possible 184 owner

[C-dubb]

I currently own a Cub but have found a Cub 184 for sale that I am considering. It has a belly mower and 3 point hitch but it was disassemble for a repaint by the owner who passed away before completing the project. The son says that his dad was using it to mow and was planning on painting it in the off season. It appears to be complete and in good condition and they want $800 for it. I have no experience with Lowboys and am not sure if the price is right. Any advice would be appreciated. It is located in the Midwest region.

[staninlowerAL]

JMHO, $800 might be a bit high for a parts tractor but if you can't at least hear the engine run then I would say that's what it is. On the plus side, I believe that the 184 had the same engine, etc as the late model IH cubs (longstripe), If all the parts are there it might not be a bad deal if you're willing to take the chance.

[C-dubb]

My Cub is a long stripe so I would have that going for me.

[RaymondDurban]

I just bought one for $500 without the 3-point with a similar history and status as the one you have eyes on.
I promised myself after the last lowboy I went through I’d never get another one, but it’s a 184!
I say do what your wallet, skills and time allows. For me, it not about resale value, it’s about a hobby and having fun.

[Eugene]

I wouldn't purchase a not running, much less disassembled, tractor unless I needed its parts for another one.

Big thing is the unknown cost of getting the tractor up, running, and into working condition. Usually much higher than purchasing a tractor in work ready condition.

Numbered Cubs were designed as decent to good lawn mowers.

[outdoors4evr]

That 3-point hitch alone is worth $800.

[ajhbike]

Jump on it...the son is probably not lying and the mower deck and 3 point is worth the money if you have to recoup it.

[Jim Becker]

Is the disassembly mostly sheet metal etc? It seems unlikely that anyone would disassemble major pieces (like the engine) just to do a paint job. If the disassembly is minor, no big deal. If on the other hand you see something like transmission gears in a cardboard box, consider the son's comments to be suspect.

[Eugene]

I wouldn't purchase a not running, much less disassembled, tractor unless I needed its parts for another one.

Having said that, I purchased a 154 as a parts tractor from a neighbor because a lot of parts fit a standard Cub. I knew the tractor, it ran, mowed a couple months before I purchased it. I drove it home.

Because of the unknowns, I never suggest any one purchase a tractor based upon a written description.

Engine last ran? Tire condition? Clutch stuck? Steering? Broken/cracked frame? Photos?

[Jim Reid]

I beleive the 184s were rated 18HP.i have had five an if the engine is not worn out that is one fine mowing tractor.i have one in my shop now and it has been bored ,040 head shaved .030 block surfaced it has the three point and two speed rear end can't wait to see the grass fly.

[outdoors4evr]

Grass definitely quakes in the presence of a 184!
For that price, it is worth putting back together! (even if you don't do new paint)

[SONNY]

Just got a 184 here, non runnin of course but complete, got the motor to turn over by wiggle fan method, plugs and everything else black/burned/carbon so looking at a junk engine to start with. pto is trashed, mower deck trashed, looks like they buldozed concrete with it.
Was taking a 154 apart, sold the useless blade off the front, got the 3-pt mostly off. intended to put it on the 184, ran out of time and weather. Got another 185 ---- runs but something not hittin on 1. seller put new plugs/wires/cap/etc. but no go. dont have time to mess with it. Might just be intake valve warped on 1. got good mower with it, (like I need more mowers)!! lol! dont use them anymore.