what is the difference between these?

micman32 · May 2, 2008

The 2518 was the first Model of the 2500 series. I got mine in August of 2003.
It has the 3 piece steel hood which ran until 2005. In 2006 they started with the plastic hoods.
I am sure the GT1554 is a fine tractor but I would definately go with the GT 2554 because it is a more heavy Duty machine not to mention the shaft drive.

If you look closely at both machines there are differences. On the 1554 the front tires are smaller. The Brake peddles are different.

I also think 27hp is a little overkill for a Lawn tractor. (my opinion) The 20hp Kohler Command has all the power I need.

I would also buy from a dealer. The box stores just don't have the service if you need it.

Michael

LBrown59 · May 2, 2008

No way would I trade my 2554 for a 1554 but I'd sell the 2554.

BigBlue · May 2, 2008

I plan on buying a new GT2550 in the next two weeks. My reasons for picking it over the SLT1550 are mainly to do with the shaft drive and the heavier duty trans. The frames are a bit heavier, the Kohler Command engine is by far a much better choice than the Courage and the extra weight should help with tire slippage on slopes. I plan to use it to mow 2 acres and for snow blowing my 600' paved driveway.
I currently own a Sabre by J.D. with a 16HP Briggs and a 46" cut deck. It's more than eight years old and I'm still using it to mow. If mowing my 2 acres was my only concern the SLT1550 would make more sense, but I doubt it would come close to the GT2550 in longevity. I'm close to retirement and hoping the GT2550 is the last mower I'll ever need to buy.
Don

Robert_in_NY · May 2, 2008

I have a GT1554 that I bought in 2005. They did change engines if I recall from what I have. I have been happy with the GT1554 as I needed a good lawn mower and the GT1554 had quite a few upgrades over the LT series which was what sold me. I got by with an old MTD Ranch King 42" cut for 10 years and the GT1554 cut my mowing time by 2/3rds. I now mow my parents yard and my yard in less time then it took just to mow my parents yard with the Ranch King.

If you have a true need for a heavy duty Garden tractor go with the GT2554. If you are like me and just need a heavy duty Lawn tractor go with the GT1554 and save some money. But if they did cheapen the engine then weigh out the pros and cons of the current models.

NassauEquipment · May 2, 2008

as Micman offered.....the 2000 series became the 2500's when the rear differential/axle housing went from thick cast aluminum (which it had been many years) to cast iron. Main benefit, when you cut through mareting hype, was the folks needing extra traction gained about forty or so pounds nice and low at the rear.

Out of habit I still call them 2000 series.

1500 is just a tricked out 1000 with a heavier duty hydro transaxle........the 2000's....er.........2500's have a seperate rear differential/axle case with a large hydro bolted to it. Probably best rear end in the business. Been a dealer since Jan 2000 and never had to go in one.

Undercover · May 3, 2008

micman32 said:
If you look closely at both machines there are differences. On the 1554 the front tires are smaller.

Michael

The GT1554 front and rear tires are bigger than the 2554.
Gt1554 front 16"x7.5 rear 23"x10.5...2554 front 16"x6.5 rear 23"x9.5 or they were in 2007.
______________________
2007 GT1554
2004 GT3235
1999 snapper LT

LBrown59 · May 3, 2008

BigBlue said:
*** I'm close to retirement and hoping the GT2550 is the last mower I'll ever need to buy.
Don

I'd go with the wider 54'' deck on the 2554.
I've replaced my GT2554 & 54'' deck with a new Kubota BX1500 with the 48'' mower.
Now I'm kinda wishing I'd have gotten the 54'' mower with the BX1500 instead of the 48 incher.

I bought my first tractor A new 1966 Bolens 850.
42 years later i still have it.
*** I retired in 2002.
Since then i have bought the following tractors
2004 new Kubota BX23
2005 1967 Bolens 850.
2006 new Cub Cadet GT2554
2007 used Kubota BX1500
2007 New Kubota BX1500

I didn't let retiring stop me from buying tractors~L O L ``
50 chevy 60 chevy Bx23
MY FIRST CAR http://chevy.tocmp.com/chevyscrapbook/files/kamp50.jpg 1950 Chevy
OUR FIRST CAR http://www.hubcapcafe.com/i/2001/storycty/chev6001.JPG 60 Chevy Impala Convertible front http://www.hubcapcafe.com/i/2001/storycty/chev6001a.JPG rear view
MY TRACTOR http://www.jenningsequipment.com/storepics/ksBX22.jpg BX23

micman32 · May 4, 2008

Undercover said:
The GT1554 front and rear tires are bigger than the 2554.
Gt1554 front 16"x7.5 rear 23"x10.5...2554 front 16"x6.5 rear 23"x9.5 or they were in 2007.
______________________
2007 GT1554
2004 GT3235
1999 snapper LT

OOPS!!! was looking at the SLT 1554 when I posted. I would still recomend the 2500 series though!

NEFirewood · May 4, 2008

BigBlue said:
I plan on buying a new GT2550 in the next two weeks. My reasons for picking it over the SLT1550 are mainly to do with the shaft drive and the heavier duty trans. The frames are a bit heavier, the Kohler Command engine is by far a much better choice than the Courage and the extra weight should help with tire slippage on slopes. I plan to use it to mow 2 acres and for snow blowing my 600' paved driveway.

I have been mowing about 2 acres with the Cub for the last couple of years. The big pluses to me are stability to the ground and traction. The shaft drive system is far and away better than a belt driven system any day of the week. It seems to be able to go places where other tractors would have a very tippy feeling and it doesn't get stuck easily.

I have to mow some pretty steep hills and the cub is the first machine I have ever owned that makes it look easy.

I have wondered about the reviews of these garden tractors on ********************.com. I put in the basic maintenance, and other than losing PTO belts once in a while, this tractor has been an excellent by me. Anyways, that's my $.02