GT2186 vs GT2542 vs 2550 Pros and cons?

[weezykid]

Hello all, new to the boards, this is my second post.

I currently am working on a 1320 that was my grandfathers and it is almost ready to go. However I am looking at picking up something a little more heavy duty and only use the 1320 for light grass cutting.

Currently found a nice GT2186, GT2542, and GT2550 available locally with low hours. The 2186 has 320's, 2542 has 230's and the 2550 has around 360's. All look very well maintained.

The lower two have 20hp Kohler Commands with 42" decks while the 2550 is a 22hp with 50" deck. Through my research it seems the 2542 may have a cast iron trans (possibly th esame on the 2550), but saw some opinions that it is china made and there is nothing wrong with the aluminum one of the 2186.

Other than the 2186 being the older machine, are there pros or cons to any of these models?

Usage will be mowing a couple acres, moving a 6x12 trailer around the yard, and possibly plowing a couple driveways in the winter.

Have thought of looking for a 1450 or 1650, but not sure yet..

Thank you in advanced!

[guyina4x4]

I have a 2185 I've had about 4 years now, over 1000 hours, meter stopped at 986.
I recently picked up a 2550 with 375ish hours

I'd say they are about the same exact thing, obviously the 2550 is 12 years newer and does have a different rearend.
The 2185 is faster
The 2550 has a really nice seat

I like mowing with both of them, they drive about the same
the 2550 steering is a little harder, pretty sure it was never greased.

I've used the 2185 for snow plowing and it is unstopable with loaded tires and 4 suitcase weights.

[weezykid]

Originally Posted by guyina4x4

I have a 2185 I've had about 4 years now, over 1000 hours, meter stopped at 986.
I recently picked up a 2550 with 375ish hours

I'd say they are about the same exact thing, obviously the 2550 is 12 years newer and does have a different rearend.
The 2185 is faster
The 2550 has a really nice seat

I like mowing with both of them, they drive about the same
the 2550 steering is a little harder, pretty sure it was never greased.

I've used the 2185 for snow plowing and it is unstopable with loaded tires and 4 suitcase weights.

Thank you Guyina4x4! Going to try and make a decision this weekend and this helps!

[Ozcub]

I have a GT2550 , any advice I can give
Oz

[weezykid]

The GT2550 sold before i could respond so I picked up the GT2186 Friday! It was a little rougher than I thought, but still very solid.
Mowed about 1-1.5 acres Saturday and man it is a beast! The lots I mowed haven't been touched in a long time so there was high grass, ferns, etc.. I took it easy on it and only ran about half the deck (or less at times) in the thick of it allowing plenty of mulch before the chute. It handled it like a champ and never missed a beat! Never bogged, never seemed to stress.

Really happy so far. Have plugs, oils and filters on the way as I like to make sure everything is fresh!