My first impressions on a Cub Cadet GTX2000 w/ 48" Fab deck.....

[savageactor7]

Use a wedge under the deck...makes pinnig up a lot easier.

 

[dieselbob69]

I stopped by a house today where I saw a Cub Cadet mowing-looked like my mower-I stopped and asked him if he has any problems w/ deck clogging-he has a GTX2100 w/ a 54" Fab deck-he said no problems clogging. I looked underneath-his deck was buildup-free,he was mowing in the shade also. I may have to stop by dealer and see if I can work something out for a 54" Fabbed deck-motor should be able to handle extra 6" width.He said he rarely cleans deck,and doesn't use the wash ports(said it burns his grass where he did it)....

 

[Garycw]

That's encouraging. Love my GT2186 , hate the 54" stamped deck.

 

[dieselbob69]

Now have 205+ hours on machine-doing ok,replaced the PTO belt before season began(an oem cub cadet one off ebay that was $16 less than dealer).The Gates belt wasn't a good decision-on wall for a spare. A belt always seems to break after the dealer is closed,and the PTO belt isn't available at Tractor Supply.Still not sure about getting a 54" deck for it, I see a G1900 near me that's reasonable and I miss not having anything diesel anymore,so I may get that.

 

[dieselbob69]

212 hours-decided to mow the high spots and weeds for the first time in almost a month("severe" drought)-as I was mowing along the road,the mower started going to the left,even when turning wheel. The ball socket that attaches to the bottom of the steering gear fell apart(left side),so the steering link was just hanging there.... after limping it back to my garage,started really cussing and swearing.The ball can be unbolted w/out removing deck,lock nut started to round,so I had to use my Craftsmen universal wrench to grip it. Finally able to remove it.The tie rod end sounds like it may be going out also,poor design of no way to grease them. I went to dealer today,still under warranty luckily. The parts guy said he wished Cub didn't use these-poor design and he's seen a lot of failed ones already.Great. I took a peek under an XT3 on the showroom floor-WAY better design and a lot beefier,I'm wondering if they would fit onto a GTX series....now I'm wondering when the right hand one will fall apart......now I'll see what fun it'll be to install-the new link looked a little shorter compared to the old one.....

 

[dieselbob69]

Well,that wasn't long.Just finished mowing yard yesterday and heading back to garage when the right steering link fell apart-219 hours now. Took it off and taking it to dealer tomorrow .Maybe I'll fire off an email to Cub Cadet letting them know what a sh*tty design this is.....

 

[dieselbob69]

220hours- changed the oil,oil filter,gas filter,hydraulic filter,and greased. The only thing I didn't like was that the hydraulic oil(tranny) was a dark gray color,like it was the first time I changed it. I'll change it again at next oil change, which will be at 250hrs to get back on the 50 hr. interval,and I'll change the tranny oil and filter at that time. Does anyone use a different hydraulic fluid? $50+ a gallon or more is just a bit ridiculous for the Cub Cadet oil......

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I switched to Mobil 1 40W or 50W, if you can find it, synthetic oil. I switched when my 2004 - 3235 developed a bad leak and used it for several years with no problem. Walmart sells it for $22 for 5 quarts.

Bob B.

 

[dieselbob69]

Well,after 242hrs. and 3 mowing seasons, it is sold and residing at a new home 70+ miles from me. I just never really liked the mower, and the deck buildup issues just irritated the p*ss out of me. This was my 3rd and last Cub Cadet,as the quality of the mower has drastically declined since I bought that first new one back in '94. Serves me right for going from a Kubota to a Cub. The dealer I have is great, but the product not so much. I did change all the oil and filters(engine and transmission),greased,washed and waxed for the new owner. She is extremely pleased w/ mower,and the gentleman she brought w/ her(her mower mechanic) was impressed with how clean the machine was. It was always kept inside. I'll still be on the forums,but under a different brand now. All I'll say now is that I am back in a diesel......I'll start another thread once it's in my garage.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

You should have taken a look at the new Cub Enduro series. I had a 2004 3235 and blew a head gasket at 200 hours. The heads were not torqued down. Barely more than finger tight. The hydraulic lift valve started leaking badly - a $600 dealer repair. One cylinder started burning oil, the vacuum PTO actuator went and finally the front crankshaft seal went causing it to use 1 quart of oil to finish mowing 1 acre. I traded it in as is last summer for an Enduro XT3 GSX with 54 inch fabricated deck and triple bagger. I wasn't keen on the Electronic Power Steering at first but have come to like it. The steering is very precise with no play at all. The Electric Deck Lift is slower than the hydraulic one but is very reliable and never leaks oil. I didn't know if I liked the suspended deck vs the 3235 ground following deck but I found that the cut is as good and it will cut lower than I ever want to. I normally cut on number 3, which is probably shorter than lawn experts recommend but I cut it on number 2 last week for winter so the leaves wouldn't stick. I was afraid to even try number 1. I think it goes up to 6. I no longer have to straighten bent deck wheels from the many tree roots on my property. After 1-1/2 seasons of mowing (53 hours) I have not had to clean the deck yet. I never use the power wash feature since I don't think it helps the spindle bearings too much. I wasn't keen on the plastic hood at first but it has stood up to the engine heat OK and the dirt and dust don't stick to it. I have not washed it yet but just blow it off with compressed air. The dirt comes right off. It was about $800 cheaper than the 3235, similar equipped, out the door. I have not added any oil yet but will change it in the spring.

Bob B.