Need Buying Advice

kwolfe · Jan 29, 2009

Going to get a new (used) garden tractor. I have two opportunities:

Kubota G2460:
- year 2003
- 60" deck
- 24hp
- 300hours
- dealer serviced (who is selling it)
- $3400

Simplicity Legacy
- year 2003
- 48" deck with powerflow bagging system
- he says 20hp, I thought they were 25hp
- 286hours
- front blade
- $3600

Both machines are hydro lift. I would really like to have the plow (don't need the bagger), however I like the bigger deck on the Kubota. How about engines? Is the Kubota engine going to last longer than a Kohler? I have 2 acres to mow that is fairly flat, and a 150' drive to plow snow, not to mention pulling around a cart full of yard stuff, kids, or whatever.

What do you all think?

LBrown59 · Jan 29, 2009

kwolfe said:
Going to get a new (used) garden tractor. I have two opportunities:

Kubota G2460:
- year 2003
- 60" deck
- 24hp
- 300hours
- dealer serviced (who is selling it)
- $3400

Simplicity Legacy
- year 2003
- 48" deck with powerflow bagging system
- he says 20hp, I thought they were 25hp
- 286hours
- front blade
- $3600

Both machines are hydro lift. I would really like to have the plow (don't need the bagger), however I like the bigger deck on the Kubota. How about engines? Is the Kubota engine going to last longer than a Kohler? I have 2 acres to mow that is fairly flat, and a 150' drive to plow snow, not to mention pulling around a cart full of yard stuff, kids, or whatever.

What do you all think?

No Contest.

kwolfe · Jan 29, 2009

Why? I will admit that I like the idea of Kubota's engine since it had apparently been modeled after their diesels (which are really good engines). However, I do like the fact that I can get a large frame tractor with a plow for almost the same money (Simplicity). I'm sure both trannies are up to the tasks I would throw at them.

ChuckinNH · Jan 29, 2009

I have a Simplicity Legacy with the 48" deck, and 20hp engine. I have something over 500 hours on mine, and it's been a pretty good tractor. I did have to replace the fuel pump, but it was obviously a manufacturing defect that probably isn't common. The Simplicity has a limited slip rear differential, and that helps a lot in the snow. I haven't used mine to plow with, but in side by side comparisons with the BX I had, I was surprised at how well it did in the snow. The deck, and turbo collector that I have work fine though it is time to replace the rear rollers now. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.

kwolfe · Jan 30, 2009

OK, now throw a JD 445 into mix. $3500, 48" deck (however I think the guy would put a 54" on), 500hrs, 22ph liquid cooled Kawi.

Baucom · Jan 30, 2009

I own a Simplicity clone (MF 2823--Conquest clone) w/ a 54" deck, and while it has been a great mower, I believe in this instance I would buy the Kubota over the JD or Legacy. The Kubota has a nice 3 cyl liquid cooled engine vs. an air cooled Kohler v-twin and a liquid cooled Kawi v-twin. Both v-twins are good engines, but the Kubota engine is far heavier duty. Plus, the Kubota has the size deck you want (in fact, w/ 2 ac to mow I wouldn't even consider less than a 60" deck unless there were too many places it wouldn't fit). As for the blade w/ the Simplicity, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a good blade for the Kubota.

As I see it, the Legacy, G2460, and 445 are all very similar in build w/ the greatest difference being the engines and lack of diff. lock on the Kubota. Kubota has the best engine, and with a relatively flat yard you won't miss the diff lock except maybe when plowing snow (which living in SC I know NOTHING about--we got a dusting last wk and it shut everything down for a day though the snow was gone by 10 a.m.)

Fordlords · Jan 30, 2009

All three are excellent machines that you so to say really couldn't go wrong with although they are vastly different in the engine departments, something really important as these small tractor engines are ridiculously expensive. But given that choice and the three were in equal condition, my order would be the Kubota first, (Superior engine that is more of an industrial item than a lawn mower engine, really a 3000+ hour engine, even the gas version of the inline triple), followed by the JD, (There have been a few cam issues with the liquid cooled Kwack V twins but otherwise a superb powerplant), last the Simplicity as the Kohler Command the '03 Legacy has is your typical nothing special air cooled lawn and garden item- good but not with the best and prices on the tractors being nearly equal I would rather get one with a superb engine as a snow blade does not make the tractor itself a better unit, (only makes the deal look better) and is something that can be added to any good tractor for minimal cost.

-Fordlords-

LBrown59 · Jan 31, 2009

kwolfe said:
Why? I will admit that I like the idea of Kubota's engine since it had apparently been modeled after their diesels (which are really good engines). However, I do like the fact that I can get a large frame tractor with a plow for almost the same money (Simplicity). I'm sure both trannies are up to the tasks I would throw at them.

Hands down winner over a
Kubota G2460 or Simplicity Legacy