A Cub Cadet FT24 tiller typically costs about $1,300-$1,800 new when available, with an average asking price near $1,550; used machines often sell for $500-$1,100 depending on condition. Final price depends on local inventory, engine and transmission condition, delivery, and whether the tiller needs service or replacement parts.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New FT24 tiller | $1,300 | $1,550 | $1,800 | Dealer or remaining inventory; availability varies |
| Used FT24 tiller | $500 | $800 | $1,100 | Price depends on age, upkeep, and running condition |
| Delivery | $0 | $75 | $150 | May be included or charged separately |
| Initial service or repairs | $50 | $175 | $400 | Used-machine allowance, not a required charge |
Assumptions: U.S. dealer and private-sale asking prices, standard residential machine condition, before tax.
What an FT24 Usually Costs at a Dealer
The FT24 is a rear-tine garden tiller with a 24-inch working width. New pricing is less consistent than for widely stocked current models because dealer inventory may be limited or the model may no longer be offered in every market. A listing near $1,300 may reflect a sale or remaining stock, while a higher quote can include setup or delivery.
For a working budget, use $1,300-$1,800 for a new unit and about $800 for a typical used one. Check the model number, included accessories, warranty terms, and whether the quote covers assembly. Sales tax is additional; a $1,550 purchase would add about $78-$155 in tax at rates of 5%-10%.
How the FT24 Quote Breaks Down
A dealer’s price usually includes the tiller and basic setup, but delivery, local taxes, and optional service can change the out-the-door total. For a used machine, the purchase price is only part of the budget because wear items or engine maintenance may be due.
| Cost component | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | $1,300-$1,800 new | FT24 tiller, subject to stock and condition |
| Setup and inspection | $0-$100 | Assembly, fluid check, and operational test |
| Delivery | $0-$150 | Local drop-off; distance can raise the charge |
| Tax | About 5%-10% of taxable total | Rate depends on state and locality |
| Used-machine service | $50-$400 | Basic tune-up through repairs to worn parts |
Ask for an itemized out-the-door quote, especially when setup or delivery is described as included. For repair estimates, shop labor commonly runs about $75-$125 per hour, before parts.
How Engine Condition and Tine Wear Change Used Prices
Condition has a larger effect on a used FT24 than cosmetic wear. A machine that starts cold, idles evenly, shifts properly, and tills without unusual vibration can justify a higher asking price. A seller’s claim that it “ran last season” is not a substitute for a test under load.
Tines that are badly worn, bent, or missing can require replacement parts and labor. A repair allowance of $100-$300 is reasonable for moderate maintenance, while engine, transmission, or tine-drive problems can push repairs above $400. Ask about storage, recent oil changes, and any history of belt, seal, or carburetor work.
At about $800-$1,100, a used FT24 should be demonstrably operational and reasonably maintained. If the machine needs major work, compare its purchase price plus the repair estimate with a cleaner used unit or another tiller.
Three FT24 Buying Scenarios and Their Totals
These examples show how condition and delivery affect the budget. They are estimates, not fixed dealer offers, and exclude financing charges.
| Scenario | Price details | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Private-sale machine | $650 purchase + $125 service | $775 |
| Used dealer unit | $950 purchase + $75 delivery + $95 tax | $1,120 |
| Remaining new inventory | $1,550 purchase + $100 delivery + $132 tax | $1,782 |
Inspection and delivery can make a dealer-used machine cost more than a private sale, but may reduce uncertainty. For a private purchase, budget time to inspect and test the tiller before paying.
When Delivery, Assembly, and Repairs Add to the Bill
The FT24 is a bulky machine, so transportation can be a real expense if the buyer lacks a suitable truck or trailer. Local delivery often falls around $75-$150, while farther trips may cost more or be unavailable. Confirm whether the seller will unload the machine at the driveway or move it to a storage area.
Basic setup may be included with a dealer purchase, but ask whether fuel, oil, and a test run are covered. A tune-up on a used machine may take 1-2 labor hours, or roughly $75-$250 at common small-engine shop rates, plus parts. Old fuel, a clogged carburetor, damaged belts, or a noncharging battery can increase the bill.
Arrange a cold start and a short operating test before accepting a used tiller. It can reveal starting, shifting, and tine-drive issues that are difficult to price from photos alone.
Why FT24 Prices Differ Across U.S. Markets
Prices can vary by about 5%-15% between markets because dealer competition, freight, inventory, and demand differ. Rural buyers may find fewer machines nearby and pay more for delivery; urban and suburban buyers may have more listings but face higher local taxes or transport charges.
Demand tends to rise before spring planting, when well-maintained used tillers can command firmer prices. Late-season listings may be more negotiable, but selection can be thinner. Since FT24 availability is not uniform, compare local dealers and private listings by condition and total delivered cost rather than assuming a national advertised price applies everywhere.
Compare at least two local offers using the same checklist: model, operating condition, setup, delivery, tax, and warranty. A lower sticker price is not necessarily the lower final expense.
Ways to Keep an FT24 Purchase Within Budget
Control the purchase scope first. If a machine is already in good condition, avoid paying extra for accessories that will not be used. For a used tiller, compare a seller’s price with the cost of needed parts and labor instead of treating repairs as a minor detail.
Ask dealers whether a remaining-stock unit has a written warranty and what service it includes. Compare it with a current rear-tine tiller of similar working width and engine class, checking replacement-part access before choosing on price alone. A cheaper model may not be a good value if parts or service are difficult to obtain.
The most reliable savings come from buying a tested machine, limiting add-ons, and comparing complete out-the-door totals. If a used FT24 approaches the cost of a new or newer equivalent after repairs, the price difference may not justify the risk.