Cub Cadet 108

[Gonzo 1066]

My #2 782 had a blown KT Kohler in it when I got it. I installed a GX Honda 18hp V-twin in it, I prefer the Kohler to the Honda seems to cool better on hot days. .

 

[Bill Stockard]

Bill, I think you're referring to the KT "series I" opposed piston engine, the Command V-twin never had such issues, and was used in the later 3100 series. I worked on an HDS 3185 several years ago, and it pales when compared to an original CC, and was built like a cheap box-store tractor when compared to my Gravely.

Yep, I believe you are right! It was the KT series with two opposed cylinders. I have read where many were re-powered with a 18-hp V-twin Honda as TDR member Gonzo 1066 mentioned in his post. My old JD 345 is powered with a 2-cylinder 22-hp water cooled Kawasaki engine and it's much quieter the CC 782, but it loves gasoline.

Bill

 

[jhenderson]

I don't have the direct experience that Gonzo has, but every time I have replaced a power unit with a Honda of the same size I have seen a real fuel savings.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I don't have the direct experience that Gonzo has, but every time I have replaced a power unit with a Honda of the same size I have seen a real fuel savings.

My Honda repowered Cub does get a little better "Lawnage" than the Kohler unit does.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Speaking of "Lawnage", my JD 345 "Lawnage" is lower than was my CC 782 and my JD 655 z-turn uses even more fuel per hour. However, the over all "Lawnage" on the JD 655 is higher than either the CC 782 or my JD 345 since it mows much faster. I can complete my mowing job in about 40% less time with the z-turn which reduces amount of fuel used for the job and makes the "Lawnage" lower.



Bill

 

[Mark31]

Gonzo, I have an '04 JD GT245 (54" deck) with a 20 hp Kawasaki air-cooled engine with about 1250 hrs on it. When new, at about 40 hrs on an oil change, the oil would look beat to death. I changed to Mobil 1 and now run 80-90 hrs per change and the oil still looks good. The engine feels like it runs a lot cooler. It might burn 6 oz of oil in 90 hrs. Come to think of it, doesn't Honda recommend synthetic oil in that engine? Mark

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I will have to try synthetic this next change, maybe that is all it needs.

 

[NIsaacs]

I have 2 782 Cub Cadets, both have outlived many box store or Sears tractors.

Humm, my '98 Sears GS3000 w/Kohler 23hp v-twin just got insulted:-laf, I have changed out the drive belt and the fuel pump in 15 years. What can go wrong with a simple garden tractor after you take away the engine and transaxle? Also, I am not sure why you would want to extend the oil drain interval with a two quart system



Nick

 

[Mark31]

Nick, I "drug" (a little knee surgery last Wed) out to the shop to look at my JD GT 245 manual. It recommends oil changes at 25, 50, 100 and then every 100 hours, so I think doubling the oil change interval to 80-90 would be kosher. Gonzo stated his Honda engine put out a lot of heat, so I shared my story of how the synthetic Mobil 1 seemed to make my Kaw run cooler for his consideration. My advice and a buck and a quarter will only get you a cup of (cheap) coffee. Over at this link, http://www.generatorsales.com/order/H11000E3.asp?page=H11000E3 it shows the recommended oil for this 20 hp Honda engine to be synthetic 10-30. My '84 JD 165 with a 12. 5 hp(?) Kaw is still going pretty strong--It has had Havoline 30 in it ever since its first change. I've never noticed excessive heat coming off of it--It doesn't even have an oil filter! Because of its low-lift blades, I use it to mow an area where the grass is thin when it is hot, dry, dusty, and in the fall to pull my Cyclone Rake. Mark

 

[rscurtis]

I use Amsoil in all my small engines, including their Sabre 2-stroke oil at an 80:1 ratio. AAMOF, I save some of the Series 3000 when I change the oil in my truck and use it to flush dirty engines.

 

[NIsaacs]

Here is a 1976 1650 I used at my rental store for moving equipment. The first photo is the tractor after the December 1990 fire when the shop building was destroyed by a lightning strike. The second is the same tractor many years later at its day job- moving this 5000# chipper and assorted equipment trailers. I sold it for $900 in 2007 when I liquidated the business. I'm a Gravely person myself, I bought this 16G in 2010 on ebay for $2000. What can you get in a box store for that kind of money? That's its original finish, and that's just the way I got it. It's a 1991 model. Were these still made, it would sell for $12-15,000 today.

Dug up this old thread when I saw this for sale, 1972. It is a little bigger than the Gravely. https://showlow.craigslist.org/grd/6175262570.html

Nick

 

[Wayne M.]

I love it! Fun in the snow. Whats the rear attachment? Flail?

 

[Deleted member 995608]

All those vintage garden tractors have sure went up in price. They are super cool. I don't need one but I want one

 

[NIsaacs]

I love it! Fun in the snow. Whats the rear attachment? Flail?

I think it is a Gannon, if you click the link it has some better pictures. Nice tractor for the year.

Nick