All-time best Cub Cadet mower in the 38"-42" deck range ??

[Jack Vines]

I loved my 2135 and turns out, it was just about perfect for my yard. I tried a Toro 42" zero turn and it just flat won't handle hills and slopes, so I'm on the hunt for another Cub tractor. If you were looking in that deck size range with a bagger, what models would you choose?

jack vines

 

[Gator6x4]

I loved my 2135 and turns out, it was just about perfect for my yard. I tried a Toro 42" zero turn and it just flat won't handle hills and slopes, so I'm on the hunt for another Cub tractor. If you were looking in that deck size range with a bagger, what models would you choose?

jack vines

I owned Cub products for many years. Still have a 2084 Cub which I mow with. But sad to say the quality of Cub products dropped and forced me to the "Green" family. My primary mower is a Green X495.

 

[AxleHub]

I loved my 2135 and turns out, it was just about perfect for my yard. I tried a Toro 42" zero turn and it just flat won't handle hills and slopes, so I'm on the hunt for another Cub tractor. If you were looking in that deck size range with a bagger, what models would you choose?

jack vines

A used I1042 or II046 zero turn tractor. I bought a used larger version and it us great for hills and slopes, runs smoothly, does nice striping.

 

[Jack Vines]

I'm not seeing any commercial quality riders for sale used here. It seems all the pros have gone to zero turn and thus Cub Cadet and John Deere riders have gone to cheap **** for the big box stores. What are you seeing in your areas?

jack vines

 

[Garycw]

The 2186 is great to mow with, except deck seems to clog easily. Fast, super tight turns, good traction even with no fluid. The 3000 series are good too with pwr steer and better decks
First thing I did on the 2186 GT was bypass the reverse safety switch.

 

[Jack Vines]

I've never, ever seen a 3000-series CC for sale here on craigslist and there hasn't been a 2000-series for sale this summer. Seems no one is using tractor mowers in commercial applications.

As an aside, it makes me dizzy trying to keep straight the million model numbers of CC since they whored out to big box stores. When I see one for sale, I have to do a search and read up and usually it turns out to be one of the homeowner models. Can't go by deck size any more; seems everyone, including CC and JD are putting really wide (48-52") mower decks on cheap machines.

jack vines

 

[Garycw]

I've never, ever seen a 3000-series CC for sale here on craigslist and there hasn't been a 2000-series for sale this summer. Seems no one is using tractor mowers in commercial applications. As an aside, it makes me dizzy trying to keep straight the million model numbers of CC since they whored out to big box stores. When I see one for sale, I have to do a search and read up and usually it turns out to be one of the homeowner models. Can't go by deck size any more; seems everyone, including CC and JD are putting really wide (48-52") mower decks on cheap machines. jack vines

The 3000 series are hard to find. People hang onto them I guess. I found this one for $600 and put some time and addl $150 in it.
Before

 

[Garycw]

After

 

[Garycw]

2182 SGT dual hydraulics, steering brakes , pwr steering, 60" haban deck, 3cyl kabota engine $13k new. Bought $700 & a pistol

 

[Garycw]

 

[Garycw]

2186GT very good tractor, hate the deck clogging issue
Ps.., difficult to change oil. Bad design and messy

 

[Jack Vines]

2186GT
very good tractor, hate the deck clogging issue


View attachment 438293

do you have the 48" deck? It seems the 48"-52" decks on many tractor mowers just can't reliably clear themselves and especially when equipped with a bagger.

 

[Garycw]

do you have the 48" deck? It seems the 48"-52" decks on many tractor mowers just can't reliably clear themselves and especially when equipped with a bagger.

I got it with a original 48" and a 54" deck. I've always used the 54" on it.

 

[Garycw]

It seems like the mfg just keeps making machines and everything for that matter cheaper built. Not necessary cheaper price though to watch there bottom line. They add fluff like cruise, tilt wheel, cup holders and 12vdc pwr outlets to charge your cell phone. I can't remember how many times I've been hiked out mowing across a steep hill thinking, wow I could be charging my cell phone... Not! If you can find a good 2000 or 3000 series or even the older IH Cubs they may be better built than new. I have a big box JD L120 bought 10 yrs ago that will probably outlast a new big box unit. A good used JD 500 series would be a good choice too. I did however just get s new JD1025R scut with 60" deck & FEL. I still use the cub 2186gt for tighter places it won't go. The dealer told me they quit making the Cub 3000 series mowers because they cost too much to produce and sell to make a big profit. Parts are outrageous on all makes. The $150 I put into the cub3205 was a pto belt, gas tank grommet , a few plastic bushings & paint.
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