What would you do?

Undercover · Jan 3, 2008

I plan on getting a new-order a new Cub as soon as the 08 prices come out.I like to have 2 mowers because i'm gone all week(job) and if it brakes down and i can't fix or get parts(this has happend) it's maybe 2 weeks before i can mow.I mow around 2 acres +or-.It is mostly flat except the ditch.Now i have a gt1554 new last year been very good so far and another brand with a 38" deck.I like the smaller deck, it fits a few places the larger deck won't and the large deck gets the mowing done fast.so i do use both.so if i keep two i would like the different deck sizes.
Now these are my options.These are based on 07 prices and what my dealer would give me last fall. Oh the 38" deck mower has did it's time and time to move on when i can still get something for it.
1. keep the GT1554(that i like alot but the sealed tran i dont and would like a servisable tran so i could do more things without worry) and get the Lt 1042.
my cost with trade $1200.

2. keep the GT1554(that is still kinda new and is even cleaner than the day i got it) and get the GT2544
my cost with trade $3000. this is how i'm leaning

3.trade both for GT2550 & Lt1042
my cost $2800

4.trade both for GT2554 & Lt1042
my cost $3200

5.trade both for GT3100 with 50" deck
my cost ? $3200. i like this but it would only be one and all great machines brake down from time to time.If i did get the 2544 i could save and someday get the 3200 with a 60" deck,that would be my dream teem but that is not here or now.

Let me know what you think.I live in JD country so it is hard to get any thoughts. Not that is wrong but i love the Cubs.

CCinCT · Jan 3, 2008

I'd go with Option 2. The GT1554 is a good tractor. It's a lot heavier duty than the 1000's so should last a long time, especially if you use the 2544 for any GT tasks like ground engaging stuff. This scenario leaves you with the flexibility of not be pressured to upgrade the lower model any time soon. Then you can just sit back and wait for a sweet deal on a 3K to show up (if ever), and unload your GT1554 at that time.

JTKub · Jan 3, 2008

The sky is the limit if you want to own two machines and have the capacity to do so. It sounds like you want to just mow grass and do it as fast as possible? Why not keep your "other brand" 38" for the small stuff and get a zero turn rider or stander machine. (CC doesn't currently offer a 'stander' ZTR though).

Joel

Undercover · Jan 4, 2008

Thanks CCinCT for your reply and like i said i'm kinda thinking the 2544.

Thanks JTKub i agree the zero turn would save me time but i'm looking to get a true gt.I would like to get a plug aerator don't think i want to use the gt1554 for that.Also a would like to get a blade.now i use a lawn sweeper, cart,spreader,dethatcher,sprayer and a spike aerator that i'm not sure does much?i was looking for a good used cub gt last summer and fall and just couldn't find one.

Thanks again

JTKub · Jan 4, 2008

Yup, if you want to pull or push things, a 2500 or 3K series machine is definitely in order IMO.

Joel

Dave01 · Jan 5, 2008

For 2 acres mowing plus the various attachments I'd like to see you with the 3100, option 5. Only downside is you won't have the smaller deck. As far as breaking down, a new 3100 will run for a very long time without breaking if well maintained, just keep a spare deck belt and you'll be all set.

I'll add an option 6 in case you're set on having 2 machines - buy a good used mid to late '90's tractor and keep the GT1554. Something like my 1864 with 18 HP would be great, the strong hydro will pull or push any of the attachments. You can get a very good tractor for $1,500 to $2,000 that will do all the heavy work, and still have the 2nd tractor.

I know you said you couldn't find a good used tractor, but I've bought 2 on Ebay in the last 2 years (I just bought the 2nd one and haven't picked it up yet so I can't comment, but the first one was a great value). I'm sure you can find one with a bit of patience.

Undercover · Jan 5, 2008

Thanks Dave01
I have not ruled out getting 3100.I almost got a 3235 this summer but i called the old owner and he thought the tran had some problems.I would love to come across a great used GT and have not gave up yet.As far as e-bay i'm to chicken to do that.

I love those 1864's they look mean.To be honest that's what i have been looking for but can't find one around here.if you had a good one i can't see why a person would let it go

Again thank you Dave01

Dave01 · Jan 5, 2008

Where are you located? I'll keep an eye out for a used one, but it would need to be a reasonable driving distance from you to make sense.

I've done a lot on Ebay. In hundreds of transactions I've had a couple of bad ones on little $30 items, but never a problem on big stuff. There are definitely scams on cars, tractors, and boats so you do have to be careful. Besides the tractors I've bougtht 2 computers, some expensive tools, etc. In the case of the tractors the simple way to make sure the seller is OK is to talk to him. On the 1864 the guy I bought it from starting talking about what he had done for maintenance, that he wanted to change out the deck and mule drive belts before I picked it up, was interested in talking about attachments and capability of the tractor, I knew I was buying from a guy who cared about equipment and wouldn't sell me a lemon. Same on the 2084 I just bought, sounds like a great guy (I'll let you know once I have it!) Anyway, don't rule Ebay out.

Dave01 · Jan 5, 2008

Just for an example, look at this tractor:

CUB CADET 1861 HYDRO GARDEN TRACTOR MOWER W/ SNOW PLOW - eBay (item 150201553361 end time Jan-11-08 19:57:17 PST)

1992 model with 18 HP Kohler engine. 270 hours, comes with plow, weights, and chains. Price is $1,550. This tractor is a bit lighter in weight than the 3000 series today, but every bit as strong (in my opinion). Anyway, just wanted to give you an idea of what is out there.

David