Thinking of buying a CC GT2542

   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #1  

shaker281

New member
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May 13, 2010
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3
Originally, I think I posted this in the wrong forum. So, this is a repost.

Hi, everyone. I've been reading everything I can find about LTs and GT for about a month. I feel I will need to replace my 1988 Lawnboy LT12 before too long. I am looking for reliability above all and a decent cut on my 1/2 acre (level) lawn.

I am rather spoiled by the level of reliability I have gotten accustomed to with my current little lawn machine. I have used it to mow 1/2 acre for 22 seasons and it has never been in a "shop" of any kind. Five years ago I rebuilt the carb on the B & S I/C 12 HP single cylinder. At that time I replaced the original drive and deck belts. Other than that, it has seen 2 blade replacements, 1 micro switch, 2 spark plugs and 3 air filter replacements, plus yearly oil changes.

Unfortunately, my deck is starting to shown signs of failure at the attachment points, due to rust and metal fatigue. So, I am starting to look for a replacement that will last another 25 years.

I am really interested in the CC 2542 for it's heavy duty drive train at it's price point ($3500). BUT, I am disturbed by some of the problems I have read about: Hoods that break at the attachment points, potential under hood heat issues, possible problems with electric PTO clutches and belt/pulley/spindle issues. And even a few that have caught fire! I think some of these issues may have been addressed in the newer (2009/2010) models and some may be misreported issues with 1000 series tractors.

I would be buying a GT for it's HD build quality, even though it is seriously overkill for my intended usage. But, if I am going to be fixing/replacing or hauling this thing to a dealer every couple months than I will be better off with a well built lawn tractor. I do like the Simplicity Broadmoor which seems to get excellent reviews.

Can anyone address the issues of hoods, heat, PTO clutches and belt/pulley/spindle problems? How pervasive are these and have they been satisfactorily addressed in the newer models? With light-duty usage and regular maintenance prevent these sorts of failures or are they inevitable?

Or should I start looking at how to keep my old LT12 running another 10 years?
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #2  
I can address all those issues in bullet form, but honestly you are looking at the wrong tractor for your needs. It's strengths are in ruggedness, not in refinement. You really should be looking at the Simplicity Broadmore or JD X300 series.

As for the issues you asked about:
1) Hood: mostly resolved. Issue is generally present from new, so if it's not an issue when you take it home, it can be avoided by specific behavior in how you open/close the hood. New for 2010 is a support brace that can be retrofitted on any '06 and up model. Also new for 2010 is a revised hood latch point that is stronger. However this is molded in to the hood so won't be applicable to existing hoods.
2) Heat issue #1: generally hot under the hood: was never really an issue, but heat shield was extended in late '06. Most of the concern turned out to be people not being used to newer equipment running that hot.
3) Heat issue #2: melting hood: was caused by hood latch and/or mounting failures that occurred over time, allowing hood to sit higher, eventually blocking exhaust outlet, resulting in grill melting. Resolved in late '06, though there were problems in '07 that were due to mounting fasteners being tightened too much at the factory.
4) Pulley/Spindle problems: not a known issue with the 2500's. It's either an isolated incident, or misreported from other models.
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #3  
something i heard that i dont like are a lack of grease fittings on newer models. the dealer said theyre using a sealed bearing now. we all know that sealed lifetime bearings are a joke. another dealer has a sign hanging on the door over service stating that lawn tractors are a high maintenance item. take it for what its worth, as much as i like my 3185, its been a pain in the butt.
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #4  
I always recommend the smallest tractor and the largest deck possible. It makes trimming a breeze and doesn't scatch up the tractor as well as you!
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #5  
highboy, sealed bearings aren't really an issue. My 1979 Case 220 has "zerk-less" spindle housings. ~32yrs of use and it's on it's second set of sealed bearings.

CC and art, I agree with your statements. #1 get a larger deck. #2 go with Simplicity or Deere of you want max operator comfort & refinement. I wouldn't go less than a 2544 if you want a Cub 2K series. It's just an all around better deck.

Joel
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #6  
in my experience sealed anything is a joke. ive looked at deere, cub, kub, and simplicity and i disagree with the refinement statements. i think the cubs are the most comfortable. and ill agree with getting a bigger deck, trimming with my 54" deck is nice not getting into bushes and stuff.
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #7  
Agreed, The 54" is much better built and makes trimming much easer and makes a perfect cut.
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #8  
If the OP is considering a 2542, he's prolly not going to pony up another grand for a 2554. I agree though, wider decks make close trim work much easier. I can attest to the lack thereof with the 44" on my 2544. Great deck, awesome cut quality, just not good for trimming and edgework. The 42" has to be absolutely horrible for that.

Joel
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Thanks to everyone for their input. I went and inspected the Simplicity Broadmoor line and am glad to hear it is well regarded. Not that much can be found on the internet, but the one I looked at seemed very well built.

I can get a new 2009 Broadmoor 20/44 for appx $3500 if I make a decision before it is gone. Vanguard engine and a very sturdy deck. The points about a wider deck for trimming makes a lot of sense.

Thanks again.
 
   / Thinking of buying a CC GT2542 #10  
Shaker, keep in mind Simplicity's are "deck draggers", meaning the rear of the deck drags along on the ground, rolling on it's full-width rear roller system. It works well on smooth lawns, but will beat the heck out of the machine and deck on rough/bumpy lawns. If I had the need and a convenient Simplicity dealer, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

Joel
 

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