Cub Cadet vs John Deere

[Mark-DuCo]

I know this has probably been asked before. I tend to favor John Deere, but justifying the price tag is hard. Also looking for input on newer features. I mow around 3 acres with some steep hills that I don't think a zero turn would hang on.

So my 1987 JD 185 Hydro through the drive belt again last night and this time it ripped of the wiring to the blade PTO. I also notice the frame was cracked, which I assume is the reason for shredding so many drive belts lately. So now I am shopping for a new mower a bit sooner than I had planned.

I am pretty much down to the JD X380 with a 54" stamped deck and the Cub Cadet xt2 gx50 with a 50" fabricated deck. Both come with a 23hp Kawasaki engine and k58 trans axle, so I feel like the drive line doesn't factor into the decision. I don't really know if stamped or fabricated deck is better, seems like the both have their strong points.

One thing I really don't care for is the FastAttach blades on the CC. Seems like the simple bolt on blades worked fine for years, but maybe it is a nice feature for some.

The CC is about $1,300 cheaper than the JD. Also the JD would't get here until Nov. 5th at the earliest, so ill have to figure something out for the last few mows of the year.

 

[Ingomike]

For me it is really simple, I would buy a JD from an authorized dealer only, (no big box models).

CC is not really a company, they are just a nameplate of MTD...

 

[indyblue]

From what I have read you should prefer the fabricated deck. a). Because the fabricated decks are deeper they have better lift for a better cut and b) they are much stronger and sturdy than the stamped.
for years I was mowing my 1.8 acres with my 42 inch cub cadet. It took 2 1/2 hours to mow.

A friend of mine gave me his dad‘s old case 235 diesel tractor with a 60 inch belly deck on it to use for a while. It only takes me 45 minutes to mow, and three blade deck that makes a big difference in quality cut.

I am in the market to replace it soon, so have been researching a bit.

 

[HoughMade]

For me it is really simple, I would buy a JD from an authorized dealer only, (no big box models).

CC is not really a company, they are just a nameplate of MTD...

This.

But for me, when I buy a tractor, I'm going to keep it 20+ years (my current lawn tractor, with it's stamped deck, is 24 years old). Dealer-sold JDs not only last a long time, but have pretty much every part available to repair for the foreseeable future. I have over 2,000 hours on my JD 325 and there is no part that is unavailable.

 

[bconn]

JD at a authorized dealer is made to JD specs. JD at big box store made to their specs with JD name on it. Simplicity makes a top rated machine BUT they are expensive initially but over the years their cost per year is really good.

 

[woowoo2]

I don't recall any songs praising the virtues of Cub Cadets.

 

[Mark-DuCo]

Just curious, has anyone actually owned higher end model Cub Cadet like I am looking at or is just based off hearsay. I know John Deere makes a quality machine for the most part (though my dad's 1025r has had more issues than I would put up with), just seems like with the same engine and trans axle the quality cant be too far off.

 

[Mr. Habib]

I inherited a Cub Cadet from my FIL. Can't mow a .3 acre lot without throwing the belt at least once. New belt, deck pullies, and PTO cable, all factory parts. A neighbor has a similar CC and has the same issue. If I lived closer to the coast this thing would be an artifical reef now. I would never buy Cub Cadet.

 

[Bennettjh]

A "real" JD from a JD dealer would be my first choice. My Dad bought a X350 2 years ago, that thing is awesome. I inherited his old '99 LT155, It still runs and cuts beautifully.

I know people that swear by CC and Simplicity as well.

ETA: JD is very proud of their stuff.

 

[Lost Californian]

Can't help you with Cub Cadet info. I did go thru this same issue couple years back, and my choice was a different Deere -

John Deere X738

I added the front quick hitch for the 54" plow and tractor shovel, along with the cat 1 three point hitch on the rear. Does everything I need it to, and more.

 

[Mark-DuCo]

A "real" JD from a JD dealer would be my first choice. My Dad bought a X350 2 years ago, that thing is awesome. I inherited his old '99 LT155, It still runs and cuts beautifully.

I know people that swear by CC and Simplicity as well.

ETA: JD is very proud of their stuff.

This is what I'm hung up on. The specs on the two machines just seem so similar, I feel like I would just be paying extra money for the green paint.

 

[Ingomike]

JD is very proud of their stuff.

If one wants a dealer network, a parts system, it costs money...

 

[Old Dog]

Go with Deere, buy from Deere dealer where you can get parts and service. Stay away from big box store mowers, no warranty service or parts without going to an authorized dealer, and of course the dealer will not appreciate that you bought it from big box. May as well start with the authorized dealer.

 

[Ingomike]

Go with Deere, buy from Deere dealer where you can get parts and service. Stay away from big box store mowers, no warranty service or parts without going to an authorized dealer, and of course the dealer will not appreciate that you bought it from big box. May as well start with the authorized dealer.

A dealer I know puts customers equipment to the front of the line, big box equipment is served when they get time...

 

[HoughMade]

If you decide to go with JD, stick to the X series. The 100 series are the same as big box and the 200 series is a big box body with the Kawasaki engine.

 

[Bennettjh]

This is what I'm hung up on. The specs on the two machines just seem so similar, I feel like I would just be paying extra money for the green paint.

I've always looked at it like you get what you pay for(most of the time). I agree with Mike, they have a great parts system if need be. They are expensive but I would still vote JD.

 

[Bennettjh]

If you decide to go with JD, stick to the X series. The 100 series are the same as big box and the 200 series is a big box body with the Kawasaki engine.

Yep. That's what I've heard as well.

 

[Mark-DuCo]

Just some more clarification, I know better than to buy from big box stores, that's why i specified the x380 model. I also do all my own service work and get parts at cost from a family member that works at Stens.

 

[chocktaw2]

This is what I'm hung up on. The specs on the two machines just seem so similar, I feel like I would just be paying extra money for the green paint.

I would have a dealer let you try a zero turn. I mow some hills. Hangs tight on 35 degree.

 

[HoughMade]

Just some more clarification, I know better than to buy from big box stores, that's why i specified the x380 model. I also do all my own service work and get parts at cost from a family member that works at Stens.

All I know about a dealer Cub Cadet is that my Dad had one. I used it a couple of times at his place. He liked it. I didn't, but that may have been a matter of taste. The x380 is great. Could a Cub be just as good? Maybe, but I don't know. All I really know is what I have experienced- a 24 year old JD that both mows grass and plows snow and starts every time.