Kubota and John Deere Lawn tractors

[countrybob1]

I was almost settled on a John Deere GT245 and then I saw some very good deals on some more capable machines with 54" decks.
I'm about 3 years away from retirement so whatever I buy I want it to last a fair while, hopefully I will too!
The first dealer came up with a Kubota's GR2160 and BX1830.
The second dealer is a Kubota/John Deere dealer and he suggested that the GR2160 is a little "light" on build. His recommendation was either the BX1830 or a JD X495. They are all new machines at a similar price.
I have always liked Kubota due to their reputation of longevity. I also realise the BX1830 and the X495 are more versatile than the GR2160 by the fact you can fit more to them. Other than that, does anyone have any comments on these machines?

 

[awlchu]

Write down on a piece of paper what you want to accomplish (do) with your new tractor. Then rank all the items in terms of importance.

mowing
tilling
front end loader
weight of the tractor
your comfort level
2/4 wheel drive
etc.

Then rank these items:
warranty
dealership "friendly" factor
price
maintenance cost
part costs
resale
etc.

3 = highest importance
1= lowest

You have to be honest with yourself and decide between the items on your list.

I own a X595. But it wasn't because it was the best deal but rather when I added up what I wanted to do with it, the Kubota didn't fit my needs. (This doesn't say it wasn't better buy. For all the things I could do with the Kubota I had no need for it.) Remember that alot of things standard on the Kubota are extra $s on the Deere.

I think you can't go wrong with either manufacturer.

Best,

Brian

 

[Freds]

A week ago I dropped my G2160 off to get its 100 hr service done, along with some improved performance hopefully, and saw a *new* GR2160 sitting there that the dealer said the owner just traded in on a BX something. The dealer said the owner didn't like it and kept getting stuck with it.
I don't know what they cost, but if it's anywhere near what I paid for my G2160, I'll assume it's more, I think it will be a lot of money for not much machine. My 2160 is the most uncomfortable lawn tractor I've ever sat on and used.

Any way you can take one home and put a few hours on one?

 

[countrybob1]

Brian and Freds.........thanks for the replies.

Freds I got it wrong with the model number GR2160, it is a G2160 which is the same as your model. I had another drive of it and I'm not that keen, I'm also not sure about the electric power steering it has either.
Overall I thought the BX1830 was better.
I'm just about to have a go at the JD X495, hopefully I'll come to some conclusion.

 

[Garrabo]

In my opinion the 1830 beats that x495 hands down. with the 1 wheel drive tractors it doesent take much to get stuck. I remember with a 1 wheel drive lawn tractor I had I was mowing a friends back yard that was sloped pretty good. The front wheels pointed down hill got caught on a little bump in the terrain, The tractor would not back up it just spun. so I had to drive it down the steep hill thru the woods to get out. I have an x575 (and a BX 1830) that saved me one time. I was mowing a large lawn that had a very deep drain ditch that ran down the middle with large rocks at the bottom. I drove a little to close to the edge straight on and started to slip in. with the back wheels spinning and the tractor going over the edge I quickly snatched it in 4 wheel drive and backed right out. I think one wheel drive tractors suck /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jcmseven]

Bob,

I know Garrabo knows this, but the X495 has a differential lock that would get you out of most situations. He is correct, though that the 495 would likely not perform as well as the BX in tacky situations, as it is four wheel drive. A closer comparison to the BX would be a 595 or 2305/2210 JD. They would have more HP than does the Kubota but at a higher price. My opinion is that unless you just want a diesel, look at an x575 or 585. They have the liquid cooled Kawasaki engines which would give 1200-1500 hours service or more without any real issue. Unless you are planning to commercially mow during your retirement, you will likely not put so many hours on your machine. Of course JD has come out with a new line with new numbering to replace the x400's and x500's, so prices might be good on left over units. I have owned an x 485 and an x 595 and found the 500 series machine to be a more capable machine, but, unless one is doing hard work in nasty terrain a two wheel drive machine with the diff lock would be sufficient. Of course I would like for you to go green, but comparing a BX to a 400 series JD is a bit like comparing an apple and an "orange" Not a pun---. I would not look at a 2160 Kubota v. either of these other machines. I would say I am happy to hear you are looking to "upgrade" from your original thought of the 245. They are good machines, but now you are looking in a different league, and I think based on your reports one more suited to your property needs.

John M

 

[countrybob1]

Garrabo thanks.......... John M thanks again!

My 3.5 acres are gentle slopping except for an area of 20yds x 20yds which slopes at about 12 degrees, unfortunately it leads into a dam. Having said that, I haven't got my current mower wet in the last 14 years and it neither has a diff lock or 4 WD! The X495 is a lot better than what I'm used to and I'm fairly sure it will be all that I need.

I take on board what both of you have said with regards 4WD etc, but since there is not much in the way of difficult ground around my property, I think 4WD may be a bit of an overkill.

The new series JDs have not arrived here yet and the X495 is no longer imported. There are still some for sale which have been discounted by US$2300 making them very good value, also quite a bit cheaper than the X575 or 585. (no 4wd noted)

Well I had my X495 test drive, I drove 60 miles to the dealer and he had a handy 5 acres available to have a test on. The grass was thick and up to my knees, the mower went through without a problem..........I was impressed! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have more or less made up my mind on the X495.........I'll just have to pick my moment to tell the wife I'm a little over budget again! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks again for your help.

 

[ArkCivEngr]

bob,

As an X495 owner, I definitely will NOT try to steer you away from one; they are great machines. I've pulled loads with mine on a 4'x8' trailer that I wouldn't even think of with any other 'lawn mower.' I didn't see you mention anywhere about other uses, but someone else mentioned the Kubota BX1830. Have you also considered the BX1500? I believe they are still produced (they're still on the website, anyway), and their price tag is a bit below the X495/BX line.

Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[countrybob1]

ArkCivEngr

Thanks for the reply. I was very impressed by the X495, I would really like to know if you have used the diff lock and what do you think of it? As mentioned above I only have one small area with a 12 degree slope, the rest is gentle slopping. I would be just mowing and occasionally towing a garden trailer with the machine. With the comments above from Garrabo and John M I'm wondering if 4 WD may be the go.........I'll think about it for the next few days before I go and purchase.

The Kubota BX1500 is not available here. I believe the BX1830 and 2230 will be replaced towards the end of the year and hence the drop in price, that and the fact it is the end of the mowing season here.

 

[ArkCivEngr]

bob,

I have used the differential lock a few times when things have gotten a bit slippery. I don't have many slopes above 5-6%, but the differential lock has pulled me out of some slick muddy spots; it works quite well.

From what you mention as intended use, I think the X495 would be the ideal machine for you. And if you need more attachments later on, you can always add the 3-pt hitch and rear PTO.

Good luck, and post some pics when/if you take the plunge. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif