Cub Cadet 2185 3.30 star(s) (4)

Cub Cadet 2185
Model Year: 0

This lawn tractor is an alright machine. Compared to the newer lawn tractor that Cub Cadet currently has, I wouldn't want to part with the one I have. The new ones don't seemed to be as sturdy built.

Pros: Hydrostatic; Khoeler engine.
Cons: Dealer support.

Engineers Needed
Model Year: 2005

Note: This applies to the Cub Cadet GT2186, which is not listed on the product list. Tractor: I like the tractor. It runs well. Of course most of that is attributed to the Kohler engine. I like the hydraulic drive. However, it does not climb inclines well. I installed farm tractor tires on the rear. Finally, I had the farm tires foamed. That gave me sufficient weight over the rear tires to be able to climb a reasonable grade, particularly when pulling a 100 pounds or so in the garden trailer . A full tank of gas helps, too. The engine had the power, the tires did not have the grip. The headlight system is trash - Paper-like reflectors in an unsealed system. Dust gets in easily, as do ants which nest. Plastic lens tabs have broken simply from the bouncing in normal use. The designers of my 44 inch mower deck should punished, severely. The drive belt from the engine jumps the pulley / guides if you hit a bump.This causes the belt to burn and be ruined. Cut debris quickly accumulates on the deck, fouling the blade drive belt. this can burn the belt or cause it to "derail". This can happened easily when the mower is not engaged, like when you are using the tractor to haul garden stuff. The deck is difficult to remove as it is bigger front to back than the space between the front and rear tires. One of the grease zerts came out during normal lubrication. They are pound in zerts, not threaded - cheap. There is an apron under the front of the deck. It is so poorly secured that a moderate impact will bend it. The ends can be bent into the outer blades. This would not happen if the apron was properly secured. The lift assist is placed such that it is hard to disengage when removing the deck and harder to engage when reinstalling the deck. IMO, this deck is best suited to and should only be used to mow a smooth concrete drive, flat or with a slight incline. Disclaimer: These comments are my opinion, are based on my experiences with the GT2186. These comments many not be reproduced in whole or in part, without the inclusion of this disclaimer.

Pros: Hydraulic drive.
Cons: Mower deck is more trouble than it is worth.

Cub dub
Model Year: 2000

This is the worst built mower I have ever seen. The deck wheels have the swivels on the front and they are cheap and weak and break very easy. The deck height adjustments are hard to make and the deck is a floating type that doesn't stay down when going fast. This is because it is made of very thin metal and lightweight. Also, can't get good service at my local dealer. Will never go back to them or a cub again. I'm going to buy a Snapper zero turn - built like a tank.

Pros: Good Kohler 18 hp motor.
Cons: Deck, transmission, reverse is slow, parts are expensive.

Cub Cadet 2185 garden tractor
Model Year: 1999

No regrets. Machine has yet to let me down. One peeve I have about Cub Cadet residential tractors is that they phase out attachments quickly. In 2006, I could no longer buy the (belt-driven) rototiller for my 1999 machine. Also, you cannot buy a 2nd mowing deck! CC does not sell mowing decks separately.

Pros: Dependable (Kohler Command powered).
Cons: Three-piece hood design is cumbersome.

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