DGS6500 or Cub 1554

16 years ago

I have 1.7 acres to mow, mostly flat, few obstacles. Though it is mostly flat, the area where I do most of my landscaping is down a hill. Therefore, I have been thinking that a 54" deck tougher lawn tractor or entry level garden tractor may fit my needs. I don't need ground engaging to the point of plowing a bed, but I do need fairly heavy duty hauling needs. I am constantly hauling rocks for the stone walls that I am constantly building.

My budget $3000 or less. This brings me to the DGS6500 or Cub 1554.

Seems like the "pros" for the DGS6500 are: costs less and 11 gauge frame vs. the 12 gauge on the cub.

Seems like the "pros" for the cub are: Kohler Courage (courage is better than the pro on the DGS6500, right?) and probably a better design deck that is easier to remove. And teh cub seems to have a smarter overall design.

Service is not an issue since neither the sears or cub dealer are all that close. They are equally inconvenient.

I'd appreciate any and all comment. I am leaning towards the cub.

feesher

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Comments (6)

User
16 years ago
If you're comparing the CC GT1554 against the DGS6500 then I'd opt for the Cub.

The engines in both are similar. The CC Courage and Sears (Courage) Pro are both dumbed down to price points losing the Bendix drive starters and hydraulic lifters of the workhorse commercial grade Command Kohlers and are overall a consumer grade engine. The Sears comes with only the paper air filter and not the foam second (outer) stage even though the manual says it does.

If dealer service isn't a factor for you then take a very close look at both the Sears and the CC... you'll see differences.

I faced the same decision earlier this year and chose the Craftsman because the only place to buy the Cub was Home Depot. With respect to the Craftsman fans here on the forum, the DGS6500 wasn't worth the gas I used to pick it up. I returned it to Sears the next day.

Either is a lot of (low price point) tractor for the buck. If you have a local L&G dealer around take a day and go see what they carry. It might be worth your while to up your budget and take a step up.
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feesher
Original Author
16 years ago
Yes - I meant the GT1554

I will admit that there is a JD dealer close by. It's been there forever, but the budget may be a constraint. An X340 54" deck runs over $4k!
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wally2q
16 years ago
"I am constantly hauling rocks for the stone walls that I am constantly building."

That just sounds funny....sounds like a complaint, but it really is more of a labour of love....

if you "keep building" the walls... and haul enough rocks... 10-20 years from now, there will be no lawn left!....

anyway... here is some data.

The cub uses Hydrogear trannies. The series produces anywhere from 200 to 260 ft-lbs of torque. Just for comparison, that range is what JD used in their LX machines - which were considered LTs not GTs. Interestingly, when you click on the Cub "product comparison" page, it produces a comparison list to 3 or 4 other tractors... which are all Lawn Tractors - not GTs. Makes you say "hmmmm"... why would Cub be comparing their GT to other manufacturers LTs?

Anyway... the DGS uses the TT K66, with 310 ft lbs of torque, and it is truly rated for ground engaging duty.

From where I sit, I see the Craftsman in the GT category, whereas I see the cub a bit below that.

Note: for hauling loads up hills, a diff lock may come in handy - check out the Husqvarna model 2346XLS
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User
16 years ago
Even the X320 with a 48" deck runs $4k and is a great lawn tractor but not a garden tractor.

As long as you accept that there's no proximate service or a parts inventory then I'd rather have the Cub.

I made a similar choice 11 years ago when I bought a Scotts (by Murray) from Home Depot knowing there was no service or parts locally. I simply invested in my own parts stash, did my own work, maintained the tractor more rigorously than the manual advised and the only failure in that time was a dead (Warner) electric PTO clutch which can happen to any tractor.

After my experience with the Sears earlier this year I looked around and found a deal on a great used garden tractor on Craigslist. Might be worth a little of your time keyboarding around and ask that JD dealer if they have anything used that might interest you.
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johndeere
16 years ago
Do you really need a 54'' deck for 1.7 acres?Sounds like a heavy duty transaxel is more important then a few extra passes to get the grass cut?Your looking in the right direction with Cub Cadet but you need to jump up to the 2500 SERIES.Then you have the pulling capability of a cast iron rear end and shaft drive.No rubber bands to break.The 42'' 2542 can be had for $3000.00 after dealer discount and they go up a few hundred dollars for each model you go up.The 2544 or 2550 would be just about perfect for your needs.Either model would not be to much over budget and only a few extra passes on 1.7 acres.
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feesher
Original Author
16 years ago
Back to me... I have access to parts, but not a shop for the big repairs. In my old house, I was near an old school independent dealer and bought from them emphasizing that I was buying from them because some day I would need them in a pinch. They knew what I meant. Sure enough, the day came and they saved my tookus. In that case, it was a snow blower before a blizzard, but mowers are just the same.

So I have access to parts. Just a good 25 miles to the neares real independent cub dealer. That's a bit far for me. So I am on the hook for self maintenance. That's fine.

Maybe I will go check the derre shop despite the green paint premium. At least they are close (5 miles away). Or the cub.
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DGS6500 or Cub 1554

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DGS6500 or Cub 1554

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