Over two years ago I started this thread and after getting feedback from several forum members, and posted the following <font size="+2">
"Conclusion"</font>:
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By Jeremiah Chamberlin (Jchamberlin) on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 07:34 pm:
All:
Art Aatay's words really had an effect on me,
[Art had posted, in part, "Based on the tractors you already own, my advice would be to find a narrow-frame/gear-drive tractor, as they really are a different animal from the tractors you already own."]
and especially after Dennis Frisk mentioned on the main forum that gear drive tractors are better for spraying. I had a really difficult time spraying my yard for the first time, although the speed of the tractor wasn't the biggest problem.
After all the feedback and thinking about the features that matter to me, I join with Lucas to go after a tractor without the fiberglass dash. I was quite taken by a 122 I noticed on Craig's List recently, but it is very far off. I like the thought of a 12 HP engine behind a gear drive, I'll bet it IS powerful.
So, barring a Melody Schutz moment (where I stumble unexpectedly on a good deal, or someone drops off an Original at my door), I'm looking for, in order:
Model 122
Model 102
Model 71
Model 72
Although I wouldn't turn down a Model 100, a Model 70, or an Original if the price was right.
Since I'm not in desperate need for a tractor (in fact, I have to make room for what I have even now), and since a lot of people seem to want the same amount of money for any old tractor, I'm plan to analyze offerings based on their configurations (does it have a creeper gear, lights, etc.) and their accompanying attachments.
I've definitely got my eye open.
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A few days later I posted an <font size="+2">
"Addendum"</font> to my Conclusion:
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By Jeremiah Chamberlin (Jchamberlin) on Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 08:38 am:
I've had some more thoughts about my procurement plan, and it occurs to me that I might want to consider a factor I haven't used in my Cub Cadet purchased to date, namely, the tractor's <font size="+2">CONDITION</font>.. . .
Just a thought . . .
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Well, wouldn't you know it, my "dream tractor" appeared on Craig's List in near mint condition (compared to the other tractors I own) less than two hours from where I live. It doesn't have lights, hydraulic lift, spring assist, or a creeper gear setup. The front tires are "fat" not narrow as I expected (but the tractor may have come from the factory with wide front tires, I'm not sure), and the seat is junk. I thought the engine was knocking, but it may actually turn out to be the PTO making the noise: the "anti-rattle" springs were not installed. At any rate, I am thrilled at my new purchase. I posted pictures in the "Look What Followed Me Home" thread (also in the Sandbox), and I'll post some more here when I get it running, hopefully in short order. For the record, I'll repost a few here as a "place keeper" as it were.
Just wanted to follow up with the action which resulted from all the thoughts and insights expressed in the discussion on this thread.
My Next Tractor IS an intrepid little demon (I hope):
Tractor SN: 157125 produced near the end of May 1966
Engine Model: K301AS
Engine Spec: A7598
Engine SN: B119159
Again, more pics to follow.