I Hope I Did Good! New GT2544

[BigBlue]

After reading as much as I could and judging my needs and availability against my wallet, I finally took the plunge and ordered a new GT2544 from my local C.C. dealership. I plan to mow 1.5 acres with it and get a snowblower attachment for the driveway. I just hope it's enough tractor and that I'll be happy with my choice. It will be delivered on Saturday.
Thanks to all that posted in regards to Cub Cadet tractors, I think you all helped me make a more educated decision.
Don

 

[CCinCT]

Congrats! I hope you have many enjoyable years with it. Make sure to post some pictures when you get a chance.

 

[BigBlue]

CCinCT,
Thanks, I'll be sure to post a photo as soon as possible.
I had read your posts from when you were tractor hunting. What made you finally decide on the 44" rather than the 42" that you seemed to have been set on? For me I was seriously considering the 50", but thought the 44" would be more maneuverable around the many trees I need to mow around. I haven't bought the snowblower yet, the dealer said they usually start shipping to him in August. My drive is 600". I live in N.E. PA. and we have had some real bad winters in the past. I can still remember 5' drifts and one winter that gave us 17 storms in a row! Lately though it just seems the winters haven't been all that bad. How does your plow work out for you?
Thanks,
Don

 

[SHUNKSTER]

You did good, I purchased a GT 2554 a year ago, with the exception of having the cracked hood problem (that everyone else seems to be having) it is a great machine. My dealer (4 Seasons) fixed it with no questions asked. They seem to run "Hot" in the summer, Check out discussions in other Threads about it. I keep a eye on the exhaust opening in the hood where others have had melting problems. Cub fixed the problem at the end of 06with a new latch assembly. I usually open my hood up on hot days after mowing. it seems to lessen the chance of brown spots on the grass from the heat. Don't skimp on the transmission fluid, purchase the Cub brand and use car ramps to change the filter, You will hardly lose any. I purchased the plow with it and we got about 20 inches of snow in March and it did miss a beat, it's a "Beast". ENJOY!!

 

[CCinCT]

What made you finally decide on the 44" rather than the 42"

Price. I wanted the biggest deck I could afford, and the 44 was it. At the time I could have saved $300 by going with the 42", but I wanted a 3-blade deck and the larger front tires. No real legitimate reason, other than I just had a hankering...

For me I was seriously considering the 50", but thought the 44" would be more maneuverable around the many trees I need to mow around.

Actually, with the larger deck you have better control over your edge work. Assuming you don't have an issue with the deck physically fitting where you need it, it's generally easier to get close to objects with a larger deck. I have about 20 trees/rocks that I have to maneuver around, and I'd say about 1/2 of them would be much easier with a larger deck. The rest I've adjusted my pattern around to make them less of an issue.

How does your plow work out for you?

Works great so far. But to be honest I've moved more dirt, gravel, and shrubs than snow I've plowed snow 4 times over the past two winter's, the most being one storm with about 5-6" of very wet, heavy snow. I never felt like I was plowing anything: the tractor just plowed the snow like it wasn't even there. I even "plowed" a 4-foot section of curb up onto my lawn before I realized I was moving something I probably shouldn't.

Congrats again. You're going to love the 2544

 

[BigBlue]

I've plowed snow 4 times over the past two winter's, the most being one storm with about 5-6" of very wet, heavy snow. I never felt like I was plowing anything: the tractor just plowed the snow like it wasn't even there. I even "plowed" a 4-foot section of curb up onto my lawn before I realized I was moving something I probably shouldn't.

That's real good news and just what I'm looking for in a tractor. I guess that's the difference between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor.
Any engine heat problems? I've seen so many posts on the CC heat problems.
Don

 

[CCinCT]

No heat problems for me. When a bunch of us were talking about this last year, it seemed that the problem was only prevalent in the 2550 and 2554.

 

[VA_Joe]

Good choice. It's a nice machine. 44 inch is a good width for maneuvering around the house.

Joe

 

[mdc2544]

Mine is an 05 2544 with a blower. Drive is only 150' but decent incline. Doesn't miss a beat. 600' would be no problem. great macine. Other than wheels lugs loosening and headlight wires melting, no problems at all. You'll love it.

 

[BigBlue]

CCinCT,
I'm glad to hear you haven't incurred that heat problem. That was one concern I had.

VA_Joe,
My property was an empty corn field when I bought it 20 years ago and it's surrounded by 19 acres of corn field. I planted over 300 trees with many used as a wind break and now it looks more like a park. I do have several tight squeezes with my current 46" deck so the 44" should work well.

mdc2544,
I love your photo of the tractor and snow blower. Yours is the first mention I've heard of the headlight wires melting and lugs loosening. Thanks for the tip. I'll have to keep my eye on those..

Guys, I feel like a kid at Christmas with the tractor due tomorrow!

Don

 

[CCinCT]

Guys, I feel like a kid at Christmas with the tractor due tomorrow!

Haha, we know the feeling Make sure you have plenty of gas on hand. When mine was delivered on a Friday evening, I spent about 2-1/2 hours mowing my lawn into the night. Had to refuel before I was done Didn't sleep a wink the night before, nor the night after.

 

[micman32]

You made a great and wise choice. I actually called off work because I wanted to see the dealer deliver it. I waited for them and saw it come up the drive on the back of their truck. I thought I'd explode
I couldn't believe that it was mine! The only thing that sucked was I got to mow for about 10 minutes and then it rained for 2 days!
The coolest thing was I had ordered a 2186 but they delivered a 2518 (which is the one I wanted) but didn't have the extra $500 at the time. I called the dealer and said they couldn't get me the 2186 model because it was late in the season. So they gave me the 2518 off the showroom floor! WOO HOO!!!!

Michael