[ckbear20]

There is a Kubota dealer 2 hours south from me that has a 2006 CC GT2550 with 150hrs. Comes with 50" deck, 42" blade, weights and chains. It was a 1 owner machine that the original owner traded in for a 4 wheel drive Kubota. They are asking $2195, and with some negotiating over the phone without looking at it they said they would take $2000. From what I've researched It seems like a fair price. Im not familiar with CC so any input would be apprecited. I am going to look at it tomorrow and if it seems good I will get it. Below are some pics that they sent me. Disregard the Ariens photos as that Tractor fell through. Any info would help. :thanku:




http://s1177.photobucket.com/albums/x358/ckbear20/

 

[mowergene]

A little over a year ago, I bought my 2007 cc2550 for the same price.......just the mower with 50" deck. He was asking a bit more for it. It had 115 hours on it. When I went out to look at it, it was really clean and in apparently good shape. I mowed with it for about ten minutes and brought it up to operating temperature. Then, I stopped mowing and while sitting there, I goosed the throttle several times and saw the smoke. That's how I got the price down. As it turned out, the rings were shot on one cylinder and the same cylinder head gasket was also blown. Because I wanted a quick fix so that I could resume mowing, I bought a new engine and dropped it in. So......I have about $3200 in the machine. But, I have a new engine and a spare to be rebuilt. What I'm saying, I guess, is that hours don't always mean as much as we'd like them to. Put it through some paces to check out that engine. It does, though, seem like an excellent price. This machine has a great drivetrain and will pull through most anything!

 

[ckbear20]

Thanks for your info even though its not what I really wanted to hear. I thought that the Kohler Command was one of the best engines? I would expect to hear that from a Courage. I will have to make sure I run it through a gauntlet of tests before I pull the trigger. Anyone elso out there with any info/advice let me know. I am going to be leaving tomorrow morning to look at it so the clock it ticking. Thanks

 

[mowergene]

Thanks for your info even though its not what I really wanted to hear. I thought that the Kohler Command was one of the best engines?

I believe it IS one of the best engines. The previous owner of my unit has a teenaged son who probably broke the machine in (or down)! Maintenance and use are so critical as, I believe, the first oil change (I do my first at about ten hours or less!). Also, you can get a lemon in any production piece. I've been very happy with my Command 22 HP. It starts easily, runs smoothly and neither smokes or uses oil. Make certain that you do not switch to synthetic oil until the engine is broken in and always use a high quality oil of the correct viscosity.......that's so important. I'm a believer in "not switching brands" of oil, also. If you start out with one brand, stick with it. Otherwise, you might find your machine start to consume it.

 

[jsoluna]

Pics look promising!

If that machine was taken care of, 150 hours is nothing on that engine, hydro, chassis, or deck. The Kohler Commands are great engines, but as previously stated, any unit is only as strong as its maintenance. The 2500 Series tractors are great for all basic garden and lawn work - and that price is fair with the blade, weights, and chains (blade alone is 700 new).

Things to look out for (other than the areas common to any unit). This is not intended to be a knock on the 2500s, they're great tractors! Most of these issues are easily corrected:

1. Check that the hood isn't creeping up to hit the exhaust.
2. Check that hydro fluid. It should be almost clear if maintained properly.
3. Check engine oil drain (leaks)
4. Check grease fittings to make sure none are popping out
5. Check double-stacked deck pulley for excessive up/down movement
6. Check deck idlers (they're all mass produced MTD #756-04129B, and don't last long)
7. Listen for lifter noise (25HP Command)
8. Check for head gasket or enclosure plate leakage (Kohler Commands)
9. Pay attention to how much force is needed to move the forward/reverse pedals (too much = worn bushings)
10. Listen for any hydro noise. These pumps should be almost whisper quiet at W.O.T.

 

[mowergene]

Great checklist, Justin!

 

[ckbear20]

Pics look promising!

If that machine was taken care of, 150 hours is nothing on that engine, hydro, chassis, or deck. The Kohler Commands are great engines, but as previously stated, any unit is only as strong as its maintenance. The 2500 Series tractors are great for all basic garden and lawn work - and that price is fair with the blade, weights, and chains (blade alone is 700 new).

Things to look out for (other than the areas common to any unit). This is not intended to be a knock on the 2500s, they're great tractors! Most of these issues are easily corrected:

1. Check that the hood isn't creeping up to hit the exhaust.
2. Check that hydro fluid. It should be almost clear if maintained properly.
3. Check engine oil drain (leaks)
4. Check grease fittings to make sure none are popping out
5. Check double-stacked deck pulley for excessive up/down movement
6. Check deck idlers (they're all mass produced MTD #756-04129B, and don't last long)
7. Listen for lifter noise (25HP Command)
8. Check for head gasket or enclosure plate leakage (Kohler Commands)
9. Pay attention to how much force is needed to move the forward/reverse pedals (too much = worn bushings)
10. Listen for any hydro noise. These pumps should be almost whisper quiet at W.O.T.

I will print this and bring it with me. After I read it I remembered I have another picture of the front of the tractor that they sent me. It looks that they cut the plastic around the exhaust because it was hitting. What do you think? Is it a major concern? :thanku: The Link is below.....
http://s1177.photobucket.com/albums/x358/ckbear20/

 

[jsoluna]

They sure did. That hole should be round....however, if the previous owner did that themselves, that means they were actually paying attention, which is a good indicator that they'd also look after other things like oil level, condition, etc.

or....

to play devil's advocate:

the owner was cool with cutting into the tractor instead of fixing the actual problem! You could look at it both ways...either way, it saved the hood from going up in smoke!

 

[slkpk]

It sounds like a good deal for $2K even if there is minor things that need taken care of down the road. Just look at what a new entry level tractor will cost you today. slkpk

 

[ckbear20]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, been busy with the Holiday and work. To make a long story short I did not buy the CC 2550. Once I got down there it was outside covered with snow, I thought great that will be the ultimate cold start. After waiting 20 minutes to talk to a sales person I got the key and it fired right up. I immediately noticed the hour meter was at 19X. It was advertised at 15X. Sales guy said the key must have been left on. It sounded logical enough?. While on the machine (running) I let off the break and the engine quit. After 4 times a service guy came out and with a heat gun and was heating up the plunger switch that the break hits he said it was frozen and would not release. 20 minutes later and I could let the break off and the tractor continued to run. 30 seconds after that the engine quit. A quick check of the tank and it was bone dry. No problem..I thought put some gas in and go. Gas poured in and...........nothing.......I assisted and we pushed the machine in the shop. 3 service guys and 1 hour later the fuel pump was removed and what was described as "Gunk" was removed. The pump was put back on and the tractor fired right up. I took it was a spin. The blade worked OK. I then attempted to go in reverse. I literally had to get lift my *** off the seat to push down hard enough to get it to go. I jumped off and looked under and the bushing was pretty rusty. I ran it around for another 15 minutes and still had the same issue with the reverse. I parked the tractor and attempted to locate the sales guy. 10 minutes later I found him eating a doughnut and drinking coffee. He gave me the usual "there you are" He told me that it needed a new fuel pump. He knew I drove 1.5 hous so I told him considering the time I spent and the issues I would need to get it for under 2000 and I would even replace the fuel pump. He said there was no way and we were't even close. I explained to him that we were at 2000 unseen over the phone how could we not be close. Then I realized I was at an implement dealer and they were selling 6 figure machines so I pretty much meant nothing to them so i left:banghead3. That Company was Service Motor Company in Fondulac WI in case anyone was wondering. I think it was meant to be though because I came across a 2010 CC GT2550 with 111hrs(bought late 2009) and a 50inch deck that I am now the proud owner of all for the wopping price of $1450.:trink39: I am extactic I found this machine. The only issue is the deck discharge chute has a crack in it and the front bumber has some scuffs. I will post some pics soon..I am now in the hun for a snowblower attachment for it model number 190-341. If anyone has or knows of one within a reasonable distance from Green Bay Wisconsin let me know.:thanku:

 

[CCinCT]

Sounds like things worked out for the best. Congrats on your new ride, looking forward to seeing the pictures.

 

[pfreiburger]

Hello from another Cheesehead

Congratulations on the GT2550! You have a great machine there – I have the same tractor that you do and am just finishing year three on mine. It has been a great year-round tractor for me; I have the blower mounted up now and am waiting for snow. The guys above have some good advice and if you want to go back in the Cub posts here, you will find out everything you want to know about these tractors in service. In addition to the blower, I have the triple bagger which works very well. A JB is on the list for this year, as I am going to do some landscaping, and I would really like a rear tiller, but that will have to wait for awhile.

I am just north east of Fond du Lac on the east side of Lake Winnebago, so I know the implement dealer you speak of – they do have Kubota so you would think they would have been a little better with you. It may be a little far for you, but between FDL and GB is a really great Cub dealer, Madson’s Service in St. Nazianz. They have done warranty work on my tractor and I regularly purchase parts or accessories there – they sell at a discount to list. I also really like the guys north of you in Oconto Falls, Gene’s Power Equipment; I bought my bagger from them.

Good luck with your new arrival and keep us posted – pictures are always welcome!

 

[ckbear20]

Hello from another Cheesehead

Congratulations on the GT2550! You have a great machine there – I have the same tractor that you do and am just finishing year three on mine. It has been a great year-round tractor for me; I have the blower mounted up now and am waiting for snow. The guys above have some good advice and if you want to go back in the Cub posts here, you will find out everything you want to know about these tractors in service. In addition to the blower, I have the triple bagger which works very well. A JB is on the list for this year, as I am going to do some landscaping, and I would really like a rear tiller, but that will have to wait for awhile.

I am just north east of Fond du Lac on the east side of Lake Winnebago, so I know the implement dealer you speak of – they do have Kubota so you would think they would have been a little better with you. It may be a little far for you, but between FDL and GB is a really great Cub dealer, Madson’s Service in St. Nazianz. They have done warranty work on my tractor and I regularly purchase parts or accessories there – they sell at a discount to list. I also really like the guys north of you in Oconto Falls, Gene’s Power Equipment; I bought my bagger from them.

Good luck with your new arrival and keep us posted – pictures are always welcome!

Thanks, Madson actually has a 1541 that I almost went with but I wanted somthing a little newer. I am going to call them tomorrow about a blower and see what there price is.

 

[jsoluna]

Wow, that's a story for sure. I was gunning for that first 2006 2550 until you started talking about having to replace the fuel pump, etc.....and then the fact that they wouldn't budge an inch? Guess they're gonna hold on to that one until spring at the very least. That 1541 would have been a nice tractor too, but is quite a bit older.

Congrats on your new toy! 2010 model should have the hood issues taken care of One less thing to worry about. Can't wait to see the pics!

 

[Paranoid]

Nice price on that 2550.

 

[mowergene]

"I am now the proud owner of all for the wopping price of $1450"

You'll always feel better after a good "steal"! I find that there will always be a few things of undesireable qualities to be found out after the purchase, therefore, it is always best to have stolen the item so as to not get hurt so badly.

 

[jsoluna]

...yeah, there's only so much you can glean about a tractor's condition at first glance. You can get most of the things figured out, but until you get a few hours of seat time....that's when you really get a feel for the machine.

 

[ckbear20]

"I am now the proud owner of all for the wopping price of $1450"

You'll always feel better after a good "steal"! I find that there will always be a few things of undesireable qualities to be found out after the purchase, therefore, it is always best to have stolen the item so as to not get hurt so badly.

I had to laugh when I read this. I started to dig into the tracor and noticed one of the tabs holding the dash to the frame was broke this caused the steering to be loose. On top of that the brake cable some how detached during transport. I didnt look into any of it to much but I think the steering might be a bigger issue. Anyone with a parts diagram out there specifically how the steering goes through the dash panel please send me the link. Many updates to come after the new year. Happy Holidays!!

 

[jsoluna]

There's not much that supports the steering shaft upper section on the GTs. In my opinion, this is where MTD really cost cut the unit. They've used several different designs over the years and the older ones (before the plastic hood era) used to have a support. The new ones just have a "bellows" at the top of the shaft. Here's two parts explosions, one of the steering setup, one of the dash:

 

[ckbear20]

Just a quick update. After taking apart the entire hood and dash I came across the problem. Somehow the steering shaft was bent:banghead3. I already ordered a new ane and a new pinion gear since it shower a little wear. As frusterating as it is those are the only issues. The place where I purchased it from gave me the original owners name and number so I am going to give him a call and ask a few questions about what happened. My first thought is someone attempted to secure a strap around the steering wheel during transport but hopefully he can answer that for me. One quick question I am going to be changing the trans fluid. The dealer here wants $12 per quart. :thSick: I am not going to pay that. I have reads that Shell Rotella-T 15w40 will work. I will use the OEM filter but is this oilf fien? Thanks