Debating between a 05 GT 1554 and a 08 GT 2542

4643 Views 24 Replies 8 Participants Last post by forkz, Jan 29, 2012

Jake76

Discussion Starter · Jan 17, 2012

Hey guys, I'm looking to pick up a new rider and I'm stuck on which of these tractors to buy. I guess I'm wondering when comparing these two tractors head to head, is the 2542 head and shoulders better than the 1554? I know one big difference is the 2542 has a shaft drive where the 1554 doesn't. What are some other big differences that I should know about? Oh and another question, did the 2542 come with any other engine than the Kohler Command 20? The owner says it has a Kohler Pro 27. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

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jsoluna

· #2 · Jan 17, 2012

Go with the 2542 over the 1554.

You get a stronger trans, with serviceable spin off filter and ridiculous 7qt oil capacity, stronger frame, front axle, shaft drive, all around more tractor than the 1554. Engine should be a 20hp Kohler Command. The 2542 is the oddball of the 2500 series that came with the smaller front tires to clear the 42" deck:

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blueball

· #3 · Jan 17, 2012

go with thee 2542 for the reasons jsolua stated

Jeff in PA

· #4 · Jan 17, 2012

Next door neighbor wanted a new tractor a few years ago. I tried to talk him into a restored older IHCC. He wanted brand new.

He got a 1000 series about 4 years ago. He's on his second replacement drive belt. When the first one broke, he sheepishly asked me to drag his dead mower up to the garage so he could replace the belt. I had to drag it back wards as there was nothing substantial to hook up to in the front.

In short, get the heavy duty one with a real drive shaft. :fing32:

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jsoluna

· #5 · Jan 17, 2012

The CVT trans models of 1000 Series are particularly hard on drive belts...

Jake76

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 17, 2012

Okay guys, a new tractor has entered the mix. What are you thoughts on the two tractors mentioned above, and a 07 GT 2550?

jsoluna

· #7 · Jan 17, 2012

Not much difference between 07 GT 2550 and 08 GT 2542. Main consideration between those two models would be condition and price. Different size deck, different size front wheels, but other than that, those two models are nearly the same.

MrFoPow

· #8 · Jan 19, 2012

jsoluna said:
Not much difference between 07 GT 2550 and 08 GT 2542. Main consideration between those two models would be condition and price. Different size deck, different size front wheels, but other than that, those two models are nearly the same.

Definitely go with one of the GT25xx's.

There is no comparison.

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MTD snow plow

· #9 · Jan 19, 2012

:ditto:

Jake76

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 20, 2012

Thanks for all the info guys!

I've narrowed it down to a 07 GT 2550 with 209 hours for $1800 that only comes with a 50" deck and a 08 GT 2542 with 82 hours for $2500 that comes with a 42" deck, 42" snowblower, and a bagger system. What's keeping me from going for the 2542 is the fact that it's 430 miles away.

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MrFoPow

· #11 · Jan 20, 2012

Jake76 said:
Thanks for all the info guys!

I've narrowed it down to a 07 GT 2550 with 209 hours for $1800 that only comes with a 50" deck and a 08 GT 2542 with 82 hours for $2500 that comes with a 42" deck, 42" snowblower, and a bagger system. What's keeping me from going for the 2542 is the fact that it's 430 miles away.

I'd go for the GT 2542. 430 miles isn't that bad.

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mowergene

· #12 · Jan 21, 2012

Going back to the 1554..........consider how difficult it is to take off the PTO.........that's enough right there to throw it out of the mix!

jsoluna

· #13 · Jan 21, 2012

I've heard horror stories from the guys at work about seized drive belt pulleys (above PTO) on the 1000 Series.

mowergene

· #14 · Jan 21, 2012

jsoluna said:
I've heard horror stories from the guys at work about seized drive belt pulleys (above PTO) on the 1000 Series.

........and for those of us who are old and decrepted and don't have a shop lift for the machine, getting to the problem is a real hassle.

jsoluna

· #15 · Jan 21, 2012

There's two shop lifts in our shop, but four techs. Being the new guy, I'm still doing it the old school way - on the cold concrete

mowergene

· #16 · Jan 21, 2012

jsoluna said:
There's two shop lifts in our shop, but four techs. Being the new guy, I'm still doing it the old school way - on the cold concrete

It's really bad having to lie on the 'crete to fix your own schtuff, but it's so much worse having to do it to fix someone else's. One of my nearest neighbors (eighty-two years old) always seems to run into trouble out in his yard. Last year I convinced him to buy a new machine, but I failed to insist that it be a really good one.........I'm suspecting I'll be doin' a lot of "layin'" in the next year or two.

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Jake76

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 22, 2012

mowergene said:
Going back to the 1554..........consider how difficult it is to take off the PTO.........that's enough right there to throw it out of the mix!

I just seen a picture of the setup on the 1554. Lets just say I'm glad I'm not going that route.

I did buy a snowblower unit over the weekend so I guess that rules the above 2542 out now.

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Jake76

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jan 29, 2012

Well in the end I ended up getting neither of the two originals in the thread title. I ended up picking up a 08 GT2550 with 125 hours. I think I will be very happy with my decision.

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jsoluna

· #19 · Jan 29, 2012

125 hours is nothing on these things, and it looks to be in great shape. Congrats man

MrFoPow

· #20 · Jan 29, 2012

Congratz!

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