LBrown59
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2004
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- Tractor
- 2003 Kubota BX1500/2004 Kubota Bx23/2005 Kubota BX1500
Comparison: model 1872 to GT2554
- Thread starter diesel_nut
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- cub cadet gt2554
OP
diesel_nut
Gold Member
Once you have used a hand-controlled hydro anything else is second-rate. It is so easy it is unbelievable. I cannot believe they don't still do this.....although the same basic concept is used on the Zero-turns, only you have two of them instead of one 
Hand-controlled hydro works like this:
Push it forward you go forward. Push it to the desired speed and LEAVE IT THERE. No need to touch it. Want to slow down?......pull it back toward 'neutral'(center of it's throw). Want to go in reverse?...pull it back past "neutral". It's fast and easy. Brakes? Never had to use them. In fact I bet I haven't touched the brake pedal on my 1872 in 5 years!
The reverse pedal on the new ones is a big PIA! Akward at best. And having to set the parking brake and then set the stupid lock switch is just assanine!
Some IDIOT probably ran into something and sued and now we have the current set up which is, compared to the hand unit, much harder.
If you have never had one you don't know what you are missing
It's kinda like the hand controls on a Zero-turn............. only easier.
Hand-controlled hydro works like this:
Push it forward you go forward. Push it to the desired speed and LEAVE IT THERE. No need to touch it. Want to slow down?......pull it back toward 'neutral'(center of it's throw). Want to go in reverse?...pull it back past "neutral". It's fast and easy. Brakes? Never had to use them. In fact I bet I haven't touched the brake pedal on my 1872 in 5 years!
The reverse pedal on the new ones is a big PIA! Akward at best. And having to set the parking brake and then set the stupid lock switch is just assanine!
Some IDIOT probably ran into something and sued and now we have the current set up which is, compared to the hand unit, much harder.
If you have never had one you don't know what you are missing
It's kinda like the hand controls on a Zero-turn............. only easier.
Last edited:
OP
diesel_nut
Gold Member
Another comparison:
The 2554 does a LOT better on uneven terrain. With the 1872 it would get hung up easily if one wheel went in a dip but the 2554 seems to have 'independent suspension' in comparison. Much better. I don't get hung up in the same spots as the old tractor.
The 2554 does a LOT better on uneven terrain. With the 1872 it would get hung up easily if one wheel went in a dip but the 2554 seems to have 'independent suspension' in comparison. Much better. I don't get hung up in the same spots as the old tractor.
CCinCT
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2006
- Messages
- 283
I have to disagree on a few points, dn. When I'm mowing my 1 acre, I have a lot of obstacles and bumpy terrain that require me to change my speed frequently. Doing so with the foot is much easier because it lets me keep both hands on the wheel as I'm being bumped around, or tracking really close to objects.
Not sure why you think brakes are any different now. I only use mine when I want to get off the tractor and keep it running (safety switch requirement). I've never had to use the brakes when mowing, plowing, towing, stopping, whatever.
And there's no way I could plow my driveway with a hand throttle. I have a gravel driveway that requires me to adjust the height of the blade constantly, as well as adjust my speed to keep traction. Can't do all that and steer at the same time without a foot throttle.
Compared to my 1250, everything is easier with the 2544. Perhaps if I had smooth, open lawn to mow and a paved driveway I'd think differently. But as it is, with obstacles and bumpy lawn there's no comparison.
This disagreement, btw, is a great example of why there are so many brands, configurations, and options available. There is no single right way to configure a tractor for everyone.
Not sure why you think brakes are any different now. I only use mine when I want to get off the tractor and keep it running (safety switch requirement). I've never had to use the brakes when mowing, plowing, towing, stopping, whatever.
And there's no way I could plow my driveway with a hand throttle. I have a gravel driveway that requires me to adjust the height of the blade constantly, as well as adjust my speed to keep traction. Can't do all that and steer at the same time without a foot throttle.
Compared to my 1250, everything is easier with the 2544. Perhaps if I had smooth, open lawn to mow and a paved driveway I'd think differently. But as it is, with obstacles and bumpy lawn there's no comparison.
This disagreement, btw, is a great example of why there are so many brands, configurations, and options available. There is no single right way to configure a tractor for everyone.
JTKub
Veteran Member
Hehehe... I should have known the stick or pedal preference thing was headed down a curvy slope with no way of stopping.
Really though, Dash/fender hydro controls on a GT and sticks on a ZTR are apples to oranges. ZTR levers do your turning, speed AND direction control. There's no letting go of one control to grab at another. Like CC says, you don't have enough hands to easily do some chores with a lever controlled hydro.Joel
OP
diesel_nut
Gold Member
No snow here
CC: Sounds like you need to prune some trees to me
CC: Sounds like you need to prune some trees to me
CCinCT
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2006
- Messages
- 283
Actually completed the pruning last year. This year I'm working on "connecting all the obstacle dots", so to speak. 15 yards of mulch, and a ton of time should do it. By the time I'm done, I'll probably have only a 1/2 acre to mowCC: Sounds like you need to prune some trees to me
bwmarine
Silver Member
I actually have an Ingersoll 446 for snow blowing with the shift/speed by hand and doesnt bother me at all... guess its what ever you get used to. The 2550 I gave it a good work out today and I do like the foot pedals... my cub 7235 is somewhat the same so its already normal for me. So for preference either one is a good choice for me!!! Just wish the 2550 had a little more umph in reverse though... for mowing it would be fine but for backing up a loaded sweeper in loose soil to dump it can hang easily as there is no momentum to carry.
The 2086 on Ebay sold for over $3,100. These tractors hold their value quite well.
Its a really good idea to set your parking brake when you shut down your tractor, just safer especially if there is any incline. Not sure why, but my 2084 will hold still just fine with the hydro when running, but when stopped it will roll a bit. I assume the hydro pressure is bleeding off and letting it free-wheel, not sure if there is something wrong that has to be fixed but it runs fine otherwise.
Its a really good idea to set your parking brake when you shut down your tractor, just safer especially if there is any incline. Not sure why, but my 2084 will hold still just fine with the hydro when running, but when stopped it will roll a bit. I assume the hydro pressure is bleeding off and letting it free-wheel, not sure if there is something wrong that has to be fixed but it runs fine otherwise.
savageactor7
Platinum Member
I don't see any problem with it on my GT2554.
Why do you hate it?
After awhile it hard on the knee.