Cub Cadet 682

[Bob m.]

Has an early 80s cub cadet 682 With 44" belly mower and cast iron motor that needs rebuild got any value at all, or is it just junk. My neighbor has one he wants to get rid of. If its just junk I have plenty of my own. Thanks Bob m.

[gitractorman]

the 682 has the Kohler KT-17 engine in it. If it needs to be rebuilt, and has not blown one cylinder yet, than it is not a bad investment. Most of the time, one of the cylinders goes, and it turns into a KT8.5. The tractor will still run and operate, but will not have any power and will die if you try to engage the mower.

To check, pull the spark plugs one at a time and crank it to see if you have compression in both. If the engine is just tired, you can rebuild in and make some improvements. If the one cylinder is blown, the engine is junk.

Depending on the condition of the rest of the tractor, it may or may not be worth a new engine. That is really up to you to decide. If the rest of the tractor is in great condition, I'd go for it. If it is beat up, let it be someone else's problem.

[klejeune]

Really depends on how much he wants for it. If the deck is in decent shape, I'd get the whole thing and part it out if the engine is really blown.

Check what decks go on eBay and offer that for the whole tractor.

[red56turbo]

Tread lightly. Really easy to dump alot of money into the 82 series engines. As said before, if the price is right, buy and look it over. If too bad of shape, part er out.

[JeffD]

Everyone is quick to jump on the band wagon to part it out... The 682/782 tractors are greatmachines. If the machine is in really good shape, and the motor is decent, around $1500 is a fair price. If it needs a motor, $500-$750 is fair. Also if it does have a bad motor, but the rest is in good shape, install a 18hp Honda conversion kit in it. Doing that, and you would have a really GOOD 682 for around $2000, and you can't touch a new model that will compare the the 682/782 tractors.

I just did the Honda conversion in my 782, and LOVE it.

Jeff

[Paul B]

A 682 has a manual lift and hydrostatic drive, the more desireable (and higher priced) 782 has hydraulic lift and a hydro. If it has a Series one engine in it, it is not worth the trouble or cost of rebuild1ng (Kohler doesn't even recommend rebuilding a Series I KT-17). A Series II engine can be rebuilt, and has a full pressure oiling system (Series I does not). It was common for Series I engines to throw a rod, usually thru the block, if they were used on hilly ground or run sideways on hilly ground, because of rod/crankshaft oil starvation. Engine life of the Series II, and Series I used on level ground , is about the same - supposedly 1,100 1500 hours. You can also replace the engine with a Magumn 18. It is the same basic engine but I believe there are some wiring differences because of the difference in the ignition and charging system.

[Bob m.]

Tell me more about the honda conv. estimated cost about $1500? Would a hydrostatic trans with that many years and hours still be useable? Sounds a little expensive to me, if somebody else wants the tractor I think it can be bought for less than $i00.00. Let me know and I'll put you in touch with the owner. Thanks Bob m.

[gitractorman]

Bob,
The hydro units are fairly bullet proof, and the Honda conversion is a great solution. I think that it is a bit pricy, but knowing how well Honda makes their engines, you should easily get another 30 years out of that machine.

[JeffD]

Tell me more about the honda conv. estimated cost about $1500? Would a hydrostatic trans with that many years and hours still be useable? Sounds a little expensive to me, if somebody else wants the tractor I think it can be bought for less than $i00.00. Let me know and I'll put you in touch with the owner. Thanks Bob m.

My honda conversion was $1400 shipped. My 782 is a 1980 model, and the hydro still work perfectly. Unless they are really abused, you can not break them. The Honda conversion was pricey, but well worth it once I started using it. Motor is nice and smooth, and it fires right up instantly.

Funny some people hate the idea of spending the money on a older tractor that was built tough, but think nothing of buying a more expensive new tractor that is built like junk from the start.

Jeff

[red56turbo]

Really depends if you want to spend the money on a conversion or keep it original. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. If the price is right, can't beat it. Good luck on your decision!!

[Fordlords]

"Funny some people hate the idea of spending the money on a older tractor that was built tough, but think nothing of buying a more expensive new tractor that is built like junk from the start."


I couldn't have said it better myself. The 682/782's are built like tanks and like to work, and keeping them all original for nostalgia value isn't usually worth it. But team a tractor like a good condition old 682 with a top of the line Honda engine, and you can have yourself one heck of a nearly indestructible garden tractor. The transaxle and rolling chassis are the heart of a garden tractor and the '82 series GT's excelled there. It's fairly easy to pick up a nice condition 682 or 782 for $800-1000, and put in a conversion engine for $1500. You'll find nothing new for $2500 that will remotely compare to the results you end up with. There is also a supplier with Briggs Vanguard (Diahatsu) engine conversion kits for these tractors, another excellent engine to use.

If wanting to stay all original and have a Cub that you can work to death, I would stick with the Kohler singles and look for a 1250, 1450 or 1650.

-Fordlords-