Any input on the SLT1554???

[Dave52]

I am looking at purchasing the SLT1554. I have 3 acres of flat lawn to cut. The 27hp Kohler and 54" deck is the reason I am looking at this model. Does anyone have any opinions on the Kohler engine and the over all quality of the 1554 Cub.

Also, what are the prices some of you have paid for the 1554 GT & SLT.

Thank You !!! for all comments.

 

[DmansPadge]

Tractor Supply Co is selling the SLT1554 at retail... $2399. The Kohler engine is a nice plus. This line is still the "big box store line" of the Cub Cadets. They don't compare to the 2500 and 3000 series. But under normal conditions and proper maintenance I would think you could mow those 3 acres for years to come.

 

[CubTech]

The SLT1554 is nice lawn tractor. The Kohler Engine is a nice touch!

You should have no problems mowing 3 acre

 

[Dave52]

With the 1554 you get 27hp and 54" deck for $2300.

What more do you get with the 2500 series for $1000 more (the engine is smaller and so is the deck)? What is the big difference other than price??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Durbob]

I think a beefier rear end , a shaft drive and maybe a thicker gage steel deck? A thousand dollars will buy a lot of belts. I have an old snapper tractor with shaft drive and electric clutch for the blades and i have a newer Craftsman with a belt drive and manual blade engagement. And i wouldn't give a thousand dollars for those options, UNLESS, i had a lot of hills to go up and down.

Dur

 

[gamble77]

We recieved our first SLT1554 last week and I believe I already have it sold. I am impressed with the unit and think it will do well this season.

As for moving up to the 2500 series you get shaft drive, better spindles, larger rear end, etc. The only way that moving into the 2500 series would be worth the innvestment is if you are going to be using a front blade, pulling large items, or generally doing anything but cutting your yard on a regular basis. Good luck shoping and keep us updated!

 

[viking65]

I think the rear end on the 2500 series is cast iron instead of cast aluminum. Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[DmansPadge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( With the 1554 you get 27hp and 54" deck for $2300.

What more do you get with the 2500 series for $1000 more (the engine is smaller and so is the deck)? What is the big difference other than price??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )</font>

I'm not knocking the 1554. But the 2500 series are quite superior to the 1554. They are shaft drive... no belt connecting to engine to the tranny. The difference in engine HP will be made up with the shaft drive vs. turning a belt that will eat up HP. Thicker mowing decks, thicker frames, heavy duty cast iron transmission, etc.

I'm sure the 1554 would be a great choice for you. The 2500's are more expensive, but, you get what you pay for.

 

[mbouldin]

I have had a SLT1554 for four mowing seasons now. I am moving a very busy three acres. The best thing about this mower is the 27hp Kohler engine. The cut is not that great (I do keep my blades sharp), the cruise control is worthless, the blade clutch was a problem during the first year (got it replaced). The front bumper: I just took it off because the weld broke. The main drive belt was totally worn out. I really am not sold on this mower at all. The only thing that I have not had trouble with is the motor. I have had the mower in the shop at least once a year since I have had it. Mike

 

[civicminded0400]

I have a 2005 SLT1554,I bought it in sept 2005. It has 214 hours on it, the first two years, 50hrs were mowing a bumpy 1 acre lot, then in 2007 and 2008 it was used to mow a slightly bumpy4.25 acre lot. It overall has been an ok mower, here are the problems we have had..... The Weld broke on the front bumper @ 70 hrs, the parking brake button came loose at about 125 hrs, the front hood latch broke free from the hood at 170 hrs so now i have a bungee holding it shut,because the hood is cracked where it mounts. Thats about it for breakage.
The mower has a decent cut and it will mow, deep wet grass no problem, it has plenty of power for mowing, however on hills the mower struggles, the engine never bogs but the transmission seems to really struggle, so if you have inclines I would pass on it. The deck belt falls off on a regular basis, it is the original belt and is in good shape though. The motor Backfires sometimes when hot and you shut it off ( I have 2 other machines with similar kohlers and they both do the same thing).
And at 214 hours the steering is fairly loose but its not bad enough yet to warrant fixing it. However the mower has always started and it runs great.
This year I have bought a used JD 655 Z Trak with 1100 hours on it to mow my yard and have retired the 1554 to doing mowing along the fencerow and a few other areas and as a supplemental mower. I also started pulling my yard cart and sprayer with it. I tried pulling a 500lb lawn roller with it (Just about 15 feet out of curiosity) and Forget it, it is not meant to pull like that, I Use a Atv to pull the lawn roller. The motor seems capable of much more than the trans.

If I had to do it over again, I would say I might buy a 1554 if I didn't have much more than an acre to mow and I didn't have to pull much. I would say it is a cheaply made mower with a big engine and a big 54'' cut.