Cub Cadet 5234D

[Redracer]

I just bought a 5234D with 52 hours on it for $3000. I have looked around on line and it seems to be a steal for that price. I have seen some people have had issue's with this tractor.

It had a bad hydraulic line on the loader which I promptly replaced. It was $41 from Cub but I had one made for a mere $12 !

Do you have to use the recommended Cub Cadet fluid or is there somehting else I can substitute ? I went to Tractor Supply and they had some Universal hydraulic fluid for hydrostatic trans but it didnt list Cub's on it.

I also need to change the filters as I am guessing it has been done once or never. Does anyone know the cross reference #'s for other filters brands so I dont have to buy Cub filters ?

The tractor came with a weight box but it was damaged. The top mount was bent back and all but one bolt had snapped. Looks like the 3pt was not properly adjusted and someone lifted it up bending the box. I have now removed it and will cut the bent area off and replace the metal. I bought a nice quick hitch and have now installed that.

 

[VinceSMTA]

I had a 5234D before I traded it for my Sc2400. I think $3,000 is a good price as long as you understand what you are getting. For lite duty work I think you'll be fine, however it was explained to me by my dealer that this unit has basically the same ring and pinion gear set-up as in the 2000 and 3000 series and that it really isn't heavy enough for heavy loader work. I hope it works out for you.

 

[wojnaroski]

Redracer,

Fantastic buy!

I had a 5254, without the FEL, before trading for a 2400. My 5254 had over 300 pretty much trouble free hours on it when I traded it. Great tractor. You got a steal for a 5234D with FEL. I am not aware of any comparison to a 2000 or 3000 series tractor.

You should be able to use your new tractor as much as any sc2400. In my opinion you actually have a better 3 pt hitch on the 5234D.

There are cross references for your filters on the WIX site, but you really won't save that much. I used a full synthetic Mobile One oil when I changed the trans fluid.

Enjoy, Alan

 

[wojnaroski]

Redracer,

Mobile One 15w50 was recomended to me by the folks at HydroGear. They make the hydro unit in your tractor. You probably already know, but be sure to use a diesel oil in the engine.

Enjoy, Alan

 

[wojnaroski]

Redracer,

There are a number of Cub recalls on the 5000 series. They should be a free fix to you. They address a number of issues from minor to probably necessary. You need to contact a Cub dealer in your area. The dealer will be able to look up your tractor and tell you if any of the recalls have already me performed.

The Cub company has treated me very well.

Alan

 

[scoutcub]

Redracer -

I own a few Cub compacts, and that's a steal of a deal. What you paid was the cost of a new loader!

I have also read all the threads about the 5000 series issues. Conversely, I have owned a 2004 5234D w/loader since new (dealer demo) and never had a problem with it. Now I didn't put many hours on it, or beat on it, but loaded it to capacity with brick, dirt, and mortar mix, and again, never had any issues. As I understand it, 2004 was the primary year they had issues with that model. Supposedly Cub fixed the problems in the following years. The dealer told me the main issue was that Cub was installing the wrong type hydro filters not allowing enough fluid to pass, screwing up trannies.
I guess you can't blame the owners with troubles if you get a new machine home and constantly have problems.
Universal hydro fluid should be fine.
I do agree with Vince and wouldn't do continuous heavy loader work, as it is a light sub-compact. I did occasional full loads and was very slow and cautious about it.
I sold my 2004 5234D because it was sitting in the garage too much, and I have a 6000 and 7500 series. However, I did just get another 5234D (2007) with snowblower, blade, mower, and a cab...for pushing,mowing and blowing! I justified it (to myself) as my new mower, and sold my 3000 series.
For some reason I really like the 5000 series, especially the fact that it starts very easily in cold weather. (unlike my 6000 series)

I think if you take care of it as it sounds like you're doing and don't overwork it, you'll be very happy. Good luck!

 

[Redracer]

Do you have any parts #'s for the filters ? There's no dealer really close to me. Thanks

 

[VinceSMTA]

When replying to this thread earlier I by no means wanted to imply that you didn't get a great deal...I agree with scout, the loader alone is worth it, not to mention the 3 cylinder diesel. I as well never had any huge issues with my 5234, but I did baby it. My dealer showed me a couple of torn up ring and pinion gears he took out of transmissions and they were light duty, compared to a new 3000 series ring and pinion he had in stock they looked exactly the same. Just think of it as a heavy duty garden tractor and you'll be fine. If all else fails you could take the engine out and try to put it into a vintage Cub...maybe a 982, that would be pretty neat. Again, great purchase and good luck.

 

[Redracer]

Called Cub Cadet today and ordered up new oil, hydro, air and fuel filters. No dealers near me so it saves me some time.

They switched me over to someone at Cub Care that punched up the vin# and there have been no warantee repairs on the unit. It is however a 2004.

I then got transferred to a service guy and asked him what oil to use. He said he was a cheap guy and went to Wallmart and uses Castrol 10w40 semi synthetic in the hydraulics and Rotella 15W40 in the diesel. The guy aksed what I paid for it and was shocked. He said I basically bought a loader and got a tractor for free !

Now if I get the thing all squared away maintenace wise I can get to using it. I need to get it winter ready to maintain the long dirt driveway and clear snow. I have to go and pick up the weight box as the repair has been made.

 

[Redracer]

I had a stuck throttle on the tractor. You could increase throttle speed but it would throttle down. You had to lift the hood and push it back. Pulled the cable off under the hood and gave it some liberal spraying of goood ol' WD-40into the cable and on the spring. Its now good as new.

Amazing that the old owner didn't figure that out.

Changed the fluids and all the filters. Its amazing what a little TLC can get you !