[leeave96]

I've got a chance to buy a Cub Cadet 1650. It doesn't run - but I am told it will. Problem with the tractor is the iso mounts went bad and the previous owner tried to fit some kind of poly isolators and they didn't fit, so he gave up. I can't vouch for the story.

The tractor is complete, hood is in pieces, but appears all is there. It has a 48 or 50ish inch deck and there is a spare shell that is in much better condition for $100. The price of the tractor is $300.

Looking at the rear of the tractor, it appears to have disc brakes, but they look badly rusted. I think this tractor has been setting in the weather for a long time. It has no sleeve hitch - are these available (used) and if so, what's involved in installing one.

What can you tell me about these tractors, the price, iso mount replacement and other things I can expect to deal with if I buy the tractor and put it back in service. What can you tell me about the engine, hp, hydraulics, etc.

How well did these tractors mow - quality of cut?

I come from a Wheelhorse background, but would like to give a Cub a try and I kind of like this one.

Thanks in advance,
Bill

 

[nkaust]

you cant go wrong with that tractor i'll take it off of your hands if you want me too lol

 

[Dave01]

Bill, a 1650 in rough shape is still well worth $300, but you've got to be ready to do some serious work on it. You'll have to replace the iso mounts. When someone tells me "it doesn't run, but it will" I figure that means ..... it doesn't run. Is it just bad gas, dirty carb, ignition problem? Or is compression gone and it needs a rebuild? Either way it WILL run, but you have to have your eyes open as to how much work it will be.

It is a very rugged tractor, plenty of power to spin a 50" deck, it will cut really well.

 

[forkz]

my bro has had one since almost new been a very tuff machine has hydraulic lift still looks great n runs great will not sell for anything

 

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

I've heard that shock absorber bushings can be used to replace the iso mounts. Don't know from my own experience though.
I've had Cub 1650's. The 16hp is a natural "Shaker" and that would contribute to the mounts wearing out. I'll go out and say $300 is high unless you are wanting a 1650 badly, then it is very reasonable. Just don't get into it thinking you are going to resell for a big profit.
It's the biggest quietline and a very good tractor. The sleeve hitch is pretty reasonable off ebay if you shop, I'd say $50-$100 and easy to install.

 

[TheSaturnV]

You're going to be in for $400 if you pick up the deck, which might be a little high. Unless, (as someone mentioned) you've got it bad specifically for a 1650.

 

[leeave96]

OK - Thanks for everyone's help. Another queston. Aside from the ISO mounts, what are other aspects that make this tractor maybe less desirable than other Cub Cadets? I think I can easily replace the ISO mounts, but I'm getting a bit of a vibe the Quite Line CC's may have not be the most desired of the IH designs just in reading stuff here and over the internet.

I am also interested in all areas of this machine that are preceived as not as desireable and why. I figure if I'm going to buy one, I'd like to know every aspect of the design - good or not so good.

Thanks again!
Bill

 

[Dave01]

I've heard that shock absorber bushings can be used to replace the iso mounts. Don't know from my own experience though.
I've had Cub 1650's. The 16hp is a natural "Shaker" and that would contribute to the mounts wearing out. I'll go out and say $300 is high unless you are wanting a 1650 badly, then it is very reasonable. Just don't get into it thinking you are going to resell for a big profit.
It's the biggest quietline and a very good tractor. The sleeve hitch is pretty reasonable off ebay if you shop, I'd say $50-$100 and easy to install.

Why is the 16 a shaker? Is it more of a shaker than a Kohler 14 or 12 or 10 from the same time frame?

 

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

Its just the nature of the beast. There is nothing I know besides the mounts that are any different than any of the rest of the cubs, and that's a pretty minor thing in my book. I think most people think the 782 and the like are better looking, but that's personal taste and I think the quietline series are very good looking fixed up myself. It was the first of the wide frames and they are fine. Same rearends as all the rest for the most part. Maybe the 1100's tainted the line for some people (an 11hp briggs driving 90 degree gearbox to a belt driven peerless transmission to save bucks and compete with the cheaper box store tractors.)
I have no problem with them and the 1650 is the most desirable.

 

[Dave01]

Wasn't the 1x9 series the first of the wide frames? I think of a 1250 being the Quietline version of a 129, 1450 vs. the 149, 1650 vs. the 169, seems to me the tractors are very similar but not sure if I'm correct.

I decided a while ago that I'd keep my eyes open for a 149 or 169 but that's just personal preference, probably because we had a 129 years ago. I felt the 1211 we had (similar in design to the 782 ABC mentioned above) was quite a bit smoother to drive than the 129 but maybe that was just because the 129 was well used at the point we traded it.

 

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

You are right!

 

[leeave96]

OK - I picked-up the 1650 today. There was no relief valve lever on the tractor to disengage the hydro, so it had the auto relief valve and rolled fairly easily onto my trailer. I was concerned that given the tractor had seen some time in the weather and the disc brakes were rusty, rolling might be a problem.

The guy I bought it from assured me the tractor ran and all it needs are new ISO mounts - we'll see.

Where do I get the ISO mounts? Is this something I purchase from the forum sponsors or are they a CC dealer item and what can I expect to pay?

Hopefully I'll be pulling the engine in a few weeks and doing a cradle mod too - which I have read about.

The serial numer indicates the tractor was made in late 1976.

Lastly, the tag on the mower deck said 440 Rotary Mower. This deck looks like a 48ish inch deck. I thought the deck for these tractors was a 50C or maybe a 50A. Would this deck not be the original?

Lots of questions coming.

Thanks for everyones input/advice.
Bill

 

[rscurtis]

I had a 1650 when I had my rental business, we used it for moving trailers. It was a very durable tractor, considering all the different people who used it, including a kid who used to do figure eights and burnouts every time he got on it. (He didn't last long). As ABC said, the engine shouldn't be lugged. Run it full speed and let the hydro do the work. I did have to change a set or two of engine mounts, as employees had a tendency to lug the engine, espescially when moving the 5000# wood chipper.

It started life as a Chem-Lawn tractor, so it's safe to assume it had a lot of hours on it. I owned it for about 16 years. It was completely refinished and repaired after it burnt up in a big fire when the shop building got struck by lightning. It was repainted one more time, and I sold it in 2007 for $900. Never did anything to the engine except replace one head gasket. It still ran nice and quiet and didn't use a drop of oil.

 

[U.S.A Tractor Joe]

:fing02: Congrats.! We would love some pictures!

 

[jkearns109]

I'm in the process of restoring one right now, for the few hours i had it running before i completely tore it apart it seemed like a real solid tractor. I cant wait to get it all put back together and running. Coming from a sears ss/16 i feel like this is a huge step up.

 

[jsoluna]

1650's definitely on my list as one of the most desirable Cubs out there. I think the QL series are Cub's finest line of tractors. Congrats on the purchase! We want pics!

 

[dbuck]

:thThumbsU on your purchase. Before you get to hot and heavy on the ios mounts. I would make sure the engine runs and everything on the tractor works. Once you get everything fiqured out, you will have a nice solid tractor.

 

[TheSaturnV]

Congrats on your "new" 1650. Looking forward to what you are going to do with it.

:thThumbsU