Okay i make this simple I'm down to two machines X300 John Deere or the T1880 Kubota. I have a two acre lot to clear and the terain bumpy in some areas. Both machine are similair in price in my area but I'm looking for which tractor will give the better ride, cut, power, and is more durable. Both tractors are great and i know i wont lose if i pick one or the other but which one is the better one
X300 John Deere or T1880 Kubota
- Thread starter pingadude
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crbr
Veteran Member
I have had both the Kubota product and 4 Deeres all in the line of the X300 (different model numbers). I will say this from my personal experience. I left green for orange due to the aspect of durability (or lack of on my last two Deeres). My last two Deeres wore out before I expected them to but a certain price range of equipment will only deliver a certain service life expectancy.
That said, the X300 has the Kawasaki engine which in my book is bullet-proof. It is a fine engine (both the 14 and the 17 HP engine). The X300 has the 17 HP. It will serve you well. Kubota as well has a good reputation for their engines.
The Kubota will serve you in the same manner from what I have seen from my B7800.
Your call my friend. Folks here are partial to their loyal colors. I like orange but I do indeed know from the past that the Kawasaki gas engine is reliable and trouble-free.
The Japanese embrace a management concept called Kaizen. For me, that is the line that seperates the two in my opinion.
Orange gets my vote.
ChuckinNH
Elite Member, R.I.P.
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I mow three plus acres on a regular basis that is pretty rough in places. I think both companies make good mowers, but there probably are some defining differences. Tire size, and seat quality affect ride the most so check those out carefully. Steering components really take a beating on rough ground so look carefully at both to see which has the more robust components. Look for grease fittings, or the lack of them also. Beyond those things I would look at how easy the mower deck, grass collector, and other attachments go on, and off, and how ruggedly they are built. Good luck with your shopping!
TigerfaninAR
Gold Member
I have the X300 on 1 acre with part of that fairly rocky. I've bumped around pretty good on it. I previously had a Troy Bilt that broke a U-joint (I think that's what it was called) because of the rough terrain. I've taken the x300 to our property and mowed about 2 acres of thigh high grass that the guy doing the bush hogging didn't do. Overall I really like it, its comfortable and will mow anything. That said, I like all the orange products and I'm sure that it's a good machine as well. With 2 acres if the pocket book could afford it I would look at the 320.
CHDinCT
Veteran Member
So who makes the Kubota gas engines? Do they make their own? I Thought they only made diesel engines.
AKfish
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- JD 5115M; JD 110 TLB; JD 4720; Ford 9N; JD X300R
I believe it's a Kohler engine. I'd go to the dealerships and sit in the seats and check the controls, layout, etc. Start 'em up and drive 'em. See which one fits you the best and which one is most easy to operate.
Either machine will do a very good job and they're both likely to last many years.
However, as an owner of a JD300R here's a few comments about mine -
A couple of things I'd like to see on my JD300R - 1.) differential lock for the rear wheels, 2.) a serviceable rear-end i.e.; able to drain and replace the lube, 3.) easier system to dismount the rear-bagger unit for use towing a trailer, aerator, roller, etc. (does not apply to the standard 300 machine with side discharge), 4.) more grease zerks.
Besides those cons; the machine has been a great machine. No problems mowing about 1.5 acres every 10 days - all summer. (Well, summer in Alaska is only 30 days... kidding; I mow about 4-4 1/2 months.)
Best of luck.
AKfish
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Anyone know if the T1880 has a hitch on it so I can add attachments ?
No three point hitch if thats what your talking about but a small 5/8" pull plate as part of the frame for pulling a small trailer, spreader, will even pull a 36" yard roller. This is the current bottom of the line gas model with a 18 HP kohler 617 lbs Hydrostat w/ 42" deck manual lift shock assisted lever. You can get a front blade, grass catcher, and the two stage snow blower if needed. Go orange with KCC financing.
