GT2542 VS GT2550 buying today/this week

[papabear]

Going to the dealer today to look at both of theese machines.I am not sure yet which one I will buy.May just wait until I get some responses from you great folks.I realise that the tractors themselves are virtially indenticle (within a few HP) but my main concern is the deck width.8 extra inches of deck width for $600.00 is a big chunk of change just for the deck.And also,the dealer is quoting the exact same price that is posted on the CC web site saying it is the "sale price".Should I be asking for more or should I be happy with the cost?$3,199.00 for the 2542 and $3,799.00 for the 2550.Thanks for all the help!! John
PS Buying with 0% interest for two years but it was not on the CC web site.Dealer had to inform me of it.He did not realise it either until he looked up the available programs.Will be nice to not have to pay any interest.

 

[art]

I like big decks and small tractors!!!! The bigger decks make it easier to trim and cuts down on the time to mow. I'm lazy and when I did my landscaping I removed everything that kept me from using larger decks not knowing what I might be mowing with from year to year as well as from week to week.
I like to look at the narrowest part and get a deck to fit though. Then I work from there to recommend a deck wider then the wheels and chassis so the deck is easy to see and gauge as to where it is. It eliminates time with a smaller mower and at best you might just need a trimmer. While operating around larger pines and tree's the tractor doesn't get scratched or you!

 

[CCinCT]

I'd say go with the biggest you can afford comfortably. You'll find, over time, that the extra overhang that the larger decks provide are very useful, assuming you don't have areas where it would be too large. Also, the 42" deck is shallow compared to the rest of the lineup, and doesn't deal with tall grass as well.

 

[cager]

Papabear...
I would go with the 2550. Apart from the the extra 8", a wider cut, IMO, provides a better looking finish cut vs a narrower cut. Just be sure the layout of your yard can handle the larger deck. Trees, garden beds, etc. Also, if you will be hauling your tractor, be sure your utility trailer can handle 50" plus the safety shield plus clearance between the deck and the sides of the trailer. I have a CC 2554 and didn't take into consideration the size of my utility trailer when I purchased it. Had to go buy a wider trailer. Anyway, regardless of you which size you go with...you will enjoy your new machine!

 

[ChipSmith]

I'll chime in since I just bought a GT2550. For me it was the depth of the 50" deck that sold me. The 42" deck is very shallow in comparison. My previous tractor (not a Cub) had a shallow deck and would always spew clippings out the left side, especially when trimming along my driveway. I have a very long driveway and blowing away the clippings afterwards added considerable time to each mowing.

As others mentioned, the wider 50" deck allows you to get in closer when trimming around obstacles. This is important because the 2500 series doesn't exactly have a tight turning radius compared to small lawn tractor, but the wider deck makes for a smaller uncut circle.

Cost is always a factor, but it is relative. The GT2542 is already $3,199, so the GT2550 is only ~18% more (if my math is correct).

The other difference not yet mentioned is the 50" deck has three blades versus the two blades of the 42" deck. Although most of the GT2542 owners are satisfied with their cut, I can see a marked difference from the two blade deck on my last tractor.

The other advantage of a large deck is it should allow you to mow your yard in less time. I went from a 40" deck on my previous tractor to the 50" deck on my Cub and I have already noticed it takes less time to cut my grass, even though I am still getting use to the new tractor. In my case, for every 5 passes with my old tractor I only need to do 4 passes with the 50" deck on the Cub. It adds up.

 

[LBrown59]

but my main concern is the deck width.8 extra inches of deck width for $600.00 is a big chunk of change just for the deck..

A deck never sticks out past the wheels far enough.
The narrower the mower the worse it is.

The smaller the mower the more it leaves to trim along ditches and banks.

Due to this the 8 more inches is well worth 600 extra to me.

 

[LBrown59]

I bought the CC 2554 with the 54'' deck to replace the Old powerKraft with a 46'' deck.

I knew I from using the powerKraft I didn't want anything with less than a 46'' deck but I wondered if 54 inches would be to large. Turns out I couldn't have been happier with my choice as the 54 incher is just right. It's surprising how much quicker I can mow with the 8 inch wider deck.
I was also concerned if the wider deck would make it harder to get into the tighter spots but it worked out just the opposite as I found I could get in and mow closer to objects due to the extra distance the larger deck sticks out past the wheels.

 

[LBrown59]

I'd say go with the biggest you can afford comfortably. You'll find, over time, that the extra overhang that the larger decks provide are very useful, assuming you don't have areas where it would be too large. Also, the 42" deck is shallow compared to the rest of the lineup, and doesn't deal with tall grass as well.

A feature I would like to see as an option on all tractors is a telescoping mower that would extend the mower deck out past the wheels at least 18''.

 

[LBrown59]

Papabear...
I . I have a CC 2554 !

So Do I.

How often do you change the tranny fluid in yours???????

 

[RJ-NC]

papabear - I think either machine will serve you well for a long time. You didn't say how much yard you're trying to mow. The other posters point out the facts that the 50" deck has a third blade, is deeper than the 42", etc. I agree that these things should factor into your decision - if you feel that they will justify the extra cost, will save you time, etc. As I've posted here before, I'm happy with the 2542 as it was a better fit for my yard (1-1.5 acres), my needs, and my budget. You'll have to weigh the deck differences against your own needs. As they say - your mileage may vary .

As far as the price is concerned, I wasn't very successful in getting the dealer to budge on price when I bought last year around this (prime-buying) time. If you have any luck - share your secret.

Best of luck with the new GT,
RJ