' belly mowers. I agree that 20 HP or more is good to have. Many people I have talked to with up to ten acreas in this area are using riding lawn tractors with cuts of 48 to 60 inches. Zero turns are VERY popular. I am told to stay away from Zetor/Dixon and the mowers they make for other brands. A friend has a zero turn Torro, 60" cut. MAN that thing is FAST!!!