I purchased my Cub in 1999. GOt a 2135 for yard work and a snow thrower attachment for the drive in the winter. First two years were great. After that, nickle and dime issues, VERY POOR reliability, electrical wiring issues, stearing parts broke, in 2006 the engine died with 234 hours on it (we think a valve rod bent) It was the most unreliable piece of equipment I have ever owned (and it was $4,300 for the setup in 1999) Service from the dealer was 'ok' but they had big International Harvester (or whatever they're called now) equipment to work on, so my cub was of little importance, profit wise. I understand that these are made by MTD and not IH like they were in the 80's. MTD makes mediocre equipment at best and the Cub Cadet is a testimony to that decline in quality. It's like what happened to the US auto industry in the late 70's and early 80's. Focus is all about profit and nothing about quality and it's all overseas. I have since replaced it with a Simplicity (out of Washington state, I believe.) So far I'm VERY pleased with the quality and attention to details. Under 5 minutes to drop the mower deck AND remove the bagger. And 2 wheel traction is a nice plus when climbing uneven terrain. I'll never buy another MTD product again. Make sure you know what you're getting

ducati, You are right but also wrong. On the right side, I should have told the OP that the Cub he is considering is an excellent, well made tractor that will give him many years of use in a residential application. In addition, I should have asked him to tell us what he intends to use the Cub for, the size of his property and so forth because all of that plays into whether the Cub will suit his needs 100 percent or not. On the wrong side, it isn't me that is comparing the BX1500 to the Cub........it's Kubota themselves. Whether it's a fair comparison or not.... the people at Kubota must have looked at the marketplace offerings to see what came close to the BX1500 specs regarding size, weight, hp etc and made the decision THEY did. Regardless of the comparison, the resulting replies have given the OP something to think about along with a ringing endorsement of the CC he is considering. Whether the OP can make use of three-point hitch attachments or the PTO on a Kubota or similar tractor, is something that he alone can answer. All I wanted to do, was to make him aware that such things exist since he is prepared to spend six grand. If he had been asking about an LA series, then I wouldn't have brought it up out of the blue, like I did. Few people spend that kind of coin unless they have a fair sized property to maintain. And if you have a fair sized property, then lots of other chores come with it. Having a tractor with the widest flexibility to handle time-saving attachments would seem to be a wise move. The Kubota provides such flexibility.

14 years ago I bought my Deere STX 38. At the time I knew nothing of lawn tractors and I can't say today that I know very much more... I wanted a Cub Cadet as for years Cub Cadet was the offical lawn tractor of the Chicago Cubs... Yes, I know it sounds silly now. Problem was there wasn't a CC dealer anywhere near me. As it turned out, I mentioned wanting a tractor to our banker when we closed on the house. He happened to be best friends with the gentleman that owned the local Deere dealer and made a call on my behalf. As I stated, I've got the STX 38, 5-Speed, mulch kit, rear bagger and trailer delivered all for about $2k. My lot is almost an acre and I live in Chicagoland so my season is limited. I do all the regular maintenance and to date I have replaced the carb, and the PTO. My daughter thought the hood was a metal car hood so she dropped it after checking the oil and that has been replaced once as as well. After 14 years I don't feel I'm trying to justify a purchase, I know what I bought and she has been a great workhorse for me. I can see why folks fall in love with the green and yellow. I recently got the itch for a new tractor. I found this forum and several others and looked at several tractors I've never even considered before, Simplicity and Kubota. Both were amazing!! Looked at a X300 as well and was equally wowed. After all the forum lurking I've seen an underlying respect for well maintained old machines. Mine just finished the yard, got a good bath and a coat of wax. Looks like something new will not appear in my shed till this old STX just decides she's had enough. As for what's better, who knows... All companies made an Edsel once or twice, but all I can say is good maintainance and a little respect for your tractor, of any type, and most will last a long time.

Hi I'm Stephanie. I don't know much about tractors or how to work on them but I'm always up to learn. My father has always Been a lover of cub cadets, and has 6 different kinds/models. He has always dreamed about having them all running and in good condition. He recently has been diagnosed with cancer and has had multiple surgeries and is in due time going to have to have chemo and radiation. He doesn't have the time or money to restore them or even get them running now. He has talked briefly about selling them all and how his dream has faded. I don't want that to happen. I am on a fixed income myself and want to try to help my father in any way. Tractors are the way. Most of them just need the ups, the points set and new condensers. I can do it but I just don't know what the points need set to so I don't do it wrong and burn them up. The condenser doesn't look too hard to accomplish. And I can remove the spark plug with ease. His model 1200 also needs the coils put back on which I'm afraid I don't know how to do either. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!