T Series Lawn Tractors - Newbie needs help!

thestumper · Jun 3, 2005

Ok, I know that Kubota is more associated with the "hard core" heavy duty tractor type guys, but I'm looking for a lawn tractor and want some quality and I'm pretty confused.

Does anyone out there actually have one of the newer T Series? I'm looking at a 1770; for comparison purposes, I'm also looking at a Cub Cadet 2544. If you look at the specs (the ones that I can find...) the Cub has a shaft drive and a heavy transmission. 11 guage steel for deck and frame. Don't know what the Kubota has, but I like the idea of a Kawasaki engine. Since the prices are the same, I need to know the following:

- What are the "little things" that might make the Kubota better? Maybe there are big things too...

- What makes the Kubota stand out as a higher quality, longer life piece when put up against the heavier built shaft drive cubs.

Not trying to start a fight. I honestly want to know. If I had the scratch, I'd buy a GR 2000/2001 and be done with it. But I don't, so I need to make compromises. The 2544 looks pretty weel built and spec'ed. How does the Kubota stand up. I want something that will perform AND last !!!

Thanks !!!

PS: Only working about an 3/4 acre - for now. Its ALL grass and its THICK.

slammer · Jun 3, 2005

( Ok, I know that Kubota is more associated with the "hard core" heavy duty tractor type guys, but I'm looking for a lawn tractor and want some quality and I'm pretty confused.

Does anyone out there actually have one of the newer T Series? I'm looking at a 1770; for comparison purposes, I'm also looking at a Cub Cadet 2544. If you look at the specs (the ones that I can find...) the Cub has a shaft drive and a heavy transmission. 11 guage steel for deck and frame. Don't know what the Kubota has, but I like the idea of a Kawasaki engine. Since the prices are the same, I need to know the following:

- What are the "little things" that might make the Kubota better? Maybe there are big things too...

- What makes the Kubota stand out as a higher quality, longer life piece when put up against the heavier built shaft drive cubs.

Not trying to start a fight. I honestly want to know. If I had the scratch, I'd buy a GR 2000/2001 and be done with it. But I don't, so I need to make compromises. The 2544 looks pretty weel built and spec'ed. How does the Kubota stand up. I want something that will perform AND last !!!

Thanks !!!

PS: Only working about an 3/4 acre - for now. Its ALL grass and its THICK.
)

Here ya go... Specs for you...

thestumper · Jun 3, 2005

Thanks, but I'm looking for something more; subtle things that aren't apparent in spec sheets.

Anyone?

DmansPadge · Jun 3, 2005

Those two machines are quite a bit different. The Cub is more of a garden tractor and the Kubota more "just a lawnmower." The CC is more of a machine than the 1770... better for attachments. If I was buying one just to mow... I would want the Kubota. Why? Because it says "Kubota" on the side! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I've heard the suspension on the T series is provides a great ride. Reliability... Kubota hands down. The Cub's are great tractors as well.. it really depends on what you want to do with it.

slammer · Jun 3, 2005

( Thanks, but I'm looking for something more; subtle things that aren't apparent in spec sheets.

Anyone? )

My bad. Please excuse the interuption. Why don't you go test drive them both? They are both quality machines. Oh...how's this for subtle...the Kubota has shocks on the rear... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll wander along now...

MessickFarmEqu · Jun 3, 2005

Alright, I sell both of them side by side. Its a tough situation, because spec and feature wise Cub Cadet has it all over Kubota. Under the hood, the Kubota is a better built tractor. There is no way to prove that other than to tell you that our shop guys all prefer the orange and we see less QC issues. Kubota does not offer as much for the money, they know this, but they simply don't sell the volume of tractors to get the pricing down... the BX's are a steal for the $$, but you pay for the T's.... all comes down to volume.

I'm almost ashamed to say it, but if I had to buy one of these for myself I'd buy the el cheap o LT1000's. It gets you the most for the $$, the 2500's are a great step up, but for myself I just can't justify the cost. You can buy almost 2 LT1000's, when one breaks... buy another.

Freds · Jun 4, 2005

I dropped a sizeable chunk of change on a G2160 last year and I would like to mention some things I've noticed with it.
First, it has POWER out the wazoo (sp? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). That 60" deck will cut higher grass and without loss of power that my old B7500 never could. The turning radius is supertight, also. It's no ZT, but it seems like it almost pivots on the rear tires.

Now, on the other hand... it is the most uncomfortable lawn tractor I have ever used. The adjustable seat jiggles, something my dealer said could not be fixed, lest it loses the adjustable feature. I mean to say it really beats me up after sitting on it for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
Also, I don't know the models, but the neighbors on either side of me have the same type grass and look to our yards. One has a Cub Cadet and the otehr has a JD. We mow on the same day or within a day of each other and at the same height it appears. My lawn looks like a windrowed mess with tire tracks that last until the next tiime I mow. The flattened grass from the tires also does not get cut very well, evem though it is only the front tires rolling over the lawn before the deck.
I've tried different cutting patters, different overlap and my 'bota just doesn't produce the cut of the competitors even though I expect it cost quite a bit more. I've been waiting for an *answer* from the factory for two weeks because my dealer seems to be at a loss, but has seen the difference himself. Oh, the deck also had to have soomething replaced a couple times due to recall.

OK, this has nothing to do with your question about the T series, but I would seriously try out the different brands just as ernestly as if you were buying a bigger machine.
Don't get me wrong, I love my little 'bota, it's the red headed stepchild I never had /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

fishman · Jun 7, 2005

Do a search in the lawn and garden section and you will find a few threads on the T-series tractors. I own one, like it a lot, and have posted the details there. Sorry I don't have time to look it up right now, but I'm on vacation! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif