I'm looking to retire my 15 year-old Snapper rider, and was thinking about some of Kubota's riding mowers, like the G and GR series. I like the other Kubota products I've used over the years. Has anyone here used their riding mowers? How do they rate? Thanks.
Kubota Riding Mowers?
- Thread starter 416Rigby
- Start date
- Status
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Kubota is about as good as it gets. More comfortable/ergonomic than 'deere or simplicity. They hold up real well, very heavy mowing decks & they hold their resale (if that's important). Downside, like ebaker says, they are SUPER expensive.
G/luck
Joel
G/luck
Joel
Take a look at the Excell "Z" series of mowers, they were designed by commercial mower designers and are one of the hotest selling mowers on the upper end of the residential market. I can't wait to get one for myself. I think they are offered with a Kubota diesel along with Honda, Kawasaki and other motors. Good luck!
My father is on his second Kubota. The first one was very nice. It was four wheel steering model. I think it was the 18 HP/35 lb/ft of torque model. He just traded up to a four wheel drive model. It's pratically a small tractor. He loves it.
We had an old Cub for years until it finally put a rod into the oil pan. He bought a Snapper that lasted a few years. He then bought another Cub. The rear deck wheel rotted off. Keep in mind, the mowers are washed and waxed on a regular basis. Once the wheel rusted off, he got the Kubota. I don't think he'll buy anything else again.
The mower deck on both models was so heavy, that he bought a cherry picker so he could lift the deck enough to clean under it and sharpen the blades.
We had an old Cub for years until it finally put a rod into the oil pan. He bought a Snapper that lasted a few years. He then bought another Cub. The rear deck wheel rotted off. Keep in mind, the mowers are washed and waxed on a regular basis. Once the wheel rusted off, he got the Kubota. I don't think he'll buy anything else again.
The mower deck on both models was so heavy, that he bought a cherry picker so he could lift the deck enough to clean under it and sharpen the blades.
We have a GR 5200? I think. It is around 10 years old and running like new. We have had some problems with the safety switches, but otherwise solid. Has over 1000 hours on it. Only thing I don't like about it is the seat doesn't go back far enough and it is hard for a tall guy (6'-4") like me to get my ankle turned back far enough to lean the pedal in reverse. I have to order parts online or drive 40 miles. It is built like a tank!
My experience with John Deere's is good also. I think they are more accomodating for the tall guy and a good product. I have had more mower bearing, electrical and steering linkage problems with John Deere though. They are not as tough as a Kubota, but are priced accordingly and parts/service are easy to find almost anywhere.
My experience with John Deere's is good also. I think they are more accomodating for the tall guy and a good product. I have had more mower bearing, electrical and steering linkage problems with John Deere though. They are not as tough as a Kubota, but are priced accordingly and parts/service are easy to find almost anywhere.
Thanks again. I'm saving up to get the GR2100 model. It's a 54" cut, so it should handle a large yard well. It has the 21hp diesel and all-wheel drive. The Snapper is about ready to give up the ghost, just lost another clutch disk the other day.
I know you are looking for a diesel so this isn't really relevant but I really like The Ingersoll line. They look old school cosmetically but are built solid as **** . To remove/replace the deck it is recommended you just drive right over it, my dad and I have done this on multiple occassions. The main problem is finding a dealer, at least around my neck of the woods.
Well, I got it! I must say these Kubota lawn tractors are really fine machines. It cuts acres of grass with ease. The diesel engine is quieter than the gas engines on most machines. And, the features are quite impressive: all-wheel drive, power steering, hydraulic deck lift, and cruise control. Top notch!
Congratulations! However, points off for failing to advise us of your future oil choices, filters, pictures, etc.......
So far, I've got Kubota OEM filters for it. Later, I'll probably switch to Wix. As for oil, once it's broken-in, I'm going to use Amsoil S3000. Kubota's seem to like S3000. Probably get Amsoil ATH for the hydrostat drive. No pix, sorry!
Just finished the first oil and hydraulic fluid change on the GR2100 today. I went with Mobil 1 Truck and SUV instead of the Amsoil S3000 just to see how the 'Bota likes it. The engine seems noisier with the Mobil oil in it. Probably will go back to the S3000 at the next change.
The hydraulic fluid was a real mess, lots of shiny metal particles in it. I filled it with Amsoil ATH, and it's running fine.
The hydraulic fluid was a real mess, lots of shiny metal particles in it. I filled it with Amsoil ATH, and it's running fine.
- Status
