2006+ 25xx Heat Update?

[atxdb]

Hi! I'm a forum newbie looking for an update from you guys that have seen issues with heat on the 2500 series tractors since the move to the plastic hoods in 2006.

My 7 year old Craftsman DLT2000 died last week due to the "Briggs and ScrapIron" Intek V-Twin pulling the exhaust valve guide out of the head. This shot the exhaust pushrod somewhere into the nether regions of the block at only 350 hours (and meticulous maintenance). I want to reapir it myself, but I don't have the time right now. Other than the plastic hood (very brittle from the heat of the engine - tractor always garaged, so it's not UV damage), the tractor has held up very well and mows great.

Anyway, I am really trying to stay away from the cheap tractors this time, and the only tractor out there which has caught my eye for the incredible bang for the buck is the CC 2500 series. You guys had some great discussion last year about the hood, heatshield, and airflow design, but I haven't seen any recent updates. Has anybody had early PTO failure or more hood melting? I really have my eye on the 2544 at my local CC dealer, but I don't want a nice 2000 hour rated Kohler dead at 500 hours from the oil getting cooked either.

I love the JD X324, but honestly don't think that it's worth $500 more for a lesser built tractor. No doubt the fit and finish on the Deere are better, but the CC is a lot more comparable to the X500 series in terms of sturdiness.

Doug

 

[moe1942]

If your CC dealer has a good rep I would go with the GT25xx. I have the 2542 and it is a great machine. Until the warranty runs out a good dealer is an important part of the decision. New things sometimes have problems. A dealer that will take care of them is a deal maker.

 

[atxdb]

Yeah, that's part of the problem for me, my dealer would be part of a north Texas area chain called Landmark Equipment ... they have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau, but I haven't found anyone I know that's done business with them. They sell New Holland and a bunch of other equipment, so I know that they must sell a lot of stuff. They only had one BBB complaint in the last 3 years, which was "successfully resolved".

Thanks,

Doug