[Sawbuck]

I have a 2554 that I use primarily for mowing my 2+ acres (1/2 acre yard and almost 2 acres of Texas Hill Country). I am thinking of moving to a CUT to gain the front loader advantage, a 60" belly mower and four-wheel drive with power steering, and a diesel engine. My plan is to first use the loader to distribute say 50 yards of sandy loam on the lawn to level it.

My first choices are a Cub Cadet Yanmar SC2400, a Kubota BX1860 and a Deere 2320. Looking at these tractors I see a two-speed transmission (Hi/Low) coupled to the Hydrostatic - any comment on advantages/disadvantages? Also, the Deere doesn't have the two-speed, is that enough to not consider it?

Any comments/thoughts would be appreciated.

Sawbuck

 

[murphycc]

Look at MF or NH first before you decide, I will move up too and for the money MF looks good to me.

Secondly, look at a good used rear finish before you drop nearly $3K on that belly mower. Wouldn't have a belly on a CUT, I'd want to drop and go.

Scott

 

[murphycc]

Cub Cadet Yanmar SC2400-

I looked into that one briefly last year and dealer tells me that the starting price is $14K before options, IIRR. I've heard grumblings that they have problems, pretty but I wont overpay for a nameplate.


Scott

 

[Sawbuck]

Scott;

Price is a real issue - but I also worry about dealer support. In my area, the three dealers are the ones listed (CC, Kubota, and Deere). If I start to check out others, I will be increasing the distance by significant miles.

Another option is to move to a CC 3200 and add a Johnny Bucket Sr., but I worry about the capability of the loader...

Sawbuck

 

[slkpk]

The JD 2320 has the 2 speed hi-lo in the hydro. slkpk

 

[savageactor7]

I looked at the Yanmar's and shied away because there were too many MTD similarities. From the jelly bean front end, head lights to the cost cutting deck.

If you've got Yanmar money...then go with the Kubota. Just my 2 cents.

 

[JDFANATIC]

Sawbuck,

Those are not apples to apples comparisons. Maybe you should think through what features you want first.

 

[Toolin]

Would this question get a wider audience over in the CUT Hut forum? Seems more like a CUT question than a Cub question.

A moderator could relocate it for you if you wanted.

 

[murphycc]

http://www.newholland.com/h4/produc...s55FeatureItems/Image429/3786/T1520-00106.jpg

Here's what I'd like to have.

Scott

 

[Sawbuck]

Re: Moving query to the CUT forum -

I posted here on the CC LT/GT board because I have followed this board since in joined in 2006 and have come to appreciate the knowledge and common sense found in the responses of the long-time regulars.

Also, I thought that others on this board might also be looking to move up and have thoughts/opinions that would be valuable. And I feared that the CUT folks would be trying to justify their decision in their responses.

If it should be moved, then I defer to the moderators...

Sawbuck

 

[Sawbuck]

JDFanatic - thanks for your comment, but please elaborate. I initially stated my goals and the commonality of my three choices - why aren't they apples-to-apples? Please refer to my initial post.

Thanks,

Sawbuck

 

[JDFANATIC]

Sawbuck,

The SC2400 looks like a nice tractor that I would compare to the JD2305, though it does have position control on the 3PH which is an improvement. Both these tractors have 24 hp diesels and can easily run 60" decks. The Kubota BX1860 is an 18 hp tractor, which cannot run a 60" deck. You would have to move up a model or two to get a good comparison to the SC2400 or JD2305. The 2320 is an even larger tractor, though it shares the 2305s powerplant. It has larger wheels and tires and a few other "big" tractor features the others mentioned do not.

All would do your above mentioned tasks.

 

[Toolin]

Re: Moving query to the CUT forum -

I posted here on the CC LT/GT board because I have followed this board since in joined in 2006 and have come to appreciate the knowledge and common sense found in the responses of the long-time regulars.

Also, I thought that others on this board might also be looking to move up and have thoughts/opinions that would be valuable. And I feared that the CUT folks would be trying to justify their decision in their responses.

If it should be moved, then I defer to the moderators...

Sawbuck

Didn't mean to suggest it "should" be moved.. not for me to say, just trying to make a helpful suggestion in case you hadn't considered the other forum. Sounds like you know where your target audience is so more power to you.

 

[Sawbuck]

Toolin - Appreciate your comments, and I have been lurking on the CUT forums for a while - Sawbuck

BTW, with the price of a CUT, the financing offers have also become part of my evaluation.

Sawbuck

 

[Sawbuck]

To close out this thread, I am down to either the Kubota BX2360 or the John Deere 2305. Kubota is slightly more $ than JD. Both local dealers are offering similar deals. Will take the CC 2554 in trade, but I may try to sell before closing the deal. Service pick-up/return is a mandatory requirement, as I don't have a trailer for this tractor.

Looked closely at the CC/Yanmar SC2400, but had some issues with design and concerns over how long the MTD/Yanmar relationship might last.

 

[Renster of N.H.]

Sawbuck,

I've been watching. I'm glad that you narrowed your choice. I was gunning for the BX from the start of your post. I would not hesitate for a second, purchasing one, as long as I had good local dealer support. (I do around here should I ever want to move up). Also, Kubota has some of the best financing around.
You know in your heart what to do. Get the BX. It will not disappoint you! (and leave the "green" to the faces of envy on your family, friends, and neighbors)

Renster

 

[Sawbuck]

Renster;

Thanks for your vote of confidence. Wednesday, the dealer called. We had agreed on a BX2360, with 60" MMM and FEL. He received a price increase for the '10 models from Kubota and offered a deal on a BX2660 he has. I will be driving it Monday or Tuesday, may decide to go ahead now to beat the price increase. The adder for a 2660 over the 2360 is considerably less than the price increase for a '10 BX2360. More to follow...

 

[Brett-JDX748]

I gave Cub Cadet one chance (last generation of CUT's not the Yanmar partnership) and I was let down big time.. Thank the Lord they bought it back!

I will never give Cub another shot so long as they remain owned by MTD.