The reason the XT3 GSX was dropped was actually do to parts availability starting in 2021. They started to have issues getting the Cast Iron Transmission cases, which were built in China. It was supposed to be dropped in 2022. But they decided to exhaust stock before dropping the machine, so it was continued for 2022. Since Mid-2022, you couldn't actually order one. It had to come from available dealer stock.
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I was also told by a friend, an MTD territory man, the new parent Stanley, wants to push for more battery powered models in the near future. No need for a drive shaft model to be left in the production the XT1 & XT2 series frames. Hood design can be easily be converted to a battery powered machines. I really think Stanley is jumping the gun, as you can't wash or use their battery powered machines in wet weather.
Furthermore, I Like My 2018 XT3 GSX. The only downside I saw with the XT3 & 2011 and after 2000 series, was the change in the rear hitch plate design. So it couldn't accommodate the 2500 series Electric Lift sleeve Hitch or 30-inch Hydraulic tiller. It took MTD forever to even get an OEM sleeve hitch, that would fit the after 2011 2000 series. A OEM sleeve Hitch finally came out in late 2016.
The other issue with them, I thought, was the electric lift only, lifts the mowing decks and front snow/dozer blade. I think it should Have lifted the front OEM 46-inch blower as well. I really think they should have used an electric over Hydraulic actuator or even a Hydraulic cylinder. The electronic Power Steering is nice, but still not as nice as Hydraulic power steering. The Transmission is basically the same final drive, and case as the 3000 series but with a BDU10 Pump, instead of a BDU 21 pump the 3000 series used.
I have the following for My 2018 XT3 GSX
54-inch fabricated deck with OEM Mulch Kit.
46-inch OEM Front Blade.
OEM Front/rear weight bracket
OEM sleeve Hitch with Johnny Products Electric lift upgrade.
OEM Snow Cab (really just to try it out and had told others to buy the Original Cab for the 2011 2000 series and after) I should have followed my own and advice, as the Cab needs better lower front windows to see the edges of the OEM Snow/Dozer Blade.
30-inch Bercomac belt driven PTO tiller.
Plan to Buy the Bercomac Belt driven Rotary Broom for it eventually.
I still don't like the color scheme of the XT3 series.
I don't actually mow with it The XT3 GSX anymore. I started using a 2022 Cub SX54(steering wheel Zero turn) in April 2022, which I order In October 2021. Great Zero turn, which was also dropped for the 2023 Model Year.
RoseHillFarmIHCC125, if you still want a Cub Cadet Garden tractor with Diff/lock, there still is the XT2 GX54 D. Which I will say has been a great Garden Tractor. For a friend of ours, it has over 600 hrs on it. Probably more now, the wife & I bought it for him, in 2017.
Only issues he has Had with the XT2 GX54 D, seat replaced, and fender deck replaced, under warranty. His kid damaged the seat and did something to the fender deck, and Cub covered it under warranty.
Oil drain replacement, bad design on Kohler's part, replaced under warranty.
Not covered under warranty, and should have been covered.
Original snow blade fell apart after 1 winter use (dealer claimed to MTD he used it commercially). Bought the new designed fast attach all-season Plow Blade, which hasn't been an issue for him since.
