Comparision between Deere X300 and Kubota T and GR Series Assistance Needed

[Scooby074]

Well after LOTS of work my old craftsman 18Hp Garden tractor is back up and running (thread here : http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/lawn-garden/145137-craftsman-briggs-18hp-running-1-a.html )

Ive been mowing with it for a little while, and im starting to think that mower technology has advanced somewhat in the 23 years since that machine rolled off the line.

Granted the old craftsman was never a top line brand (its just a old MTD) but its a heavy built machine with a full frame. Which is great in the garden, but the mower deck is severely lacking. While it has lots of power, and the cut is great, im having some scalping problems on uneven ground.

This has me thinking that it may be time to upgrade. Maybe not this year, but sometime (especially if anything else happens to the Craftsman)

Some quick window shopping has me looking at a 300 series deere or a T or GR series Kubota. I dont think im going to look at Cub (MTD).

I like the X324 Deere, i think the 4WS would be beneficial.

Talking to a local repair guy, he told me that the Deeres were really having an issue with the starters on the Kawasaki engines? He said the starter and parts in general were very expensive on the Kawasaki's? Is this the case? He sold another brand (Poulains) and of course recommended them highly

So basically , How do the 300 series deere compare to the T or GR (I REALLY like the looks of the GR)?

How do they compare on price? I havent gotten any local prices from either dealer yet.

Which machine is better built (theres a loaded question )? I want something with a full frame, and thats going to last 20+ years like the old Craftsman. I know the old Deeres had a great reputation, but how are the new ones?

A quick look at the X300's and at first glance they dont look as stout as the Kubota GR .

Any advice or hands on with any of the above machines would be appreciated.

 

[LBrown59]

So basically , How do the 300 series deere compare to the T or GR (I REALLY like the looks of the GR)?



.

They don't :
The JD x 700 series are comparable to the T or GR.

 

[Jimmy Joe]

I didn't know about the Kawasaki starter problems, I have a deere LX 288 with a 17 HP kawasaki twin with all wheel steer 300 hours and absolutely no problems. But then I baby it every chance I get, I really like the all wheel steer.

 

[Jimmy Joe]

Sorry I have a LX277 not a 288.

 

[Scooby074]

They don't :
The JD x 700 series are comparable to the T or GR.

I knew the bigger deere would be equivalent to the GR. Its in a different class, but even on the Deere site, they Have the T series (Kubota
T2380-48) listed as equivalent to a X324.


Jimmy Joe: The "starter problem" could have just been this dealer / mechanic. He was pushing what he sold. One of his selling points was "cheap parts".

In your opinion the 4ws is worth the added cost then? Id like maneuverability. Any concerns about the added linkages / complexity? A ZTR wont work for me i dont think.


Does Kubota manufacture their ride-ons in house? Where are they made? I know most of the local lawn guys run deere (for whatever thats worth) Have the Kubota mowers a decent reputation?

 

[Jimmy Joe]

To me the AWS is a great option I would buy again It is a very heavy duty set up and doesn't steer hard at all. I have a 48 inch deck and the book says it leaves a 14 inch uncut circle when turned all the way. This cuts close enough to all but the smallest trees. I have a friend with a Cub Cadet that will leave a smaller uncut circle but his has a 60 inch deck, but his seems like a lot lighter unit all the way around.

 

[Scooby074]

Got a few prices from the Deere dealer today. Didnt have time to get to the Kubota place. How do these prices stack up to what others have paid?

x300 with 42" deck $3729
x304 with 42" deck $4479
X320 with 48" deck $5099
x324 with 48" deck $5719

So basically its $700 more for the 4WS. Dealer also said that theres no real difference between the 304 and 324, except for more power and a larger deck. The transmission, deck design, wheel size and frame are all the same.

He said he could take $350 off for cash. There were some excellent discounts if i was a member of the Equine or landscapers association (plus several others), 20%off. Now thats a discount!!! Too bad im not a member of any of the groups he listed.

 

[Duffster]

Got a few prices from the Deere dealer today. Didnt have time to get to the Kubota place. How do these prices stack up to what others have paid?

x300 with 42" deck $3729
x304 with 42" deck $4479
X320 with 48" deck $5099
x324 with 48" deck $5719

So basically its $700 more for the 4WS. Dealer also said that theres no real difference between the 304 and 324, except for more power and a larger deck. The transmission, deck design, wheel size and frame are all the same.

He said he could take $350 off for cash. There were some excellent discounts if i was a member of the Equine or landscapers association (plus several others), 20%off. Now thats a discount!!! Too bad im not a member of any of the groups he listed.

Join one.

 

[Scooby074]

Join one.

Yeah that crossed my mind for sure. Talking about near $1000 savings. Only problem is the ones he said like Cemetery association, campground owners association, and landscapers association all require reference checks and this might be hard to overcome.Daughter loves / wants horses, so that may be an option.

 

[Johndeere3720]

The Deere is a nice machine. I would get what felt best for my needs. Does the Kubota have AWS?