Cub Cadet HDS 2165

I see that your posting is a bit old, but I'll try to reply anyway. I just purchased a 2165 Cub lawn tractor and I feel that it is as tough as advertised. Many of my uncles have owned Cub Cadets for years and they swear by them. As for my unit, I just purchased it around May 1st ,1999 and so far it is doing fine. I upgraded from a Honda HT1038 that also was a tough tractor with shaft drive. I felt that the Honda at 10 hp was a bit strained and I knew that I would have more yard to cut in a few years. As for performance, the 16Hp Briggs engine has more that enough power to get the job done. I asked about the Briggs engine when I concidered the 2165, since most Cubs that I know have the Kohler engines. The 2165 uses the Briggs and Stratton VANGARD engine which is their BEST line of engines (check the BRIGGS AND STRATTON website for details). It must be good for Cub Cadet to use it on their line. Plus, parts such as oil filters, are easily available at your nearest Walmart garden dept.

Back to my 2165, the engine runs strong and with the 46" high vacuum deck, it cuts the grass very evenly and distributes the clippings widely. I was advised that the 48" FLOATING deck is for big spaces and not well suited for mulching or bagging with a fan assist. The Hydro drive is fantastic. You won't miss shifting into and out of reverse and to slow for bushes etc.
I have owned Sears models before and I must say that they HAVE made some good models over the years, but the Cub Cadets are in another class and far as reliabilty and build quality is concerned. I think you'd be happier with the Cub.
Feel free to email me for further details. There is more that I can type here.

You need to consider exactly what you are going to be doing with the Lawn Tractor.

The Cub Cadet I believe is more tractor like
and would perform better for garden chores than
the Sears.

For Mowing and pulling a small trailer, I'm
not sure it matters although I like the Cub Cadet Brand Better.

I've got two 123, one 125 and just got a 127 Cub Cadet (all 12hp models). In my opinion they are indestructable.

The hydro units simply don't break even when you double the HP (I did this to one of the 123's).

I use two of them for heavy field work (plow, disc, rake, scraper, & snow plow) and the other two for mowing and pulling a wagon.

As far as the brand name goes its great, IH did
a great job of developing this line of small garden
tractors.

MTD who now ownes Cub Cadet seems from all indications is continuing on with this.

I consider the Cub Cadet very easy to work on and have restored a number of them. But, I'm not
the typical owner and consider myself very experienced.

Good Luck

Ed

: My dad is looking in to buying a cub cadet HDS 2165 tractor and wanted to know if anyone out there is familiar with them. How trustworthy are they and are repairs difficult? He's owned the same Sears brand tractor for 20 years and loved it. He's a little timid about getting a new one. Thanks