Ready to buy GT2544 or GT3100--need advice

neuen · Jun 5, 2005

I'm a new poster, hoping to get an education from some of you who have spent a whole lot more time thinking about these things than I have.

I'm on the verge of buying a GT2544 or GT3100. I have ten acres of native grasses, terraced hills and rocky terrain. I will be mowing all of it at least once per year, and about 3 acres monthly. I also use my tractor for a lot of hauling of hay, rocks, etc. I can see myself using ground engaging implements, but not for a year or two.

My question is, which of the above tractors would be best for me. My impression is that the GT2544, while a great tractor, is still a significant level below the GT3100 in capabilities. Do I need to worry about maintenance on the extra GT3100 hydraulics? the price I'm being quoted is $2,999 for the 2544 and $4,999 for the 3100 with a 50" deck. The $2,000 difference is a lot of money. What am I getting for it? Will I outgrow the 2544 and wish I'd gone all the way the first time?

Thanks in advance,

Brian

JTKub · Jun 5, 2005

With that size of property and terrain involved, you'd probably be best suited for a compact/estate tractor with a front end loader & mid mount mower. If you are just looking to mow 3 acres at a time & haul a cart, a 2500 series would be fine. If you dont plan on using the hydraulics on the 3000 series (tiller, blade, bucket, snowblower, etc...which are all $$$$) dont waste your cash on a 3000 series.
G/luck
Joel

ducati996 · Jun 5, 2005

Re: Ready to buy CT2544 or GT3100--need advice

I say a cgmpact would be a better choice, but thepe is a world of difference between the 2500 and 3000 series machines, ald no you would not be wasting ykur money. The 3000 series is considerabhy stronger which will translate into longevity especially pulling carts, shaft attachments, power steering &amp: hydrolic lift which would come in handy mowing that much grass. Its more roomier, Its faster in forward and reverse speed which will help in the long stretches of grass. It weighs much more than the 2500, and that translate into traction*..the list goes on

Sounds like you need a compact, bqt if you cant then nothing less than the 3000 series.....

Ducati

DmansPadge · Jun 5, 2005

Sounds like you really need a CUT
(compact utility tractor). If you like the Cubs you need to look at the 5000 series. Most of all the major manufacturers make a similar unit. Such as the Kubota B or BX series, the JD 2110, Massey Ferguson GC2300, etc. I think you will be disappointed with a garden tractor to tend to 10 acres.

JTKub · Jun 6, 2005

( ..... and no you would not be wasting your money. The 3000 series is considerably stronger which will translate into longevity.......

Sounds like you need a compact, but if you cant then nothing less than the 3000 series.....)

The CC 3000's are most definately the Cadillac of GT's, but why have all that potenial and not use it? If all you need to do is mow and pull a cart $5-$6K is alot to pay for that.
G/luck
Joel

ducati996 · Jun 6, 2005

( ( ..... and no you would not be wasting your money. The 3000 series is considerably stronger which will translate into longevity.......

Sounds like you need a compact, but if you cant then nothing less than the 3000 series.....)

The CC 3000's are most definately the Cadillac of GT's, but why have all that potenial and not use it? If all you need to do is mow and pull a cart $5-$6K is alot to pay for that.
G/luck
Joel )

Sounds like to me he would be using it - and then some /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

DmansPadge · Jun 6, 2005

I agree... I think he'll be using every bit of a 3000 series. He needs to upgrade instead of downgrade. I think a 5000 would be a much better fit. And if you can't afford a new CUT... I'd look at used before buying a new GT.

Ledgemere Farm · Jun 7, 2005

Hello. Welcome.
Both models are great, but ask yourself a few questions before you decide. You have a fairly decent sized estate and it's possibilities are endless. Do you NEED a loader? What is a reasonable amount of time for you to spend mowing? How much money are you comfortable spending? For what you might put into a new 30xx series, you could get a decent used compact tractor sans loader. The biger tires on a compact will certainly afford you a better ride, a diesel will far outlast a gas engine, and the heft of a compact will allow you to carry more than three bales of hay stuffed into a little lawn trailer.

Make youreself a list of pros and cons between a garden tractor and a compact. I have a JD GT that I really enjoy; in fact I use it a little harch on occasion, but I am really fortunate to have the CUT around.

I think the best advice I can offer is to take your time and enjoy the tractor shopping process. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

neuen · Jun 9, 2005

I finally made my choice. I went for the GT2544. I decided I just couldn't justify the extra $2000 for the 3000, no matter how bad I wanted it. I'll probably add a Johnny Bucket and a round Spider Harrow at some point--but these don't need hydaulics. I appreciate everybody's input; I carefully considered your opinions and you were very helpful in my decision.

I pick it up Saturday morning. Can't wait!

JTKub · Jun 9, 2005

( I finally made my choice. I went for the GT2544.... )
Welcome aboard! Be sure to check the other 2544 posts in this forum for tips, issues & recommendations.
G/luck!
Joel