GR2100 and G2160 ground speeds/turning radius

[jlangton]

I've narrowed it down to either the GR2100 or the G2160 Kubota as my new lawn tractor, but I'd like a bit of input on the ground speeds that these models list. First,the G2160-it'a listed as 9.2mph max speed-is this correct?
If so,is this actually a useable groundspeed? If so-that's right around the speeds that the ZTR's are running, and I'm sure that it'd be a beast of a cutting machine on open spaces.
The GR2100 is listed as 6.2mph as the max groundspeed, is this a decent speed for a larger open space to mow? I'm using my dad's JD 155C right now until he's moved into his new place,and it's listed as 5.5mph max speed. It feels pretty good in the tight mowing places, and actually a bit fast sometimes....but also feels a bit slow in the more open spaces I mow, so I'm not really sure if the GR2100 would be the right choice.
As for the steering,I'm sure the GR2100 would be a really great steering mower with the glide-steer system and the 70 degree turning on the front wheels-what about the G2160? How far do the front wheels turn,and does the rear axle pull with both rear wheels,or is a one-wheel wonder?
Thanks,
JL

 

[Garrabo]

I bet that 155 would feel like a rocket if you switched over to a walk behind.
As far as ground speed on the bota's you wont be able to cut 2 foot grass at top speed without the need to make another pass. The height and thickness of the turf dictate the spped in which you cut. I am also looking at the GR series,
love that bota diesel. Being an all wheel drive tractor does anyone have any experience when turning full lock if it tears up the turf or not. Turning at a modest speed of course.

 

[jlangton]

I bet that 155 would feel like a rocket if you switched over to a walk behind.
As far as ground speed on the bota's you wont be able to cut 2 foot grass at top speed without the need to make another pass. The height and thickness of the turf dictate the spped in which you cut. I am also looking at the GR series,
love that bota diesel. Being an all wheel drive tractor does anyone have any experience when turning full lock if it tears up the turf or not. Turning at a modest speed of course.

I switched from a 6.5hp big-wheel push mower to using this one until my Dad gets moved into his new place. It does feel like a rocketship sometimes, but in the more open spaces-it feels kinds slow. Just got off of that 155C-it decided that the deck drivebelt needed to be replaced after about 15 minutes of mowing, so it snapped it and tossed it out the front for me..there won't be a belt driven deck in my lawn tractor future..this one was more than enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Good thing both of those 'botas are shaft driven.
JL

 

[woodchuckc]

If you had a golf course putting green smooth yard you might be able to mow at the top speed of the G2160 (and if the grass was not too thick or too tall). My guess would be that 6 mph is closer to a realistic mowing speed on open areas in my yard, so I doubt that you would be penalized by the lower top speed of the GR2100. Those top speeds of the ZTRs are pretty impressive, but in most people's yards (or at least the yards I have had over the years) I don't think that you can utilize those speeds without doing internal damage to yourself.

The rear transaxle on the G2160 is like a non-locking car differential - both wheels do actively pull (actually, push would be more accurate since they are rear wheels!), but there is no differential lock that can be engaged. This means that when one wheel loses traction, you will stop moving. Your natural inclination is to press harder on the pedal, but what you actually need to do is let up on the HST pedal - it takes some getting used to, but if you have used any HST tractors or equipment before you are already familiar with this characteristic.

As far as turning radius with the G2160, I have a 60" deck on mine (as I recall you were getting a 54" deck, so your cutting circle will be about 6" bigger than mine) and I would estimate the cutting circle to be about 3 feet. I'm pretty sure that the Kubota website has the cutting circle information, so I would check there to be sure (I have been known to be a little off on things before!).

I hope this helps. Other than looking at the GR2100 at the dealer, I don't have the first-hand knowledge to do a real world comparison of the G2160 and GR2100.

 

[Garrabo]

If it's speed you need check out dixie chopper.

 

[jlangton]

If it's speed you need check out dixie chopper.

Just so I'm crystal clear...I'll never own a ZTR-never.
JL

 

[jlangton]

Stopped by the local 'bota dealer on the way home,and I saw both machines side-by-side. The GR2100 looks like a tinkertoy next to the G2160-the aluminum HST looks like really weak and light duty compared to the G2160's cast-iron HST,and the overall feel of the GR2100 compared to the G2160 is flimsy and cheap.
So...G2160 it is.
Now to find the dealer that wants the sale the most.
JL

 

[Hawkeye421]

I purchased the G2160 diesel with a 60" mowing deck, so far I am extremely pleased with this machine. I like the power stearing, hydraulic lift for the deck, mowing speed is fantastic. I mow about 4-5 acreas, depending on whehter I mow my Brothers or he does with the same mower. I use Mobil 1 synthetic Oil, 10-30w. Some have said that a diesel will turn engine oil black quickly...I have 20 hours on the Mobil 1 and it still looks new when I pull the stick to check the oil level...it is still full of oil after 20+ hours of mowing so it doesn't use oil. I am glad that I got the 60" mowing deck over the 54". I have learned how to sharpen a blade with a hand grinder with the blade in a vise...tightened with the flat side up in the vise. The turning radius listed is 70 degrees and that feels about right when I mow. You can mow faster with a sharp blade, new ones run $20 each. That 3 cylinder water cooled diesel has plenty of power and doesn't use much fuel...I have yet to bog the engine down. With all the mowing we have to do. I wanted a mower that would last.
If you get one I think you will trully enjoy the machine.