New 2011 Cub Cadet Garden Tractor!!
- Thread starter EmerichSales
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Morkai
Bronze Member
Yeah, if you have a nicely manicured lawn that you never let get very high, I'm sure it'll cut fine. However, if you have weeds and Bahia grass and some thick stuff to deal with it's not all nice and neat. ESP the Bahia, it loves to leave some standing.
I have actually been thinking of getting a 50" deck and replacing my 44 with it. The only real difference in the 2544 and 2550 is 1hp. I checked with the dealer most of the parts (like spindles) are the same between the two. I think the tension mechanism is different. The deck pulleys were the same part# as well I think. That should work out to a marginally higher blade tip speed with the same pulley ratio I would think.
EuropaChris
Silver Member
I don't think you'd even notice the 1hp. I've never been able to bog my engine with the 44" deck no matter how tall the grass (and my grass is THICK). It would pull 50" no problem.
I don't think it's as much a blade speed issue on the 44" as much as it's the blade to deck relationship. That center blade sits up high in the deck behind the front roller and a pretty wide, flat "lip" that is lower and parallel to the blade (roller/deck front edge/lip/blade-> O|___----- <- grass never has a chance to spring back up).
I'm going to try adding some 1/8" thick spacers under the blades this spring if there's enough thread on the spindles. Even 1/16" would help. I'll also look at modifying the front edge of the deck area so it doesn't push over the grass as much. I'll use my neighbor's Ferris ZTR deck as a reference since it doesn't leave a single blade uncut no matter how fast or how high the grass is. Wonder if he'd notice a yellow deck under his mower?????
Morkai
Bronze Member
EuropaChris, you might be right. It does seem as most of the issues are near the center. I went to the high lift blades and they cut better as they help pull the grass back up into the deck. I might try the spacer idea, I believe there is plenty of thread.
I've only bogged my 44 down once when I ran over a large ant bed, but it didn't stop the engine, just smoked the belt. :laughing:
cubmaster, I guess either would work. The 54's were only 2hp difference. I just thought the 54 might be too much. I only checked on the 50 at the dealer for part compatibility, but I imagine they're all about the same on most parts.
I've only bogged my 44 down once when I ran over a large ant bed, but it didn't stop the engine, just smoked the belt. :laughing:
cubmaster, I guess either would work. The 54's were only 2hp difference. I just thought the 54 might be too much. I only checked on the 50 at the dealer for part compatibility, but I imagine they're all about the same on most parts.
Personally I'd opt for the 54" my dad has the 50" on his and if there is anything he doesn't like it's the deck. It is a lighter weight deck and has limited adjustabilty compared to the 54, Plus the 54 is made to ride the ground which give a good even cut. The 2544 tractor should have no trouble turning the 54... anyone else care to give an opinion ?
Baucom
Gold Member
I think I'd want the 54" deck over the 50" too. As for HP, I think you'll be fine pulling the 54" with what you have. Dad's JD 345 pulls a 54" deck just fine, even in tall, thick, wet grass with a 20 hp Kawi.
micman32
Gold Member
When I bought my 2518, I had the choice of 44 or 48 inch deck size. The tractors were the same. I have the 44 because that is what the dealer had in stock.
I have noticed with my 44 inch deck. When the grass is too long it will not cut as well in the center. If that happens I raise the deck up a notch and that seems to help.
The grass also builds up in the center which probably affects the airflow and doesn't lift the grass. This is usually worst in the spring when grass grows like mad. I try to clean it every week during this time.
My beef with the 44 inch deck is the discharge opening. I think it's too small. The grass tends to clump at the opening. The Craftsman i had before had the same problem. The 42 inch deck had a small opening and needed cleaned all the time.
I have noticed with my 44 inch deck. When the grass is too long it will not cut as well in the center. If that happens I raise the deck up a notch and that seems to help.
The grass also builds up in the center which probably affects the airflow and doesn't lift the grass. This is usually worst in the spring when grass grows like mad. I try to clean it every week during this time.
My beef with the 44 inch deck is the discharge opening. I think it's too small. The grass tends to clump at the opening. The Craftsman i had before had the same problem. The 42 inch deck had a small opening and needed cleaned all the time.
yeah it's a shame the 48 was discontinued , it was built alot like the 54" they both ( the 48-54) have very large side discharge chutes I can honestly say I have never clogged it up and it actually stays fairly clean under there as a result of the large opening. the current 50 has a large opening too but it's just a lighter deck.
JTKub
Veteran Member
My 2010 fab'd 44" deck has a small discharge opening. I'd bet the new 2011 fab'd are the same. This deck has unbelievable suction and discharge force, but I'm not sure I like the cut quality yet. With the rear striper roller system it's designed to cut lower, but if I have mine set low so the stiper works, the deck gets bounced, jostled and banged around so badly, it locks itself back into the upright travel position. Very frustrating It's a nicely designed machine for the money, it just needs a few inches more of clearance between deck and machine. Here's mine just before I blew it off and put it away for the season. It's got about 30hrs on it. I took the massive plastic discharge chute cover off.
Joel
It's a nicely designed machine for the money, it just needs a few inches more of clearance between deck and machine. Here's mine just before I blew it off and put it away for the season. It's got about 30hrs on it. I took the massive plastic discharge chute cover off.
Joel