Anyone have a new XT3?

SS5150 · #1 04-16-2016, 02:29 PM

Just stopped by my local Cub dealer and they had a new XT3 GSX with a 54" fab deck on it. Dealer let me take it for a little spin around the lot. Seemed pretty nice, tight turning radius, Command engine, diff lock, elec power steering and lift. Wife & I are in the process of buying a 3 acre property that is mostly grass, with some trees mixed in. Wife is already freaking out about the time spent mowing (which I look forward to). Anyhow, anyone here run one? What are your thoughts/opinions? I know we are mostly older machines here on OCC (which is why I spend time here) but I'd appreciate some feedback.

As it stands I'll be tackling the property with my 1861/54GT combo and my 782/50c for back up, although both of my 782s are a bit tired. The dealer also had a 2186 on consignment, but asking $800. Thought it'd be a good organ donor until I heard the price.

CubDieselFan · #2 04-16-2016, 05:12 PM

I have not seen the XT3's, but I might think about putting a new engine in one of the tired machines, before I spent that much on a new mower. I know that does not answer your question. Like you said most here like the the older machines. Do a search of the XT1 or 2, someone on here bought one last year. What is the price of the XT3?

SS5150 · #3 04-16-2016, 05:58 PM

$5200 otd with a 54" fab deck. My plan is to put the Mag 18 & 54" from the 1861 under my CCC 782. I'd like to do a Command v twin & power steering conversion as well, but its time & money, time being the hard part to come up with. This XT3 would be turn key & the wife potentially could run it.

An 1864 would give me what I need, they're just hard to find in good shape.

Cub Cadet 123 · #4 04-17-2016, 02:18 AM

I do not know anything about that model, but when I purchased my Cub Cadet zero turn in 2008, I looked at the different model spec sheet. The 48" commercial model was decked out with the best options, so I wondered why the 48" model had the best options over the 54" cub cadet and the 60" cub cadet. I was told that the 48" is the favored one among commercial mowers because it gets in the tighter spots, around trees, and still mows the open spaces quickly. The 54" and 60" are faster at the open spaces, but not every yard that the guys who are mowing for a business encounter is a wide open yard. They also told me to expect about 15 years out of it, so here I am 8 years later with 115.5 hours on it and only had to replace the deck belt on it, beyond regular maintenance (battery, oil, filters, etc.). I mow 1.5 acres and only use that zero turn to do it.

I would consider the yard and future plans for it (are you planting more trees or cutting trees?....Sorry, I did not help you with your specific model, but I hope I have offered some things to consider.

Cub Cadet 123

drcjv · #5 04-17-2016, 07:43 AM

I will again state the obvious. For the cost of the new machine you could buy several old machines or fix the ones you have to do the job and have plenty left over. I just sold an 1882 that was as perfect as you could get for $2600 That leaves a lot left over for other things that might be needed at a new property. But it also really comes down what you really want. Financially the older machine might make sense. I have purchased many used vehicles and equipment but there are times when only new will do. When I bought my New Holland TC33 I did not want a used tractor. I have a new mustang on it's way from Detroit right now because That is the model I wanted. I would guess you already know weather you really want the new one or not. Now like most of us we have to convince our selves that we should spend the money on the new machine. I say if you can afford it and you want it than get it.

Shotgun Wedding · #6 04-17-2016, 09:19 AM

Buy it, you will not be unhappy. If you have the cash, do not hesitate.

I have the model name 2 years older, exact same tractor but different color. It is a sweet machine.

SS5150 · #7 04-17-2016, 11:09 AM

Shotgun wedding how does the elec steering and lift work? Honestly I'd feel more comfortable with hydraulic, but not an option.

A few 1864s came up local.... I think it'd be easier to convince the wife to buy new than another old one. One of the 64s looks pretty good. Hmmm, I might have to check it out anyway.

olds45512 · #8 04-17-2016, 11:18 AM

ive been thinking of buying one of the $1500 xt1 from tractor supply just to see how long it would last being owned by someone that will maintain it properly but then i realized how many old cubs i could buy for $1500.

Oak · #9 04-17-2016, 12:42 PM

Here's my

. 1st off, I bleed Cub Cadet yellow. I don't understand why they call the XT3 a garden tractor. There are no options to put anything behind it but a garden cart. Is the extra $2k they charged for the shaft drive really needed for a lawn mower? If you're mowing 3 acres a week it would take a long time to cut it with a XT1, XT2 or an XT3. Keep the older Cubs for the fun stuff but I would look into a good used Kubota B or BX series. You will pay a little more then what a XT3 cost but 10 years down the road it will still be going strong and be worth about 70% of what you paid for it. My B7500 will mow grass 12" high faster than any of my Cubs will drive down the road full throttle + there are a ton of implements that can be found at reasonable prices.
Another option would be a Scag or an Exmark if you want to go the ZTR route. Sorry, probably not the answer that you wanted to hear, rant over and I will go back and hide now.

Leadslingingdaddy · #10 04-18-2016, 07:24 AM

I'm with Oak on this one....

I am a die hard CC fan... but time is money and when mowing 4 acres with a Super or Kubota with a 60 inch decks compared to a ZT with the same deck is a non issue... keep the cub(s) for garden work and smaller area and use the money to buy a "good" ZT so all the time you save can be used to tinker/shop work and get seat time on the Cub...

I seen the commercials for these and just shake my head.... Really did you see the 18guage front blade ad???