2186 vs 2544

[ducati996]

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

Thanks for this - I never had the chance to really compare up close

 

[RCT]

Well, the deal didn't happen so no bonus. At least I know what I do and don't want.

 

[JTKub]

Well, the deal didn't happen so no bonus. At least I know what I do and don't want.

Awe man, sorry to hear that. I don't mean to go OT, but my company jumped on the slowly disappearing benefits train some years ago. No pension plan for anyone hired after 2004 (only 401K), just went from a bi-annual profit sharing payout to once a year, high deductable PPO medical plan that covers 80%, etc.... I'm fortunate that I make enough alone to support my family of 5, but I cringe every time I hear of unionized employes whinning about their pay/bennies. No simpathy from this guy. !@#$

Joel

 

[RCT]

All is not lost. I went to the dealer that has the left over 2186 and he has a couple of used Cubs for $800 each. One is a 1541 with 988 hours and the other one is a 18?? with 300 hours. Both have 50" decks. Is 988 hours alot for the 1541? And are these IH Cubs or MTD cubs. I didn't really investigate the 18?? much, but the 1541 seems similiar to the current 3100s (hydraulic deck lift, shaft drive, seemed to have power steering). Are these good choices and what year would they have been made (both tags are worn beyond recognition).

 

[OhioGuy]

I've owned a number of 18? Cubs.

The 1860 was a no power steering 18 Kohler command
The 1862 was a power steering version of the same tractor, similar to todays 3000 series.

I currently have an 1872, that's the Super garden tractor, bigger frame and wheelbase, a really nice tractor.

All things being equal, I'd go for the 1800 series.

Curt

 

[Dave01]

It might be an 1811, which is power lift but not power steering, still a great tractor but a few years older than the 1860 series (I think). I'd look closely at that tractor if it has only 300 hours, it could be a steal.

 

[RCT]

Yes, it is an 1811. No power steering with an 18hp Kohler, belt drive deck, hydraulic deck lift and shaft drive. It has a 50" deck. It has tilt wheel also. It seems to be between the current 2500 series and 3000 series. It runs great and everything seems to work. It was owned by the dealer's brother and was just traded in. They just serviced it and sharpened the blades.

 

[Dave01]

I have a 1211 that my dad bought new, I used it until I got my 1863 this fall. Great tractor, still in great shape after over 1100 hours. It has the 50" deck which is actually too much for the 12 HP but its managed to spin it for all these years. The 1811 you are looking at is the same tractor with the bigger engine, it will spin that deck and the hydro with plenty of power to spare.

Since I've run the 1211, my 1863, and a 3204 I can tell you firsthand that the 1811 is a solid, roomy tractor that is great to drive. Though not hydraulic the steering is fairly easy. One difference worth noting is the turning radius, the new tractors turn much sharper than the 1811 will. I have a hard time comparing the newer series with these older models but to me the 1811 will feel roomier than the 2000 series, more similar in feel to the 3000 series. If anyone disagrees please chime in.

I think that tractor is a very good buy at $800 with only 300 hours, I'm surprised the dealer has it listed that low.

 

[RCT]

I found the owners manual for the 1811 on Cub's website. Is a 6.8' turning radius right. That is 81.6"!!! More mulch, more mulch, more mulch. I guess I should be able to haul it with the 1811 though LOL.

 

[JTKub]

That 1811 sounds like a sweet deal. Year/hours dont mean much to me as long as the unit was taken care of. I've seen 200-300hr machines that were beat so bad you'd swear it was 5x those hours.

Joel