100 or 122

[Richard Streib]

I am to look at a 100 and a 122 next week. Neither has a deck but that is OK by me. What think the sages here without considering value or price? Is one better than the other.
I am not a collector. This will be a working machine for pulling trailer, dragging small trees out of the woods, dragging brush, pulling plug areator, lawn spreader etc.

 

[-CӞ]

I have a 100, which is a 10-hp + manual transmission. It gets used much as you describe.
The 122, I believe, is also a manual but is 12-hp.

I only wish it was a hydro (w/hydro-lift) when I’m clearing snow with the dozer blade. Rowing the gears and operating the lift lever, all w/o power steering of course, wears me out.

Anyone have thoughts on the 122, boys?

Good luck, and if in doubt, BUY ‘EM BOTH!

-C3

 

[gary noblit]

Richard,I have a couple of 10 hp and 12 hp also a 122 that I really appreciate.My opinion ,I would go with 122 although it is manual shift .It will do about anything I ask it to including mowing...

 

[gloughery]

+1 vote for the 122. I have a 70, 100, 122 (avatar), and a 169. My all-time favorite is the 122 with creeper. I'll assume this is your first one and offer MY opinion why.... The 100 is nice but tends to be used on easier cleaner jobs or when I want to pull kiddie carts around at engine shows. I've taken the mower decks off everything in favor of a 60" Exmark. When I want to haul loads of firewood or get down and dirty I use my 122 with three sets of OEM weights and ag tires. The 70/100 will stall if the load is too heavy using the same little yard trailer. The 122 is the first CC with a 12 hp engine and that keeps the family 70/100 purists at bay. I have since modified steering columns (3-turn upgrade), wide frame axle to allow 3/4" or 1" spindles (C-shaped), annual oil changes, Hy-Tran flush, and now working on an 1863 super steering upgrade. IMHO, if you can get only one, and based on years of personal experience, l'd compare each one for worn and beat up parts, fenders, creeper, sloppy steering and worn axle spindles, signs of incorrect or non-OEM replacements, dry rotted tired with rusty rims, and anything that doesn't look right. FB Marketplace is full of junk yard rebuilds where nothing matches, be careful. Look at signs of heavy trailer hauling where the ball hitch would go. Post photos if you're not sure, you'll get quick replies here. I spent years after my beat-up 122 purchase noticing things that looked off and then getting the correct parts so it didn't look like a 50-year old Frankenstein rebuild. Over time, you will notice. I could not have done anything without the support of this forum and the sponsors here. But if I were you, I'd get both.

 

[Richard Streib]

Thanks for the responses. Each looks good in photos. Will see when I can lay eyes on them and drive them. I am leaning toward the 122 just because of the 12 hp. 95 miles away.

 

[dschwandt]

Got any pictures of these machines??

 

[PACub100]

What do you mean WHICH one???...both!
122 is nice for the additional power but I prefer the look of the 100...basically they're both the same tractor.

It'd come down to what they have for options...if one has lights vs the other...if the 100 has fenders or not...etc. They're both great and make good workers.

 

[Richard Streib]

Got any pictures of these machines??

Not yet. I am going to see them tomorrow. Owner states they are nice. Hope is definition is close to mine.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Richard, if I could only have one, it would probably be the 122 because of the bigger engine. However as mentioned above, it might be more dependent on what options they might have. The 122 has fenders as standard, the 100 would have rounded fenders as an option with no fenders as standard. Lights were optional on both, as were creeper gears and rear lifts. It's hard to stop at just one, I have somewhere around 8 Cub Cadets not including the parts tractors. I also have some other brands. Yes I may have a problem.

 

[Richard Streib]

It was a successful trip of some 94 miles one way to see a 100 and a 122. The 122 came home with me. I think it looks pretty good. It is solid. No slop in the tranny or steering. Engine sounds real good. Steers very easy considering I am used to power steering on my mower.

 

[-CӞ]

Score! Thanks for sharing pics too.

Did you capture any pics of the 100?

 

[dschwandt]

That's a FINE looking Cub there Bud.
I can see why you brought it hom w/you.
Congrats!!

 

[rrschmitt]

Nice! Has a creeper and rear lift hitch. Two nice attachments to have! Too bad the original seat isn't there.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Very nice!

 

[gary noblit]

great looking 122,creeper and all ...in the low side in first gear you won't believe how slow it moves but lots of torque..congrats

 

[Richard Streib]

Question on the 122. The key does not remove from ignition in "off" but will in "on" position (engine off). Is this the norm?

 

[dschwandt]

No, off should be vertical and on should be at about 2 o'clock.
Something is haywire somewhere.
I have bought light switches supposedly new for WF's that were bass ackwards as well.
Turned to the left for on, instead of to the right

 

[gloughery]

Nice! Thanks for photos!