Need New Garden Tractor, Kubota vs Cub Cadet

Johnkn · Jun 10, 2016

Looking for a new tractor to mow my property. I only have about 3/4 acre in grass, the rest of my property is wooded, and the lawn is very, very nicely manicured. My previous tractor had a hydro lever on the right fender which I loved. Both feet on the floor at all times and control movement and speed with my right hand and could not have need easier. Appears in larger garden tractors that configuration is a thing of the past, virtually all are right foot pedal controlled. Considering a Cub Cadet XT3 GSX (their top of the line in garden tractors) with a 25HP Kohler motor and 48" fabricated deck and rear bagger at ~ $6500, or a Kubota GR2020 with 48" stamped deck, 20.5HP gas motor, bagger, and this one is 4x4 for ~$9,000

Both are a lot of tractor for my yard, but I want to do this once and not wish I'd made a different choice. Will also do general yard work, towing, etc. (no ground engagement accessories). My choice must provide an extremely good cut and bagger operation.

The CC uses 2 pedals on the right side for F-R and speed, while the Kubota uses a single toe/heel pedal. Would much prefer the hand lever but I don't see that happening.

Big difference in price, but does anyone have experience with either or suggestions?

If there a better choice let's hear it. While I thought I'd never own a green tractor, the JD X570 looks promising and apparently has a good cutting deck.

I also have a BX25D with FEL and BH for other chores.

Ready to purchase immediately.

thanks!

locknut · Jun 12, 2016

The best choice is a no brainer to me,anyway. Simplicity Broadmoor with a bagger setup for a nice manicured lawn.Lots cheaper too. Or,a Conquest or Prestige if you want something a little heavier w/power steering.I prefer the deep profile stamped decks over the heavier fabbed decks.

swines · Jun 17, 2016

I would second the recommendation to look at the Simplicity. I have a John Deere that is going on 20 years old and I expect to use for at least another 10 years. The upper end Deere lawn/garden tractors (500 & 700 series) are expensive, but well worth the money. I prefer the heavy gauge, stamped decks as they have smoother underside contours that trap less grass.

The Kubota, Cadet, Simplicity, and Deere equipment are quality pieces of gear. Look at the frames, decks, engines, operator controls, etc. and pick the one that you feel best fits your needs - I doubt you'd be dissatisfied with any of them.

Poopdeck Pappy · Jun 18, 2016

Has Kubota fixed the transmissions in the GR series? Are they now reliable?

wmonroe · Jun 24, 2016

What were the transmission issues?

brasco426 · Jun 24, 2016

locknut said:
The best choice is a no brainer to me,anyway. Simplicity Broadmoor with a bagger setup for a nice manicured lawn.Lots cheaper too. Or,a Conquest or Prestige if you want something a little heavier w/power steering.I prefer the deep profile stamped decks over the heavier fabbed decks.

Simplicity is probably one the best cutting lawn/garden tractors made. For your price ranges you've considered, give Simplicity a look. Donnie

dougbthom · Jun 25, 2016

I would also consider the Simplicity. A friend has the Simplicity and is very happy with the cutting and overall performance. He's had it now almost a full year.

locknut · Jul 1, 2016

Poopdeck Pappy said:
Has Kubota fixed the transmissions in the GR series? Are they now reliable?

Yes.And yes.

locknut · Jul 1, 2016

wmonroe said:
What were the transmission issues?

Design flaw.Original clamshell trans case used a bushing to seal the axles.Fluid leaks caused low levels of fluid at the top of the transaxle where the cone clutch for the pto is located.Clutch self destructs sending metal bits throughout the unit with disasterous results in some cases.

So,they quickly redesigned the case to accept a bearing/seal setup which is much more reliable against leakage. The running change was made in the 2100/2000 at serial # 12588. The problem has been fixed for several years now but,the effects are still lingering.I noticed two 2000 units with hydros down at the local dealer last week. It's shameful that Kubota didn't recall all the early units and avoid all the bad press and unhappy owners of an otherwise great handling mowing machine.