cubs vs wheel horse or maybe just compared

[papaglide 542]

Alright guys. I am a Cub guy who bought a 1969 GT 14 based on the appearance: it was freaking neat looking. After having it for 2-3 days and driving it around and towing a trailer with it, I am becoming VERY impressed with it. Now, based on my cub experiences, I am starting to believe that the Wheel Horses MIGHT be a slightly better tractor based on these observations:

1. After comparing my 1971 CC 127 with the 1969 GT 14, the '14 seems to be heavier built and a littler simpler to work on.

2. The shaft drive vs. belt drive seems to have NO bearing on the pulling power.

Both have a Sundstrand cast rear end and a 12 hp Kohler. (the '14 is supposed to have a 14 hp Kohler but...)

I guess what I am curious about were ALL old school tractors (Bolens, Sears, etc) well built and heavy duty?

Does the Wheel Horse have any advantages, NOT BIASES, over the IH CC?

And the final straw for me that I NEVER knew before, SOUTH BEND!!!

FIGHTING IRISH!!! Why did I not know wheel horses were from the same town my family's favorite team is from!!!????

what is everyone elses opinion?

Why do YOU prefer the Wheel Horse?

[JimD 3,347]

Hi Papaglide, and ,

To be honest, I would be quite happy to own an older Cub. They were some really well built machines. The biggest difference is, as you mentioned, easier to work on the Wheel Horse. It all boils down to personal preference. I have a friend who is into Cubs, and is currently building a puller. He says the Cubs are overbuilt for the use they get as a mower and garden tractor and are way more complicated to work on. And after seeing his machines I agree, they are very well built. For me, the ease of making repairs on the horse is a huge advantage.

[rickv1957 77]

Wheel horse tractors are easy to work on,very well built,lots of parts will interchange along with attachments Rick

[wheel horse 1045 2]

I think rick said it all :omg:

[Operator 7]

I've also had Cub' but don't care for the way the front attachments hook up and belt tightening system at all. The tractor it self was good solid little unit with a real clutch set-up . They were all noisey except the last one a 2185 I think it was, bought it for $100.00 very abused spent $600.00 fixing deck bearings and shell plus grill, sold it for $900.00. Shouldn't have fixed it just kept tractor for the Kohler itself. But with this last one and looking over and under it you could see the quality just wasn't comparible to the "real" Cub Cadet's.

My opinion, and am stiking to it. only type now,

Randy

[Shuboxlover 483]

My opinion......

GO HUSKERS........can't go wrong with RED!!!!!!!!

:D

[Ken B 3,202]

I used to be into Cub Cadet exclusivley a few yrs ago. I agree, a bit harder to work on, front attachment hook up sucks, not too mention you can't find one that don't need a rebuild of the steering box. Oh, and if you ever break the roll pin holding the driveshaft in while pushin snow, you'll be wishing they used a belt!

[wheelhorsec85 5]

red all the way :omg:

[jturner008 0]

I have 4 wheel horse but I also have a 445 JD, and a 14 Economy Power King each one has its place and some are better for certain chores than others I really like the Wheel Horse for it's toughness.

[BPjunk 184]

All of the 1960's and early 70's model garden tractors were quality built machines. Wheel Horse had a better network of dealerships then Cub Cadet, so this network along with a easyer to service tractor made them a better value. The Cub Cadet does have a heavyer duty transmission but at several times the cost of the Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission. (plus the Uni-Drive is real easy to service)

I've always believed that Wheel Horses quick connecting attachments made more of a good selling point to suburban home owners.

Wild Bill

[Don1977 605]

Never owned any thing else. Used my cousins Old Wheel Horse must have been 1960 or 61. When I bought my tractor I never even looked at any other tractors.

Wheel Horse The American Way Built To Last. :omg: