Kubota GR2120 4.30 star(s) (16)

20 Hour Opinion
Model Year: 2019

Pros -Tractor is quick, doesn't slow down for turns, -turns sharp, -has heavy duty cutting blades, -good power, -effortless power steering, -Kubota diesel, -shaft drive. Cons -I trim around a lot of trees and shrubs. The deck lift lever is on the left side which is used for getting in close to things (the right side has the discharge chute that prevents getting close to trees) and gets hooked on branches which lifts the deck while you continue on unknowingly not cutting grass because the deck is lifted. Very badly positioned... -the gauge wheels dig into the grass on sharp turns. These are also seemingly weak and should be replaced with swivel type wheels. -gas tank could be bigger, -the seat needs better side bolsters to hold you on, -needs a mulching kit, -operator sits very high, need to duck under trees.

Pros: See above
Cons: See above

54-Inch Deck
Model Year: 2012

This is a good mower for mowing uneven areas. The glide-steer feature works great as does the four-wheel drive. Lug-type tires are recommended. It tends to windrow quite badly with the mulching kit.

Pros: Great handling mower, good power, decent job mowing without the mulching kit
Cons: Gauge wheels on the deck are a bit weak and tend to dig in on banks, mulching kit causes considerable windrowing

Towing Power
Model Year: 2014

The dealer brought another machine to my property to verify my claim that the GR2120 I had would not perform the work I needed it to do. His machine failed just like the one I had. He admitted I was not asking the machine to do something unreasonable. When both Kubotas failed to pull the trailer up the grade, my worn out Ariens easily moved the trailer. Several weeks later, the dealer informed me that Kubota proposed a deal where they would give $2,000 for their inferior tractor if I would trade it in for a BX2370 model. This trade would cost me an additional $5,000. I don't know if this is a "deal" or just another scam to cheat me out of more money. The deal would cost me about $1,300 for making a bad choice in buying the GR2120. Meanwhile the 18 horsepower Ariens will have to remove the snow this winter. Kubota leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Pros: Turning radius and power steering
Cons: Won't do the chores I require and have done for years with a less horsepower tractors

Towing Power
Model Year: 2014

The motor is a 21 horsepower diesel. How much of the 21 horsepower is available to the drive train is questionable. When towing a trailer, the tractor stopped moving with half-throttle. Increasing throttle results in increased engine RPM but no movement of the tractor. I had to use my 18 horsepower Ariens tractor to finish the job. Kubota so far has said I expect too much from their tractor. I purchased this Kubota believing it could replace the 18 horsepower Ariens machine because it is worn out. I sure was mistaken!

Pros: Turning radius,power steering
Cons: Won't do the jobs I require and have done for years with less horsepower tractors

Buyer Beware
Model Year: 2012

I caution potential buyers of this equipment if they want to purchase a snow blower for this unit. Three seasons I have used my blower and approximately 20 hours of snow blowing with hours of nightmares and 15 return trips to the dealer. If you bump into a crack in the driveway you will bend the butter steel frame of this blower. The dealer can't get the chute to stop jamming. The optional expensive power chute had to be removed and the power lift has a mind of its own. Kubota will not respond to emails or phone calls. I live in Canada's most southern city, I am south of Detroit just across the river. My first season I used the blower once and it broke. The GR 2120 is a good mower, if you check your own oil, and you will need to replace the engine hood once a year. Check out the hinges at the front of the hood. I need my third hood. I am a retired mechanic that takes excellent care of my machine. There are several other problems with the tractor the dealer was unable to fix that I ordered parts for yesterday to fix myself.

Pros: Mows grass well
Cons: Horrible snow blower and problem tractor, no factory support

First Run Out
Model Year: 2015

It was time to take out the 2120 for its first use. The initial cutting looked a bit strange, ad I couldn't work out why to start with, then I noticed the grass chute was blocked despite using both the clearing levers. On getting down and dirty to clean the chute out, I noticed that it wasn't lined up properly, so it was allowing grass to jam the chute. After a bit of investigation, I found that one of the metal rods from the tractor to the deck was not connected, which was allowing the deck to hang squint. After a temporary repair the chute was lined up correctly and the grass cut was looking much better. Another problem was with the Glide Steer system. It is absolutely fantastic to stop the rear wheel churning grass on a sharp turn, but the Jockey wheels on the deck don't turn so they dig a channel into the grass instead. This could be improved by them making the wheels like a shopping trolley. The tractor has a fantastic turning circle, but be warned that this causes the grass collector to swing wildly behind you. On my first day I side swiped a parked car and a wall. The wall unfortunately managed to damage the flimsy net of the collector where it crosses over a metal bar. I feel this should be better designed around the edges with a better rubber strip to protect the bag. Overall, it is a great purchase and I'm sure I'll get used to the small flaws and learn quick repairs for the collection bag.

Pros: Diesel, good power, no belts on deck, solid build
Cons: Jockey wheels mark grass on tight turns, poorly designed grass collection bag, no quick facility to mulch (ie mulching plug)

New..Great so Far. I'll keep you posted.
Model Year: 2014

I bought this to replace a JD GT 225. That was a great tractor but not so good for plowing snow. I wanted a 4 WD, so looked at the Simplicity and the JD, but the JD had too big of a deck to fit in my shed. So far, the 2120 has been great plowing snow with the blade attached. I plow a driveway about 40 yards long with a significant grade. The 4wd works great and the steering is very easy, turns on a dime. Starting in very cold weather so far is simple. I do concur with other reviewers about the lack of speed going in reverse, but certainly not a deal breaker. I'll update the review after the winter before I start cutting 2 acres of grass.

Pros: Turns on a dime. Great traction.
Cons: none so fa

5 Hours and in Shop Twice
Model Year: 2014

Thought the GR2100 issues were fixed---NOT.

Pros: Nice color.
Cons: Need to live next to a mower repairman.

An Excellent Mower
Model Year: 2013

I bought this Kubota GR2120 in 2013 to replace a Kubota T2080, bought new in 2012 but that had proven ill-suited to mow the sloped areas that surround my house. The T2080 had a heavy front end, and a light rear end where the only braking capability was located. It would thus climb easily but just slide down when getting downhill---a chilling experience, at best. Otherwise, it was a fine piece of machinery that resold to a Kubota fan with some 28 hours on it and a valid transferable warranty. The GR2120, being 4WD, just goes up and down slopes with ease, mowing is impeccable, diesel fuel consumption is low, controls are easy to use, built is sturdy, seat and operator platform are comfortable, turns on a dime, "glide steer" prevent any turf damage caused by the 4WD, greasing and oiling points are easily accessible, mounting and dismounting of the mower is straightforward, and it will easily tow its own weight---800 pounds without the mower---on a 16 cu. feet Swisher all-terrain ATV cart full of dirt or firewood. I haven't as yet changed oil and filters, so have no comment to provide on this. This support the high ratings. I gave it a 4 on performance because it would not back up on slopes, it simply stops moving. This is probably due to a "weak hydro" as other reviewers have mentioned. So, the resulting advice being: if you need to back up steep slopes, or want using attachments needing lots of hydraulic power or expect to haul heavier cargo, you should consider the BX series. For my needs, the GR is just okay. But you will be carrying more weight on your lawn, from 960 pounds for the GR to more than 1,500 pounds for a BX. ---------------- After Thoughts: After posting this review, I read replies to my forum comments on Tractobynet that appeared to come from more mechanically savvy people---opinions I thus want to incorporate into this review---so as to provide a more comprehensive picture of the machine. It was brought to our attention that the “backward lack of power” we experience while using a GR2120 comes essentially from the speed pedal being factory limited in its backward course for safety purposes, thus limiting backward speed (and thus backward power). It can be modified if you want, at your own risk. Now, when you think about it, how can a hydro trans. be powerful enough when forwarding and then be “weak” while backing off? Yet, the machine should be, in my opinion, considered a high performance ride-on mower, with capabilities far exceeding those of most ride-on mowers, but not as a subcompact tractor. Consider the aluminum cast transmission and gear boxes vs. cast iron on subcompact tractors, difference in weight accounting for sturdiness (from 800 to 1,500 pounds without mower) ,etc. So, again, carefully assess your needs. That could mean wanting almost limitless possibilities on a machine (I used to do that) or, coldly considering what you really will be doing with the machine. If it suits your needs, the GR2120 is a really good piece of equipment that is proving very satisfactory to me. And : “Glide Steer” really does wonder on mowing in closed corners, I can tell you. If your needs are those of a robust subcompact tractor, then go BX, and don't be disappointed by "under buying". Raber ---------------- UPDATE, as of August 12, 2014 - 50 hours of use on the Kubota GR2120. The machine continues to offer outstanding performance, the more I get used to it and learn to make the best out of its capabilities. Mowing is clean and manicure like. Towing a cart with some 800 pounds of dirt, rocks or crushed rocks on difficult terrain poses no problem if I am careful with the limited ground clearance of the rear axle, and take off the mower in narrow spots. Never lost traction, but never ventured in swampy terrain either. I performed the recommended maintenance at 50 hours of use: changed transmission oil filter and top off the oil level in transmission with Kubota UDT transmission fluid. A simple and straightforward business. Changed the engine oil and oil filter. No problem, except that you have no room to maneuver a lever filter wrench. You have to find a socket that caps over the filter and rotate it with a remote ratchet. Adjustable socket is cheap and easy to find. Changing engine oil is a lot easier with the mower removed. Filling is easy, especially if you take the pain to measure exactly what amount is needed and damping the new filter with same engine oil. With the engine running a few minutes, you'll find the oil level exactly where it should be. Changing the oil of the mower gearbox can be simple and straightforward. You just unmount the mower, tie the driving shaft with a piece of thread so it won't swing around and prove a nuisance. You take off the big filling hole plug and raise the mower on its end, with the open hole facing downward. You need a helper to hold a small can to recover the fluid. Put the mower down. Remove the plastic extension chute, because you will need to raise the mower on the other end for filling up. Measure 150 ml of proper oil in a measuring cup, raise the mower on its end, with the filling hole upward, and ask your helper to pour down the oil. Have your helper screw back the plug, put the mower down and you're done. Other maintenance tasks to come, but only in a hundred more hours of use. So, it appears so far that the GR2120 is quite easy to service. Raber

Pros: Excellent mower on all aspects and more.
Cons: Limited hydro power for heavier work.

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A Joy to Operate
Model Year: 2013

Had the tractor (mower in Aus.) for just over a week. It is a joy to operate after the previous machine. The power steering is a god-send for people like me with arthritic joints. Aus. versions have a plastic panels which warp and loose the color in Australian heat. I prefer metal, I suspect us/Canada versions have armrest fitted or are able to be fitted we are not offed that option. My son and I mow 5 acres, some of it up slopes. The traction is outstanding. I rated build quality as 4 stars because of plastic panels like wise features for the cost it should be fitted with arm rests and a 12 volt outlet. other wise a brilliant machine.

Pros: Ease of operation.
Cons: Too much plastic.

Kubota GR2120
Model Year: 2012

Purchase tractor primarily to mow 2 acres and to snow blow 250' driveway.

Pros: Fuel economy, maneuverability, mowing, AWD.
Cons: 3 point or sleeve hitch would be a nice upgrade.

The Best I've Ever Owned
Model Year: 2012

From the day this unit was delivered, I have enjoyed using it. I have the 54" mower deck and the snow blower. With the snow we get every winter the cheaper belt driven snow blowers didn't cut it. I needed shaft drive for everything. With the snow blower I got the manual chute rotator (much faster than the electric one) and the electric chute deflector (manual operation requires getting off the tractor and adjusting the chute from up front). The electric motor unit for the chute deflector is poorly designed and gets water in it and freezes. The dealer managed to get a new one for me at no charge. I grease the actuator shaft well which puts a shield on it so the water does not get in. Otherwise, this is fantastic. To be able to do a U-turn in the driveway without backing up is amazing as is the mowing around trees with a single time around. I just find the cruise control to be a bit of a waste. Not enough straight runs to use it efficiently.

Pros: Power steering, all wheel drive, shaft driven power and accessories.
Cons: Minor design flaws in snowblower.

Second Kubota - I Bleed Orange!
Model Year: 2012

I traded my 10 year old Kubota TG1860 for the GR2120 because I wanted something better for pushing snow. I plow my driveway (gravel) and my neighbors' which is paved. The GR2120 worked great on my neighbors but the blade would dip down on the corner when I angled the blade and really dig up my gravel. The dealer refunded all but a hundred dollars when I returned the front blade. Mowing grass the GR is great. Turns are very tight, it is stable, much better going down steep hills than the TG1860 (AWD), and the seat is pretty comfy. Nice mower just don't try to plow gravel driveways. I wish I had bought a BX. I got my eye on a BX2370 now for later this year.

Pros: Dependable, easy on fuel, mow in reverse w/o pressing a button each time, shaft drive to deck and transmission.
Cons: Considering its design and purpose, I really can't think of any.

Delivery Review - Kubota GR2120 w/54"Deck & Snowblower
Model Year: 2012

This is a very early review as I only have 11 hours on the tractor due to drought conditions. Purchased this tractor to replace a 20 year old Toro/Wheelhorse 520H which was outstanding, both mowing and snowplowing. But parts were getting tough to get and dependability was getting iffy (too much time keeping it up). So, started shopping, looked at JD, Cub, Simplicity, & Kubota. One of the key elements for me is the tractor has to handle a snowblower as my drive is over 250'. The Kubota stood out from the others with a combination of features versus cost. I opted for the diesel 2120 over the 2020 because I really liked the added torque and the fuel economy. Granted, I don't have a lot of hours on it yet, but it is easily uses 30% less fuel to do the same job as the old Toro. I will follow up on this review as I get more hours on the unit.

Pros: Ride: very smooth; great seat suspension. Handling: the combination of power steering and the glide steer function make this tractor very agile. Seems to mow well. The AWD is great!
Cons: Nothing major. Would like to see a 12v outlet added. Also, I think that some optional rubber rear fender extensions might be needed to reduce the amount of debris tossed up by the rear tires in wet muddy conditions, but I am nit picking.

Kubota GR 2120
Model Year: 2012

I have owned scag, toro ground master, John Deere and several other brands. This is the best, power and performance. Fast and agile, easy to use, but is does cost.

Pros: Fast, reliable and loads of power. Easy to operate.
Cons: Grass cutting should not be this fun.

So Far, So Good
Model Year: 2011

So far, I've been very pleased with my Kubota GR2120. It turns really tightly and has excellent traction. I got it to assist with my Cyclone Rake, so we'll see how that goes. So far, my biggest complaint is the safety switch that kills the engine when not in the seat. It also has plenty of power, which is proving helpful.

Pros: Traction, build, steering, power.
Cons: Safety switches.