New GT2000, any good for hilly property?

[tomd999]

Hiya,

Currently I use a Deere 2520 CUT with a rear finish mower to do my lawn however I'm upgrading to a larger cab utility tractor. As I don't want to use a 6000+ pound tractor to cut my grass, I need a really good lawn tractor.

I have roughly 1 acre of lawn around the house however it's inclined to the point that I had to mow in low range on the 2520 so any garden tractor is going to have to have a really, really good hydrostatic system.

That being said, how good is the new gt2000 series? Will the hydro hold up to going up and down long inclines? Does the hydro sound like a cement mixer at redline? Is it smooth and progressive going from forward to reverse or is it sudden and jerky?

I had a Cub 6284 for 3 months about 6 years ago, the one with the Cat Diesel in it, what a piece of junk. I'm hesitant to set myself up for that kind of punishment again.

Tom

 

[Leo Rabon]

I purchased a new CUB 2011 GT 2000 42" cut a few weeks ago for my 1 acre lot. I do have a slight hill on the back 1/3 of the property but it is not steep and I have only cut my yard 3 or 4 times so I really can't give an opinion on "my hill" as to the transmission at this time. Frankly, I am very satisfied with the new GT 2000 and I believe it will serve my purpose effectively. Please be advised that the GT 2000 is not rated for ground engaging attachments and with that in mind, I would not expect the hydro to stand up to constant use on a somewhat "steep" hill. I live on the coast of (flat land) SC and really don't have a feel for the slope you mentioned but did take notice that you had to put your CUT in "low range" to manage the slope. With the "low range" mention, I don't think the GT 2000 would serve your purpose for the long run. The GT 2000 comes with a BDU-10 Hydro Gear pump and I think the previous years models of Cub Cadet Garden Tractors (2500 Series and 3000 Series) came with a bigger engine and a BDU-21 Hydro Gear pump (rated for ground engaging attachments). That may be a better choice for you and you probably can find some of that inventory left over at the dealers. I hope this helps. I posted on this forum when I purchased the GT 2000 but I have not had any others reply with their comments on "ownership" of a GT 2000.
Good Luck
Leo

 

[CCinCT]

The transmission in the GT2000/GT2100 is the same one that was used in the previous 2500 series, and some of the 2000 series before that (BDU-10). It is bomb-proof, and you will lose traction long before you run the risk of damaging the transmission.

The BDU-10 is rated for ground engaging activities, btw. The Cub web site doesn't show it yet, but there is a sleeve hitch available for this machine (PN 190-827-100). It is the same one that was used on the 2500's, and is also used for the Cub hydraulic tiller (big $$$ though). The BDU-21 was used on the now discontinues 3000 series.

As for sound, it is louder than most Tuff Torq transmissions, but don't let that concern you. You can sometimes hear it when running around at 1/2 throttle and go up hills, but that's about it.

And as for smoothness, the transmission is fine. Sometimes the linkage or pedal damper need adjustment though. The damper is supposed to slow down pedal movement so that when you take your foot off the pedal, the transmission reacts in a slower, smoother manner. You'll get used to the pedal action very quickly though, so it won't be an issue. Best bet would be to take one for a quick test drive.

 

[Mad_River]

Shaft drive on the tractor is what you want. Belts on big hills will wear prematurely. GT2000 series with shaft drive should do it for you as long as you have sufficient traction with proper tires. You can ask your dealer to test drive it for a few mows too. Ask the dealer about your situation. You can upgrade your rear tires to agri grade for more traction.