2554 gone, now what?

ducati996 · Jun 3, 2006

( For $4000 the 2554 is as good as it gets IMO. If you want a comparable green tractor it'll be an X340 model. $4990. I looked at one before I got my 2554. The JD has a few nicer features for the $1000 but doesn't seem as heavily built as the Cub. It certainly wasn't enough nicer to convince me to buy one.

The 3100 series Cubs still have that micky mouse multi piece hood and side panel setup. The frame is substanially similar to the 2554 you had, with a heavier front axle, power steering, hydraulic implement lift, etc. But, one with a 54" deck will run you about $6K.

Personally, I get another '06 2554. You had problems with the last one that others don't seem to have. Maybe that one was built on a Tuesday after a Monday holiday...

)

The 3000 series has a significantly stronger frame than the 2500 series - 9 guage and weighs 300 lbs more at least...drivetrain is similar but with differences.
As for the hood, seems to be only a problem when your dealer bends it to fit - Dumb dealer

Have the engine or exhaust melt the hood is ridiculous and is not the norm.... I wouldb be curious as to why it happend and then make your decision once you get a refund. Possibly incentives to move up to the 3000 series will make it better??
Thats your call

ducati996 · Jun 3, 2006

( For $4000 the 2554 is as good as it gets IMO. If you want a comparable green tractor it'll be an X340 model. $4990. I looked at one before I got my 2554. The JD has a few nicer features for the $1000 but doesn't seem as heavily built as the Cub. It certainly wasn't enough nicer to convince me to buy one.

The 3100 series Cubs still have that micky mouse multi piece hood and side panel setup. The frame is substanially similar to the 2554 you had, with a heavier front axle, power steering, hydraulic implement lift, etc. But, one with a 54" deck will run you about $6K.

Personally, I get another '06 2554. You had problems with the last one that others don't seem to have. Maybe that one was built on a Tuesday after a Monday holiday...

)

The 3000 series has a significantly stronger frame than the 2500 series - 9 guage and weighs 300 lbs more at least...drivetrain is similar but with differences.
As for the hood, seems to be only a problem when your dealer bends it to fit - Dumb dealer

Have the engine or exhaust melt the hood is ridiculous and is not the norm.... I wouldb be curious as to why it happend and then make your decision once you get a refund. Possibly incentives to move up to the 3000 series will make it better??
Thats your call

gamble77 · Jun 3, 2006

I for one will speak up and say that I am not a fan of how the exhaust is routed on the new 2500 series. I love the way they enclosed the muffler to quiet things down but then to run the exhaust right out in front of the hood...and to cut a hole in the grill to do so!!!!

I will say though that none of the 2500 series I have sold have had problems/complaints about the location of the exhaust, and especially no hoods melting. Your problem with the steering seems to the fact that the dealer didn't fix the steering shaft like he was suppose to via a Cub Cadet service advisory.

All that said I really think the new 2500 series are the best ridding mower on the market for the money.

gamble77 · Jun 3, 2006

I for one will speak up and say that I am not a fan of how the exhaust is routed on the new 2500 series. I love the way they enclosed the muffler to quiet things down but then to run the exhaust right out in front of the hood...and to cut a hole in the grill to do so!!!!

I will say though that none of the 2500 series I have sold have had problems/complaints about the location of the exhaust, and especially no hoods melting. Your problem with the steering seems to the fact that the dealer didn't fix the steering shaft like he was suppose to via a Cub Cadet service advisory.

All that said I really think the new 2500 series are the best ridding mower on the market for the money.

cager · Jun 3, 2006

Wow...tough break!
I have a cc '05 2554 with about 35 hours (purchased 12/05) on it now and enjoying it immensely. Perhaps the one you had was one of those that was doomed to failure even before it left the assembly plant.
Something to consider...if the dealer has been as fair and reasonable as you say why not try another 2554? They would take it back too if the same or other problems arose. I'm certainly not in your shoes and this is only a suggestion. But, I think, if it were me, I would try another 2554. All the posts on this forum about the 2554 and my own experience (although limited) confirms for me this is one fine machine. I wish you well in your dilemma.

cager · Jun 3, 2006

Wow...tough break!
I have a cc '05 2554 with about 35 hours (purchased 12/05) on it now and enjoying it immensely. Perhaps the one you had was one of those that was doomed to failure even before it left the assembly plant.
Something to consider...if the dealer has been as fair and reasonable as you say why not try another 2554? They would take it back too if the same or other problems arose. I'm certainly not in your shoes and this is only a suggestion. But, I think, if it were me, I would try another 2554. All the posts on this forum about the 2554 and my own experience (although limited) confirms for me this is one fine machine. I wish you well in your dilemma.

JSharp · Jun 3, 2006

(
The 3000 series has a significantly stronger frame than the 2500 series - 9 guage and weighs 300 lbs more at least...drivetrain is similar but with differences.
As for the hood, seems to be only a problem when your dealer bends it to fit - Dumb dealer

Have the engine or exhaust melt the hood is ridiculous and is not the norm.... I wouldb be curious as to why it happend and then make your decision once you get a refund. Possibly incentives to move up to the 3000 series will make it better??
Thats your call )

I forgot how much heavier gauge the 3000 frame is. I remember looking at them side by side and thinking that they were quite similar but you can't really tell the frame thickness just by looking. The spec sheet tells the tale though.

I still think Seravo had uncommonly poor luck with his 2554. The hood on mine doesn't get all that warm and the steering is fine. I did have the steering service done on mine but looking at it after they completed it, I can't tell what's different now.

JSharp · Jun 3, 2006

(
The 3000 series has a significantly stronger frame than the 2500 series - 9 guage and weighs 300 lbs more at least...drivetrain is similar but with differences.
As for the hood, seems to be only a problem when your dealer bends it to fit - Dumb dealer

Have the engine or exhaust melt the hood is ridiculous and is not the norm.... I wouldb be curious as to why it happend and then make your decision once you get a refund. Possibly incentives to move up to the 3000 series will make it better??
Thats your call )

I forgot how much heavier gauge the 3000 frame is. I remember looking at them side by side and thinking that they were quite similar but you can't really tell the frame thickness just by looking. The spec sheet tells the tale though.

I still think Seravo had uncommonly poor luck with his 2554. The hood on mine doesn't get all that warm and the steering is fine. I did have the steering service done on mine but looking at it after they completed it, I can't tell what's different now.

stevebig · Jun 3, 2006

I have now got 12 hours on my tractor and havn't had any heat problems with the hood. The only heat problem I have is with heat being directed at my green grass and burning it brown when sitting more that 30 seconds to a minute in one spot with the engine running. Has anyone else had this problem with the 06 model?

Oh one more thing, I had one of my mower deck wheel bracket break a weld. Location is the left rear where the piece of pipe attaches to the bracket that runs on top of the deck. Seems the welder that day didn't inspect his work. The weld was barely into the piece of pipe. The dealer is getting me a new one.

stevebig · Jun 3, 2006

I have now got 12 hours on my tractor and havn't had any heat problems with the hood. The only heat problem I have is with heat being directed at my green grass and burning it brown when sitting more that 30 seconds to a minute in one spot with the engine running. Has anyone else had this problem with the 06 model?

Oh one more thing, I had one of my mower deck wheel bracket break a weld. Location is the left rear where the piece of pipe attaches to the bracket that runs on top of the deck. Seems the welder that day didn't inspect his work. The weld was barely into the piece of pipe. The dealer is getting me a new one.