Scooby074
Super Member
Ive been researching for the last year or so, options for replacing a 20 +year old Craftsman(MTD) 18Hp, 44 " rear discharge, Garden tractor.
This machine has gone above and beyond over these many years, but its getting to the point where parts are getting obsolete, and its truly showing its age (steering, engine smoke etc)
I was leaning towards a Deere x324 for its 4 wheel steering and great reviews.
This leads me to this thread.
On the pro forums, Cub is essentially laughed at. Why is this? Deere Marketing? Or is it due to their relationship with MTD?
As a MTD owner, i have to say theres no way id buy a Current MTD so i can see where some of this MTD hate comes from.
However Cub seems to be speced to a higher level, much like my current old craftsman MTD (heavy frame, cast iron, serviceable, trans, etc).
To me, in order to get these same things, in a current generation machine im looking a the Cub 2554, or the deere x500's.
My previous intrest in the x324 was because it had the 4ws, and my lot has many tight trees to get around.
Since that time ive added another property, that has a very steep and bumpy yard. So now i have that to contend with.
During my research ive found that the 300 series has the same trans as the 100 series, at a greater price. And the k49 (?) trans dont handle hills well.
so that means x500 which is $$$
All in all the Cub 2500's seems like a bargain? or am i wrong? Why no Cub luv?
So to sum up this rambling post
I want to replace my existing GT with a machine of equal quality and durability.
Quality of cut / anti scalp is very important.
must be able to mow "rough" lawn. all grass, but many rabbit holes/rough ground so deck flotation is required
Must be able to raise the deck high for curb and trailer loading clearance.
Turn radius is also important for the trees, but now not as important as durability on hills.
Ability to climb steep hills is required. existing MTD has problems climbing some areas of the yard (front end becoming light), forcing me to go across or downhill.
Diff lock or 4wd would be a plus, if it doesnt raise prices too much. But i dont think thats available on the cub 2500's, only the deere x500s
Approximate areas to be mowed:
3/4 acre trees and tight turns.
1 acre steep hills
Any opinions on the 2554 for my needs?
Im open to all suggestions including deere models or other brands, however about all thats locally available are: Cub, deere, Massey, kubota, sears, husquvarna, and the various MTD private labels
This machine has gone above and beyond over these many years, but its getting to the point where parts are getting obsolete, and its truly showing its age (steering, engine smoke etc)
I was leaning towards a Deere x324 for its 4 wheel steering and great reviews.
This leads me to this thread.
On the pro forums, Cub is essentially laughed at. Why is this? Deere Marketing? Or is it due to their relationship with MTD?
As a MTD owner, i have to say theres no way id buy a Current MTD so i can see where some of this MTD hate comes from.
However Cub seems to be speced to a higher level, much like my current old craftsman MTD (heavy frame, cast iron, serviceable, trans, etc).
To me, in order to get these same things, in a current generation machine im looking a the Cub 2554, or the deere x500's.
My previous intrest in the x324 was because it had the 4ws, and my lot has many tight trees to get around.
Since that time ive added another property, that has a very steep and bumpy yard. So now i have that to contend with.
During my research ive found that the 300 series has the same trans as the 100 series, at a greater price. And the k49 (?) trans dont handle hills well.
so that means x500 which is $$$
All in all the Cub 2500's seems like a bargain? or am i wrong? Why no Cub luv?
So to sum up this rambling post
I want to replace my existing GT with a machine of equal quality and durability.
Quality of cut / anti scalp is very important.
must be able to mow "rough" lawn. all grass, but many rabbit holes/rough ground so deck flotation is required
Must be able to raise the deck high for curb and trailer loading clearance.
Turn radius is also important for the trees, but now not as important as durability on hills.
Ability to climb steep hills is required. existing MTD has problems climbing some areas of the yard (front end becoming light), forcing me to go across or downhill.
Diff lock or 4wd would be a plus, if it doesnt raise prices too much. But i dont think thats available on the cub 2500's, only the deere x500s
Approximate areas to be mowed:
3/4 acre trees and tight turns.
1 acre steep hills
Any opinions on the 2554 for my needs?
Im open to all suggestions including deere models or other brands, however about all thats locally available are: Cub, deere, Massey, kubota, sears, husquvarna, and the various MTD private labels