Strengths I boughNice tractor when it works

Weaknesses I have had it back to the dealer 3 times in 2 years. It continued to blow fuses. The first time I used it the ignition switch went bad. I had to have the dealer come to my house 3 times also. He changed the voltage regulator. I only have 70 hours on it.

Overall This tractor has been a nightmare. It has continually broken down. Way too many problems for a new tractor. The dealer, Kennedy Hardware, has been great trying to fix the problems but there have been way to many problems for a 2 year old tractor with 70 hours on it.

Strengths The 2542 is my second Cub Cadet, seventeen years ago I bought a 1966 Cub 123 and finally traded it in this spring. After so many years with 42 year old technology the 2542 is absolutely amazing. (My opinion may not be worth much because I just walked through a time warp.) From my perspective, the 2542 is unbelievably smooth, powerful and easy to use. I had looked at Deere before I bought another Cub, but I just couldn't come to grips with belt drive after the flawless reliability of the old 123.

Weaknesses I wonder how well all the plastic parts and safety stuff are going to hold up over time. The old 123 was all metal, and with a little paint, always looked like the day it was made.

Overall I couldn't be happier with the 2542, it is basically the 2008 version of old 123, same 42" deck and 42" snow plow. I bought it from the dealer that I have been buying parts from for the last 17 years, and they are a great bunch of guys.