Onan powered 2072

[1811Cub]

These are not discussed much, but these are most likely some of the least produced Cub Cadet models. Most 2072's were Kohler Magnum 20 powered. Depending on who you listen to, less than 100 of these Onan engine equipped 2072 Super Cubs were manufactured in 1987.These have the 147731100 on the VIN. This unfortunate tractor is rough and getting parted.

 

[-CӞ]

1811, what are the merits of the Onan engine, relative to the Kohler?
I’ve certainly heard of both and it seems the Onans tend to be found in larger equipment?

 

[1811Cub]

My opinion is that the Kohler is a better choice overall. Those who own the Onans like the sound of them mostly due to the dual separate mufflers, and tout their torque output. Parts are even more expensive for them versus the Kohler. The contact points are a known sore spot.

These Onan 2072's should be saved when at all possible due to their small production run.

 

[PACub100]

These are not discussed much, but these are most likely some of the least produced Cub Cadet models. Most 2072's were Kohler Magnum 20 powered. Depending on who you listen to, less than 100 of these Onan engine equipped 2072 Super Cubs were manufactured in 1987.These have the 147731100 on the VIN. This unfortunate tractor is rough and getting parted.

View attachment 151622

View attachment 151623

Mozilla...I haven't seen that in years

Oh, and you got 6 emails...

 

[jstewart]

Onans were great, unique sound for sure. It is a terrible shame that they are pretty much a thing of the past, too expensive and difficult to obtain parts for. I've got one on a Bolens chassis Qt or Qs-16 (can't remember which) I think it needs crank bearings, maybe crankshaft.
I've also got an old Onan all cast iron, very heavy from a commercial mower, maybe a Pennington or Jacobsen, that the university used to have several of.
The Kohlers had a slight advantage in popularity among the old guys that worked on them

 

[cubs4lifeofme]

Had a welding machine with one on years ago, it was in the shop getting it running more than it was used , just saying.

 

[1811Cub]

I drove a 1995 Steiner with an Onan at one of my pervious jobs, and it chucked a rod with less than 100 hours on the clock.

 

[JPrattico]

A fellow on youtube has one of these Onan 2072s. I've talked to him a few times over the years. With Onan, there's a lot of people on both ends of the spectrum. Some love them and others hate them. He is a man who loves them, and seems to have always had good luck with them. His 2072 is in really great original shape.

 

[jstewart]

Back in the late 80's or early 90's when front mount decks became the rage for commercial buyers, the university got some JD mowers with 6 foot decks (some came with 5 footers, but were converted later) The first batch came with Onan motors, probably 18 or 20 hp (none too much by today's standard) Then a little later JD cheapened up and went to 18 hp B&S, big mistake, rods didn't last long at all. They ended up retrofitting Onans into the newer machines. Never heard any complaints about the Onans, but of course compared to B&S anything looked good.

Later JD put some water cooled Yanmars gas motors in and they went with them

They bought enough of them at the time, that whenever they had a problem JD was quick to listen and make an effort to satisfy.