Buying Advice 2550 Purchase Advice Please

[rbay]

I am looking to get a new mower. I will be mowing about 2 acres of mid Missouri rolling hills.

The Cub 2550 looks like a pretty good option.

My questions are:

In this price range ($3,500 to $4,000) is there any better option?

Of the 2500 series what is the advantage of the 2550 vs 2544 and other models? A local dealer reccomends the 2550 because it covers the wheel tread path. In the specs the 2544 appears to be a heavier built deck (11 guage on the 44 - 12 guage on the 50)

Will using a blade on this be effective on a 1000 feet of gravel road - with 1" to 4" of snow (I have a 40 HP tractor for anything heavier)? Will it destroy the mower?

How many hours (or years) use would you think I can expect assuming regular maintenance?

Any advice you can provide will be appreciated

 

[CCinCT]

In this price range ($3,500 to $4,000) is there any better option?

For a garden tractor, no, there is no other option in that price range unless you look at used. For a lawn tractor, you could look at the John Deere X300's. Just keep in mind they're not designed for GT work like the CC 2500's.

Of the 2500 series what is the advantage of the 2550 vs 2544 and other models?

The only real difference is between the 2542 and the others. The 2542 has smaller front tires and a shallow deck. The 2544, 2550, and 2554 differ only in deck size and 1 or 2 HP.

A local dealer reccomends the 2550 because it covers the wheel tread path.

I have a 2544, and in retrospect I should have sprung for a 50 or 54.

Will using a blade on this be effective on a 1000 feet of gravel road - with 1" to 4" of snow (I have a 40 HP tractor for anything heavier)? Will it destroy the mower?

Yes, it'll plow a driveway like that just fine. You may need weights, chains, or both though. Doing this will not destroy the tractor at all.

How many hours (or years) use would you think I can expect assuming regular maintenance?

I've only had my 2544 for 8 months, so I can't speak from experience. But my own research leads me to think 15 years is a reasonable expectation. Beyond that will depend on just how well you care for it, whether it's kept outside or stored in a garage/shed, etc.

I think you'll be very happy with the 2550. All the 2500's are very rugged.

 

[Mike5252]

I agree completely w/ CCinCT. 2550 is a very nice mower. I purchased a brand new 2005 carryover this time last year (since been traded in for progressively larger tractors) for 2900. I know last year was a change over in hood design, but if you call around you might be able to track down a 2006 for a pretty good price.

Good luck,

 

[rbay]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Wild Streak]

I purchased a 2550 about 3 weeks ago after some pretty extensive research. I agree with CCinCT completely. I really like mine and cannot wait for spring. You can't go wrong with the 2500 or 3000 series.

Good Luck

 

[doc_cottom]

I bought (new) a 2042 CC 2 years ago, and mow 1-1/2 acres every two weeks with no difficulty. The 18HP Kohler Command OHV, shaft drive, and hydrostat drive axle. All I have had to do is change oil and filters, and changed the hydro oil at 90 hours. (that stuff is expensive!). I also bought the heavier "dozer" blade, 40" wide (i thing), manual lift. Along with a set of chains, and some home-made weights (about 1/4 the price of CC weights, and looks better). I have 2,000 sq. ft. of drive I keep clear of Indiana snows. I've also used the blade to landscape with no difficulty.
On my last trip to my dealer, Minnis International, I asked about the 2042, and was informed it had been replaced with the 2542/2550. Naturally, I asked what the difference, and he just winked and said "decals." I haven't verified that, but it would be worth checking some day.
The 2042, I am perfectly happy and would by another today if I needed one.

Now..to find somebody that can answer my 124 question!

Doc

 

[Superclyde007]

A FEW DIFFERENCES THAT COME TO MIND QUICKLY are the GT 2542 HAS:
LARGER TIRES
NICER SEAT
TIGHTER TURN RADIUS
LARGER ENGINE
LONGER WARRANTY
NEW STYLE BODY
WILL ACCEPT HYDRAULIC REAR MOUNT TILLER
Probably a few others but that is all I can come up with off the top of my head.

 

[doc_cottom]

A FEW DIFFERENCES THAT COME TO MIND QUICKLY are the GT 2542 HAS:
LARGER TIRES
NICER SEAT
TIGHTER TURN RADIUS
LARGER ENGINE
LONGER WARRANTY
NEW STYLE BODY
WILL ACCEPT HYDRAULIC REAR MOUNT TILLER
Probably a few others but that is all I can come up with off the top of my head.

Watch your advertised horsepower numbers...
HP = Torque X RPM / 5250. All you have to do is raise the governed RPM and you have increased “perceived” horsepower for the price of governor spring. Neat marketing!
I remember seeing a tag somewhere from either Cub or Kohler, denying responsibility for accurate HP numbers. I don’t remember which is was though.

 

[JTKub]

... I asked about the 2042, and was informed it had been replaced with the 2542/2550. Naturally, I asked what the difference, and he just winked and said "decals." I haven't verified that, but it would be worth checking some day.

Doc

The mechanical differences are minor. The steering gear assy is different on the new ones. It will have the new style cast iron transaxle housing if your 2042 doesn't already have it. Other than that the 2042/2542 are same aside from cosmetics.

Joel

 

[ratherbefishing]

Going on my 3rd season with my GT2544. The 2500 series are great units. I have 2-1/2 acres of bumpy, lumpy grass, most of which is on a hill. Probably should have gone bigger on the deck, but thought it would be better given the terrain an possiblities of scalping. No issues to speak of and the routine maintenance is simple.
Enjoy