Cub or Ariens?

I have a couple of each, my yard really ain't big enuf for either but I like messing with these machines.
That machine also has power steering. 1st GT I have ever had with that. I have some here and some in storage at the moment but between a GT19, an S16H, and a S14H (this one's a New Holland, whom Ariens bought this line from in the early 70s, painted em orange, and called them "theirs").
On the Cub side I have a CC129, and a 1200. way before the MTD takeover.

Which would you guys keep if you had to part with some? (so far I don't have that issue)
The only disadvantage I have encountered with either is less availability of attachments around here for the Ariens.
All are Kohler powered, K series except for the KT series II twin on the GT19.
all are shaft drive trans, all seem to be built like tanks especially as compared to newer machines.

I like Ariens with the front/centre & rear Hyd lifts, Also the read axle capacity is about 1700 lbs so lots of weight can be added for traction or load.Not up to date on the older Cubs but am sure you will get plenty of replies selecting them. Also no belts.. all pto driven attachments.

Unless you are really need the storage space or the money I wouldn't recommend parting with any of them. It would be cheaper to hire a commercial mowing outfit than to buy a new machine, so I did that and kept my four LGT's.

All the tractors you have are tough, high-quality machines that represent the upper class of garden tractors from their respective eras. My grandpa bought a S16H new in '78 and used it hard for many years, I had it for a number of years, and then I gave it to my sister for use at their place and it is still going strong. The original New Holland version of this tractor line would probably have added collector appeal due to their age and more limited numbers. The CC 129 would have some appeal being an early generation hydro-drive. Personally I'd say that these two would be the most collectible models you list, assuming all are in similar condition.

If the collection were mine and I'd have to part with any I'd let any optional equipment be a deciding factor in what I hung onto. Things like integral hitches (sleeve or three-point) on these early garden tractors add value and appeal. If the CC 1200 was equipped with options like the creeper gearbox or expecially the rare PTO tailshaft I'd be hesitant to part with it. Lacking these options there isn't much special about a 1200 (and I say that even though I own one without either of these features). From a collector standpoint the GT19 might have limited appeal as well since it is the newest and the twin-cylinder engine would be more costly should a major repair become necessary. The K-series engines in the other machines are great engines and relatively cheap and easy to rebuild. On the other hand, if you are needing the tractor for mowing and other chores it is of course the most capable one in your fleet. Due to its usefulness (assuming it has a good mower deck) it would still be worth a healthy sum should you decide to sell it.

Just all personal opinions from a fellow vintage garden tractor collector!

no, no professional lawn service wanted here, I do all that stuff myself.

I'm not expecting to have to part with any at the moment, once I get them all going and debugged, we'll see.... though my wife wouldn't mind seeing some go... the He11 of it is having to store some of my stash at a friends farm... worst part about that is being 30 miles away.
I also have an engine-less CC 1650 that is destined to be a parts unit, it will be donating its hydro lift and some other things to the 129, and the lights along with the grill pieces that are made to them, to the 1200.

oh yeah.... though I hear alot of "crap" about the KT series Kohler, the GT19 is definitely a keeper because of its power steering. I am in my late 40s and have been messing with GTs since I was a teenager (mostly lower and mid level Sears) and this one is the 1st I have had with that on it.
I remember back when I started playing with them in the 80s, it used to be said that a tractor had to have a horizontal shaft engine to be "worth anything", that anything with a vertical engine was garbage... yet back then that's mostly all the rider mowers that would come my way.

That sounds about right. If you buy multiples of the same
type and keep moving them around, they are harder for the
wife to count and track.