Hi all! I am a newbie but glad to be here! I am to the point that I need to grow up and get a real lawn mower/tractor. I have put my used Scotts/19hp/46inch through the wringer for two years and it is dieing... expensively! It is nickly dimeing me to death (selenoid, belts, deck repairs and now new rings, head and rebuilt carb!) So, I have settled on getting a Cub Cadet but am trying to decide between the LT 1046 or the LT 2042. I have an acre and a half, lots of trees, half flat and half very hilly. I probably only mow an acre, but it is rough terrain that beats a machine pretty good. While the main use for the machine would be mowing, I do quite a bit of hauling firewood, gravel, dirt and other materials. So my dilemma, I want a smaller deck (no bigger than 46) a decent turning radius (18" of the 1046 would be nice, 26.5 of the 2042 is a bit dissapointing). I also want to be able to haul a good load of materials up a grade of 30% or better with little problem. I feel the 2042 is the unit I should get, but I need ammunition to convince my wife I need to spend the extra $900 to get it over the 1042! Advice, opinions or ammunition would be greatly appreciated!
1046 or 2042?
- Thread starter golfluvin
- Start date
- Views: 1681
NassauNeil
New member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2005
- Messages
- 4
The 2000 series tractors for 2005 will have a tighter turning radius. Bad news is the price will be higher. Shaft drive Cubs are the only in their price class to have driveshafts.
The frame and rear end are considerably heavier built.Taken care of.......it will last a long time. Think of the $$$ blown on the Scotts.
The frame and rear end are considerably heavier built.Taken care of.......it will last a long time. Think of the $$$ blown on the Scotts.
tonybada
Bronze Member
I bought the 2042 and I am very happy with it. You won't be dissapointed with the turning radius at all (i'm not). I test drove the 1046 it is a lot lighter. The shaft drive of the 2042 is what you need for hills and hauling, and $900.00 over the life of the tractor is not much. The hydro has a filter which will extend the life of the tranny. You will have problems with the drive belt slipping up that hill under load. The 2544 is also another option a few more bucks though. My wife understood the value of quality I'm sure yours will too, let her read some of the posts.
JTKub
Veteran Member
For rough terrain, you will definately want a 2042 or above to handle the beating. Tougher frame, axles, steering, bearings, deck components etc... The only thing that scares me with the 2042 is the 2 blade 42" deck. The 42's can clog easily and tend to not give as consistant a cut as the 44" or larger. It all depends on what and how you mow. The larger tires on the 2544+ is better yet on the bumps. I would wait for the 2006's. More operator comfort & the cool 1500 series 'lift from the front' hood.
G/luck
Joel
G/luck
Joel
Yeah he meant for "2006"...they will have the new look hoods, tighter turning radius, and one of the nicest seats I have ever seen on a lawn mower...nicer than many on tractors!!
Anyway, given your choices with your land layout the 2000 series with shaft drive is a MUCH better choice here. If you don't need the tigther turning radius I would try to locate a dealer in your area who has a 2005 LT2042 as I am sure they will want to move them out before the 2006 models arrive. Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted.
Anyway, given your choices with your land layout the 2000 series with shaft drive is a MUCH better choice here. If you don't need the tigther turning radius I would try to locate a dealer in your area who has a 2005 LT2042 as I am sure they will want to move them out before the 2006 models arrive. Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted.