Got a new one

[Radioguy41]

I picked up this beautiful 2005 GT 2544 today for $575. Has 189 hrs on it. It's the early version with the metal hood. Kohler Command 20hp. Cast iron diff. Of course the headlight lense is messed up as they all are but really the only sort of negative thing I've found is it steers like a truck Gotta look into that. Otherwise it works like a champ.

[West Valley G]

Wow great looking ride, clean always catches my attention.
I know pretty much nothing about that machine but.
Does it have power steering? Just wondering since it steers like a truck.
Congrats

Ken

[ironman]

A few year back I bought a GT2554 (just bigger deck) from a friend.
Did some fixes, used it most of the year and then sold it to a different friend because he just got a new place.
I loved it but had too much on my plate and regret selling it.
I guess that we are all still friends attests to a good machine. Enjoy it!

[Ozcub]

Check your tyre pressures and there is a grease nipple for the steering hidden underneath for the shaft plus a lubricating point hidden behind the dash panel
Nice machine

Oz

[Radioguy41]

Well I jacked up the front axle and the steering spun free and easy; no binding or dragging. So, I suspect those over fat front tires might have something to do with it (and the too small steering wheel). Anybody know if the spindles are the same size as a 782? I'd like to swap the tri-ribs over to see how much of a difference they might make.

[Ozcub]

Tyres on my GT2550 say 16 x 6.50 , Gt2544 should I guess be the same
Oz

[Radioguy41]

Yes, 16x6.5-8. Rears are 23x9.5-12.

[darkminion_17]

Nice find. That is a great mowing machine.

[Radioguy41]

Yeah, as others have said, when you kick those blades in it sounds like an airplane getting ready to take off.

[Radioguy41]

Originally Posted by Radioguy41

Well I jacked up the front axle and the steering spun free and easy; no binding or dragging. So, I suspect those over fat front tires might have something to do with it (and the too small steering wheel). Anybody know if the spindles are the same size as a 782? I'd like to swap the tri-ribs over to see how much of a difference they might make.

To answer my own question, no, the 782 wheels will not fit on the GT2544 spindles which surprises me. Considering how heavy the GT is I'm surprised it has the smaller spindles usually associated with the LTs while the 782 has the one inch spindles. I inflated the front tires until the tread bowed and then test drove it. Noticeable improvement in steering so I think I'll be ordering a set of tri-ribs.

Anyway, one issue solved, I had to back off the deck lift help springs a full 6 turns each to get the deck to lift and lower smoothly. Somebody seriously over tightened them. They also had the cutting depth set at one inch. Yikes! So I readjusted everything to 2.5". Any lower and I'm scalping tree roots.

I wonder if there is a bigger steering wheel that might fit? This is the smallest steering wheel of any tractor I've ever owned. The small diameter doesn't allow for a lot of leverage.