Krice58 50 #1 Posted Friday at 02:20 PM I’ve got an ‘08 Cub Cadet SLT1550 and the ‘75 C160 that were left to me by my grandparents and I’ve recently convinced myself that I need two Wheel Horses instead of 1. I only have space for 2 tractors in my shed, so one would have to go. Obviously I can’t get rid of the C160 so I was thinking about selling the Cub. No issues with it, 25 horse Kohler Courage (not a good reputation on those, I know) 50 inch deck and a bagger. My question is would replacing with an 80s-90s 400 or 500 series be a good idea? I need a reliable grass cutter as the C160 is my snow plower. I really don’t have a reason for getting rid of the Cub other than I want a Horse instead. But what’s reliability look like for these units? What should I look for in buying one? Any input would be appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,584 #2 Posted Friday at 02:28 PM What about a good used 520 or 520H?? How much acreage do you need to mow?? If it is substantial, perhaps look into a Zero Turn?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #3 Posted Friday at 02:39 PM 8 minutes ago, ri702bill said: What about a good used 520 or 520H?? How much acreage do you need to mow?? If it is substantial, perhaps look into a Zero Turn?? Only about 1 acre to mow. I was thinking about the 520H. Never messed with an Onan before only Kohler and Tecumseh (I hate Tecumseh). 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,338 #4 Posted Friday at 02:45 PM For mowing duties, I would look for a 312 Gear drive or Eaton 1100 hydro. Both will easily turn a 42 or even a 48" deck. The magnum is a quiet fuel sipper that runs cool for summer work. IMO, the twins waste fuel and make too much heat for summer work. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sergeant 332 #5 Posted Friday at 02:51 PM 3 minutes ago, Krice58 said: Only about 1 acre to mow. I was thinking about the 520H. Never messed with an Onan before only Kohler and Tecumseh (I hate Tecumseh). Well servicing Onan's are becoming and Issue In recent Years due to Lack of Parts I liked Onan's Back when they were In Production Now I really avoid Purchasing a Tractor with an Onan as soon as I can the ONAN in My 416H will be replaced with either a Briggs Kit from Small engine warehouse or a Honda kit from repower specialists. I am not a fan of Tecumseh either especially If the Made Before the Mid 1980's I agree with Ed a 300 series with a Eaton 1100 would Be a Better choice if staying with WH 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,994 #6 Posted Friday at 04:51 PM (edited) A friend of mine contacted me a few years back. He wanted to replace his crappy "White Products" (MTD) and asked for my advice on what to get. His yard isn't really big and he uses an ATV to plow snow. It was late May and I told him I could probably find a nice Kohler powered WH at the big show with a deck for about a Grand. He resisted and thought he deserved something new. Money wasn't an issue. So he bought a brand new CC from a dealer in town with a junk motor and a 3 year warranty. He's had it back to the shop 4 times already with deck issues. Warranty is now expired. He's on his own now! Edited Friday at 04:52 PM by squonk 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,391 #7 Posted Friday at 06:14 PM Avoid the Onan (just my opinion) and go newer with a 312 or 414 type of machine with a 42” deck. Nice and easy to maintain, they don’t have finicky carburetors and the wiring is a bit simpler than the 500 series. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #8 Posted Friday at 06:38 PM I know this is a wheel horse forum but any ideas what I should ask for this? Only 197 hours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,391 #9 Posted Friday at 06:58 PM 17 minutes ago, Krice58 said: I know this is a wheel horse forum but any ideas what I should ask for this? Only 197 hours. For pricing on things like that that I don’t know much about I scroll thru FaceBook Marketplace and see what the price range is for whatever I’m trying to sell. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #10 Posted Friday at 07:04 PM 4 minutes ago, Sparky said: For pricing on things like that that I don’t know much about I scroll thru FaceBook Marketplace and see what the price range is for whatever I’m trying to sell. Yeah, I’ve seen anywhere from 200 for a parts mower and 1500 for a clean one. I think 1500 is way too much but with low hours and a bagger I think 700-1000 is reasonable. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,584 #11 Posted Friday at 07:18 PM 13 minutes ago, Krice58 said: Yeah, I’ve seen anywhere from 200 for a parts mower and 1500 for a clean one. I think 1500 is way too much but with low hours and a bagger I think 700-1000 is reasonable. If your potential buyer has a CC Dealer / Service Dept. nearby, all the better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,285 #12 Posted Friday at 07:30 PM A 17 year old riding mower (not a garden tractor) with a courage engine 700-1000 . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #13 Posted Friday at 07:36 PM 2 minutes ago, clueless said: A 17 year old riding mower (not a garden tractor) with a courage engine 700-1000 . I’m only going by what I saw listed in my area. Who knows? That may be too much, but if I can’t get close to that it’s not worth it to me to sell at this point. I’d rather start high and come down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,391 #14 Posted Friday at 08:05 PM 27 minutes ago, Krice58 said: I’m only going by what I saw listed in my area. Who knows? That may be too much, but if I can’t get close to that it’s not worth it to me to sell at this point. I’d rather start high and come down. Just checked FBMP and around me (Connecticut) the same machine is $600-$1250. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #15 Posted Friday at 08:06 PM Just now, Sparky said: Just checked FBMP and around me (Connecticut) the same machine is $600-$1250. So pretty similar to Ohio. Thanks for checking Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 10,260 #16 Posted Friday at 09:54 PM I have 3,4 and 500 series WH tractors. My 312-8 was used as a mower for 20 years and with a snow blade for 2 or 3. GREAT tractor and still own it. The 400 series is a great all around tractor for just about any job, but as @Ed Kennell mentioned they are thirsty. The 500 series is a Cadillac but needs to be kept OUT OF THE WEATHER when not in use. Great tractor, very comfortable and all kinds of power for any job you need to get done. Pic of all 3 series. 3,4,5. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,572 #17 Posted Friday at 11:06 PM 8 hours ago, Krice58 said: I need a reliable grass cutter I have been using my 1988 used 310-8 for mowing for about fifteen years and would highly recommend a 310-8 with 41" deck or 312-8 with 48" deck. If you want to go with a hydro then add a couple more horsepower. I have done some mowing with my 418-C hydro but it uses twice as much fuel and isn't much faster. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #18 Posted Friday at 11:37 PM 30 minutes ago, 953 nut said: I have been using my 1988 used 310-8 for mowing for about fifteen years and would highly recommend a 310-8 with 41" deck or 312-8 with 48" deck. If you want to go with a hydro then add a couple more horsepower. I have done some mowing with my 418-C hydro but it uses twice as much fuel and isn't much faster. What’s the difference in cutting between the side discharge and rear discharge? I have a lot of trees so I’ll be chopping a ton of leaves. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,572 #19 Posted Friday at 11:43 PM I prefer the 42" rear discharge. I don't have to worry about blowing clippings into flower beds and I can get up close to trees in either direction. I Tow a 42" leaf sweeper behind the mower in the fall and grind the leaves as I sweep them and dump them in the composting area. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,937 #20 Posted Friday at 11:51 PM The RD decks are a bit narrower than the SD decks with the same width of cut. The RD deck allows close cutting on both sides of the deck. The RD works well with a tow behind sweeper. I also have a lot of trees. Got a RD deck to increase the capacity of my tow behind sweeper by chopping the leaves before sweeping. That worked. We can burn our leaves here. I learned that the chopped leaves don't burn as well as non chopped leaves, so that combination didn't work out as well as i had hoped. Cause? A pile of chopped leaves has a less than ideal fuel to air ratio. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,572 #21 Posted Saturday at 11:23 AM 11 hours ago, 8ntruck said: We can burn our leaves here We can burn here also but I would much rather let them compost, free supplemental soil enhancement. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #22 Posted Saturday at 02:02 PM (edited) So I have the C160, let’s say I got a 310-8 or 312-8 you think that would be the better one to mow with? Or the C160? I got the plow on the C160 right now ready for winter. I do have a 42 (might be 48, 3 spindle?) inch side discharge in the shed that my grandfather cut with on the C160 for years. Also there’s a local seller who’s selling a 314-8, and the ad says Tecumseh, I don’t think they ever put Tecumsehs in those? Maybe just a mistake. But it’s a nice low hour machine, 600~ hours, with a plow, 42” rear discharge, wheel weights and chains for $700. Edited Saturday at 02:05 PM by Krice58 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,338 #23 Posted Saturday at 02:28 PM 19 minutes ago, Krice58 said: 600~ hours, with a plow, 42” rear discharge, wheel weights and chains for $700. That looks like a deal. It should have an M14S Kohler. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,572 #24 Posted Saturday at 03:00 PM 54 minutes ago, Krice58 said: with a plow, 42” rear discharge, wheel weights and chains for $700. If the 314 is in good condition you will be getting a great package deal there. Goodies alone are worth about $ 500 to $ 600. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krice58 50 #25 Posted Saturday at 03:16 PM 15 minutes ago, 953 nut said: If the 314 is in good condition you will be getting a great package deal there. Goodies alone are worth about $ 500 to $ 600. I think someone beat me to it. No word from seller. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites