GR2120 First Impressions

[kcender]

I just finished mowing for the first time with my new GR2120.All I can say is WOW,I should have bought one years ago.As I mentioned in another thread I have been mowing with a B2620 that I purchased new a few months ago.I wasn't happy with it's mowing performance for a variety of reasons but the main problem was turf damage when making turns.After trying a few things to make it better,I gave up and got the GR.Strictly from a mowing point of view there is no comparison between the two.What was taking me two hours and forty minutes to mow I did in one hour and fifty minutes.This is my first time, so the time will probably be reduced further with more usage.Mowing around objects is now effortless whereas before I was doing a lot of three point turns.The deck also gives a nicer cut,the deck seems to stand the grass up better.The increased vacuum of the deep deck also picks up old grass clumps and chews them up whereas the 2620 would just drive over them.I found with the 2620 I was using a lot of overlap to try and clean up the previous pass,I don't have to do that now.As far as stability on side hills,I am sure you could roll this tractor over but it would take a lot.It is the most stable tractor that I have used.I have one area where I have to mow down a steep slope for about ten feet and then turn to the left quite hard and mow down another slope.This is the only tractor I have ever had that doesn't leave damage in this area,I was quite impressed.Because of the short wheelbase it follows the ground closely and leaves less high and low spots in the grass from elevation changes.Fuel consumption also seemed very good with it still showing full after mowing at WOT for just under two hours.The tank seemed to be down an inch or so from where I started.Another thing about this tractor is that I was mowing in patterns that I never did before because it was too hard to follow the terrain,now it seems easy.If I was to nitpick,two things I would like to see are a more comfortable seat and a little bit higher top speed but really I am more than happy with the tractor the way it is.One thing I do find odd is that there is no way to free wheel the tractor,that I am aware of.Sometimes if I only want to move it a few feet in the garage I have to start it up to move it.Most lawn tractors have a rod in the back you pull to disengage the transmission.I have added a couple of pics even though they all look the same.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Glad to hear your enjoyment with the new GR2120. I cannot believe the turning radius myself. I do wish the steering wheel would tilt, but it is doable. What are those decals on the front of the hood? Dealer advertisment? Those have to come off. Good luck! Philip.

 

[Old Coot]

Your probably lucky you didn't get one a few years ago. I bought a GR2110 and after three warranty visits to the dealer in 80 hours of service, last being the front drive shaft and bearings had to be replaced, I traded on a BX2660. I agree with you on the turf damage. The BX causes much more damage. Maybe I should have waited a couple of years.

 

[kcender]

Your probably lucky you didn't get one a few years ago. I bought a GR2110 and after three warranty visits to the dealer in 80 hours of service, last being the front drive shaft and bearings had to be replaced, I traded on a BX2660. I agree with you on the turf damage. The BX causes much more damage. Maybe I should have waited a couple of years.

I know there were some problems with the older GR models but I am hoping most of those have been sorted out,only time will tell.My last mowing tractor,before the B2620,was a bx2360 with a fine cut deck.This is basically the same deck as on the GR and both give a nice cut in my opinion.I liked the BX for mowing but it wasn't as manuverable as the GR and would cause turf damage if you weren't careful.I would put it's mowing capabilities somewhere between the GR and the B2620.

 

[skeeterbug]

I bought a BX1860 w/loader a month ago because I felt it was a step up from my GR2000. It was, but really for mowing I needed to get use to the BX fast because light wheel spinning was creating several muddy spots around some trees I mow on a hill. With the GR you didn't have that because all the wheels were driving. And if you kept the BX in four wheel drive all the time then you end up pushing the tractor on turns and causing more turf damage.
I tried selling my GR for a month to justify keeping the BX, however after several close calls I listed both of them on Craigs. Then out of the blue a man called about the BX, came and bought it for my asking price.
I agree the seat could be better. I have had my GR2000 since 2005, it's showroom condition but yesterday when I went to mow, I took two TYLENOL® afterward. The way I explained it to my wife was with the BX1860 you sit IN the seat and IN the tractor. With the GR you sit ON the seat ON the tractor.
Does anybody have any suggestions or answers for a more comfortable ride on the GR. I would even spend the money to put a BX seat on the GR.

 

[kcender]

I just took some measurements and it looks like the seat on my B2620 would bolt onto the GR2120.At the very worst you may have to slightly alter the holes in the GR seat base.The seat on the 2620 looks to be the same as the one on the BX2360 I used to have.One problem is the 2620 seat is thicker so it would increase the feeling of sitting ON the tractor.Also these seats are quite expensive from what I recall.Some members on TBN have priced the reclining seat for the BX2660 at around 800 dollars.The seat off a BX 70 series would probably fit as well but I would assume they would be quite costly.They are the same seat as was on my previous L3240 and are quite a bit nicer than the seat on the GR.So the seat on the GR could probably be improved upon but it would be costly and create a higher riding position.

 

[CHDinCT]

This one. Someday, I'm gonna put this on my BX. Don't know if the bolt holes will line up, but I'd make it work somehow. By the way, this is the same sea,t I'm told, that comes on the former JD X7xx Special Edition series tractors, just in yellow.

Michigan Seat Highback Suspension Seat, Model# V-5300 | Suspension Seats| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[jinman]

The only thing the GR2120 is missing is a differential lock. If it had that or even split rear wheel brakes, it would be about the perfect mower. Kubota has gone to a wet clutch PTO and GlideSteer power steering, but a differential lock or split rear brakes would help tremendously on uneven ground. I'm thinking it would also be a handy feature when using the optional front plow blade or snow blower too.

 

[PHILIP8N]

The only thing the GR2120 is missing is a differential lock. If it had that or even split rear wheel brakes, it would be about the perfect mower. Kubota has gone to a wet clutch PTO and GlideSteer power steering, but a differential lock or split rear brakes would help tremendously on uneven ground. I'm thinking it would also be a handy feature when using the optional front plow blade or snow blower too.

I think the diff lock or split brakes would interfer with the Glide Steer mechanism, resulting in broken parts. Philip.

 

[kcender]

Don't both rear wheels have power when going straight ahead?This is how I understood it to work but I may be wrong.If the GlideSteer disengages the inside rear wheel when turning,wouldn't power return to it when going straight?If so then I don't see where diff lock would be needed as it can only be used when going straight ahead anyway and both wheels already have power.Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Don't both rear wheels have power when going straight ahead?This is how I understood it to work but I may be wrong.If the GlideSteer disengages the inside rear wheel when turning,wouldn't power return to it when going straight?If so then I don't see where diff lock would be needed as it can only be used when going straight ahead anyway and both wheels already have power.Correct me if I am wrong.

That is correct. So, if a diff lock was activated, and the front wheels were turned, I don't know what would happen to the rear axle unlock connection, or the front wheel push rods, but I cannot imagine it would be good. Philip.

 

[jinman]

Well guys, I stand corrected. I was not aware that the GR2120 was 4wd (how did I miss that?). The description below from Kubota's website fully describes what you are saying. I guess the GR2120 IS the perfect mower.

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) introduces the all new GR Series garden tractor with Glide Steer, a revolutionary and innovative technology that is an industry first. Developed with advanced engineering, Glide Steer technology is a combination of a four-wheel drive tractor and the maneuverability similar to a zero turn mower. Glide Steer technology will give customers the two most important features they are looking for, traction and maneuverability. Equipped with the same advanced technology found in Kubota tractors, the GR Series with Glide Steer technology rises to a class above all other garden tractors.

The GR tractor traveling in a straight direction is in All Wheel Drive. When starting a turn, Glide Steer is engaged. The inside rear wheel begins to track freely, thus enabling a tight turn while preventing damage to the turf. The front wheels can turn an incredible 70 degrees, much more than other garden tractors in the marketplace. By employing the unique Glide Steer, the GR Series can easily and efficiently cut grass in the tightest areas and rough mowing conditions are effortless with All Wheel Drive traction.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Ok, that explains why you wanted a diff lock or left and right brakes. Yes I think it is the perfect mower! It is 4WD. It is really front wheel drive, then depending on the angle of the front tires, as controlled by push rods (cables on older units), it propotionally disengages the inside rear drive wheel. Here is a better way of explaining it. Philip.

 

[kcender]

I think the GR2120 is the best mower for my property which has a lot of slopes to it.If my property was flat I would have a zero turn but I feel the FWD of the GR is safer on slopes,especially when mowing across them.

 

[skeeterbug]

I also think the GR is the best machine for my property. However I had the original GR2000 that I had zero problems with until I service it last January. Then I researched all of the information on the GR's and found mine needed the $3000.00 upgrade. The dealer and Kubota worked with me and I had the transmission upgrade done for $1300.00. It was suggested to me that If I wanted a beefier tractor that I should go with the BX model. That suggestion sent me spinning because I took really good care of a machine that I was going to have for a long time.
The way I can explain it is with the BX you sit in the tractor in the seat. With the GR you sit on the seat on the tractor.
I bought a BX1860 48" w/fel w/150 hrs for $8000. And tried to sell my GR. After a month I had them both for sale because I didn't need both. I ended up selling the BX for a good profit and brought my GR home and settled on keeping it. However during the selling process I had an interested party that called and wanted the GR. I sold it also. I now have none. I am looking for a new Kubota but just can't see why anyone would buy a GR for the price they are asking. I like the GR but for the same $ you can buy a BX.
NOW I found a newer BX1860 54" w/fel w/88 hrs and he wants $9500. Its brand new and the loader has never been taken off. I find myself leaning towards this BX mainly for the price and trying to justify it even though it is plenty of tractor for me. I think the GR's should be priced better compared with the BX. Oh well!

 

[kcender]

I agree that the GR is priced plenty high but that is what you have to pay if you want one.As for the BX I have had two new BX tractors that I have mowed with.Strictly for mowing I prefer the GR although the BX is more comfortable.You can do more tractor work with a BX but I only plan on using the GR for mowing.I don't think I would want to put a snowblower on a GR even though it is an option.They just don't look to me like they are built to do heavy work.If you want one tractor to do everything,including mowing,the BX is a good choice.As for pricing there is quite a difference where I live.The after tax difference between the GR and the BX2360 that I previously bought new was 4200 dollars, and I ordered the BX with no loader valve to save money.

 

[PHILIP8N]

I also think the GR is the best machine for my property.

Guess you should have kept it then.

However I had the original GR2000 that I had zero problems with until I service it last January. Then I researched all of the information on the GR's and found mine needed the $3000.00 upgrade. The dealer and Kubota worked with me and I had the transmission upgrade done for $1300.00.

Sounds like you had a fine machine. Maybe you should not have done the upgrade. Maybe you should have done the upgrade and kept it for more seasons of zero problems. Tough decision you had to make.

It was suggested to me that If I wanted a beefier tractor that I should go with the BX model.!

May not have been such a great suggestion.

The way I can explain it is with the BX you sit in the tractor in the seat. With the GR you sit on the seat on the tractor.

I have a GrandL and a GR. I sit on both. Each has their job, and they do it well. I do not follow your explanation here???

I now have none.

Bad decision making. Better luck with this next purchase!

I am looking for a new Kubota but just can't see why anyone would buy a GR for the price they are asking.

I bought one in July, perfect tractor for me. Guess you should have kept yours.

I like the GR but for the same $ you can buy a BX.

Not true, BX is several thousand dollars more. I toyed with buying a BX, but it was more money and tractor than I needed for the task at hand.

I think the GR's should be priced better compared with the BX. Oh well!

I agree, but they sold me a GR, and many other people, so the market must support the price.

I hope this next purchase is your last. Sounds like you take good care of your equipment, have received some questionalble advice, and made some decisions you want back. Can't help you with those, you have to make and live with them.

Good luck! Philip.

 

[skeeterbug]

Yeah, You are right on all points. The suggestion of a BX was from a mechanic that works on Kubota. I thought his insight was "internally driven". His comments and body language several months ago prompted my interest and started me looking. I guess if you don't want to find anything then you might as well not look for it.
I will decide today on the Used BX but maybe after a visit to my dealer.
Thanks for your comments.
The GR2000 was a 2005 early model. It was showroom condition when it left. After the transmission was done the only thing I pointed out to the buyer was the headlight tabs on the hood that broke and I had to modify them. I ordered a new hood but they told me the tabs were built the same as the original so I decided not to purchase it.

 

[skeeterbug]

Thanks for the wake up. I decided not to buy the BX1860 even though it was a good buy. I am looking at a GR to replace the one I just sold. After much thought and getting back to earth the GR is the right unit for me and my yard. I found a GR with 174 hrs and the blade comes with it for $3400. whew!

 

[sandalwood]

Did you get 48 or 54 inch mower?