John Deere X758 vs Kubota GR2120

[525fury]

Last summer I bought a new Kubota ZD326, but am not happy with the lack of smoothness in the controls, and the fact that is is leaving bald spots in my yard.
Thinking about selling it and going with my first inclination, which was a GR2120. I recently looked at a X758 and it is a pretty impressive unit.

I cut about 3.5 acres weekly, yard has some slope, ditches, and a lot of trees in the back by the creek.
Love the diesel and quality of the ZD326, but I don't think a Zero Turn is for me or my yard.

I have read of some transmission issues with the GR2120, and I know Kubota has updated this unit with several different releases.
This year, they have the GR2120-2-54 model out; Not sure what the -2 entails, and have not been able to gain any info on it just yet.

I really have not read any major negatives on the X758. But is does cost more than the GR by about 4000. Would have to go slightly used if I went this direction.

Can anyone give me any advice on these two models, and steer me to the better unit?
I do not want to make another buying mistake.

Thanks much!

 

[brasco426]

I'm surprised to hear any owner of a Kubota product less than impressed. If the mower is scalping I'd look at the height adjustments, however if that's been done and it still has issues I'd contact the dealer for suggestions. I'm not too familiar with the model Kubota tractor you listed but I am with the Deere. If the Kubota is comparable then I'd guess to say both are good machines. If you could forego having the diesel they have the x738 which has pretty much the same options for less money. Still a liquid cooled engine just a gasser is all. Good luck.

 

[oldnslo]

One very nice feature on the hydraulic front wheel assist on the JD is that you can fine tune the front wheel ground speed (RPM) to match the rear wheel travel speed. This can be important if you change tires and the rolling radius changes. My son had to do this on his X749 when he put new tires on.

Interesting on the Kubota website they compare the GR20** series to the JD X5** series.

 

[coobie]

I started with a kubota ZD326 and ended going back to a JD X740.No regrets yet.

 

[art]

With selling four brands plus of zero turns I would say that your deck is not set up right. They have been the cleanest cut as well as least scalping of all we sell.

 

[brasco426]

With selling four brands plus of zero turns I would say that your deck is not set up right. They have been the cleanest cut as well as least scalping of all we sell.

Good advice, pretty sure it's a deck setting. Good Luck

 

[PHILIP8N]

I have had my GR2120 since summer 2013. No issues or major complaints. I did add Racor fuel filter and turn up low speed idle. I have been happy with cut, four wheel drive, tight turning radius, power, and snow blowing. Philip.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

not happy with the lack of smoothness in the controls, and the fact that is is leaving bald spots in my yard.
!

unless your mowing the rocky mountains, the bald spots are almost certainly your scalp wheels being too low. Smoothness is a hard thing to define, the sticks to require more effort to push than some. It should not be jerky in anyway though.

You can easily buy a BX1870 sub compact for less money than a Deere x758 garden tractor. If the ZD is a year old your out money should be very minimal.

 

[jenkinsph]

The x758 Deere is 37% faster than the GR2120 that could shave an hour off the mowing time. When buying a new Deere mower a discount of 15% is what I get and what you should expect.

I would definitely agree with the others to check your deck settings and controls. That would be a much cheaper solution than trading if you are satisfied with the results.


If your prime use is mowing I would not compare the BX 1870 at 18hp to the x758 at 24hp. The x758 and the GR2120 will both mow faster than the BX1870.

 

[525fury]

FYI: I currently have a Kubota L3010 GST tractor, with front end loader and various attachments;
The mower will only mow grass, and the deck will never come off of it; No need for any attachments on it.

The BX is a very good machine, but I am wanting full-time AWD, that won't tear the grass up; Not wanting to engage, disengage 4wd when needed in the more challenging areas. The GR or X758 would be more maneuverable also than a BX.

This issue with the ZD326 is not the deck; It cuts great, and love the diesel. It is a tank. The unit is very heavy, and as careful as I try, the unit is leaving 1foot bald circles in my yard. Constantly looking at the rear tires in turns, trying to keep both moving, doing 3 point turns, etc.

Kubota has updated the model of the GR this year as a GR2120-2-54.
Anyone know what the -2 entails?
Have all the bug and issues been worked out of this GR? Have read about it slowing down going up hills once the unit/transmission heats up.
Haven't heard any real negatives around the X758 though. But more money. Again AWD needed and cutting grass only with it.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, as it will steer my buying decision!