Strengths

Weaknesses I have 60+ hours on my 2186 which 4+ seasons of use. I consider this to be very light. I am on my 3rd drive belt on the mower deck. Dealer network is not familiar with parts and attachnments

Overall I would not buy another Cub Cadet. The next mower will be a John Deere or Kubota

Strengths Easy to start in warm weather, good fuel economy, slow but steady performer on steep hills, accessory drive belt lasted 100 hours (5+ years) before breaking; mower deck belt is still going strong after 110 hours. Kohler 18HP engine is low maintenance (occasional oil & filter changes, fuel filter, trans fluid and filter per maintenance instructions).

Weaknesses Harder to start in cold weather; battery only lasted three seasons. Changing accessories is never as easy as the instructions, usually adding one accessory requires all of the other accessories to be removed (can't have mower deck/triple bagger and blade/rear weight box on at same time). Impossible to install/uninstall mower deck as per instructions. Workaround can take 30-45 minutes, mostly because clearance restrictions require the use of open ended wrenches to detach a U-link. Mower blades do not cut evenly, leaving gaps even after several trips to the dealer for adjustment. High-lift mower blade does not work very well. Tube for triple bag system is constantly getting clogged, requiring manual clearing of grass clippings. Oil drain plug is blocked by the tractor frame and requires a plastic tube to route oil to a drain pan (VERY MESSY!!). Have to remove the mower deck to replace the transmission oil filter. Local dealers do not have most parts. Good luck on getting them directly from Cub Cadet.

Overall Reliable performer but poor design of accessory and maintenance points is frustrating. Changing attachments is much harder than for competitors such as John Deere. The location of the oil drain plug is a VERY POOR design "feature" (and I am being nice). Having to drop and reattach the mower deck to change the transmission oil filter or lube the pulleys on the mower deck takes 1 1/2 hours (not included the time for the oil change or lube). Not surprising that this model is out of production.

Strengths NONE

Weaknesses Something breaks on this thing constanly. It goes through belts and bearings faster than I can buy them. I'm on the third steering gear. Tires tear up the lawn when turning.

Overall The color is right on the mark. A big lemon.