Cub Cadet purchasing help

[JohnNH]

My family and I live in the mountain/hill country of New Hampshire. I have been researching the Cub Cadet 2180 & new 2042 models. The reasons I have chosen these models are:
3 acres of land with 1 3/4 acres of grass, 300 foot driveway (future addition of snow blower attachement), interested in 17 cu.ft. trailer for yard clean up and hauling firewood, 42 inch deck with twin bagger. I need to stay with a smaller deck since we have several gardens and multiple stone walls to navigate around and the larger decks require the blower attachment.

It is obvious that the 2180 will not be available in 05 since the 2100 series has been discontinued. The new 05 model is on the Cub Cadet web site as the 2042 which is classified as a 2500 series.

The reason I want the 2180 or 2042 is shaft drive and ability to support attachments.

I don't want to be in the middle of a yard project and have to deal with a broken drive belt.

I also looked at the JD tractors and just can't justify the big price difference.

Does anyone have pro/con opinions on the 2180 and the new release of the 2042?

Thnks for your help,
John/NH

 

[alanwoj]

John, two years ago I bought a White garden tractor. Pretty much the same size and features of the tractor you are looking at, didn't have the drive shaft for the deck is about the only difference.

I live in East Tennessee on a little over one acre, all on a steep downhill grade with lots of trees and stumps. Last year I tradeded the White in for the Cub Cadet GT3204, this years 3100. It has all the features of the 2500 series, plus power stearing a power lift for the deck. The power stearing is a real godsend on the type of terrain you are talking about. The only regret I have had with the 3204 is the lack of posi-traction, available on the 3235. Sometimes I have to work on a wet or uneven surface. At almost 1000 pounds, you will not easily push this tractor out of a rut or hole.

Hope this helps a little.

Alan

 

[tiny1]

John-
I am not familiar with the 2180, but the 2042 is a 2000 series tractor for '05. I know from shopping for my new GT2550 that gets delivered tomorrow, that the 2042 now has a cast iron hydro, where in the past they had aluminum housings. I could have bought a leftover '04 2186, which is a 2000 series, B&S engine and 48" deck for $300 less than my 2550, but I figured that the Kohler engine, 50" deck and heavier hydro was worth it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DmansPadge]

The 2042 is a nice unit. However, if I was in the market I would take a hard look at the 2544. Quite a bit more tractor for not much more money. And it still has a relatively small deck at 44".

 

[JohnNH]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The 2042 is a nice unit. However, if I was in the market I would take a hard look at the 2544. Quite a bit more tractor for not much more money. And it still has a relatively small deck at 44". )</font>

When I was looking at the web site, catalog's and in discusssion with 3 dealers, I also looked at the 2544. I agree that this is more tractor for a small investment. The problem I have is that bagger. From what I have been told, I would need to upgrade to the tow behind system. This would be both expensive and more time consuming.

I spoke with my local dealer yesterday and I think he will give me a good deal on the 2042 with a twin bagger and 17 cu. ft trailer at just about $3,300 - delivered. I will probably order it within 2 weeks and he will deliver when the "SNOW" goes away.

Note: The 2042 is listed on the web site, in the catalog and according to the dealers as a 2500 series. If you compare it to the 04 versions, it's the same as a 2180 but has a cast iron transmission and reverse mowing.

I certainly appreciate everyone's assistance.

PS: We are getting another 1 to 2 feet of snow today -- anyone want some = free - you can pick it up and I will supply the shovels & hot coffee.

JohnNH

 

[ducati996]

I'm not a fan of baggers that are not powered and I think the Agrifab and Cyclone rake versions are the better design. Of course they are more money. I guess what I'm saying is the Cub decks (depending on model) can be set up as an very effective mulcher. The 44" is a mulcher right out of the box, and an awesome one at that. My dealer who I have a great relationship with wanted to give me a bagger set up for my 44".
It seems the setup worked well but the expectations of the buyer were beyond the capabilities of the bagger. I passed on the free bagger, because the mulching capabilities exceeded my own expectations on the 44". The other deck's with the mulching kit are equally as good...

I also find that with proper wheel weight and better tires, the need for a differential lock is almost non-existant on the 3204 and similair machines. But if you have it, its always good to have just in case /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I havent had the need for the lock, with the correct weight and chains in winter, with all types of inclines.

Overall I would be looking at the 2500 series at the very least, with a strong interest on the 3100 as a better fit...IMO of course

Ducati

 

[ducati996]

Attached is the blower setup for the 3000 series Cubs. You mentioned 200-300 ft of driveway. This will make short work of that.

[image]

[/image]

 

[DmansPadge]

Awesome pics Duc. Where I come from.. they call that "handlin' bidness!"

 

[JohnNH]

In a prior post in this chain, I said that the 2042 was listed as a 2500 series tractor. I went into the web site and found they have update the site and it is now listed as a 2000 series.

The good news is that it is still shaft drive.

Note: That snow storm left us with about 1 1/2 feet of heavy wet snow.

Spring can't come to soon,

JohnNH

 

[cowboy2005]

"...The problem I have is that bagger. From what I have been told, I would need to upgrade to the tow behind system. This would be both expensive and more time consuming." JohnNH

What was the problem with the bagger unit for the 2544? I believe it is a tripple bagger unit that cub specifies. I don't have one, but am curious why the dealer said it wouldn't work for you?