John Deere v. Cub Cadet
 

Thinking about one or the other. Any experience out there with the John
Deere G110 versus the Cub Cadet SLT 1554? The Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability. I know the Deere has a fully welded frame (not sure about this
Cub model). I think they both have Kohler v-twins. The Cub is
significantly less expensive.

Thoughts?!

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

Sorry, forgot one other thing. I'd prefer to mulch over bag. Any
experience with the mulching quality of either of these?

Thanks again!

Jeff


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Thinking about one or the other. Any experience out there with the John
Deere G110 versus the Cub Cadet SLT 1554? The Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability. I know the Deere has a fully welded frame (not sure about
this Cub model). I think they both have Kohler v-twins. The Cub is
significantly less expensive.

Thoughts?!

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Sorry, forgot one other thing. I'd prefer to mulch over bag. Any
experience with the mulching quality of either of these?

Thanks again!

Jeff

My JD 110 is about 30 years old - 8hp Kohler, and I use it to snowblow -
does a good job with weights and chains - the mower deck is still in good
shape (38" I think) and the variable 4 forward speeds is good for both
mowing and blowing. I don't mulch or bag. I have broken a small piece out
of the front of the fiberglass hood.

My Cadet 128 is also about 30 years old - 12hp Kohler and I use it to mow
larger areas amd brush hog - and plow the garden with a moldboard plow. The
mower deck is still in good shape (50") but I have burned up 2 belts brush
hogging. Mice keep making nests in the motor shroud.

And btw, it's easier to get JD toys, hats & jackets here than it is to get
Cub Cadet.



"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Thinking about one or the other. Any experience out there with the John
Deere G110 versus the Cub Cadet SLT 1554? The Deere is available at
Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability. I know the Deere has a fully welded frame (not sure about
this Cub model). I think they both have Kohler v-twins. The Cub is
significantly less expensive.

Thoughts?!

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

I think my 3 year old would like you, Sarge. Toys are definitely a focus!

Good to hear that either choice may be a good choice, although I doubt
either is built to the quality that they were 30 years ago.


"Srgnt Billko" wrote in message
...

"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Sorry, forgot one other thing. I'd prefer to mulch over bag. Any
experience with the mulching quality of either of these?

Thanks again!

Jeff

My JD 110 is about 30 years old - 8hp Kohler, and I use it to snowblow -
does a good job with weights and chains - the mower deck is still in good
shape (38" I think) and the variable 4 forward speeds is good for both
mowing and blowing. I don't mulch or bag. I have broken a small piece
out
of the front of the fiberglass hood.

My Cadet 128 is also about 30 years old - 12hp Kohler and I use it to mow
larger areas amd brush hog - and plow the garden with a moldboard plow.
The
mower deck is still in good shape (50") but I have burned up 2 belts brush
hogging. Mice keep making nests in the motor shroud.

And btw, it's easier to get JD toys, hats & jackets here than it is to get
Cub Cadet.



"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Thinking about one or the other. Any experience out there with the
John
Deere G110 versus the Cub Cadet SLT 1554? The Deere is available at
Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability. I know the Deere has a fully welded frame (not sure about
this Cub model). I think they both have Kohler v-twins. The Cub is
significantly less expensive.

Thoughts?!

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability.

Sorry they don't go together.... for that you have to try a different store.
They are the bottom feeders of there equipment line

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?




"op4_camper" wrote in message
...
Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability.

Sorry they don't go together.... for that you have to try a different
store. They are the bottom feeders of there equipment line

On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article , "Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?




"op4_camper" wrote in message
...
Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability.

Sorry they don't go together.... for that you have to try a different
store. They are the bottom feeders of there equipment line



IMHO, as for a Cub, you need to look at 3000 series machines for truly
durable machines. I would also recommend using synthetic oils after the
break in of about 10 hours of initial use.

I also use MotorKote in my Cub 3235, but this is just a suggestion that you
may take for what it is worth.

Many others will say that synthetic oils are only marketing, but research it
and decide for yourself if a few dollars more are worth protecting your
investment.

Ron B You're digging it round, when it aughta Be
SQUARE

On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article , "Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?

the Deere that are sold at Home depot are Imported tractors made by
IIRC MTD... if you want a DEERE tractor got to an Equipment dealer,
and get a real deere tractor. probably more expensive... then compare
that to a blue one like the boomer series from New Holland. the real
question is, how big of a yard do you have? and what do you want to do
with the tractor?

--
"People who read the tabloids deserve to be lied to" - Jerry Seinfeld
"Education is the progressive discovery of our own Ignorance" - Will Durant
"We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom." - E.O. Wilson
"the glass is not only half full the first half was delicious" --Me
To Reply: Scrape off the end bits...

"Dennis" wrote in message
...
Ron B You're digging it round, when it aughta Be
SQUARE

On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article ,
"Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere
models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?

the Deere that are sold at Home depot are Imported tractors made by
IIRC MTD... if you want a DEERE tractor got to an Equipment dealer,
and get a real deere tractor. probably more expensive... then compare
that to a blue one like the boomer series from New Holland. the real
question is, how big of a yard do you have? and what do you want to do
with the tractor?


Nope - don't think the Deere's at Home Depot are made by MTD.
I like blue also - but our New Holland bought from an "equipment dealer" was
imported from Italy and since we used to own a Fiat I am not to thrilled
about that.

Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive, probably the
2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle differences
I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11 gauge 44 inch
deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has an 11 gauge 54
inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the deck on the 50
inch would be thinner gauge.

Do you think the 3000 series is comparable to the Deere LX280, which is
probably my choice if I go with Deere. (I just don't think I need a
shaft-drive deck which costs plenty extra, right?)

By the way, I agree with your comment about synthetic oil. I do it on my
Ariens snow blower as well and my current rider, a little Honda 11 hp.




"Ron B" wrote in message
...
On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article , "Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere
models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?




"op4_camper" wrote in message
...
Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability.

Sorry they don't go together.... for that you have to try a different
store. They are the bottom feeders of there equipment line



IMHO, as for a Cub, you need to look at 3000 series machines for truly
durable machines. I would also recommend using synthetic oils after the
break in of about 10 hours of initial use.

I also use MotorKote in my Cub 3235, but this is just a suggestion that
you
may take for what it is worth.

Many others will say that synthetic oils are only marketing, but research
it
and decide for yourself if a few dollars more are worth protecting your
investment.

Dennis wrote:
Ron B You're digging it round, when it aughta Be
SQUARE


On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article , "Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM


Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?


the Deere that are sold at Home depot are Imported tractors made by
IIRC MTD...

Don't know where you get your information from, but last
year while shopping for a new lawn tractor I asked my Deere
dealer that very question. His reply was that they are
exactly the same machines, from the same assembly lines,
etc. Even though his price was a couple of hundred dollars
more than HD I bought from him and haven't regretted it. He
delivered it free even though I live some forty miles away,
and last September one of his mechanic showed up at my door
to replace the two front spindles which apparently had a
manufacturing defect (camber angle, I think it was). Upon
the original delivery of the machine, his guy spent time
with me going over the whole machine and it's operation and
answering any questions that I had.

So, even though they are the same machines it's probably
better to buy from the Deere dealer for the quality of
service you get as compared to HD.

Ymmv.

Waldo



if you want a DEERE tractor got to an Equipment dealer,
and get a real deere tractor. probably more expensive... then compare
that to a blue one like the boomer series from New Holland. the real
question is, how big of a yard do you have? and what do you want to do
with the tractor?

--
"People who read the tabloids deserve to be lied to" - Jerry Seinfeld
"Education is the progressive discovery of our own Ignorance" - Will Durant
"We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom." - E.O. Wilson
"the glass is not only half full the first half was delicious" --Me
To Reply: Scrape off the end bits...

I noticed this when I bought my LX266. The deck is considered a seperate
item than the tractor, and so for whatever reason the 50 inch deck is made
with 12 guage metal. The thickness of the metal used for the different decks
do not always go up or down proportionally with the size of the tractor they
are mated with. You have to remember that some decks can be used on several
different tractors. Its sort of like a computer. The most expensive may
actually have a less expensive part in it compared to the others, but the
total package is what your getting. I wonder if you can buy the tractor and
deck seperately? I've never heard of this but it seems like you should be
able to.


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive, probably
the
2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences
I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11 gauge 44
inch
deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has an 11 gauge
54
inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the deck on the 50
inch would be thinner gauge.

So, even though they are the same machines it's probably
better to buy from the Deere dealer for the quality of
service you get as compared to HD.

Ymmv.

Waldo

I agree with that I bought a LT120 last year when I moved to a new house.
It was about 3 weeks from the time I bought it and tehy delivered it tuil I
decided to mow. I mowed about 100 feet and the mower quit. I cranked it up
again and went about another 100 feet and it quit. after about 3 more times
of that I gave up. Went by the dealer and he sent out a man to pick it up
and they found the seat switch was defective and replaced the seat from
another mower they had in stock. Then they brought it back to the house
with no charge. Hard telling what the service policy would have been at HD
which was about 25 miles away from the house. The JD shop was only about 7
miles away.

I've had my JD LT150 for three years. I mow 1/2 an acre, lots of hillside,
with it weekly. I bought it from the JD dealer. I've had excellent service
and support. If it ever wears out (doubtful at this point) I will buy
another Deere. It only cost an extra nickel to go first class and most of
the time, it's worth it.


"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
nk.net...

So, even though they are the same machines it's probably
better to buy from the Deere dealer for the quality of
service you get as compared to HD.

Ymmv.

Waldo

I agree with that I bought a LT120 last year when I moved to a new
house.
It was about 3 weeks from the time I bought it and tehy delivered it tuil
I
decided to mow. I mowed about 100 feet and the mower quit. I cranked it
up
again and went about another 100 feet and it quit. after about 3 more
times
of that I gave up. Went by the dealer and he sent out a man to pick it up
and they found the seat switch was defective and replaced the seat from
another mower they had in stock. Then they brought it back to the house
with no charge. Hard telling what the service policy would have been at
HD
which was about 25 miles away from the house. The JD shop was only about
7
miles away.

According to the Cub guy, the deck's aren't interchangeable. I doubt that
degree will matter much, but it does make me stop and think. Just my
over-analytical mind in over-drive causing me more angst than necessary!


"CNB" wrote in message
...
I noticed this when I bought my LX266. The deck is considered a seperate
item than the tractor, and so for whatever reason the 50 inch deck is made
with 12 guage metal. The thickness of the metal used for the different
decks
do not always go up or down proportionally with the size of the tractor
they
are mated with. You have to remember that some decks can be used on
several
different tractors. Its sort of like a computer. The most expensive may
actually have a less expensive part in it compared to the others, but the
total package is what your getting. I wonder if you can buy the tractor
and
deck seperately? I've never heard of this but it seems like you should be
able to.


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive, probably
the
2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences
I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11 gauge 44
inch
deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has an 11 gauge
54
inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the deck on the 50
inch would be thinner gauge.

I just done a little research on my own deck - the 42C. It's made of
12-guage metal. I can't imagine why anyone would need anything thicker than
that for a yard, it's pretty thick. Not something you would put a dent in
without considerable force. Let us know what you end up going with.

Casey
"Jeff" wrote in message
...
According to the Cub guy, the deck's aren't interchangeable. I doubt that
degree will matter much, but it does make me stop and think. Just my
over-analytical mind in over-drive causing me more angst than necessary!


"CNB" wrote in message
...
I noticed this when I bought my LX266. The deck is considered a seperate
item than the tractor, and so for whatever reason the 50 inch deck is
made
with 12 guage metal. The thickness of the metal used for the different
decks
do not always go up or down proportionally with the size of the tractor
they
are mated with. You have to remember that some decks can be used on
several
different tractors. Its sort of like a computer. The most expensive may
actually have a less expensive part in it compared to the others, but
the
total package is what your getting. I wonder if you can buy the tractor
and
deck seperately? I've never heard of this but it seems like you should
be
able to.


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive, probably
the
2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences
I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11 gauge 44
inch
deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has an 11
gauge
54
inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the deck on the
50
inch would be thinner gauge.

Like you I was at one time considering the purchase of a Cub Cadet vs. John
Deere. Originally, I was intrigued by the shaft drive system in the Cub
Cadet. I live on 3 acres of rough, rocky ground with roots of large trees
protruding out of the surface in certain areas. A friend mentioned that I
might warp or bend a blade if I happened to hit any of this "immovable"
stuff while mowing; whereas a belt would slip. It kinda made sense to me. I
ended up buying the LX280. I've been please with it. I dropped the deck and
bagger off the mower over the winter and used a trailer to haul wood, bags
of dirt, rocks, etc.

Good luck with whatever you purchase.

John


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive, probably
the 2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11
gauge 44 inch deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has
an 11 gauge 54 inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the
deck on the 50 inch would be thinner gauge.

Do you think the 3000 series is comparable to the Deere LX280, which is
probably my choice if I go with Deere. (I just don't think I need a
shaft-drive deck which costs plenty extra, right?)

By the way, I agree with your comment about synthetic oil. I do it on my
Ariens snow blower as well and my current rider, a little Honda 11 hp.




"Ron B" wrote in message
...
On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article ,
"Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere
models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?




"op4_camper" wrote in message
...
Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability.

Sorry they don't go together.... for that you have to try a different
store. They are the bottom feeders of there equipment line



IMHO, as for a Cub, you need to look at 3000 series machines for truly
durable machines. I would also recommend using synthetic oils after the
break in of about 10 hours of initial use.

I also use MotorKote in my Cub 3235, but this is just a suggestion that
you
may take for what it is worth.

Many others will say that synthetic oils are only marketing, but research
it
and decide for yourself if a few dollars more are worth protecting your
investment.

"CNB" wrote in message
...
I just done a little research on my own deck - the 42C. It's made of
12-guage metal. I can't imagine why anyone would need anything thicker
than
that for a yard, it's pretty thick. Not something you would put a dent in
without considerable force. Let us know what you end up going with.


Its not so that it dents. Its so that It wont flex or rust out as fast.
You want a manufactured deck not a stamped deck.
I believe john deere good deck is called the 7 iron Or something like that.

"JB" wrote in message
ink.net...
Like you I was at one time considering the purchase of a Cub Cadet vs.
John
Deere. Originally, I was intrigued by the shaft drive system in the Cub
Cadet. I live on 3 acres of rough, rocky ground with roots of large trees
protruding out of the surface in certain areas. A friend mentioned that I
might warp or bend a blade if I happened to hit any of this "immovable"
stuff while mowing; whereas a belt would slip.

Careful who you listen to - the mower deck is belt driven from a clutch
pulley - only the rear end is shaft driven.


It kinda made sense to me. I
ended up buying the LX280. I've been please with it. I dropped the deck
and
bagger off the mower over the winter and used a trailer to haul wood, bags
of dirt, rocks, etc.

Good luck with whatever you purchase.

John


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive, probably
the 2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an
11
gauge 44 inch deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554
has
an 11 gauge 54 inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why
the
deck on the 50 inch would be thinner gauge.

Do you think the 3000 series is comparable to the Deere LX280, which is
probably my choice if I go with Deere. (I just don't think I need a
shaft-drive deck which costs plenty extra, right?)

By the way, I agree with your comment about synthetic oil. I do it on
my
Ariens snow blower as well and my current rider, a little Honda 11 hp.




"Ron B" wrote in message
...
On 3/31/05 10:42 PM, in article ,
"Jeff"
wrote:3/31/05 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that the Cub and Deere
models
sold at Home Depot are the bottom feeders?




"op4_camper" wrote in message
...
Deere is available at Home
Depot, the Cub at Lowes. I'm primarily interested in durability and
reliability.

Sorry they don't go together.... for that you have to try a different
store. They are the bottom feeders of there equipment line



IMHO, as for a Cub, you need to look at 3000 series machines for truly
durable machines. I would also recommend using synthetic oils after
the
break in of about 10 hours of initial use.

I also use MotorKote in my Cub 3235, but this is just a suggestion that
you
may take for what it is worth.

Many others will say that synthetic oils are only marketing, but
research
it
and decide for yourself if a few dollars more are worth protecting your
investment.

Hi all, well I finally made a decision and went with the Cub 2550. Shaft
drive, cast iron hydro transmission, 50" deck. And the three bag collector
was about $450, roughly half of what it would have cost for the bagger on
the Deere LX280.

I appreciate all the feedback and input. Dealer will be delivering it next
Saturday morning. Of course I'm now starting to shop around for some
accessories (trailer, de-thatcher, aerator), but at least the big decision
is over with!!






"CNB" wrote in message
...
I just done a little research on my own deck - the 42C. It's made of
12-guage metal. I can't imagine why anyone would need anything thicker
than
that for a yard, it's pretty thick. Not something you would put a dent in
without considerable force. Let us know what you end up going with.

Casey
"Jeff" wrote in message
...
According to the Cub guy, the deck's aren't interchangeable. I doubt
that
degree will matter much, but it does make me stop and think. Just my
over-analytical mind in over-drive causing me more angst than necessary!


"CNB" wrote in message
...
I noticed this when I bought my LX266. The deck is considered a seperate
item than the tractor, and so for whatever reason the 50 inch deck is
made
with 12 guage metal. The thickness of the metal used for the different
decks
do not always go up or down proportionally with the size of the tractor
they
are mated with. You have to remember that some decks can be used on
several
different tractors. Its sort of like a computer. The most expensive may
actually have a less expensive part in it compared to the others, but
the
total package is what your getting. I wonder if you can buy the tractor
and
deck seperately? I've never heard of this but it seems like you should
be
able to.


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive,
probably
the
2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences
I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11 gauge
44
inch
deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has an 11
gauge
54
inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the deck on the
50
inch would be thinner gauge.

Congratulations on the big purchase. I think you made a good decision.

Casey
"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Hi all, well I finally made a decision and went with the Cub 2550. Shaft
drive, cast iron hydro transmission, 50" deck. And the three bag
collector
was about $450, roughly half of what it would have cost for the bagger on
the Deere LX280.

I appreciate all the feedback and input. Dealer will be delivering it
next
Saturday morning. Of course I'm now starting to shop around for some
accessories (trailer, de-thatcher, aerator), but at least the big decision
is over with!!






"CNB" wrote in message
...
I just done a little research on my own deck - the 42C. It's made of
12-guage metal. I can't imagine why anyone would need anything thicker
than
that for a yard, it's pretty thick. Not something you would put a dent
in
without considerable force. Let us know what you end up going with.

Casey
"Jeff" wrote in message
...
According to the Cub guy, the deck's aren't interchangeable. I doubt
that
degree will matter much, but it does make me stop and think. Just my
over-analytical mind in over-drive causing me more angst than
necessary!


"CNB" wrote in message
...
I noticed this when I bought my LX266. The deck is considered a
seperate
item than the tractor, and so for whatever reason the 50 inch deck is
made
with 12 guage metal. The thickness of the metal used for the
different
decks
do not always go up or down proportionally with the size of the
tractor
they
are mated with. You have to remember that some decks can be used on
several
different tractors. Its sort of like a computer. The most expensive
may
actually have a less expensive part in it compared to the others, but
the
total package is what your getting. I wonder if you can buy the
tractor
and
deck seperately? I've never heard of this but it seems like you
should
be
able to.


"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Right now I'm looking at the 2500 series with the shaft drive,
probably
the
2544. The more I look at the brochure, the more little, subtle
differences
I see that make my head spin. For example, the 2544 has an 11 gauge
44
inch
deck, the 2550 has a 12 gauge 50 inch deck, and the 2554 has an 11
gauge
54
inch deck. Unless it's a typo, I can't figure out why the deck on
the
50
inch would be thinner gauge.

I have owned a G110 for a little over a year and have been disappointed with it. I did buy it at a JD Dealer (for service and transport to/from my home) but the service has been spotty. The biggest flaw of the G110 is the light weight over the drive wheels. I have a hilly lawn with steep slopes and need to use chains to climb and descend, but even so the rear wheels can lose traction and dig up the turf. That's especially bad descending as the brakes are completely ineffective so it's like riding downhill on a roller coaster out of control! Tha biggest danger of the G110 is its tendency to tip sideways on a side hill and this is because of the light weight in the rear. It has nearly tipped over several times with me and this is truly scary!

My neighbor owns a JD GX335 with traction control and only 18 hp (the G110 has 25) but his GX335 is safer and climbs and descends MUCH better than mine. The extra horsepower of the G110 is no advantage at all.