2186 vs 2544

RCT · Dec 2, 2006

So, I have narrowed my choices down to a left over 2186 for $2600 or a new 2544 for $3400. Is there any reason to go with one over the other?? As I posted earlier, the same dealer has a 3165 for $4400, but even he said it would be overkill for my 3/4 acres. I can't find any good specs on the 2186. I am also confused on the year it was made. The serial# tag says "conforms to 1998 EPA standards", but the tag on the hourmeter wiring says "6-4-2004".

micman32 · Dec 3, 2006

I would go for the 2186. The price is good and there is no major difference between the 2 other than the metal hood, the aluminum tranny housing and a slight hp difference.
I think the 2186 was around in 2001 or 2002 and then ended in 2004. I think it would serve you well and will last for years to come and with the extra cash you would save you could get a bagger.
I would insist on a full warranty and you can't go wrong.

Michael

JTKub · Dec 3, 2006

The only other change I can think of between the 2186 and newer replacements is, 2005+ models have a seat mount that sets the set back a small amount and up in the air a lot more. This gives you a little more leg room. You can swap out seat mounts to do this mod yourself. $2600 is an awesome deal for a new old stock 2186! A new 2544 is about a grand more.

Joel

RCT · Dec 3, 2006

micman32, I actually thought of the metal hood on the 2186 as a plus after reading some much about plastic hoods on Cubs and other makes melting. And the dealer told me already that I would get a 2 year warranty on either tractor.

JTKub, The only thing I really liked more on the 2544 than the 2186 was the seat. I don't care so much about being higher for more room (I am only 5'8) but think that the armrests would be cool. Can you get armrests for the 2186 or is there a replacement seat that would have them? If so how much would that run?

JTKub · Dec 3, 2006

You could probably swap the seats right out. A 2006+ seat/mount kit would probably be close to $200 I'd guess.

Joel

ducati996 · Dec 4, 2006

I would go with the new 2544 - Im under the impression there is a significant improvement in leg room, and the weight is more based on the heavier cast iron tranny. Also I think the HP is a big jump...

Duc

ducati996 · Dec 4, 2006

RCT said:
So, I have narrowed my choices down to a left over 2186 for $2600 or a new 2544 for $3400. Is there any reason to go with one over the other?? As I posted earlier, the same dealer has a 3165 for $4400, but even he said it would be overkill for my 3/4 acres. I can't find any good specs on the 2186. I am also confused on the year it was made. The serial# tag says "conforms to 1998 EPA standards", but the tag on the hourmeter wiring says "6-4-2004".

They stopped makeing the 3165 long ago. 16HP Briggs motor wasnt the strongest offering, so it was discontinued shortly thereafter its intro....1998 could be accurate, 2004 is definitely not - sounds like the wiring was replaced...

RCT · Dec 4, 2006

I have seen specs for the 2186 with a 18hp Kohler, but this one has a 20hp Kohler Command. The tag I was refering to was on the 2186 not the 3165.

micman32 · Dec 6, 2006

RCT said:
I have seen specs for the 2186 with a 18hp Kohler, but this one has a 20hp Kohler Command. The tag I was refering to was on the 2186 not the 3165.

When I was looking at the 2186 it had an 18hp (in 2003) but in 2004 they put in the 20 hp Kohler Command. It's the same engine in my 2518 and it runs like a top. I couldn't be more pleased with it. The hp in the 2544 is 21 hp.
I like the metal hood. The side panels keep grass out of the engine just have to blow it out every so often.
I guess the bottom line is how much you want to spend. I feel if you can get the 2186 for that good a price with warranty and keep some cash in your pocket you can't go wrong.

JTKub · Dec 6, 2006

ducati996 said:
I would go with the new 2544 - Im under the impression there is a significant improvement in leg room...

Duc, there is definately an improvement with respect to 'room behind the wheel' on the 2005+ 2000 series machines, but it's not huge. CC mostly jacked the seat way up in the air. It's no where near the change in room you get in jumping from the seat of a 2K series to 3K series machine. I know back before I bought my 2544, I contimplated purchasing a leftover 2004 2180. The dealer was willing to throw a 2005 seat mount on it (for a small fee) so I'd have more room. I almost jumped at it, but I was affraid of the 42" deck on it. I waited a few months until the 2544's were in the showroom and that 2180 was long gone.

Joel