Orange versus green - Neighbor talking about GR2120 for grass and snow.

9694 Views 27 Replies 14 Participants Last post by k4dan, Dec 17, 2021

Rule292

Discussion Starter · Sep 24, 2021

Last weekend I saw a box blade on my neighbor's 430 Case so I had to run over and chat. We got started talking tractors (he's a retired Amish farmer if you can ever "retire" as a farmer) and he mentioned that he's worrying more about his nose leading his feet down the driveway doing snow removal with his snowblower.

He cuts his grass with a smaller JD garden tractor but mentioned he was considering getting a Kubota GR2120 for grass and snow. He's owned tractors of all brands for his family farm of which his sons now work but I was surprised to hear him say Kubota since we have no Kubota dealer within 30 or so miles.

I've welcomed him to try out the x738 a few times on his yard in case he wanted to give some thought to another Deere. I've cut his yard once or twice and the x handles it perfectly though he too has a few tricky side slopes and about 2 acres of grass of which is much less "technical" than mine.

Haven't spoken to him yet this week but I'll probably chat with him tomorrow after work or over the weekend. I'm guessing the $9949 MSRP is probably the allure of the Kubota versus the almost $15k for the x758. Have to wonder what a blower for the orange machine goes for.

I have to admit I almost wished Deere made something similar (read smaller) now that I have the 1025r for "utility" work.

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CJadamec

· #2 · Sep 24, 2021

According to the Kubota website a diesel gr2020 with 54" mower deck and snowblower is about $14,500 MSRP.

The snowblower with all the parts to install it look like it will cost about $3200 MSRP. That includes the blower, front mount, driveshaft, and front and rear weight brackets.

Reactions: 4

demonspeed

· #3 · Sep 24, 2021

The only appeal to me is a machine more akin to the X500’s but with AWD and shaft drive. From what I could tell, there’s no hydraulic ports for the front blade which is a big letdown.

If all one needs is an AWD/AWS mower then then the Kubota is definitely the better value.

Reactions: 2

jgayman

· #4 · Sep 24, 2021

Have him search around for some reviews. While I think we can agree that the Kubota BX/B and JD 1/2-series are pretty much on-par with each other, my research found that the Kubota riding mowers and garden tractors are nowhere near as popular or reliable as the JD X-series models. Some Kubota models are out right problematic and many have some very questionable design queues.

Reactions: 4

dodgeman

· #5 · Sep 24, 2021

About 12 years ago I was looking at a Kubota GR and the salesman talked me into a BX. The BX is a lot more for the money.

Reactions: 4

ColonyPark

· #6 · Sep 24, 2021

jgayman said:
Kubota riding mowers and garden tractors are nowhere near as popular or reliable as the JD X-series models. Some Kubota models are out right problematic and many have some very questionable design queues

15 years ago or so, my grandfather sprung for a brand new garden tractor when he had completed a rebuild of their house they downsized to. He went with a GR gasser. It has been nothing but trouble for the duration of ownership. I was underwhelmed by it from day 1. He still has it, but just a couple years later he went back and bought a B (7510 maybe?). He is quite elderly now, but still mows with the B. The GR is a "trim mower" that mainly is in the way in the garage.

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MTB98

· #7 · Sep 24, 2021

Doesn’t the Kubota lawnmower have the treadle pedal too?

Reactions: 1

CJadamec

· #8 · Sep 24, 2021

MTB98 said:
Doesn’t the Kubota lawnmower have the treadle pedal too?

The mowers look to have a dual peddle setup in the pictures I saw.

I know when I was looking to buy my tractor I briefly looked at the Kubota and only considered a Bx. The GR mowers just didn't seem like they were worth the cost when compared to everything that the JD options had to offer for capabilities and attachments.

Reactions: 1

SulleyBear

· #9 · Sep 24, 2021

ColonyPark said:
15 years ago or so, my grandfather sprung for a brand new garden tractor when he had completed a rebuild of their house they downsized to. He went with a GR gasser. It has been nothing but trouble for the duration of ownership. I was underwhelmed by it from day 1. He still has it, but just a couple years later he went back and bought a B (7510 maybe?). He is quite elderly now, but still mows with the B. The GR is a "trim mower" that mainly is in the way in the garage.

Jamie, how many sandwiches does your grandfather eat per day when mowing with his Kubota?

(Nice to see you, buddy. I haven't seen you around in awhile......)

Reactions: 4

demonspeed

· #10 · Sep 24, 2021

MTB98 said:
Doesn’t the Kubota lawnmower have the treadle pedal too?

It’s a pretty intuitive pedal and is like a Bolens. I’ve had both; I have no preference.

Reactions: 1

Rule292

Discussion Starter · #11 · Sep 24, 2021

CJadamec said:
According to the Kubota website a diesel gr2020 with 54" mower deck and snowblower is about $14,500 MSRP.

The snowblower with all the parts to install it look like it will cost about $3200 MSRP. That includes the blower, front mount, driveshaft, and front and rear weight brackets.

demonspeed said:
The only appeal to me is a machine more akin to the X500’s but with AWD and shaft drive. From what I could tell, there’s no hydraulic ports for the front blade which is a big letdown.

If all one needs is an AWD/AWS mower then then the Kubota is definitely the better value.

jgayman said:
Have him search around for some reviews. While I think we can agree that the Kubota BX/B and JD 1/2-series are pretty much on-par with each other, my research found that the Kubota riding mowers and garden tractors are nowhere near as popular or reliable as the JD X-series models. Some Kubota models are out right problematic and many have some very questionable design queues.

dodgeman said:
About 12 years ago I was looking at a Kubota GR and the salesman talked me into a BX. The BX is a lot more for the money.

In his case he's got access to larger tractors so he does not need anything comparable to a one series or larger.

It seems earlier GR series GTs had transmission issues but the current generation seems to have cured that.

I have to admit the thought of an even smaller diesel GT is somewhat appealing. And even with the snowblower it seems to be 4 or 5 grand less than an x758 with a 48 or 54 blower.

Still, we are 20 crow miles from the nearest Kubota dealer according to the 'net.

Reactions: 1

demonspeed

· #12 · Sep 24, 2021

Rule292 said:
I have to admit the thought of an even smaller diesel GT is somewhat appealing. And even with the snowblower it seems to be 4 or 5 grand less than an x758 with a 48 or 54 blower.

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ironpony

· #13 · Sep 24, 2021

I wonder how this conversation would sound on a the orange tractor forum..................
in my case
the Kubota bush hogs and plows the main driveway better
the JD does a nicer job on the parking area, courtyard
the Bad Boy ZT does all the mowing

Reactions: 1

DBCSteve

· #14 · Sep 24, 2021

MTB98 said:
Doesn’t the Kubota lawnmower have the treadle pedal too?

My 2016 GR2120 has the single pedal, but it works far better than the one on my B2650 (replaced last year with a JD 3046R). Like another post, in retrospect I would have gotten more value with a BX. No complaints though with the GR2120. As to the OP I use my JD for pushing snow — front hydraulic blade.

Reactions: 1

fordgt40

· #15 · Sep 26, 2021

Rule292 said:
In his case he's got access to larger tractors so he does not need anything comparable to a one series or larger.

It seems earlier GR series GTs had transmission issues but the current generation seems to have cured that.

I have to admit the thought of an even smaller diesel GT is somewhat appealing. And even with the snowblower it seems to be 4 or 5 grand less than an x758 with a 48 or 54 blower.

Still, we are 20 crow miles from the nearest Kubota dealer according to the 'net.

Would he consider a used machine? He could probably find a fairly low hour X748 or X758 for much less than new. A used X758 could even still be under warranty. If he wants AWS, X749s are out there, just a bit rare.

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

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Rule292

Discussion Starter · #16 · Sep 28, 2021

fordgt40 said:
Would he consider a used machine? He could probably find a fairly low hour X748 or X758 for much less than new. A used X758 could even still be under warranty. If he wants AWS, X749s are out there, just a bit rare.

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

Haven't talked to him this week but in our area used Deeres command a premium and even on new stuff discounts are few.

Still I want to find out why he's taken an interest in Kubota and especially so since my other neighbor has an x585 and they know each other well. He doesn't need anything bigger since he has a 33 hp compact tractor and access to bigger stuff at the farm.

I'm not a brand snob and certainly would have considered the GR Kubota if there would have been a dealer nearer to me. Heck, I even considered the Husky 322t and that has even more transaxle issues than the entry level Deere stuff.

demonspeed

· #17 · Sep 28, 2021

I, too, would like to learn more about the GR. It really seems like the perfect machine between the X500’s & X700’s - taking the best from each. It really could be what a next generation GX300-series could have been.

Reactions: 1

Sergeant

· #18 · Sep 30, 2021

The Big Issue with them In the Beginning was the steering Cables On the Glide steer tended to ware out even Before the warranty was up, That was Fixed. Currently the GR's are still Know for Transmission issues. That Problem has still not been solved. The GR is basically a shaft driven Lawn Tractor, That Takes shaft driven decks and front Mounted equipment like a shaft driven Blower or Broom. If No need for rear Mounted Ground engaging Implements or attachments they might be a fine addition. I would be leery of it as My Local Kubota dealer Tends to get GR's In all the time for Transmission issues from Current Models even. I always thought The G series was a much better tractor then the GR's ever have been.

Rule I wouldn't mind If Husqvarna brought over the 400 series Articulating riders. They Use a K66 system instead of a K58 for the rear Transmission and they Have Hydraulic Lift and angle for Front Mounted equipment Only sold In Europe . They do Have the 500 series commercial articulating riders In Canada now. But Your Looking at about $23,000 US starting price.

The articulating rider that really needs to come Back to the US is Stiga That is also available In Canada There the Royals Royce of Articulating riders. But there not Know for cutting corners there know for quality Bolens contracted them In the early 1980's to Make a few Machines under the Bolens Name for a few years Before Bolens was sold to Garden way.

Garden & Lawn Tractors and sub compact I like all Brands just about. Compacts though I am a bit of a Deere snob. I Just Prefer there 2R through 4R or there E & D series 3000 series & 4M series over the competition

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tab665

· #19 · Sep 30, 2021

the good thing about deere and others using tuff torq transmissions is that the limits and ratings of said transmissions can be found. not so much with the kubota and thier GR series transmissions. not even a clue as to what its comparable to. K58? 66? 72? 92?

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CJadamec

· #20 · Sep 30, 2021

tab665 said:
the good thing about deere and others using tuff torq transmissions is that the limits and ratings of said transmissions can be found. not so much with the kubota and thier GR series transmissions. not even a clue as to what its comparable to. K58? 66? 72? 92?

Rear axle diameter is a rough indicator of the torque the axle can produce.

The FWD and Reverse ground speed is another good indicator of what kind of final drive is in there as well.

Also lack of rear ground engagement attachments.

It's probably in the ballpark of a K66.

A K46 or K58 sizes axle wouldn't survive long with the 950lbs of tractor and mower deck sitting on them.

But then again they seem to have trans issues sooo...

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