Looking at a new 48" Kubota: GR2120 diesel or T2290.

[Skeezix4me]

Hello all,
This is my first post to the forum. I'm looking at replacing my old T1670, and am looking at staying orange.
I have about an acre of property, and there are quite a few obstacles and rough areas. I'd like to stay with a smaller deck (48"), and have been looking at the new T2290 lawn tractor and also the bigger brother the GR2120 with the diesel engine.

I'll admit up front that I don't 'need' the GR. It's more of a want and a purchase with the future in mind if we choose to move and purchase more property. I've never owned anything with a diesel or liquid cooled so not sure about how maintenance and upkeep would be.

The new T2290 seems too new to find much data on, and the GR seems to get mixed reviews. I'm hoping Kubota has solved any issues on the GR series by now, but I can't confirm.

Looking for any advice on which may be better and any problems associated with each.

Cheers,
Skeezix

 

[PHILIP8N]

I purchased a GR2120 in June of 2013 with 48" mower deck and 46" snow blower, approaching 300 hours. I have not had any issues with mine, assuming they got all the bugs worked out in the GR2100 and GR2110 models. As far as maintenance goes, fresh fuel with stabilizer, engine oil changes, transmission oil changes, coolant changes, pretty simple stuff. There are lots of grease zerks on the GR2120, make sure you get them all lubed. I like my GR2120 and would recommend one. If you may move to larger property, would you consider a BX with the opportunity to have a small 3 point hitch and small loader? Philip.

 

[jetblue4400]

Hi,
I purchased a new GR2120, 54 inch deck and Diesel in july of this year .Read my review dated 7-17-19 under jetblue4400 the pros and cons of this lawn tractor.
Last week I was passing by the Kubota dealer and noticed a T2290 new outside and stopped to take a look. This was on Sunday so there were no sales person around
to talk to about this new lawn tractor. I got on it and did notice some great features about this that my GR2120 did not have.
First I noticed the 48 inch very well made deck like a commercial lawn mower and the sturdiness of this deck, you can step on the deck to get on the seat and it does not budge.
Unlike the GR2120 54 inch deck. Also the seat has rest arms and under it is a great seat suspension system which the gR2120 is not and you will be tossed and turned when mowing on the
Gr2120. The kawasaki engine is a great gas engine .The other important issue is when you normally get off the tractor you put you hand on the fender and get off.With the GR2120 the metal will move up and down where the T2290 feels very solid.The Tractor by size is a bit smaller than the 2120 and the T2290 does not come in a 54 inch deck but in your case a 48 inch is what you want.
The most important issue is the price difference .My GR2120 with tax cost $10200.00 and I think the T2290 is around $5500.00. The older issues with the GR2120 are solved . If my lawn was smaller I would have bought the T2290. Kubota had to come out with a newer lawn tractor with a lot less cost than the older design of the GR2120. Important : Read my review

 

[Gkk20011]

Hi,
I purchased a new GR2120, 54 inch deck and Diesel in july of this year .Read my review dated 7-17-19 under jetblue4400 the pros and cons of this lawn tractor.
Last week I was passing by the Kubota dealer and noticed a T2290 new outside and stopped to take a look. This was on Sunday so there were no sales person around
to talk to about this new lawn tractor. I got on it and did notice some great features about this that my GR2120 did not have.
First I noticed the 48 inch very well made deck like a commercial lawn mower and the sturdiness of this deck, you can step on the deck to get on the seat and it does not budge.
Unlike the GR2120 54 inch deck. Also the seat has rest arms and under it is a great seat suspension system which the gR2120 is not and you will be tossed and turned when mowing on the
Gr2120. The kawasaki engine is a great gas engine .The other important issue is when you normally get off the tractor you put you hand on the fender and get off.With the GR2120 the metal will move up and down where the T2290 feels very solid.The Tractor by size is a bit smaller than the 2120 and the T2290 does not come in a 54 inch deck but in your case a 48 inch is what you want.
The most important issue is the price difference .My GR2120 with tax cost $10200.00 and I think the T2290 is around $5500.00. The older issues with the GR2120 are solved . If my lawn was smaller I would have bought the T2290. Kubota had to come out with a newer lawn tractor with a lot less cost than the older design of the GR2120. Important : Read my review

I agree with your points comparing the machines but the T2290 is also inferior in a couple major areas. First, only 2wd on the T tractor. Surely will not be near as good on hills. Second, only a gas version is offered. No diesel. That is a deal breaker for me. To reduce the price Kubota had to remove these items. if the GR only had the fabricated deck and better seat it would be near perfect.