1050($1999.) VS. 1554($2799)

[cubshopper]

I have approx 2 1/2 to 3 acres to mow. The price on the 1050 is fairly appealling and should work fine w/ 50" deck. The guy at a local dealer said the he would reccomend the 1554 (with bigger wheels and deck) for longevity. I'm looking for the best value and also what will hold up best over time. Any suggestions or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[mikeslavis]

cubshopper,

In my opinion you should go with the 1050. I own one, and it's doing a great job. You don't mention which 1554 you're looking at, the SLT 1554 or the GT 1554, the GT 1554 has a thicker deck and bigger wheels/tires than the SLT 1554. In either case, for the money, I still take the 1050. Oh yeah, the 1554's have the "high back" seat, the 1050 just the "standard" seat, although mine is quite comfortable.

Longevity-wise, I think most here will tell you they are equivalent, with the exception of the slightly thicker mower-deck on the GT 1554. As far as I know, bigger wheels and deck don't add up to longevity, welded-frames, quality engines, and heavy-duty transmission, axles, spindles, etc...do, and the 1050/1554s are about equal there. If you really want increased longevity, you need to jump to the 2xxx series (or take really, really good care of your 1xxx-series).

See my post on why I decided on a 1050 over a 2544 here also:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Board/cubcadet/Number/635760/page/3/view/collapsed/sb/5/o//fpart/1

Thanks,

mike@slavis.com