I have a question that I don't believe has as simple of an answer as it may seem.
What is the difference in the steering system between the 1650 and 782 vs the 149, 1250 and 1450.
I have looked at the parts lookup, and I do see there are different part numbers for the Ross steering assembly between the wideframes and very early quietlines, vs the rest of the quietlines and 82 series. I don't think this is where the difference lies.....
The reason I am asking is, on our 149's and 1450, the steering is fairly easy. My definition of easy is all our Cubs have a good quality spinner knob installed. With the 149's and 1450, you can fairly easily steer the tractor with just 1 hand on the knob, lock to lock. On the 1650's and 782, it takes both hands to steer the tractor, and if your not moving, it takes quite a bit of effort to turn the wheels. All of these tractors have been serviced, all steering components greased with quality grease, and all have had the front axle pin replaced with a bolt and nut (like the 82 series came from the factory) to remove the slop from the front axle. They all have good tie rod ends, wide front tires and properly inflated tires.
The quick answer I always thought was the larger engine is heavier and causes the steering difficulty. Well we now have a new wrinkle in that theory. A few weeks ago, I picked up a "1650" as I was told it was, for Dad. Once I was looking at the tractor, I found the machine code on the serial number plate translated to a 1250 tractor. So this tractor I picked up, does indeed have a 16hp "1650" engine, dash tower and hydraulic lift, but came from Louisville as a 1250. This "new 1650" steers just as easily as the 149's and 1450...... so that leads me to believe the engine weight is not a factor like I once thought.....
Was there something slightly different in the 1650 chassis that could make steering effort more difficult?