John Deere or Kubota mower

[Fuddyduddy1952]

If money is a concern why not consider a zero turn. We cut 2 acres with either a lap bar or a steering wheel zero Cub Cadet. When wife uses the one and me on the other we can cut in an hour or so. Usually I do it all.

 

[dodge man]

You could add a deck to your current BX I’d think. The end loader comes off easy enough and I’m sure with practice the BH would too.

 

[kurtfromct]

You could add a deck to your current BX I’d think. The end loader comes off easy enough and I’m sure with practice the BH would too.

I’ve taken the backhoe off plenty and put 3 point implements on bunch of times. It’s easy and I’m sure the loader would be too. I don’t want to deal with swapping the machine over from mowing to work. It was never my intention. I would also need to buy turf tires (I know not a huge deal). The diesel garden tractor market doesn’t have many options and that’s what I wanted.

 

[kurtfromct]

If money is a concern why not consider a zero turn. We cut 2 acres with either a lap bar or a steering wheel zero Cub Cadet. When wife uses the one and me on the other we can cut in an hour or so. Usually I do it all.

The price of the bx1880 is good for me. Wish was 60” cut and not 54”. And I wonder how good that cut quality is. The x750 seems more ideal but it’s a noticeable amount more. Honestly an entry level commercial zero turn would be a cheaper option. But it’s not what I’d prefer

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

My two pesos:

I am getting rid of a 1991 JD 430 diesel because I picked up a used Kubota ZD326 zero turn.

I cannot speak regarding other diesel garden tractors, but as a mower, the Kubota is in a different and far superior universe.

I can move about twice as fast now. I don't know if the Kubota has a higher blade speed or what, but I am flying compared to the JD. Also, you don't understand the maneuvering advantage of a zero-turn until you try it. With the JD, I mowed up a rectangle of yard, across, and then back down the other side, because I could not turn it in place. I mowed over the same grass many times, wasting time and fuel. I also mowed across the grass, did a little loop, and then mowed back next the strip I had just mowed. Another waste. With a zero-turn, you turn like a wheelchair, very quickly, and go right back down a strip next to the one you just cut.

It's also very easy to mow right up to things in tight areas. Forget that with a tractor. And you don't have a big hot engine right in front of you, pumping exhaust in your face. It's behind you, like the exhaust, and you get a clean breeze.

Moving the control levers is somewhat more pleasant than turning a wheel all the time.

The Kubota has a built-in jack, so access to the underside of the deck is very easy. Not so with the JD. It's torture.

Kubota makes hitches for mowers.

I'm probably just getting on your nerves with this post, since you said you don't want a zero-turn, so sorry about that. I thought there was some small chance it would be helpful.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have a JD 1435 diesel, 72" front mower, 60" broom for snow removal, and I also can run a 540 rpm Winpower pto generator on it with a 3:1 geared reducer. I also have an older JD F935 same architechture that runs the same machinery. I reserve the 935 for a 76" rear discharge deck that easily takes on high grass, sticks, weeds, and whatever is afraid of it. They are not that plentiful around here (Michigan) but they sip fuel, easy to run (steering wheel), aux hydraulics if needed and nearly impossible to kill.

 

[dodge man]

I had a BX2350 for 10 years and mowed with a 60” deck with a mulch kit. If you have a golf course quality yard probably not good enough for you but for most people it cuts pretty good.

 

[350c]

I replaced my John deere 455 garden tractor with 60" deck (older series than the X's) with a Kubota B2920 which is the next size up from the BX.

When it comes down to strictly mowing the John deere garden tractor just out performs the Kubota.

Now the Kubota has far more capabilities than that 455 garden tractor but man when it comes to mowing I sure wish i still had that garden tractor to mow with.

Maybe the BX's deck configuration and tractor mow better than the B's but the only compliant I have about Kubota is when we start talking about mowing.

stucknutz, I agree. I've had both Kubota and JD and overall have found the JD to be better. For mowing, I currently have a Cub Cadet steering wheel zero turn but my old JD X500 does better mowing. I have bad knees so I much prefer the dual pedals on the JD to the treadle pedal. If the JD has a drive-over auto-connect deck, that is a great feature.

 

[Mike0616]

Take l look at the Kubota GR2120. Sounds like what you're looking for. Mine was under $14k for mower and front snowblower, weights, etc. it's four wheel drive and is similar to the larger units as far as construction, just a smaller unit for smaller jobs.

 

[JeffinNE]

Is having diesel for primarily mowing really needed?

A JD X570 with a 54" deck is half the price...

 

[kurtfromct]

Take l look at the Kubota GR2120. Sounds like what you're looking for. Mine was under $14k for mower and front snowblower, weights, etc. it's four wheel drive and is similar to the larger units as far as construction, just a smaller unit for smaller jobs.

I’m not opposed to the GR2120 but I’ve heard some chatter of transmission failures. If it’s a matter of say $1000 or $2,000 more gets you into a bx1880 then why not jump up. I haven’t priced a GR2120 with just the 54” deck

 

[kurtfromct]

Is having diesel for primarily mowing really needed?

A JD X570 with a 54" deck is half the price...

Nothing is absolutely a need it’s more of a preference to have something durable enough to last a real long time with maintenance and storing inside. A 54” deck minimum is a must. 60” is ideal

 

[AaronD81]

Sounds like you basically know what you want so I won't try to talk you into the Cub Cadet zero turn with a steering wheel. I have an X720 and its a really nice mower. There are two things I would upgrade, first is diesel, second is all wheel steering. So I think you'll like the X750, but would suggest the X754.

John Deere also has a really convenient site for used equipment. This shows inventory at their dealers.

Used Lawn & Garden Tractors For Sale | 2110 listings | MachineFinder

Search for used lawn and garden tractors for sale using John Deere MachineFinder. Get dealer information and equipment specifications right on our website.

www.machinefinder.com

 

[TMGT]

I've been very happy with the cut quality of my Bx2680 with the 60" deck, I also had a bx1870 with 54in deck for a short period of time (it was bought to be sold). Both were excellent mowers.

I would say you won't notice a lot of difference with the 54", in fact it seems to mow a little bit better in certain conditions.

I've had a number of comercial mowers, Hustler Z, Kubota Zd326 and 331, wheel horse 520 with comercial 60" deck, and coming from those I was worried the BX cut quality would be a disappointment but was pleasantly surprised. I would put the cut quality right up there with the ZD's

I don't have much experience with the larger JD garden tractors, but for the money, I can't see why to go with one over a BX.

Also, remember that cut quality for different manufacturers will vary on grass type. My Hustler with XR7 deck was designed more for Bahia grass and struggled with lifting fescue during the summer, which tall fescue is what I have.

 

[kurtfromct]

I've been very happy with the cut quality of my Bx2680 with the 60" deck, I also had a bx1870 with 54in deck for a short period of time (it was bought to be sold). Both were excellent mowers.

I would say you won't notice a lot of difference with the 54", in fact it seems to mow a little bit better in certain conditions.

I've had a number of comercial mowers, Hustler Z, Kubota Zd326 and 331, wheel horse 520 with comercial 60" deck, and coming from those I was worried the BX cut quality would be a disappointment but was pleasantly surprised. I would put the cut quality right up there with the ZD's

I don't have much experience with the larger JD garden tractors, but for the money, I can't see why to go with one over a BX.

Also, remember that cut quality for different manufacturers will vary on grass type. My Hustler with XR7 deck was designed more for Bahia grass and struggled with lifting fescue during the summer, which tall fescue is what I have.

Good info, thank you

 

[kurtfromct]

Sounds like you basically know what you want so I won't try to talk you into the Cub Cadet zero turn with a steering wheel. I have an X720 and its a really nice mower. There are two things I would upgrade, first is diesel, second is all wheel steering. So I think you'll like the X750, but would suggest the X754.

John Deere also has a really convenient site for used equipment. This shows inventory at their dealers.

Used Lawn & Garden Tractors For Sale | 2110 listings | MachineFinder

Search for used lawn and garden tractors for sale using John Deere MachineFinder. Get dealer information and equipment specifications right on our website.

www.machinefinder.com

Thanks for the link ill checking it out now

 

[JeffinNE]

Nothing is absolutely a need it’s more of a preference to have something durable enough to last a real long time with maintenance and storing inside. A 54” deck minimum is a must. 60” is ideal

My LT190, equivalent to todays X320, is in it's 20th year and still going strong! X5 series should easily last that long.

 

[Shady oak]

I am not sure if you have removed "used" as an option? I would look at a Kubota F series front mount. Something no older than the F2560 model on up. 25-30 hp 3 cyl diesel, usually a 72” deck, commercial grade, built like a tank. You can buy a good one for under 10K, and it will likely still be mowing when you retire.

I have 2- 2560 one with over 1300 hrs and one with about 700. The older (1997) I have had for 20 years and the ONLY repair, deck or mower, was a rear oil seal in the engine, which the dealer repaired in a couple hours. The decks are built like a dozer blade and I have never replaced a belt, bearing, shaft, or U joint on either of them.

A couple weeks ago a neighbor whose Deere deck had rusted out asked me to mow her road ditch. Two blocks of ditch hay and about 15’ feet of fencing wire. Didn’t even bother to remove the wire until after I got home.

 

[IH3444]

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[Deere Dude]

Nothing is absolutely a need it’s more of a preference to have something durable enough to last a real long time with maintenance and storing inside. A 54” deck minimum is a must. 60” is ideal

To bad you aren't closer to WI. I just saw my cousin has a 750 for sale and has 17 hours on it.

I have a X740 diesel with 62" deck with 1250 hours on it. New in 2010? I think. Love it but my wife uses it mainly for cutting a few acres. They are super to drive and ride. It is comfortable for a 6' 2" 250#er (not her) to get on and off and the drive pedals are very intuitive to operate.

Quite a few years ago I had a 60" deck with gas engine JD tractor. It worked fine but I got a good deal from a JD factory. I got a new smaller tractor with a 54" deck as an upgrade. After mowing the lawn a couple times I sold it as it was painfully slow, it seemed. Stick with a 60-62" deck on whatever you get .

I have a bigger tractor with loader and RFM to cut the larger chunks of lawn. I never drove a 750 but if it is like an X740 you are on the right track.