Cub GT3200 questions

JOHNNYSCUB · May 1, 2007

Hello Everyone,
I am considering purchasing a GT3200 (25hp Kohler/54inch deck) from a dealer that was a show demo and has 2.8hrs. on it. It seems to be a nice unit but I had some concerns about it. I noticed that the exhaust sounded like it was spitting and talked to their tech about it. He said he believed the head gasket was bad and would need replaced. Seems odd that a tractor with 2.8hrs would need a head gasket already. Also noticed the transmission to be somewhat hesitant and jerking. He told me it was because the unit was new and needed to be broken in. Should I be concerned about these issues enough to keep me from buying the unit?? I know it's under warranty, but the last thing I want is a LEMON!! I have a Cub Cadet 2140 that has treated me very well over the past 12+ years, that's why I'm considering another one.
The other question I have is about the E-VAC PTO clutch. I've never owned a unit with this type of PTO but it seems like old technology to me. Are they reliable and how well do they hold up??? The mowing deck was not attached to the unit so I could not try the PTO at the time.
Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Happy Mowing!!

Bob_Bainbridge · May 1, 2007

I have a 2004 3235 with the 54 inch deck. I'm a little suspicious about the transmission needing to be broken in. Mine didn't have any jerkiness when I first got it. Also I don't know why the head gasket would be blown already. I was leary of the vacuum PTO also and was happy with the operation of the older electric unit. I have 154 hours on it now and so far have no real complaints about the PTO. The dealer said the new PTO was supposed to give a softer engagement. My main complaint was the fact that they added 2 more belts. I thought the fewer belts, the better. If they give you a good price break and guarantee it's under warranty, you should be pretty safe with the purchase.

Bob B.

DmansPadge · May 1, 2007

If the thing actually does have a head/gasket problem... I wouldn't even think about buying it. I wouldn't want my new tractor having the engine tore into before I even take it home. Thats a bad way to start.

I'm not real crazy about a demo unit anyway. There has probably been no telling how many people starting it up, driving it, doing whatever it is they do with the tranny... all while the mower should be getting broken in easily. Just my opinion.

Welcome to TBN by the way!!

RJ-NC · May 1, 2007

DmansPadge said:
If the thing actually does have a head/gasket problem... I wouldn't even think about buying it. I wouldn't want my new tractor having the engine tore into before I even take it home. Thats a bad way to start.

I agree with DmansPadge - I'm not sure I'd want to buy into engine problems and/or transmission problems no matter how good the 'deal'. From your post it sounds like your gut is telling you to pass on this one. I'd say trust your gut.

Best of luck,
RJ

JTKub · May 1, 2007

As far as I know, the Kohler head gasket issues from a few years back were associated with the veritcal shaft twins. Not the horizontal shaft. That was a few years ago. Being a year or two old, that 3200 probably has some old gas in the system. Jerky movement on the hydro is probably just the dampener strut/cylinder on the F/R linkage. No biggie at all. I'd use these issues as a bargaining tool. It's under warranty anyway. If it's not a good deal, walk away.

Joel

Fordlords · May 1, 2007

Usually a spitting sound from the exhaust indicates a sticking or out of adjustment valve, or one of the exhaust headers being loose at the head. I can't see a head gasket being blown. I haven't heard of any major troubles with the vacuum PTO setup. The jerky transaxle is from all the jerks test driving it, and would need to be adjusted. If your gut instinct tells you its a lemon, you might want to walk away.

-Fordlords-