Santa's got a 1018/catcher on his list

Tombugg · Dec 2, 2004

Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

Hi guys, my first post here, but been watching for some time. I have a problem.... hope you all can help. I found out today that my sweet wife of 36 years has purchased a 1018 with grass catcher from Lowes. She has not picked it up as yet, will have to by the 12th of Dec. This mower will work for me, but I would have went for the 2038. I have read that the 2005 models may have stronger transmission of cast iron and maybe I should wait til the 2005 series are out. My wife won't be mad if I tell her to get a refund and wait a couple of months. Would I be better off to wait??? I have a 10 year old 314 WheelHorse with a few problems, but still runs well enough to keep for any heavy work and hauling. Any input will be appreciated.\Thanks Tombugg

DmansPadge · Dec 3, 2004

Re: Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

Wow... thats a hard position to be in. If she really won't mind, I'd get what I wanted, whether you wait for the 2005's or get a '04 that you want. I think the 2000 and up series will have the heavy transmissions in '05. Right now only the 2500 series and up have them. In my area Lowes can only get the 1000 and 2000 series. It will be something you will have for probably 10-20 years. I'd make sure it was really what I wanted! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif But I know it would be tough to tell her.

Good Luck... and keep us posted!

gamble77 · Dec 3, 2004

Re: Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

I am only going to say this because I know how most dealers are, so here it goes...

If I were you I would buy the unit from an independent dealer. AKA whoever is going to have to service the unit. Go to Cub's web site and do a dealer locater for the store closest to you. Its a myth that Lowe's will have a better deal on the unit, because often times I sell my units for the same or LESS than Lowes, never more. And as with any business, if you buy it from the place that is going to have to work on it then they will be more willing to do the work fast. In other words if you buy your Cub at Lowes and then take it into an independent Cub dealer for warranty work I can PROMISE you they won't put your unit in front of someone elses who bought the Cub from them.

Yeah it might not seem fair in your eyes but in the dealers eyes it does. Do yourself a favor and buy from an independent who can do warranty work...cause Lowes never has and never will be able to warranty anything Cub makes. Just some advice from someone who sees this situation come up every day and am on the other side of the fence sort to speak.

Wait for the '05s, they look better...and look into moving up into the 2000 series if you can afford it (and with Cub's financing options that should be too hard!). Although the LT1018 is a great little unit.

Tombugg · Dec 3, 2004

Re: Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

Thanks for the input, she understood and we went to Lowes tonight and got a credit back on her card. Now to see if I can upgrade to the 2000 series......"YES"
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tombugg · Dec 3, 2004

Re: Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

Gamble77,
 Thanks for the information I appreciate the advice, here is what I did:

 I found a Club Dealer in Bessemer, Al and went there today at lunch. They had the 2005 1000 series in stock, they do look much better than the 2004's left at Lowes. One thing is all the units have the Kohler engines now and the 1042 replaced the 1018 and has 18hp Kholer. I understand that the B/S are no longer used at all..?

 He had a 2004 2138 on the floor and I just had to check it out, even got to ride it out back. He made me a price of $2075.00 out the door. Told him SOLD! I will pick it up tomorrow after I close my shop at 12:00 noon.

 The 1018 with Grasscather and tax was about $1997.00 at Lowes. I'll just wait on the catcher til spring. I think the 2138 is worth the difference in price.

 Oh yes, You were right..... the Dealer was very helpful and I felt I was doing business with true professionals. They have a complete service dept and two locations in my area.

Thanks again, I know I'll enjoy this forum and look out leaves you will me munched up Saturday afternoon...... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tombugg
03 Yellow GoldWIng
04 Yellow/White Club 2138

DmansPadge · Dec 4, 2004

Re: Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

I'm glad to hear you got you a good one! Gamble77 is right about buying from an independent dealer. You will get the knowledge, service and a more personal approach than a chain store will offer. And BTW, I have looked at the Cub's at my local dealer and he told me almost word for word what Gamble said. If you buy a unit from Lowes and it needs service, you have to bring it to them, they bring it to the dealer, and the dealer will put it at the bottom of the priority list. That is very understandable. Sounds like you did good! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Keep up posted on how it works out for you!

gamble77 · Dec 4, 2004

Re: Santa\'s got a 1018/catcher on his list

Congrats on the purchase! The 2138 is a great unit and should give you years of great service. Post pics when you get a chance!