what is the difference between these?

[firstcub]

Can I just ask a question here?
Please don't flame me... (all the tractors discussed here are great and I would be happy with any for my purpose) but I was wondering why the original poster of this thread - WTA - would not look at the less expensive and still quite capable SLT 1554? All he said is he is going to be doing a lot of mowing right?? (first post) So it still has the 54" deck and will I would guess mow just as well as the other ones discussed here.
I have an SLT 1554 and love it for the price.
All I am saying is if he is just mowing it would certainly serve his needs and he would have lots of money left over.

 

[EmerichSales]

Depends on how much mowing is alot? If he is mowing over 2 acres or if its rough ground then I would highly recommend the 2500 series. It is designed to last alot more hours of mowing than the SLT. Its like a Ford ranger and a F-550 truck. Both good trucks and They will both haul things but the F-550 is designed to do more work.
Both are great tractors if they are purchased for the right job.

 

[micman32]

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.

You are exactly right. The only difference when I bought my 2518 over the 2000 series was the cast iron tranny other than that they are identical

 

[micman32]

I personally got the heaviest unit I could get for the money I was willing to spend. The 2500 series cost less now as to when I purchased mine in 2003. I paid $4200(tax included) for my Cub. I think a 2544 lists for less than that now.
It all boils down to what you want to do. I think CC makes a nice variety of tractors for every budget and use that will last for years.

Michael