GT2542

Rocko · Jan 6, 2006

I just purchased a 2006 GT2542 with a snowblower, tire chains and wheel weights.

This will be delivered to me today /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I checked out some other brands, but I was only seriously considering a Cub.

I have a CC Lt 1320 http://www.rt66cybercafe.com/pics/1320.jpg
and a CC 123 http://www.rt66cybercafe.com/pics/123.jpg

The 1320 has served me well and worked HARD for around 15 years. The 123 is being restored /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

There wasn't any literature or brochures at the dealer or anything at the Cub website on the 06 models. I wish Cub would update their website.

Anyway, I paid $4654.00 for the GT2542 package in Connecticut. I will post my review on the new cub and link some photos soon.

gamble77 · Jan 6, 2006

Congrats on the purchase, your dealer got his '06 models quick, I don't expect my first shipment in until next Friday. Post pic when you get it please, I am sure some of the guys on here would love to see the new 2500 series.

Yetii · Jan 6, 2006

Here is a picture of a 2500 series on a web page.
web page

JTKub · Jan 6, 2006

A 2500 series machine with a two-blade 42" deck? REALLY?!?! I didn't know that was in the works for 2006. Did they drop the 2042 and replace it with a 2542? Anyhoo- congrats on the purchase! You have to be the first 2006 owner on the board(s). Keep us posted!

G/luck
Joel

Rocko · Jan 6, 2006

The new GT2542 is very nice.

This is the first GT for me and the first tractor with a snowblower. I really didn't want a plow for my truck and the walkbehind snowblower isn't cutting it any more (bad back)

I tested the GT2542 by cleaning up the mess from our last storm. It was/is a wet heavy snow, but the cub handled everything very well.

As with anything new, it takes some getting used too. All the controls are totally different from my 1320.

I am over 6ft tall and weigh around 200lbs.

I found it very easy to get on and off the tractor, (even with the controls for the snowblower)

The seat is very comfortable and I had plenty of leg room.

The cables that control the shute for the snowblower run right near the exhaust. The black plastic covering on the cables melted in that area.

In the short time I ran the tractor, I have not noticed any other problems.

Here are some Pics.

http://www.rt66cybercafe.com/pics/GT2542L.jpg

http://www.rt66cybercafe.com/pics/GT2542LF.jpg

http://www.rt66cybercafe.com/pics/GT2542RFHO.jpg

http://www.rt66cybercafe.com/pics/GT2542RR.jpg

I had been looking at new cubs for about a year and wanted to get a 2500 series GT. I wasn't crazy about the 05 style hoods....I liked the look of the 1500 series but didn't want a belt drive. I'm glad I waited /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

DmansPadge · Jan 6, 2006

Great looking setup! That seat sure looks comfy as well. If you haven't already... post your pics in the "Photo" section. That way anyone can look at them when they choose.

gamble77 · Jan 6, 2006

Isn't that seat nice?!?! I think it is better than a lot of tractor seats on the market right now! Looks like you have got a nice set up.

Rocko · Jan 6, 2006

Thanks for the kind words everyone /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The Pics have been added to the photo section /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JTKub · Jan 6, 2006

Very nice! Love the looks of it. Judging from the looks of the 2042-ish front tires, CC did away with the 2042 for 2006 and replaced it with a 2542. I *assume* the 2006 2544+ would have the larger/wider front tires. Looks like the exhaust is moved up nice and high now for 2006. No scorch marks in the lawn for you!

G/luck
Joel

Bob55 · Jan 6, 2006

Nice set up!!! I'm jealous. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I want to find out if the seat for the 2006 GT2542 will fit on a 2005 GT2544. Does any one know? I know they just came out, But it sure would be nice. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

gamble77 · Jan 7, 2006

Bob, when I get mine in late next week I will check the mounting bracket for you and let you and everyone else know if they will work on the other models. They are comfortable...

Yetii · Jan 9, 2006

I think they look nice, but I still like my '05 version better. I think they went with the plastic cowl as a cost cutting measure only...steel is very expensive, and the amount of parts and the assembly was way more complicated before than now. I wonder if the new set-up will be louder, as I noticed the engine is now wide open vs. the fully enclosed cowl of the '05 models.
I must admit the seat does look nice as well as the extra storage on the RHS fender.

wojnaroski · Jan 9, 2006

Personally I like the plastic because of one word RUST!. I intend this to be my last and best tractor and do not want to worry about rust. If I scratch the plastic, heaven forbid, I do not have to worry about touchups or rust. Seems to be a problem around this area of the country, high humidity.

Alan

JTKub · Jan 13, 2006

( Personally I like the plastic because of one word RUST!... )

Yes indeed. The metal sides and the top rub together over time, wear the paint off and rust. CC put plastic rub strips of sorts in those areas to help slow the process, but that is a joke. The steel hood design is solid, but I hate the way it 'fits' together, and dislike yanking it apart to get to the sides of the engine. I'd rather have open sides or a solid one pc JD style hood like the new 2K series. Hopefully CC resolves the headlamp wiring issue with the new hood as well.

G/luck
Joel

MrWiggles2 · Jan 14, 2006

What happened to the firewall? oooo boy. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

EuropaChris · Jan 16, 2006

( What happened to the firewall? oooo boy. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif )

That's what I was thinking. The 'old' 2500 series had a nice setup of screens and such to filter the incoming cooling air before it got to the blower screen on the engine. Now it appears that the engine is free to suck in whatever junk is blowing around the tractor and promptly plug up the cooling fins under the shroud, no???

Seems like the 'new' hood is just a cheap-out.

Chris

e36m3 · Jan 19, 2006

I am considering the 05 GT2544 at the moment that a local dealer has in CT. What should I expect to pay considering their 06's are out.

Where is CT did you get your CC?

rob

JTKub · Jan 19, 2006

Rob, one of the bigger CC dealers near me usually discounts the leftover GT's a few hundred off MSRP + 'no tax'. The leftovers are usually gone by Feb/March. I'm thinking you should be able to get a 2005 2544 for somewhere ~$2900 out the door price.

G/luck
Joel

e36m3 · Jan 19, 2006

Joel,
Thanks for the info.

The dealer near me said he has 9 of them in stock and is still offering 2 yr no interest deal through Cub and gave me a price of $3k. I'll see if he can knock that down a bit then.

What does the bagger go for? Maybe I should put that into the deal too.

JTKub · Jan 19, 2006

The bagger has got to be a couple hundred bucks, hopefully an owner will chime in on that. I paid $2999+ tax for my 2544 in Apr 05. The deal at the time was 12mo interest free thru a VISA company that gave CC the deal (name escapes me right now). You could do the same thing w/ any of the million 0% credit card offers you get in the mail. I gotta have mine paid off by 5/2006 or pay a huge back interest fee. WooHOO!

G/luck
Joel