As for coming dead last, here is a reply from REVIEW BOARD MAGAZINE: /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Cub Cadet is a line of outdoor power equipment that has been around for over forty years. They pride themselves on high performance and long lasting equipment. They use what they call ELC, or extended life construction. Details in the engineering of the tractors such as heavy-duty transmissions, welded steel frames, cast-iron front axels, automotive-style lug nuts, and Timken tapered roller bearings make for durable and long lasting tractors.
The Cub Cadet Model 5252 is definitely the best value in its class. With an average street price of about $7800.00 USD you can pick up a compact tractor that has some of the most impressive specs we have ever seen in that price range. The series 5000 tractors have optional parts that attach to the tractor such as a backhoe and a loader.
We have had the opportunity to take a look at a number of different tractors over the last 3 months. In fact, we have selected only the best of the best to write about and sent the rest of them home packing to the manufacturers.
We have had dealings with Ingersoll, Cub Cadet, John Deere, Kubota, Ariens, and many more. Some are still under evaluation, the tractors that made the cut are in our lawn & garden section.
Let's take a look at the specs for the Cub Cadet Model 5252 Compact Tractor:
25 HP 2-Cylinder Gasoline Engine/2WD
• 25 HP Kohler, Air Cooled Gasoline Engine
• 16.3 PTO HP
• 2WD
• Standard 60" Cutting Deck
• Hydrostatic Drive with 2 Speed Ranges
• Differential Lock
• Roll Over Protection System Standard
• Power Steering
• 4.6 gal. Fuel Capacity
• Category I, 3-Pt. Hitch w/Float Position
• 1025 lb. 3-Pt. Lift Capacity @ Lift Point
• 680 lb. 3-Pt. Lift Capacity @ 24" Behind Link Ends
• Optional 54" Cutting Deck
The Cub Cadet 5252 has 25 HP with an air-cooled gasoline engine. It has 4.6-gallon fuel capacity. It has 16.3 PTO HP. It features a Kohler engine and heavy-duty transmission. It is 2WD with differential lock. The Cub Cadet 5252 has power steering with two speed ranges and a roll over protection feature. It has a three-point hitch with float position so that the tractor will “float” over hilly terrain rather than gouging into it. The Cub Cadet has a 1025 lb. lift capacity at lift point and a 680 lb. lift capacity at 24” behind link ends. It also has an optional 54”/60” cutting deck.
The Cub Cadet 5252 has an abundance of accessories. The accessories include a 60” front dozer blade, 60” rear blade, 48” box blade, 48” post hole digger, 60” landscape rake, front-end loader, snowthrower, and much more. The tractor itself comes with a two-year limited or 1,500-hour non-commercial and a one-year limited or 1,500-hour commercial warranty. The accessories have a one year limited or 1,500-hour non-commercial or commercial warranty.
Compared to a similar model from the Massey Ferguson line of tractors, the Cub Cadet 5252 holds its own. The Cub Cadet has 25 HP at 3600 RPM while the Massey Ferguson has 2.5 less HP with 22.5 HP at 2600 RPM. The Cub Cadet is air cooled while Massey Ferguson is liquid cooled. The Cub Cadet features the float component while the Massey Ferguson does not. The Cub Cadet can lift 80 more pounds than the Massey Ferguson at 550 pounds compared to 470 pounds. The biggest difference between these two brands of tractors is the price. The Cub Cadet 5252 goes for $8399 while the Massey Ferguson GC2300 goes for $11765. That’s a $3366 price difference.
Imagine what else you could buy with an extra three grand in your pocket! (accessories for your new Cub Cadet 5252 perhaps?) One happy customer comments on the strength of the Cub Cadet 5252. He comments, “I have put about 80 hours on it already doing a lot of grass cutting, earth moving, gravel moving, excavated a 22X38 ft inground pool down to about 3.5ft. Is that tough enough or what?”
A parts manager at a Cub dealership comments, “…we sell quite a few of the Cub Cadet compacts and have very low maintenance problems with them.”
Cub Cadet offers easy financing on their tractors. They have low monthly payments, flexible payment terms, instant credit for immediate purchases and easy add-on purchases. They also now offer secure online financing through GE Capital Consumer Card Co.
We have to give the MTD Products Cub Cadet 5252 Compact Tractor the 2004 Reviewboard Editor's Choice Award for the best Compact Tractor in its class and of course award it with 3 out of 3 stars! Great job Cub Cadet!