Cub Cadet 2186 and 3165

[RCT]

In anticipation of next month's bonus I stopped by my local Cub dealer. He had 2 tractors that peaked my interest. One was a CC 2186 for $2600 and the other was a 3165 for $4400 with a 44" deck. I had a couple of questions. First, what current models are they equivalent to, and second should I be worried about a tractor that has been sitting out for three years. They have been under one of those big metal carport things. I know the 3165 has a ripped seat (which I will have replaced), but I know that it also has the hydraulic lift system for the deck. Both are new left overs with 0 hours. The 3165 is 3 years old, I don't know how old the 2186 is.

 

[tmblweed]

In anticipation of next month's bonus I stopped by my local Cub dealer. He had 2 tractors that peaked my interest. One was a CC 2186 for $2600 and the other was a 3165 for $4400 with a 44" deck. I had a couple of questions. First, what current models are they equivalent to, and second should I be worried about a tractor that has been sitting out for three years. They have been under one of those big metal carport things. I know the 3165 has a ripped seat (which I will have replaced), but I know that it also has the hydraulic lift system for the deck. Both are new left overs with 0 hours. The 3165 is 3 years old, I don't know how old the 2186 is.

You can probably trust your dealer on this. Plus, if you get a full warrenty your covered. I would try to get the lowest price though. My 2518 was a holdover almost 2 years old and its done ok.

 

[micman32]

The 2186 was the top of 2000 series thru 2004. I think it had an 18 or 20 hp kohler v twin. I have a 2518 that was introduced in 2003 and the only difference was the 2186 has an aluminum transmission and the 2518 was cast iron. I wanted the 2186 when I bought mine but since it was late in the season when I purchased my tractor my dealer didn't have one. They gave me the 2518 (show room model) instead at the same price.
I am not sure about the 3165.
Both units sound like a great deal. I would make sure they had full warranties before I would make a decision.
Let us know what you decide.

Michael

 

[JTKub]

The 2186 was the top of 2000 series thru 2004. I think it had an 18 or 20 hp kohler v twin...

It's been a while now, but IIRC, I considered buying a leftover 2186 in early 2005. It had a briggs and stratton vanguard series 18hp (top of the line B&S), an aluminum transaxle and a 42" deck. I didn't care for it as the 2005+ have a bit more leg room. That & I prefer the 3 blade 44" over the 2 blade 42". That 2186 would be a steal though if you can get it for $2600 total out the door price. If you want more comfort, weight and capabilty and can pony up the bucks, go for that 3K series!

Joel

 

[RCT]

Thanks JTKUB. Both had 44" decks. I didn't realize the 2186 had an aluminum tranny though. Is this a concern? Is it still fully serviceable? One of the reasons I was looking at the 2000 series vs the 1000/1500 series was the serviceable tranny. I do all my own auto repairs and wanted to do the same for my tractor. Nothing pissed me off more than to find out that when the tranny went on my Murray after 3 years that I couldn't fix it. No parts, not even the dealers could fix it. It was replace the whole tranny or the tractor. The 2186 had a 20 hp Kohler Command, I don't know what the 3186 had.

 

[JTKub]

Oops, I'm confusing the 2180 with the 2186. Either way, I wouldn't let the aluminum transaxle case sway you. It's still a heavy-duty fully serviceable unit & was used for something like 20yrs. They have a dipstick/fill port, a drain plug and a huge spin-on filter. The 'cast iron' trans cases weigh a bit more, but are more of a marketing gimmick than anything for a small garden tractor application.

Joel

 

[RCT]

I only have 3/4 of an acre so I am wondering if I can justify the extra $1800 on the 3165. I have done the "its easier to ask forgiveness than permission" many times before, but I think that may be pushing it. I am having a hard enough time talking her into the 2186 at $2600 or $2800 after tax, that's right gotta pay the tax man. With taxes the 3165 would be $4700. She doesn't understand that $200 won't buy anything but a disposable tractor anymore (she must of forgotten the cursing after the Murray fiasco).

 

[EuropaChris]

I only have 3/4 of an acre so I am wondering if I can justify the extra $1800 on the 3165. I have done the "its easier to ask forgiveness than permission" many times before, but I think that may be pushing it. I am having a hard enough time talking her into the 2186 at $2600 or $2800 after tax, that's right gotta pay the tax man. With taxes the 3165 would be $4700. She doesn't understand that $200 won't buy anything but a disposable tractor anymore (she must of forgotten the cursing after the Murray fiasco).

I have just under an acre and I have a 2544, which is the model that replaced the 2186. 44" cut, 3 blade deck. Only difference is the cast iron tranny and the reverse disable on the ignition switch, which allows you to mow in reverse. On the 2186, you'll have to 'cheat' the system by disabling the reverse mowing switch on the shift linkage.

IMHO, the cast iron transmission was a marketing gimmick by Cub. The trans housing is cast in China, vs. a die cast aluminum housing made in the USA. Yes, it's cast iron, but it's probably cheaper than the aluminum housing. Nevertheless, the 2544 hydro is a sweet unit. Quiet and has no issues at all.

I've not pulled anything except a 42" core aerator, which it didn't even notice. I rolled the yard this fall, but rented a ride-on roller/compactor. It makes those tow-behind rollers look like a sick joke. My yard was BAD, so even after rolling and aerating, it's merely tolerable.

Anyway, back on topic. Either tractor will be great. If you can swing the 3000 series machine, do it. If not, be totally confident that you'll love the 2186. I almost bought a leftover unit myself, but it got sold before I got to it, so I ended up with an '05 model 2544. It's a real pleasure to use.

Chris

 

[Mike5252]

Does the 3165 have a locking rear differential? In the current 3000 models I believe the main difference between the 31xx and the 32xx is a locking rear differential. I suspect you would quickly fall in love w/ the power steering on the 3165.

As for justifying a larger tractor, you can never really have too much tractor can you? I have a 5252 for right at an acre.

While I was shopping for my current tractor I looked at a few 3000 series cubs. I never saw anything as cheap as 4400. That sounds like a great deal.

 

[Dave01]

When I was getting my dad a new tractor I went for the 3000 series, specifically 3204, because of the hydraulic deck lift and steering. Its also a very solid heavy tractor. I'm sure in his case the 2000 series would have done a fine job, but being along in years I felt the power steering was a must.

I think in your case with the 3/4 acre the hydraulics would be the primary reason for going with the 3165, if not too important to you then the 2186 will do a great job and you can use the extra cash for other toys.

 

[ohmboy]

I own both a 2000 series and a 3000 series. The 2000 series was purchased new and I bought the 3000 series as a well loved, low hour, used machine after it practically feel in my lap. Both have been very good to me, but there is no comparison in operating them. You've heard the old adage Cadillacs and Chevys I'm sure. You can't really go wrong in my humble opinion with either, but the 3165 looks to be the better deal if you can swing it, especially like Mike said if it has the diff lock. One more thing to remember is that with either machine you should be living with it for a long time. Factor in the price difference over a number of years and the gap doesn't seem quite so wide. Then again it's real easy to spend someone else's money!

 

[RCT]

So, the wife says no way in he!! I'm spending $4800 (remember the taxes) on a tractor. More money for power tools then he he. So with that said over and over again, would I be better with the 2 year old new 2186 or a new SLT 1554. And isn't the 1554 just a marketed up 1000 series.

 

[micman32]

So, the wife says no way in he!! I'm spending $4800 (remember the taxes) on a tractor. More money for power tools then he he. So with that said over and over again, would I be better with the 2 year old new 2186 or a new SLT 1554. And isn't the 1554 just a marketed up 1000 series.

Women are no fun when it comes to these things!

I would go with the 2186. I think it's a great price and you get shaft drive and a more rugged tractor.

 

[ducati996]

Im pretty sure the 3165 is older than three years (since they stop making them longer than 3 years ago) and its only a 16HP machine. You would be better off with a new 3100 at very near the same price and 23HP.....IMHO

 

[MrWiggles2]

Yes, the SLT is a hyped up 1000 series. The 2186 is an awesome tractor and you will love it. The hydro on these units is indestructible, they are super tough. The cast iron hydro/aluminum deal was another marketing ploy by Cub. While they said the cast iron hydro weights 150lbs, the aluminum one isn't that far behind to make and appreciable weight difference.

I've pulled a lot with my 2180 and can say that core aerators, rollers, large carts are as if they aren't there. These are tough tractors, I would get the 2186.

 

[RCT]

Ducatti996,

I would love to get a new 3100, but that would be even more. The 3165 I am looking at has 44" deck included for that price. But as i say the wife says it is too much money. So how old is the 3165 likely to be. I can't find any info on it online.

 

[ducati996]

Ducatti996,

I would love to get a new 3100, but that would be even more. The 3165 I am looking at has 44" deck included for that price. But as i say the wife says it is too much money. So how old is the 3165 likely to be. I can't find any info on it online.

The 3100 w/44' shouldnt that much more - $4900-$5300 or better ? The 3165 is around 2001 or earlier

There is a big difference between the cast iron transmissions on the 3000 compared to the 2186. Its 50% heavier and the machine weighs 300 lbs or more. The weight shows up in every part of those machines - as something that will add longevity

 

[Dave01]

I mentioned that for my dad I went with the 3000 series for the power steering and lift. At the time I remember feeling like I was spending over 2 grand for just the hydraulics as I was confident the 2000 series would do a great job on his lawn. It seems like that price jump up to the 3000's is pretty steep, and I still feel they could do a better job making the 3000's "high end". While I'm completely confident in the heft and toughness of the engine, hydro, and deck I feel basics like gas gauge and instruments should be standard, larger tires should be standard.

Anyway, I still think it sounds like the 2186 will be fine for you. If you want the bigger tractor without the cost do what I did, buy a good used mid to late '90's model (or be like Tractorlarry and have it given to you!). I've run my dad's 3204 quite a bit and after a few hours on my 1864 I prefer it to the 3204, maybe it just feels more like the Cubs I've driven since I was a kid. Oh, and not to start this discussion here, but I'll still take hand lever driven hydro over foot pedals any day.

 

[Nittany]

Anybody interested in a new leftover 2004 GT3235 including 60" mowing deck for $5500, including new warranty??

Last week this tractor was sitting on the showroom of my mom and pop dealer in Berkeley Springs, WV (Largent Truck & Implement 304-258-1370). They are in the process of closing up shop and this is one of the last "new" tractors left along with lots of used iron . . . I hate to see it happen as I've gotten great sales and service from there.

If there was any way I could justify it, I'd already own this tractor. It's equipment package is similar to the new GT 3200 . . . give Pat or Mrs. Largent a call to see if it's still there if anybody is serious about a great tractor at a pretty fair price!

 

[ducati996]

I mentioned that for my dad I went with the 3000 series for the power steering and lift. At the time I remember feeling like I was spending over 2 grand for just the hydraulics as I was confident the 2000 series would do a great job on his lawn. It seems like that price jump up to the 3000's is pretty steep, and I still feel they could do a better job making the 3000's "high end". While I'm completely confident in the heft and toughness of the engine, hydro, and deck I feel basics like gas gauge and instruments should be standard, larger tires should be standard.

Anyway, I still think it sounds like the 2186 will be fine for you. If you want the bigger tractor without the cost do what I did, buy a good used mid to late '90's model (or be like Tractorlarry and have it given to you!). I've run my dad's 3204 quite a bit and after a few hours on my 1864 I prefer it to the 3204, maybe it just feels more like the Cubs I've driven since I was a kid. Oh, and not to start this discussion here, but I'll still take hand lever driven hydro over foot pedals any day.

Dave01 - I think to keeps things in perspective try comparing the price of the Cub 3000 series to what an equivilant Deere will cost you - its an ever bigger shock...
I find some of the features on the Cub are vastly improved over the 1864 - shaft attachments and the elimination of the mule drive setups (yuk!!) - and have you seen the front quick hitch attachment? its solidly built, well designed and very easy to install. The mowing decks are the best ever IMHO. I think the frame guage is thicker on the 3000 series as well..I like the foot pedal control over the lever, gives you more control all the time. It works real well on my compact too.

Duc