Please help me decide: 2042 vs. 2544

[thestumper]

Hi all, new here and new to the whole tractor thing. I'm debating which tractor to buy. I've done a lot of shopping and narrowed it down to Cub due to value and location of dealer. I have appx. 3/4 acres and its all thick grass. I looked at both the 2042 and the 2544 and I'm torn. The one thing that really bugs me about the 2042 is the 13 guage deck; it seems pretty skimpy for a part thats taking a lot of abuse. The 2544 has and extra 2 HP (which I could give a crap about), larger tires (would be nicve but not critical) AND an 11 guage deck; this seems to make more sense and its the thing that stands out to me.

The money isn't THAT much between the two, and I want something that will last. Is the thin deck anything to be worried about (ie: am I just being paranoid)???

Note: I do plan to bag from time to time. Mostly mulch. Lawn has a couple of very gentle slopes. I may blow snow with this thing eventually, but its not a deal breaker.

Any thoughts???

Thanks !!!

 

[JTKub]

The 3 blade 44" deck tends to give a more reliable, consistant cut. The 44" deck is deeper, which may help it 'lift' the grass better and in turn, not clog as easily. I'd have to say the quality of cut is one of the best featurs of my 2544. I have yet to have it clump, clog or bog down the engine on my 1.5acres. The 42" deck can be ehnanced with quality aftermarket blades & by not cutting super low or really tall grass. I wouldn't worry about the thinner deck gauge. A smaller, shallower deck is not prone to flexing or bending & it's likely easier to get a more consistant stamping out of the thinner gauge steel.
G/luck
Joel

 

[thestumper]

Thanks !!! Any more insight into the bagging aspect of the two; is one any better than the other? I see posts here that indicate there IS a difference, and I see posts that say that any difference is a hoax.

Note: I plan on hitting the dealer with what I feel to be a fair offer today. I'm not in a any big hurry, and can wait until the craze dies down if I have to.

 

[JTKub]

Cant help you with bagging. I'm not really sure why anyone would want to bag anymore with the mulching capabilities of today's blades and decks /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. I personally side discharge /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. As far as the fair offer thing, be prepared to pay sticker for a 2005 2042 or 2544. You may get some discount if you lump any accessories in with the purchase (bagger, snowblower, etc...) I dunno of any CC dealer who will 'deal' on current year machines, especially in June!
G/luck
Joel

 

[reid]

I chose the 2544 with the bagger and so far am vey happy. The bagger works fine and the tractor has plenty of power. The deciding factor for me was the 3 blade deck vs the 2 blade on the 2042 for a more even cut. you can not go wrong with either one.

 

[Bucky_O]

Stumper,

Go with the 2544. You can't go wrong. You'll probably never need more power, and the quality of cut will be very much appreciated after the first time you use it.

Good luck! It's a tough choice.

 

[ducati996]

My choice would be towards the 2500 series machines. Main reason is the cast iron tranny similar to the larger 3000 series...plus a few other things to go along with it, thats if the pricing isnt too far of a spread...

Duc

 

[JTKub]

They all have the cast iron transaxles this year, 2042 on up. Still cant figure out who makes the axle/differential assembly, but the hydrostatic drive is made by hydro-gear. I think some of previous models had peerless hydros.
G/luck
Joel

 

[WillyS]

Stumper

I chose the 2042 a month ago and love it so far! I chose the 42" deck only because it would fit in my shed. The 3 in 1 blades did a terrible job of mulching, but I got the double bagger attachment and used the high lift blades that came with it. The cut is very good and I am side discharging unless it is real long and don't want to track it in the house. They say the 44" or bigger will do a good job of mulching though.

Which ever you chose should still be a great mower!!
Good Luck!
Bill

 

[glazer1972]

I have a related question. 2544 or 2042 for a very bumpy 1.25 acres of mostly San Augustine grass?