My first impressions on a Cub Cadet GTX2000 w/ 48" Fab deck.....

[dieselbob69]

133hrs update.... deck seems to be cutting low on center blade only-measured distance on outer blades when they were at front of deck-same distance,then did the center one and it was at least 5/16" lower than the outer ones-spun the blades-same measurement.The blades look level where they meet near rear of deck. Took deck off-cleaned it. Seemed the center spindle had a bit more play than outer ones, so I removed spindle and bearings from deck.The top bearing looked ok,but the bottom bearing looked a little different-you could see a line on the bearings and race,but couldn't feel anything. Went to Napa and bought 2 bearing sets-SKF BR2 sets-packed and installed them,along with different set of blades(regular hi-lift ones). Still cuts low in center,deck is also 1/4" pitch lower in front to back,like manual recommends. I also got around to see if I could find anything wrong w/ front tire,STILL loses air.After I popped the bead on both sides, I looked at beads,as I didn't see anything on outside treads-a spot on both sides looked like it was peeled back some-bad installation I guess. I took tire off rim to check the inside -nothing felt and no holes seen. I went to Tractor Supply and bought a tube-they had the regular one for $16.99 and a Slime filled tube for $18.99-I bought that one and installed it.We'll see how it holds up. I am SO tempted to sell this rotten Cub and buy my old Kubota back,even w/ the bad luck I had with that one......

 

[Garycw]

On my GT2186 w/54" deck is great tool with. Fast, 18" tight turns, disabled rio. Only issue is deck seems to clog easily.
Also have a HSD 3205, 60" shaft hydraulic deck, pwr steering and hydraulic 54" front blade. Diff. Lock. Works great!

 

[dieselbob69]

This is my third Cub-I thought the fab deck would be better against clogging-the 2165 46" deck and 3204 54" deck were stamped and were HORRIBLE with clogging-I guess they all aren't deep enough-never had clogging problems w/ Kubota's 54" deck like I do w/ Cub's.

 

[Garycw]

I don't have the clogging problems with Deere decks. I like both my Cubs , but I don't use the 3205 for mowing usually. It stays set up for pushing snow.
The 2186 W/54" deck is a dream to mow with as long as it's very dry and I don't try to cut more than about 1.5".
I've recently switched to a JD1025R w/60" deck. I still use the 2186 where the JD won't fit

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

My 1450 with 44R stamped deck had to be cleaned at least every other mowing (1-acre). My 3235 with 54 inch fabricated deck gets cleaned once a year when I do all the maintenance on the tractor. With a weight of 260 lbs. that's often enough.

Bob B.

 

[Garycw]

Speaking of decks, I have mowed with the 60" deck on the 3205 and have never had to clean out. Also the 60" deck on 3205 was EASY to disconnect and remove for storage. It's standing up nicely in my garage.
Now to the 2186GT. The 54" deck is the HARDEST deck I think I've wrestled with. I dread taking off and especially putting on. I'll be taking the 54" off and putting the original 48" back on when I get up the courage & determination.
All the other things about the 2186 I like though.
As far as the Best Looking cut, my little JD L120 48" doesn't clog and looks more like a golf course.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Had GT with 44" deck. Deck clogged all the time. tall and or wet grass caused all kinds of problems.

 

[dieselbob69]

If the grass is green,the Cub deck will clog,doesn't matter if suns been out all day to dry grass off. Clogs even if I raise deck. Another thing I hate about this Cub is the deck height-even when up all the way,not much clearance between bottom of deck and ground.

 

[Garycw]

If the grass is green,the Cub deck will clog,doesn't matter if suns been out all day to dry grass off. Clogs even if I raise deck. Another thing I hate about this Cub is the deck height-even when up all the way,not much clearance between bottom of deck and ground.

The height can possibly be adjusted, but I'm seeing a pattern with these cub stamped decks. My 3205 doesn't clog , but in all fairness I haven't mowed a lot with it. It just even looks like a better fab deck.
Not sure how the New Cubs mow?

 

[dieselbob69]

I raised the front of deck 2 complete turns on each bolt of front deck hanger-made it a little better on center blade cut,but now I dread trying to pull 2 rear pins to take deck off and trying to get back on-it was hard enough trying to get pins in holes before.....the PTO belt started to disintegrate while mowing (Gates B110 I replaced exactly 60 hrs.ago)-luckily I kept the original and put it back on(replaced it w/B110 because it had some cracks starting).......