Yesterday, I went to check out an "old Cub Cadet, cheap, doesn't run, been in the back yard for about seven years." He gave me a price. Okay. Maybe I can use it for parts.
Turned out to be a 149. Rust in the open gas tank, seat and air cleaner laying on the ground next to it, so the carb has been exposed. Looks like everything is there, except for the broken cigar lighter and tail light lenses and one side cover. The upper grill casting around the headlights is cracked. I don't know about the internal shape of the engine or hydraulic lift, but the oil still looks like oil, and the crank turned when I spun the starter/generator pulley.
He offered delivery, but I was afraid he might change his mind, or I'd get outbid by another guy who was coming to look at it. Right now, it's in the back of my truck. Last night, I washed off the pine needles, sap, and other crud, and shot some PB Blaster. I think that with some slow and gentle loosening, cleaning, and adjusting, I can get it running. He's supposed to bring me the deck when he finds it, and I'll pay him the rest of my offer. He thinks it was yellow.
He also took me over to look at "an older one" that his neighbor wants to sell. It turned out to be a 125 with a deck. It was parked in a shed, where it's been since the guy with the 149 started mowing the neighbor's yard several years ago, so I couldn't see it too well. He'll check for me when the neighbor gets back from vacation.
I never really meant to start a collection.