Very different experience than I've had. I've got a 2006 2544 and I love it. Ive put about $4000 worth of Johnny products onto it including a joystick bucket loader and electric sleeve hitch on it, AGro tires and it is a beast of a tractor. Bought it used for $900 with 250 hours, now has close to 500 and it runs perfectly. Love the shaft drive, never seen anyone bend it. I have no idea what you did to that poor tractor. Mine has moved and graded 100 tons of sand and gravel the last 3 years and runs like new. I expect many many years of service from it.
Factory certified (Briiggs, Kohler, Kawasaki, MTD et al) mechanic here. I feel compelled to mention, after the thourough bashing you assigned to this model, that I currently have half a dozen clients who have put over a thousand hours on the machine without a shaft blow-out as described in the video. One machine, in particular, has over 2,000 hours on the chasis with all original parts save spindles and pulleys. Yes, I have replaced numerous "barrels" in the drive, but this model is one tough monkey made to work HARD. I suggest that someone bypassed the hour meter at some point. One point further: if you were unable to troubleshoot the safety system circuitry (hotwired, you said), why are you qualified to comment regarding the mechanical aspect of this model? Just sayin'...
Right, I don’t know why UA-cam lets me do this. I am not a qualified mower anything just a guy with opinions and likes tinkering. Glad you enjoyed the video
I bought a brand new cub cadet in 2020, the only brand new mower I’ve ever had, and it is by far the best I’ve ever had. It’s 4 years old now and fires right off every time and does everything I ask it to do. Sure it only has 150 hours on it but it runs like a dream. I’ve had older John Deere’s, Murray’s, Troy bilts, and I think one yard machine. And this thing is way beyond all of those regarding reliability.
I bought a used 2006 Cub Lt1045 with the Kolher 20. 430 hours bought it at 400 hours and the previous owner never even changed the oil nor greased a thing. I mow about 1 - 2 acres a week never an issue. I did have to change the belts when I first got it and it was also caked in grease around the cooling fins of the motor. As neglected as it was it's whole life this thing starts and mowes great everytime. I will just stick with the more simple designs.
Ive had mine for 19 years and its still running strong, its a beast! I have a 2554, same just bigger deck. In all those years only two minor problems - one of the deck pulleys went out on me and one of my front tires has a slow leak. Oh yeah , did have issues with headlights. These are some heavy duty tractors and they are heavy for that reason. The fact that you bought it used and it had all these issues should say something about the previous owner not the tractor. In order to bend that shaft you really had to be doing something way extreme. I don't think it's fair that you're trashing all of them because of your experience with a second hand abused tractor.
Actually the model numbers are easily confused but the top of the line was gt2554 and not gt2544. Gt2554 has very large 54" deck, more horsepower, adjustable seat, thicker sheet metal, way bigger tires, different hood,, and an entirely different animal of heavy duty at 850lbs. And none of the drawbacks of the Gt2544 he is talking about. So Cub Cadet did actually make a Cadillac of mowers at one time. Mine has almost 1000 hrs. on it and it still runs perfect. And actually since I bought the tractor used it looks to me that the oil in the engine and transmission may have never been changed, still had original filters, and original gas filter and sparkplugs too. Drawback: you need to use a car jack to lift it up. Don't try to put it on side. If this baby falls on you you'll be smashed like a fly. And it takes up much garage space as a small car.
The GT2544 and GT2554 are in the same series being the 2500 series. They are the exact same machines besides the engine and mower deck size. They all weigh 800lbs dry.
That's amazing because I've never really had any problem with the driveshaft on any of mine I've got 2518 2185 and a2550 and a 2554 never had any problem with the driveshaft
You need to get a hold of the Honda 4518 (4514 is similar but different engine). They both have a drive shaft but the Hondas are humongous in diameter vs that cub. It also has a timing belt, water pump, radiator and fan. Overbuilt and absolutely beautiful.
Picked one up last summer for $500 in mint shape. Guy claimed it overheated but all I had to do was clean the clippings off the rad and flush the system. Very nice tractor.
Wow, never saw one of those driveshafts do that. Congratulations on throwing away an expensive engine that could have been fixed with a couple hours of labor and $40🤣 those 2500 series are pretty ugly with that terrible hood design. I like my 3000 series Cubs, 3205 liquid cooled Kawasaki 20hp 54" deck and 3240 22hp Kohler Command 60" deck. Also have a leaky rear John Deere 425 but I prefer the Cubs for their smooth operation, comfort and cut quality.
Thanks! I agree was totally worth it was UA-cam gold blowing that thing up and then scrapping it. You should check out my Cubs Suck part one video to make ya cringe some more.
i HAVE A 2005 gt2186 700 HRS. NEXT TO NO TROUBLE AT ALL REPLACED FRONT DRIVE PULLEYS AND MOWER DECK BELT TENISION SPRING. 3 DECK BELTS AND 3 DRIVE BELTS. ONE DRIVE BELT TORE UP WHEN FRONT PULLEY WENT. LOVE THIS MOWER. BUT NOW YOU GOT ME WORRIED ABOUT SHAFT DRIVE.
I appreciate you watching. I think this motor has alot of vibration that messed up everything. I bet you are fine as long as your engine is tuned up. 700 hours is impressive
I have a 2007 GT 2550 that is still running strong with no issues. It is all about regular maintenance for longevity of any machine. Yes, the cub cadets of this era are a bit ugly, but the GT machines are built heavy duty and made to last as long as you maintain them properly. I plan on cutting grass with this machine for many more years, that is, if we can still by fuel to run our power equipment. We really need to get the current administration out of the white house and out of our lives.
It all depends on your budget. The list below is what I suggest from the cheapest used to new. 1. Used craftsman riding mower 15-30 years old. $500-$700 range 2. Used John Deere or Toro riding mower $700-$900 3. Used Cub Cadet 50in zeroturn $1,000 - $1,500 4. New Cub Cadet zero turn $4k 5. New or Used Gravel Zeroturn (this is my ride, is the best mower you can get in my opinion) Good luck, the market is hot right now for used mowers. The cheapest is to buy a broke used mower and fix it with all the advice I give ya on here. Let me know what you end up getting.
I have a 1991 cub cadet 443 hrs still going good. You think I should get something else? What else is worth having today that is reliable? Would like to hear your recommendations.
I’ve got a GT2544, it was a replacement for a John Deere D105, hydrostatic kept breaking. My only complaint is that it is leaking oil like crazy. Should I get it fixed or go with a new mower? I mow about 1 acre and use it to mulch leaves in the fall.
I was always a Cub Cadet fan until mine hit 300 hours. It has been meticulously maintained and is falling apart. I’ve picked up an 80’s John Deere and a 90’s Simplicity recently. The build quality is far superior on those older mowers.
If I were you I would go to a driveshaft shop and custom order a slip shaft and put U-joints on both ends, replace the flywheel and never have to worry about it again
Too be fair that Cub was built by mtd. Any mtd product is junk. I hate the design of any mtd mower and it’s just meant to last a few years then break making you by another one. The older cubs (before 2000s when mtd bought cub cadet) those are built to last. I rarely buy new stuff cus it’s junk. Old vintage REAL garden tractors is where it’s at.
And whatever you replace it with will be just about as big a piece of s*** is what that one was only you'll spend a whole bunch more money to find that out
i have a 60s Cub Cadet 125 the just wornt quit at all and a 80s 1810 thst will not quit either but i also have a 2012 Cub Cadet LTX1045 that i will never ever get agane it is total junk
So yay, no more CC bashing unless you're silly enough to buy another one. Instead, why not pick a few riders you believe are worth the money at different price points, say $500, $750 and $1000. Could almost guarantee you'll get a whole lot of hits on a video like that... just be sure to mention "in my market". Good luck!
Hours dont mean much. What really matters is how well its been maintained. Something can have 10 hours but have little to no oil and very dirty oil and be considered a pile of shit. Where as something can have 1500+ hours on it and be maintained properly and run better than a new machine would.
@@MowerMikedo you have a meter on your car engine? Are you worried about the hours of your car engine? For me on both is No and No Josh said it perfectly you maintain that Kohler or Kawasaki engine you can at least expect 20 or more years with them engines as a matter the Kohler 7000 series according to small engine repair shops is the least seen for repairs..
@@MowerMike Im sure you do, you get payed money to be an idiot. Its the beauty of the internet. Hell I would do the same thing to be fair, make a few extra bucks🤣.
Very different experience than I've had. I've got a 2006 2544 and I love it. Ive put about $4000 worth of Johnny products onto it including a joystick bucket loader and electric sleeve hitch on it, AGro tires and it is a beast of a tractor. Bought it used for $900 with 250 hours, now has close to 500 and it runs perfectly. Love the shaft drive, never seen anyone bend it. I have no idea what you did to that poor tractor. Mine has moved and graded 100 tons of sand and gravel the last 3 years and runs like new. I expect many many years of service from it.
That is awesome. I originally wanted to build it like yours with the bucket. I think this tractor had a rough life before I ever got my hands on it.
@@MowerMike must have, I've never seen one in that condition with such low hours.
Factory certified (Briiggs, Kohler, Kawasaki, MTD et al) mechanic here. I feel compelled to mention, after the thourough bashing you assigned to this model, that I currently have half a dozen clients who have put over a thousand hours on the machine without a shaft blow-out as described in the video. One machine, in particular, has over 2,000 hours on the chasis with all original parts save spindles and pulleys. Yes, I have replaced numerous "barrels" in the drive, but this model is one tough monkey made to work HARD. I suggest that someone bypassed the hour meter at some point. One point further: if you were unable to troubleshoot the safety system circuitry (hotwired, you said), why are you qualified to comment regarding the mechanical aspect of this model? Just sayin'...
Right, I don’t know why UA-cam lets me do this. I am not a qualified mower anything just a guy with opinions and likes tinkering. Glad you enjoyed the video
👍
My 2003 is running good. You are doing a review on a machine that has been very abused.
Yep and I just abused her mower no doubt
I bought a brand new cub cadet in 2020, the only brand new mower I’ve ever had, and it is by far the best I’ve ever had. It’s 4 years old now and fires right off every time and does everything I ask it to do. Sure it only has 150 hours on it but it runs like a dream. I’ve had older John Deere’s, Murray’s, Troy bilts, and I think one yard machine. And this thing is way beyond all of those regarding reliability.
I am happy you are happy Ben!
I have a cub 1450 and 1650, from the 1970s and they still run like crazy. I would put it up against anything made since
I bought a used 2006 Cub Lt1045 with the Kolher 20. 430 hours bought it at 400 hours and the previous owner never even changed the oil nor greased a thing. I mow about 1 - 2 acres a week never an issue. I did have to change the belts when I first got it and it was also caked in grease around the cooling fins of the motor. As neglected as it was it's whole life this thing starts and mowes great everytime. I will just stick with the more simple designs.
Glad she is working for ya!
Ive had mine for 19 years and its still running strong, its a beast! I have a 2554, same just bigger deck. In all those years only two minor problems - one of the deck pulleys went out on me and one of my front tires has a slow leak. Oh yeah , did have issues with headlights. These are some heavy duty tractors and they are heavy for that reason. The fact that you bought it used and it had all these issues should say something about the previous owner not the tractor. In order to bend that shaft you really had to be doing something way extreme. I don't think it's fair that you're trashing all of them because of your experience with a second hand abused tractor.
I agree it is not fair. Glad yours is working well.
Actually the model numbers are easily confused but the top of the line was gt2554 and not gt2544. Gt2554 has very large 54" deck, more horsepower, adjustable seat, thicker sheet metal, way bigger tires, different hood,, and an entirely different animal of heavy duty at 850lbs. And none of the drawbacks of the Gt2544 he is talking about. So Cub Cadet did actually make a Cadillac of mowers at one time. Mine has almost 1000 hrs. on it and it still runs perfect. And actually since I bought the tractor used it looks to me that the oil in the engine and transmission may have never been changed, still had original filters, and original gas filter and sparkplugs too. Drawback: you need to use a car jack to lift it up. Don't try to put it on side. If this baby falls on you you'll be smashed like a fly. And it takes up much garage space as a small car.
Haha thanks for the review
The GT2544 and GT2554 are in the same series being the 2500 series. They are the exact same machines besides the engine and mower deck size. They all weigh 800lbs dry.
That's amazing because I've never really had any problem with the driveshaft on any of mine I've got 2518 2185 and a2550 and a 2554 never had any problem with the driveshaft
Mine was pretty beat up to start with
You need to get a hold of the Honda 4518 (4514 is similar but different engine). They both have a drive shaft but the Hondas are humongous in diameter vs that cub. It also has a timing belt, water pump, radiator and fan. Overbuilt and absolutely beautiful.
I had to google that one, I didn’t even know Honda made a riding mower.
Picked one up last summer for $500 in mint shape. Guy claimed it overheated but all I had to do was clean the clippings off the rad and flush the system. Very nice tractor.
I bought a 1984 782 d diesel cub cadet that runs great one of the best riding mowers out hear I love it
Very cool that is old school for sure.
Wow, never saw one of those driveshafts do that. Congratulations on throwing away an expensive engine that could have been fixed with a couple hours of labor and $40🤣 those 2500 series are pretty ugly with that terrible hood design. I like my 3000 series Cubs, 3205 liquid cooled Kawasaki 20hp 54" deck and 3240 22hp Kohler Command 60" deck. Also have a leaky rear John Deere 425 but I prefer the Cubs for their smooth operation, comfort and cut quality.
Thanks! I agree was totally worth it was UA-cam gold blowing that thing up and then scrapping it. You should check out my Cubs Suck part one video to make ya cringe some more.
i HAVE A 2005 gt2186 700 HRS. NEXT TO NO TROUBLE AT ALL REPLACED FRONT DRIVE PULLEYS AND MOWER DECK BELT TENISION SPRING. 3 DECK BELTS AND 3 DRIVE BELTS. ONE DRIVE BELT TORE UP WHEN FRONT PULLEY WENT. LOVE THIS MOWER. BUT NOW YOU GOT ME WORRIED ABOUT SHAFT DRIVE.
I appreciate you watching. I think this motor has alot of vibration that messed up everything. I bet you are fine as long as your engine is tuned up. 700 hours is impressive
I have a 2007 GT 2550 that is still running strong with no issues. It is all about regular maintenance for longevity of any machine. Yes, the cub cadets of this era are a bit ugly, but the GT machines are built heavy duty and made to last as long as you maintain them properly. I plan on cutting grass with this machine for many more years, that is, if we can still by fuel to run our power equipment. We really need to get the current administration out of the white house and out of our lives.
Wow love the political tie in to lawn mowers!
Hey Mike, I going to need buy a riding mower soon. Can you advise me which way to go & which to stay away from.
thanks, I like your videos.
Vic
It all depends on your budget. The list below is what I suggest from the cheapest used to new.
1. Used craftsman riding mower 15-30 years old. $500-$700 range
2. Used John Deere or Toro riding mower $700-$900
3. Used Cub Cadet 50in zeroturn $1,000 - $1,500
4. New Cub Cadet zero turn $4k
5. New or Used Gravel Zeroturn (this is my ride, is the best mower you can get in my opinion)
Good luck, the market is hot right now for used mowers. The cheapest is to buy a broke used mower and fix it with all the advice I give ya on here. Let me know what you end up getting.
I have a 1991 cub cadet 443 hrs still going good. You think I should get something else? What else is worth having today that is reliable? Would like to hear your recommendations.
As long as it is running good just run her till she dies
I’ve got a GT2544, it was a replacement for a John Deere D105, hydrostatic kept breaking. My only complaint is that it is leaking oil like crazy. Should I get it fixed or go with a new mower? I mow about 1 acre and use it to mulch leaves in the fall.
I always say fix it. Just clean the oil off and find where it is leaking from.
Since they built everything else so beefy, why didn't they make the drive shaft with a u-joint? That would be the logical thing to do.
Yep I agree
Mine has over 700 hours on it. Leaks some oil but still cuts my 2 acres. I am looking at a new J. Deere.
Mine is a gt3235 54" deck, also equipped with snow plow attachment, the parts for the mower are high.
Don’t forget your jacket! Sounds cold up there
I was always a Cub Cadet fan until mine hit 300 hours. It has been meticulously maintained and is falling apart. I’ve picked up an 80’s John Deere and a 90’s Simplicity recently. The build quality is far superior on those older mowers.
Yep they implode around 300 hours, check out my other Cub video on the description
Hey Mike. What riding mower is worth having today. Anything reliable?
Just avoid Polans
thanks
if you still have it can i buy a few parts of it n thank you
Nope I am cub cadet free.
Ok. This is some old man comedy. Maybe duck tape can contain the raw power of that engine. I like to have crapped myself. 😂
Haha you should see my other cub cadet review video. Glad I got a laugh that is what this channel is all about.
If I were you I would go to a driveshaft shop and custom order a slip shaft and put U-joints on both ends, replace the flywheel and never have to worry about it again
You need to watch the end of the video, that mower is melted down by now.
Too be fair that Cub was built by mtd. Any mtd product is junk. I hate the design of any mtd mower and it’s just meant to last a few years then break making you by another one. The older cubs (before 2000s when mtd bought cub cadet) those are built to last. I rarely buy new stuff cus it’s junk. Old vintage REAL garden tractors is where it’s at.
Am not arguing with Big Owen!
Why would you scrap that? That machine was easily fixable and could have been a really good machine for you to use.
Just so I can get under your skin ;)
You must like buying high parts for Honda and john deer, tell everyone about the $60. oil filter on some J.D. mowers.
Guilty as charged, that is how I like to get my rocks off
Shoot had check out another one before check out for the night early morning. Stay safe from ur ole hillbilly buddy.
And whatever you replace it with will be just about as big a piece of s*** is what that one was only you'll spend a whole bunch more money to find that out
Sounds like you need another cup of coffee with that rant ;)
i have a 60s Cub Cadet 125 the just wornt quit at all and a 80s 1810 thst will not quit either but i also have a 2012 Cub Cadet LTX1045 that i will never ever get agane it is total junk
Right those are two very different machines
So yay, no more CC bashing unless you're silly enough to buy another one. Instead, why not pick a few riders you believe are worth the money at different price points, say $500, $750 and $1000. Could almost guarantee you'll get a whole lot of hits on a video like that... just be sure to mention "in my market". Good luck!
You know that is a good point. I have bashed the cub cadet pretty hard
Hours on the engines actually mean nothing
😂
It means how many hours are on the engine???
Hours dont mean much. What really matters is how well its been maintained. Something can have 10 hours but have little to no oil and very dirty oil and be considered a pile of shit. Where as something can have 1500+ hours on it and be maintained properly and run better than a new machine would.
@@MowerMikedo you have a meter on your car engine? Are you worried about the hours of your car engine? For me on both is No and No Josh said it perfectly you maintain that Kohler or Kawasaki engine you can at least expect 20 or more years with them engines as a matter the Kohler 7000 series according to small engine repair shops is the least seen for repairs..
@@JoshAllen17Goatedindeed 👍
Y hell yeah they are y u think ild cat gave me one new battery nice captian seat after harley springer ride is gone lol
I swear I saw fire shoot out that engine when you started it
Haha it scared me was cool getting that on video
Oh man gave yeah 10 over scrap.maybe.see price is.
How can anyone actually take this man serious when he doesn’t even know what he’s talking about most of the time😂
I totally agree! I can’t believe the internet lets me do this but I am loving it.
@@MowerMike Im sure you do, you get payed money to be an idiot. Its the beauty of the internet. Hell I would do the same thing to be fair, make a few extra bucks🤣.
@@JoshAllen17Goated Am just having fun and spreading what I have learned over the years from flipping mowers.
@@MowerMike I know, just busting your chops a little. Have a good one.