The right Cub to buy

[Elck]

I've been reading the forum for about a month now and still can't make up my mind on what to do. Just purchased a home with approximately 1.5 acres. My 42" 10 year old Murray has finally died and I am in need of a new mower. I narrowed my search down to Cub because of the features/cost ratio.

Yard specs:
1.5 acres to mow
Terrain is about 3/4 smooth. The bumpy stuff is due to patchy grass/crab grass, etc. Lawn will eventually become bermuda with landscaped islands to reduce amount of mowing.
Grade: majority not level (slightly sloped to a small area that is sloped about 60 degrees)

I've narrowed my choices down to 2 mowers....LT1050 and LT2042.

I had convinced myself that the 1050 was the answer...price point, 50 inch mowing deck, but local dealer does not have one and didn't act as though he'd be getting anymore. However the 2042 seems to be a popular choice with the forum members. I assume it is a more rugged machine than the 1050. I am not a mechanically inclined person, but not afraid to perform basic maintenance procedures (with well written instructions at hand, of course) I don't want to "over buy" for my particular situation, but I want my machine to last for many years to come.

All input is greatly appreciated.

I also plan on purchasing a bagger with the machine I decide on.

Elck

 

[gamble77]

I think either machine would fit your needs just fine. Obviously the 1050 has an attractive price tag, might be one of the most attractive in the insdutry for what all you get. Obviously the 2000 series is a little stouter machine, shaft driven, etc. Just think you need to justify the extra expense, are you going to be pulling any heavy objects?

Where at in GA are you located?

 

[Elck]

The occasional aerator or lawn cart. Located in McDonough, between Atlanta and Macon.

 

[gamble77]

Check your private messages

 

[JTKub]

From what I've been reading, you might be better off with the deeper deck design of the 44" on the 2544. The shallow 42" on the 2042 clogs and has problems on grass not nearly as tough as bermuda. The shallow decks are fine if you keep them set high.
G/luck
Joel

 

[wsx7]

I looked at the 2042's several weeks ago, but ended up buying the LT1050. I just could'nt justify the $700 difference when all I will ever do is mow grass on relatively smooth ground, half of which is slightly sloped. I know the 1050 is overkill for my 1/2 acre lawn, but I do love that 50" deck and 26hp twin.

Either one will last you a long time. You just have to decide how much money you want to part with.

 

[Lawn_Ranger]

Saw your post and thought I would chime in...

My concern is that you mentioned you have hills. I, too have some small hills and they are causing my SLT1554 some problems. The belt drive transmission is not capable of negotiating steep hills, at least not in the up direction. I was unable to pull my 48" lawn roller, filled with water of course, up the slope from my ditch. The slope is about 4' rise in 12'. The belt let loose leaving me stranded. I'm currently in the market for a 2500 to 3000 series or better. These have shaft drive and I'm told by two dealers that this is required for pulling loads like that.

The smaller Cubs are great if you're mowing mostly level ground. If you want to pull more than an aerator or small trailer, beware...

 

[JTKub]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The smaller Cubs are great if you're mowing mostly level ground. If you want to pull more than an aerator or small trailer, beware... )</font>

Yep. Good point. The 2042 or up are better for hills, a HEAVY operator and pulling attachments. No trans drive belt to slip.

G/luck
Joel

 

[Elck]

When referring to "hills", I have quite a drop in the front but will mow down that hill. The rest of the yard is gradual. My 10 yr old worn out Murray traversed the yard fine by my standards (14.5 hp B/S). Would assume that a new LT1050 would do the same but even better.

Will be used strictly as a basic residential mower with the occasional lawn trailer or possibly an aerator. I just want to try to make the most informed decision that I can.

Do you guys like the 3 blade design as opposed to the 2 or vice versa (which gives a better cut)?

Has anyone used the bagger with the 1050 or 2042?

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Getting more confused by the minute.

 

[JohnNH]

Elck,

I have a new CC 2042 and cut about 1 1/2 acres up here in rocky New Hampshire. I use a twin bagger and the deck has the high lift blades installed (they come with the bagger). The combination of the high lift blades and the excellent set up on the bagger does a great job picking up everything (grass, leaves, pine needles, twigs, small limbs, and even a rock now and then). The bagger set up is easy to use, easy to remove bags and stores nicely when you don't need it.

I also purchsed a 17cubic foot trailer and this was a great choice. I haul lawn debris, firewood, dirt for the ever expanding gardens, trash up to the roadside (very long driveway).

The BIG benefit of the CC 2042 is the reliability. I have some fairly good sized hills (10 to 15 degree slope for about 200 feet) that go to the so called back 40 and I can haul a full trailer load of wood up that hill with NO Slipage (shaft drive is the best).

I know you don't have to deal with snow down in GA, but if you ever need any sort of attachments, the shaft drive CC tractors will be your best choice.

I had a Sears lawn trator in the past and spent more time adjusting or replacing belts than I care to remember. Note: I am not comparing the quality of a CC belt drive to the Sears = they are not on the same planet.

I think the 2042 is well worth the investment and will last you a very long time.

Good luck with your search for the right tractor.
John/NH