Luck of the Draw and Maintenance

[delgue]

One never knows when buying a tractor used, or even new. If you believe like Roger Welsch these inanimate objects have a life and personality all their own, or that maybe even prayers to the tractor gods helps, and that they respond well to care and love, then you might believe all things are possible.

This site, after having read 100's of posts and threads here sure has helped when I bought a friends used (625 hours) and mildly abused Cub Cadet GT2544 recently. As the 3rd owner having done all the recommended maintenance neglected over the past couple yrs., so far, I think I got a good'on which is responding well.

Mostly I am fascinated by a twin-cylinder Kohler engine and hydro trans and how long these newer fanged things could last, having spent the last four decades on single cylinder lawn/garden tractors like my 1964 9hp Simplicity Landlord 314 whose 42" triple blade deck still gives a great cut, and with rear chains will plow 18" of snow like a tank, when I don't get to it sooner.

Yes, I expect a lot and think with maintenance these tractors should go long just like my 40's Farmall M or 50's Ford Jubilee. But maybe the tractor gods help.

 

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN.
Like the old saying goes..."If you take care of it,it will take of you"

 

[s219]

If it's an older Cub it will probably last forever. Sadly, the new ones are not as good anymore. I wonder if Cub had to start cutting corners to compete with the other brands on price.

 

[delgue]

Hello Thomas and s219 thanks for stopping in!
Yes, on the older, I missed a really old CC he had sitting in his yard for a few yrs.
He's a JD and CC guy. Just seems even w/new, kind of a crapshoot whether one gets a good one.

This ol' 2007 gt2544 maybe had issues-hood, steel steering box+zerks, and other stuff worked out long ago. Learned from proponents here like 'Joel' Rotella T 15w40 (Mobil/Delv) works fine in hydro.
That was a bigtime $-saver! And Kubota sure finds lot of fans now.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Enjoy the site.

 

[delgue]

Thanks Wagtail
Beautiful horses. Was just reading Joshua Slocum's book 'Sailing Alone Around the World,' had some nice things to say about Tasmania when he sailed there.

BTW Sears makes an inexpensive universal sleeve Part #: 71-24586 for $120.00 usd has anyone tried adapting it to the 2544? Looks like would need a good drill circle saw for the trans oil check and hydro dump valve lever. Might buy before they close up all their shops

 

[delgue]

Still ticking (gt2544) Someone long ago must have worked out many of the problemos, this 2544 just works great, motor fine, tick tick at 650 hrs. Need to get the ol'pack pack blower going for all that grass build-up underneath from decades ago.

Thanks to push by JTkub Joel that Rotella T5 15w40 semi sync works great in the hydro trans. Big money saver. Will change hydro fluid+factory filter again before winter to the Rotella T6 5w40 for snow plowing. Big money save. Almost free compared to $15.00 a qt. factory fluid.

Now to modify and install the 71-24586 Sears Sleeve Hitch $132.00 (delivered in 4 days)+will order elec. actuator lift 4" about $55.00 delivered+on/off switch etc.

 

[delgue]

Well, I have come to the contusion that it is afterall a crapshoot. Maybe Jocko had a great day at the plant maybe a bad one. Like the olden day jewelry store Italian Madonnas carved of ivory women used to wear. Under the scope my guy showed me, some smiled, some did not and frowned, depends what kind of day Leonardo had and if his wife yelled at him at breakfast.

Looking up Huskee reviews at cockytalk a Carolina site, where a guy wondered about their reliability (not the women silly, the tractor). (we already know about the women). Cause my neighbor mentioned he might buy one. Huskees got mostly one or two stars many commented wish had read reviews first. BUT...a few guys loved them and had great luck with them over time. So go figure??? Luck of the draw. By me my bought from a friend CC 2544 is a used best buy so far. It does what it does. And is, as represented and works. BUT...reading Roger Welsche's Tractor book, I concur tractors unlike toaster or a blender probably have a soul and feeling so letting them know you care and love them, for real, really does make a difference in their eventual performance. My gt2544 appreshacates that I have given her love and containment. New fluids and maintenance, she has risen to occasion and responded well. Glad she's in the fold. Just have to get the new deck belt on the ol '64 Landlord and ride her around a little so she too feels appreciated.

 

[Richard001]

Delgue,

You should not post when under the influence. But then it makes interesting reading.

Richard

 

[delgue]

Richard hi,
People have been calling and writing about updates. Well, its been a month since I tried the 2544 on the pasture full of weeds and vines et al. Made it through but, something went zing and heard a strange noise like a spring twanging. Sounded like a vine got caught, or hit a rock and bent a spindle. Finally got tractor on the lift, after 3 weeks of rain and blew everything out (with the great suggestions on this site) a back pack blower after washing the under-deck through the hose fittings, and voila everything works fine again-luck of the draw.

So cut grass on "5" it was so long, and all went pretty well. Since it was time for a grease job, did all 13 zerks, now steering is smooth as butter again. Have the later steel steering box so 2 zerks mentioned in the manual. Wash system have to admit works well-only one spot it misses. Used the suggested 2 minute x 3 system. 2 min on each side fitting and 2 min to dry. Then blow dry. Helps get all that grass out hidden under the removal plate just behind the engine. Nice to be able to cut high grass. My '64 Landlord I've been using for 25 years gives a great cut but can't handle long grass. More of a triple-blade finish mower.

PS The Seafoam in gas for few tankfuls has cured some ills eg the rough idling, carb issues, now engine purrs at low idle. Don't have to shut engine off at 1/2 throttle anymore. Low throttle at idle shut off is fine, no backfires, shakes, or pre-ignition blues.

Backpack leaf blower 37.7cc-a Sears Tanaka 2-stroke from early '80's hasn't run for 15 yrs. Seaform did wonders sitting in carb and running thru tank. Replaced melted rubber fuel line, made some gaskets. now idles, takes full throttle, works great again, carb jets open. Gonna hit the old 80's Stihl 042 AV with Seafoam and see if I can get that rolling again too. Then maybe drive the gt2544 and 042 down to NC with the dump cart, and help cut-up some downed trees. Been wanting to see Joel Osteen's Lakewood so maybe I'll motor over to Texas from there.