Kubota or JD?

[poolecw]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to the board and love what I've been reading.

I just built a new house and have about 2 acres of yard to mow...not many trees but a decent hill in the front.

I don't want a big box JD or Cub Cadet. I'm looking for a mower that is going to last for many years. I'm looking for a mower with a very rugged deck.

I've got it narrowed down to JD X320 or a Kubota T2380. I'd like to get your opinions on each of these mowers.

Also, if you guys have another recommendation, I'm all ears. I just need to keep it in the $4K price range...

Thanks,
Chris

 

[framer]

Welcome to tbn. I don't have any experience with those models.Owned JD
mowers for 25 yrs good machines.Own Kubota zero turn diesel model now great mower.To sum it up your on the right track.Good luck. Framer

 

[LBrown59]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to the board and love what I've been reading.

I just built a new house and have about 2 acres of yard to mow...not many trees but a decent hill in the front.

I don't want a big box JD or Cub Cadet. I'm looking for a mower that is going to last for many years. I'm looking for a mower with a very rugged deck.

I've got it narrowed down to JD X320 or a Kubota T2380. I'd like to get your opinions on each of these mowers.

Also, if you guys have another recommendation, I'm all ears. I just need to keep it in the $4K price range...

Thanks,
Chris

I would not dismiss the Cub Cadet 2500 series.
They are probably the best bang for the buck garden tractor going.

 

[poolecw]

I would not dismiss the Cub Cadet 2500 series.
They are probably the best bang for the buck garden tractor going.

Thanks...I'll check the 2500 series out. What makes this series different from the 1000 big box series?

 

[jcomp]

Thanks...I'll check the 2500 series out. What makes this series different from the 1000 big box series?

I am getting my new GT 2550 on Tuesday, so I can answer this.

The 1000 series is a much lighter weight (~460lbs) "lawn tractor"- lighter frame, weaker transmission etc. Also it comes with the consumer grade Kohler courage engine. This unit will mow your lawn and that's about it.

The 2500 series is a much heavier weight(~800lbs) "garden tractor" with cast iron transmission and the much better Kohler Command V-twin engine- to name a few.. You can till, tow and snowblow with this unit.

Yes the 2500 series is about double the price (but still in your price range)- but in my opinion it is money well spent. Hope this helps. -John

 

[Baucom]

Not to mention that the 2500 series is shaft drive to the transmission (not belt driven like the lower series CC)

 

[om21braz]

I'll second LBrown, in that price range the Cub Cadet is hard to beat.

 

[poolecw]

Thanks for the input, I'm making rounds to the dealers this week and hope to have something picked out by next week.

My three finalists are:

Kubota T2380
John Deere X320
Cub Cadet GT2550

 

[bruiserx2]

I have an x320 with a 48-inch deck. I have good size hill in the front yard. I find my rear tire spinning every once in awhile going up hill and when going down hill the tractor slides or looses traction so the tire spins. Sometimes I will mow across the hill and when I do that I have to slide my butt over to the high side of the hill or the tractor will loose traction. Now this is not all of the time and I get around it but just something to think about. Differential lock would be nice, 4-wheel drive would be sweet.

 

[LBrown59]

*What makes this series different from the 1000 big box series?

*That's about like asking what makes a JDx700 different from the JD Big Box Store 100 series.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

*That's about like asking what makes a JDx700 different from the JD Big Box Store 100 series.

Now I understand, great information...

 

[daBear]

If you have a hill to mow just get 4wd if at all possible. I have a nice hill and an old JD 285 which is a great, but old, 1 wheel drive garden tractor. I have burned up more grass than I care to admit going up the hill and get to rolling too fast going down for the grass to be mowed. Sideways is not an option. I wind up using my rear finish mower on my Kubota L2800 in 4WD to mow it.

Anyway, limited slip is ok, but just ok. Whichever brand you chose get 4wd for hills. Please.

 

[Johndeere3720]

In my opinion, I would get the JohnDeere because it lasts atleast 20 years+. I have always loved JohnDeere tractors!

 

[larso1]

This may be UNDER your price target (how's that for a change), but the Husqvarna 2346XLS has a locking differential, and it is apparently around $2500.00. Plus, it has a 23HP B&S Vanguard (premium) engine. Check the link below.
Bill

Husqvarna 2346XLS Riding Lawn Mower

 

[Baucom]

That Husqvarna 2346XLS would be worth considering with its locking differential and Vanguard engine at that price. Husqvarna also offers a larger GT size machine with a Vanguard engine and 54" deck for around $3500. I know they aren't quite in the same class as the JD X320 and Kubota T series, but they are also a good bit cheaper and use quality engines.

Another top tier mower to consider if you have a dealer nearby would be a Simplicity Broadmoor/MF 2600/AGCO 1600 series mower (all are Simplicity Broadmoors with different badges). These mowers use Vanguard engines and have Simplicity's Automatic Controlled Traction, which is basically a limited slip. The ACT works well on my MF 2823. Even pulling a weighted 4' aerator uphill in damp conditions, I very rarely have to lock the differential thanks to ACT's effectiveness.

I know the MSRP on the Simplicity is a little on the high side, but in my experience Simplicity dealers will deal on MSRP a bit better than some other brands.

 

[poolecw]

My dad bought a Husqvarna about 4 yrs ago. It is absolutely the worst mower I have ever used. It does not mow worth a darn. It doesn't cut evenly and it discharges "clumps" of grass instead of an even discharge.

I'm sure that others may have had great experiences with their Husqvarnas, but my experience with this particular is bad.

Thanks!

 

[steveky]

HI, bought a T2080 couple weeks ago, was in the same position you are in. I have a L3010 Kubota tractor and that thing is built like a tank, not one problem. So I guess thats what pushed me toward the Kubota mower. I've only used it once and was wishing I had more grass to mow...its a breeze to drive. I used the mulching mode on some pretty thick leaves and I was amazed at how well it worked. I'm thinking I'm gonna like it.

Steve