Choices, Choices

[RCT]

I am definitely getting a bonus in about 2 weeks (unlike 2 years ago when I was screwed). It is about 5000 so after Uncle Sam rapes me I will be left with about 3000. I have a line on a couple of options and was looking for some input. Option 1 is a used Cub 2138 for 1400, option 2 is a new LT 1046 for 1800, or a new LT 1050 for 1800. I want to keep it under 2000 so I can get ahead on some bills. I know the 2138 is a much better machine, but I worry about no warranty.

 

[RCT]

Also, does anybody know the specs for the 2138 and what year it might be.

 

[CCinCT]

Don't know much about the 2138 other than it was made for model year 2004 only. Looks like a fairly typical 2000 series LT (like the 2130/2135/2140/2145), except that it might have a pedal-only hydrostatic tranny, instead of the ones where you have a combination fender mounted lever + foot pedal to control ground speed.

 

[RCT]

Decision made. I went to the dealer today that had the 2138 and put my name on it. The sales guy said I would be better buying the new 1046, but it was in the shop getting prepped and the service guy took me back to see it. He said I would be better getting the 2138, then he said come see why. He took me to the area where the mowers waiting for service were. There were a whole slew of 1000 series with various problems and a couple of 2000 series also, but they were only in for routine maintenance. So after seeing the 1000 series graveyard, that made my decision for the 2138. I will be picking it up in about 2 weeks, so I will update you then. The sales guy quoted me a price of 1400, but the service guy said it would probably go up to 1500-1600 after the service.

 

[RCT]

My other question is this. It currently has a bagger on it and I will not bag. I would like to mulch. Is there any market for a used bagger? I would like to at least trade out the bagger for a dozer blade.

 

[CCinCT]

The blade is worth a LOT more than the bagger, so don't expect to swap it even.

Your bagger will fit any 2000 and 2500 series tractor with the same size deck. It will NOT fit the 1000's and 1500's.

No idea about demand in your area. Best bet is to list it on CL or eBay and see what you get for interest.

 

[micman32]

Also, does anybody know the specs for the 2138 and what year it might be.

RCT, Here are the specs for the LT 2138 taken out of the 2004 Cub brochure.

Michael

View attachment 102560

 

[RCT]

Wow, 26.5" turning radius! Can that be right??

 

[RCT]

So, if you were me with about $2,00 to spend, which would you do, the used 2138 or a new 1046/1050?

 

[mdpatsr]

I would go for the 2100 series. The shaft drive is fantastic, and if you want you can put larger tires on it and have about as good a GT as you would want. Other than the size of the deck, tires, and the engine, it is the same as the 2186. I have the 2180 and made a sleeve hitch for it and went up to 23" tires and it will do a lot of work. Next thing I have to do is to get some AG tires and I will be set.

 

[RCT]

Okay, the 2138 will be delivered tomorrow! I can't wait. I will give you an update and try to upload some pics this weekend. By the way, I called 10 Cub dealers around here and asked their service guys what their opinion was, and all of them said the 2138. If the guys who work on them say the 2138, so be it.

 

[micman32]

Sounds like you made the better choice. Best of luck to you!

Michael

 

[RCT]

So here are some pics. It seems pretty cool so far. One of the wires on the PTO came loose, but I soldered it. I don't trust my soldering so much, so I used my free parts for 30 days and had them order another one. I cut the grass just fine with it as is though. The grass (read dandelions) was about 4 ft high in some spots, but it cut level and smooth. I checked the speed with my GPS and it said 6.8 mph. It seems to turn better than the posted 26.5 inches also. Oh yeah, I washed it up and waxed it , my wife thinks I am crazy.

 

[RCT]

One other question. Do they make Gator blades for the 2138? I will be buying a mulch plug for it in the next month and I just don't know about a 3 in 1 blade for mulching. I got a Gator clone for my Toro push mower and that thing is impressive. There are no grass clippings, just grass soup!

 

[micman32]

Nice pics! You got yourself a great tractor! Glad to hear the dealer made good on the broken part.
Wives just don't get it do they?

Best of luck to ya!

Michael

 

[RCT]

Thanks Michael. Yeah, I made them show me the service records, since they claimed it was brought there for service every year and agree to a 30 day return/repair if something went wrong with it. I am glad they honored it even if the part was less than $10. I also disabled the reverse mow cutoff in about 5 minutes. All I did was loosely zip tie the lever to the rod below it, and viola it can't hit the switch and cut off the PTO. I thought it was going to be a pain after seeing some of the posts, but it turned out to be pretty easy. There is even a little hole in a convenient spot on the lever. Maybe they wanted it to be easy since they knew everyone would hate it. Maybe I will show that trick to my neighbor who has a 1018.

 

[micman32]

Yeah, I am sure they knew everyone would hate it. The dealer told me they disabled mine when it was delivered. I didn't ask questions! I was just so excited it came!

Michael

 

[RCT]

Well, here is my 20 hour update. I love it! I have cut the grass 3 times (about 2 times more than my wife thinks I should have), hauled a 10 cu cart full of rocks, hauled mulch all over the yard, helped my neighbor move his mulch, got 3 loads of firewood from my neighbor down the street. It never seems to slow down even when loaded down with the rocks. The cart I have converts to a wheelbarrow, so the tongue is 2 pieces. This helps with stopping because it gives a little. I have not had any problems with the slopes or unevenness of the yard. I set the tires to the proper inflation and the ride seems pretty good even over my very bumpy yard. Like I say, it doesn't seem to even notice the loads I have put on it. Beats the **** out of spending 4 hours push mowing (now about 1.5 hours).

 

[Morkai]

...and one more reason you'll be happier with the older model. That's when they still made them with metal hoods, you'll be very glad. I'm glad I bought my 2544 before they went plastic!

 

[micman32]

...and one more reason you'll be happier with the older model. That's when they still made them with metal hoods, you'll be very glad. I'm glad I bought my 2544 before they went plastic!

You got that right!!!!