JD 2210 vs. Cub Cadet 7264

Prepo · Nov 2, 2004

My needs are mowing an acre of lawn and a mile of walking trails around my farm; clearing much snow from a 100 yard driveway and a high snow berm caused by highway plows; occasional moving of rock, soil and gravel, etc. I have been considering a John Deere 2210 23 hp diesel with a 54" mid mower, 47" front snowblower and a 210 loader/bucket. My dilemma is that I have been advised by the local Cub Cadet dealer that he has a special clearance price on a new 7264 26hp diesel, 60" mower, 54" front snow blower and larger capacity loader for about the same price as the John Deere.

My concern is quality and reliability, whether the bigger and heavier Cub would be unnecessary and unwieldy for mowing, ease of taking the units on and off, whether the power down capability of the Deere blower and loader is a good thing (not available on the Cub), whether the automatic on-demand AWD of the Cub is better/worse than the selectable 4WD of the Deere and whether it would be relaible in the long run, starting the tractor in the depth of a southern Ontario winter.

Also, plase confirm that either of these machines will permit hydralic lift of the mowing deck to clear rocks etc. Any other issues I have not thought of?

Any help would be greatly appreciated because I need to make a decision in the next few days.

gamble77 · Nov 2, 2004

We sell the Cubs, they are great machines. And since I am not familiar with the Deere I won't argue either way on its side.

The best advice I, or probably anyone on this board, can give you is to drive both units. Make sure you get the one you feel more comfortable with. Make sure you are comfortable with the dealer. There is no doubt that for the money you will probably get more HP, lift capacity, larger implements, etc. from Cub then Deere...but its not always about that. You have to be comfortable operating the machine and doing business with the dealer.

JDFANATIC · Nov 2, 2004

Prepo,

While I can't speak for the Cub (from what I can see on the web it looks like a lot of machine for the money), I can speak for the 2210 which I have. The first thing I would recommend is the 60" MMM. With it you get an uncut circle of 36" and really good overlap over the wheelbase. It cuts like a dream. While I haven't used the float yet (good thing /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif) I expect it will work as well as on my last JD (a 425). After I paved the driveway, I used it everytime. The 2210 has a rockshaft control (though not position control) and will raise the mower deck whenever needed. One thing I really like about the Deere is the ergonomics of the controls, especially the hydrostats; even after a few hours on the machine they feel good.

My recommendation is that you test drive both and see what you like and don't. It may just come down to which dealer you feel more comfortable with. Also for either machine, try to get the first servicing (50 hr) thrown in, you'll be surprised how much it can cost or if you're a do-it-yourselfer, how many hours it does take.

Sounds like you have a tough decision to make. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

johndeere2210 · Nov 2, 2004

I would recommend the JD 2210. The first 30 hours of use on mine last winter was clearing snow in zero temperature. I have turf tires on mine and used only the FEL and rear blade. The MFWD was invaluable and even when using the loader to bucket deep snow out of the way, wheel slippage was not a problem. I would recommend the 62C deck. In the winter I take the deck off (takes less than five minutes) then I dont have to worry about deck clearance. The tractor now has 160 hours on it doing everything from snow clearing to mowing 4 acres a week to filling ditches with the loader to tilling. It is a great machine!!

ducati996 · Nov 2, 2004

Prepo,

If you just went on spec's alone the cub is the more powerful unit. Between the larger snow thrower, PTO hp advantage, bigger mower deck, better FEL spec's and a machine thats 300 lbs heavier. It looks like a clear winner...
For actual comparison model from Deere would be more of the 4115 series.
It looks like you are getting more for your money with the Cub here....I'm both a Deere and Cub fan (have both-see pictures) If it was me I would pick the Cub because of whats included in the package. But thats just my own opinion speaking..

Lets us know how you make out..

Ducati

thcri · Nov 2, 2004

When buying larger your money does go further. Sub-Compacts are a very expensive machine for what you get. To be fair I would get an apples to apples price before deciding. In other words have your JD dealer give you a price for a unit that is more comparable to the Cub. You might find he can give you a price close to the Cub. But I am not sure I would even stop there. Go out and get yourself a Kubota and New Holland price with the same comparison. Doesn't make no difference if you absolutely don't want anything to do with the Kubota or New Holland just get a price. You will feel more comfortable in making your decision. Once you get some prices together then it is up to you to decide which dealer is going to give you the best support after the sale. Your prices might be a lot closer than what you think and may not be even a factor in your decison. None of the above tractors are any good if your dealer isn't there to help you out.

Then you also have to decide if the larger tractor is too large for what you want. Based on what your telling us I don't think so but I don't really know your mowing needs completely.

murph

Prepo · Nov 2, 2004

( When buying larger your money does go further. Sub-Compacts are a very expensive machine for what you get. To be fair I would get an apples to apples price before deciding. In other words have your JD dealer give you a price for a unit that is more comparable to the Cub. You might find he can give you a price close to the Cub. But I am not sure I would even stop there. Go out and get yourself a Kubota and New Holland price with the same comparison. Doesn't make no difference if you absolutely don't want anything to do with the Kubota or New Holland just get a price. You will feel more comfortable in making your decision. Once you get some prices together then it is up to you to decide which dealer is going to give you the best support after the sale. Your prices might be a lot closer than what you think and may not be even a factor in your decison. None of the above tractors are any good if your dealer isn't there to help you out.

Then you also have to decide if the larger tractor is too large for what you want. Based on what your telling us I don't think so but I don't really know your mowing needs completely.

murph )

I know that I don't want to spend more than the cost of the 2200 John Deere. The Cub in question would normally cost several thousand dollars more and, if it were not for for the special clearance of this 2003 model, I would not be considering it on price alone. So I have to think of offsetting advantages of the 2200 - not a more expensive John Deere. I hope this makes my dilemma clear.

Maxfli · Nov 2, 2004

What are you going to do the most, My guess is mowing. Isn't the Cub size overkill for mowing 1 acre. I have a Deere 2210 and 3/4 acre for lawn mowing. I need maneuverability to do the lawn. I also brush hog 3 acres, do some landscaping with the loader, will plow snow this winter. The Loader on the 2210 is off in a minute or two, this machine is extremely versatile. Set aside the Brush hogging requirement and the 2210 is overkill for my needs, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. That being said my old 18HP Cub did hold up pretty well, I will expect more from a diesel though.

Prepo · Nov 3, 2004

Thank you for your help.

GrayBeard · Nov 5, 2004

Prepo,
I've got a 7264 TLB and rear blower.
I've been well pleased so far; had some "minor" ploblems that have been under warranty. Presently I have an electrical issue but the tractor still works fine. (see my post under "parts and repair")
The "auto" AWD has been fine for me . This machine has R4 tires and I use chains in Winter.( long asphalt drive)
I think ;as others have said , get the one that fits you.
Also ,I agree the Cub may be a little big for 1 acre mowing unless it's real flat and "open".
Good luck,
GrayBeard