Buying Advice Cub Advice Please

Hanky · Aug 10, 2005

Hello all,
I am in the market for a new mower for my property. I have recently closed on 2 acres of land in the country. The land is flat and a clean slate, grass only. I plan to build a home on the property sometime after the 1st of the year, so the mowing area will decrease. I have the usual big box stores in my area Lowes, Depot, Tractor Supply, but no small dealers of Cub products. I am not limited to Cub, but like what I have seen localy. The mower would be for homeowner use only. I love the Idea of a ZTR for speed. I think the features for a Lawn tractor are nice as well. I am intrested in efficency & longevity more than anything. I would like to stay around the 3K mark or less if possible but would spend a bit more for quality. Please give me your oponions.

Thanks in advance

Hank

gamble77 · Aug 10, 2005

With two acres that rules out the RZT, the cheap zero turns that Lowes carries. Your best bet if you wanted a zero turn would be a Z-Force with the 44" deck and Kohler motor, your local TSC should have these. You should be able to get on for a little over $3500.00. If you wanted a rider I would recommend the LT1050 or SLT1554, both are great riders at a price you cant find anywhere else. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.

Spiffy · Aug 10, 2005

If mowing is your only task, and you plan to have any obstacles, you'll like the Z. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I wouldn't be too afraid to pull a wagon or aerator either, but follow the books or your own gut there. Ground engaging, I'd say the tractor style is the better option.

I'll concur with Gamble on something like the ZForce sounding like your "right tool for the job".

For a very, very abstract generalization of Zs [let's also assume 4ft cut and ride on]:

For 2 acres, the <$3K machines aren't built like the next step [but, I do know of one member who bought one for himself; I think wound up doing 3 lawns with it and is still happy].

The $3-$4K machines have all sorts of pretty solid machines.

The $4-$5machines are often "transision" [residential/commercial hybrids]; this area gets tricky because each brand makes different trade offs to have a "commercial" machine hit pricing [like each price zone doesn't ? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif].

Around $6K gets into serious comercial machines.....and the sky's the limit for build, features and $$$$ after that.

Oh, and get a test drive; if not on your property, something comparable. Most important: Have Fun!!!

JTKub · Aug 10, 2005

Hank, A cub 42, 44, 45" would be plenty of mowing deck for less than 2 acres of mowing. It takes me an hour to cut my 1.5acres with my 44", and that's taking it easy with a bunch of overlaping. For longevity, I would not get a 1000 series cub with larger than a 45" deck. In my opinion, that's a lot of metal to hang under a lighter duty machine. For 5-10yrs of decent service the 1000 series are perfect. If you want a stronger machine for around $3K, get a 2042 or 2544. Kubota, deere and simplicity also make some of the most comfortable machines around and have models around $3K, but with no dealers as you say, those would be out of reach.
G/luck
Joel

ratherbefishing · Aug 10, 2005

You can get into a GT2544 for around $3K (I bought mine for well under $3K - just depends where you live). Solid machine, but if you have flat land... go for the bigger decks. These things are like owning a boat - you will always want something bigger. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

cyberkrazze · Aug 10, 2005

( With two acres that rules out the RZT, the cheap zero turns that Lowes carries. Your best bet if you wanted a zero turn would be a Z-Force with the 44" deck and Kohler motor, your local TSC should have these. You should be able to get on for a little over $3500.00. If you wanted a rider I would recommend the LT1050 or SLT1554, both are great riders at a price you cant find anywhere else. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions. )

What he said ^^^^^ /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

JohnNH · Aug 12, 2005

Hank,

Earlier this year, I went through an extensive research process regarding which tractor would best fit my needs. I have 3 acres of land with just over 1 1/2 acres of grass. I looked long and hard to find the right fit for my needs. Living in Northern New England = New Hampshire, I also considered snow removal.
All of the research and outstanding input from this site, led me to the CC 2042 or 2544. Based on some areas in my yard that have a narrow path (rock walls that border gardens), I selected the 2042 with the 42" deck. I also purchased a twin bagger and 17cu.ft. trailer.
I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am with the CC purchase I made. I spent just over 3,000 for all of the listed equipment. My dealer is outstanding and the result is performance well beyond my expectations.

One of my neighbors has a CC- Z and it does an outstanding job. The shortfall is that it's a mower and only a mower. Before you make your purchase, you might want to consider the other work you could accomplish with a 2042 or 2544.

Good luck with your research.

Note: pay close attention to the advice you get from the people on this site - they have a great deal of experience to offer.

John/NH

Mojoman · Aug 12, 2005

( It takes me an hour to cut my 1.5acres with my 44" )

Jeez, JT, whatdaya got that pedal to the metal??? heh heh /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JTKub · Aug 12, 2005

( 
Jeez, JT, whatdaya got that pedal to the metal??? heh heh /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

LOL! Actually I have a few sections that I can go full ground speed without bouncing around at all. The rest is pretty horrible as far as smoothness /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.
G/luck
Joel

jrevans · Aug 22, 2005

After deliberating for weeks, I finally bought my first tractor last week. I looked at many places and at many machines, and ended up getting the Cub Cadet RZT50 from Lowes (using the 10% moving coupon).

I have 1.2 acres which are pretty level except for the septic sand mound, so it's ideal for a residental ZTR mower. I looked at commercial/professional ZTR offerings but I really couldn't justify the price difference for the what you get and what my needs were.

I've only mowed once, so I don't have much feedback yet, but I think that I'm going to like the world of ZTR mowers. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jim Evans