A Cub Cadet RT65 price typically falls around $1,000-$1,500 for a new or remaining-stock rear-tine tiller, while used machines often sell for $400-$900. The final cost depends on availability, condition, delivery, and whether the tiller needs maintenance or replacement parts.
Budget about $1,250 for a new RT65 before tax and delivery. The estimates below assume an 18-inch tilling width and a working 208cc engine; local dealer inventory can change the price substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New or remaining-stock RT65 | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 | Price depends on stock and seller |
| Used, running machine | $400 | $650 | $900 | Condition and service history matter |
| Delivery and setup | $50 | $100 | $200 | May be waived for pickup |
| Sales tax | $0 | $80 | $150 | Varies by location and purchase price |
What an 18-inch RT65 usually costs
The RT65 is a rear-tine garden tiller with an 18-inch working width and a 208cc engine. Because availability can be limited, a quoted price may reflect remaining inventory rather than a current nationwide list price. A dealer selling new stock may charge more than a private seller, but may include assembly or a limited warranty.
A realistic new-machine total is about $1,100-$1,700 after typical delivery and tax. Used prices generally exclude repairs, pickup, and any service needed before the first job.
Assumptions: standard RT65 configuration, U.S. retail pricing, ordinary access, and no major repair or financing charges.
Which parts of the RT65 quote add up
For a new tiller, the machine itself accounts for most of the bill. Delivery, assembly, and taxes can make a low advertised price less attractive than a slightly higher local quote. For a used unit, maintenance and worn components are the main cost uncertainties.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | When it may apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| RT65 machine | $1,000-$1,500 | Tiller and standard equipment | New or leftover stock |
| Assembly or setup | $0-$100 | Assembly and basic checks | Dealer delivery or pickup |
| Delivery | $50-$200 | Transport to the property | Distance and seller policy |
| Basic tune-up | $75-$180 | Oil, spark plug, inspection, adjustments | Used machine or seasonal service |
| Repair reserve | $100-$400 | Possible parts and labor | Worn belts, tires, tines, or engine issues |
Request an itemized total that separates the tiller, setup, delivery, tax, and warranty. For shop work, a common labor estimate is $75-$125 per hour, with parts billed separately.
How engine condition and tilling width change the price
The RT65’s 208cc engine and 18-inch width define the standard comparison. A unit that starts cold, runs steadily, engages the tines, and has intact safety controls should command more than one with uncertain operation. A brief warm-engine demonstration is less useful because it may not reveal starting or fuel-system problems.
On a used tiller, inspect the tines, drive belt, wheels, seals, and tine engagement. A set of worn tines or a belt may add roughly $30-$150 in parts, while labor can bring a repair visit to $100-$300. Engine smoke, fuel leaks, or transmission trouble can push repairs beyond $400, making a low purchase price less compelling.
Condition can shift a used RT65 quote by several hundred dollars. A machine with documented service and clean operation may sit near the upper end of used pricing; one needing immediate repairs belongs near the low end.
New RT65 pricing compared with used machines
New or unused inventory at $1,000-$1,500 offers the least uncertainty, but availability may be inconsistent. A used RT65 at $400-$900 can save money if its engine, drive, and tines work correctly. Add a $150 tune-up and a $100 delivery charge to a $600 listing, and the effective cost becomes about $850 before tax.
Compare the complete ready-to-till cost, not just the seller’s asking price. A seller’s receipt, service records, and a working demonstration help justify paying more for a used machine.
Delivery and repair charges that can raise ownership cost
Private-party purchases may require a truck or trailer, while dealer delivery commonly adds $50-$200 depending on distance and setup. Ask whether the tiller arrives assembled and whether the delivery fee includes unloading. For a used unit, confirm that it starts from cold and tills under load before arranging transport.
Normal upkeep can include fresh oil, a spark plug, air-filter service, and fuel-system care. Budget roughly $40-$120 for owner-performed supplies, or $75-$180 for a basic shop service. Larger repairs should be diagnosed before purchase rather than assumed to be covered by a seller’s informal guarantee.
Transport and an initial service can add $100-$300 to a used-machine budget.
Ways to lower the RT65 purchase price
Compare at least three local listings and ask dealers whether a remaining-stock unit includes assembly, warranty coverage, or delivery. Private sellers may accept less when a tiller has been listed for several weeks, but the discount should reflect its condition and service needs.
Bring a checklist and test the engine, controls, drive, and tine rotation before negotiating. Avoid paying a premium for accessories that are not needed for the planned garden, and do not treat a low price as a bargain if the machine needs an unpriced transmission or engine repair.
The most reliable savings come from verifying condition and avoiding unnecessary delivery or repair expense. A pickup discount is useful only if safe transport is available and the tiller can be loaded without damage.
Three RT65 purchase totals for common situations
A remaining-stock dealer machine priced at $1,250 with $100 delivery and approximately $100 tax comes to about $1,450. A clean used unit listed at $650, plus $100 delivery and a $120 service visit, totals about $870 before tax. A $450 project machine with $300 in repairs and $50 in transport reaches about $800, with further costs possible if diagnosis reveals additional faults.
| Buying scenario | Machine | Added expense | Estimated total before tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer stock | $1,250 | $100 delivery | $1,350 |
| Clean used RT65 | $650 | $220 delivery and service | $870 |
| Repair project | $450 | $350 transport and repairs | $800 |
These examples show why condition and included services matter as much as the advertised price. Add local sales tax to the final taxable purchase amount, and confirm whether repairs are estimates or fixed quotes.