Achenator,

People say the Kawasaki engine for the lawn and garden tractor lines is the best. You will see from the responses in this forum; plus, your Kabota dealer said as well.

As far as negotiating with a JD dealer, there is always room! JD has incentives through 10/2007 on the xseries. It is a good time to negotiate since the dealers want to move what they have left. Problem is, availability may not be as great this time of year. Better make a move!

Good luck.

I'm curious what you meant by "Are the Kubotas better even though they are smaller for the money?"

Are you referring to engine size? If you're looking for quality/longevity based on engine size, you're looking in the wrong area.

I've got the T1670 and have never had a problem with its "small" Kohler 15Hp engine. It will spin the tires or smoke the mower belt long before the engine bogs down.

I compared the numbers about 3-4 years ago and found the Kubota to be better and less money than the comparable JD model. I couldn't find a Simplicity dealer nearby and Cub Cadet was out for other reasons.

Yah I meant that the JD that is comparable in price to the t1570 is 17 hp and 42" as opposed to the t1570 that is 15hp and 40" cut. I am mainly worried about the construction of the deck and blade bearings. The kubota deck seems to be of a little tougher construction. The pulley covers are steel, as opposed to plastic on the HD x3-- series. Does anybody know if JD uses the same decks on the x3's and the LA's?

I think it's well known that Kubota is a notch above the rest. Why? they had to be to get there share of the high end market. Coming from nowhere 20 years ago and blasting pass all makes is not done by inferior products. Basiclly if boils down to brand faith JD's arn't bad but are no way the top of line when it comes to reliablity and quality. JD's are better equipped to go head to head with AYP and MTD brands and don't fair the same following with brands in there price range and level of competition.

I would test drive the both and get what I like rather than take anybody else word for it. If you engine wears out it's ususally not the engines fault IMO. I think 20 years is reasonable life for a air cooled engine, Kolher has a good following so if they failed early they would not have the brand followers they do. Kaw if not maintained will fail so the key is pre-ventive maintenance now matter what you buy.

rc,

You've got to be kidding: "I think it's well known that Kubota is a notch above the rest. Why? they had to be to get there share of the high end market. Coming from nowhere 20 years ago and blasting pass all makes is not done by inferior products. Basiclly if boils down to brand faith JD's arn't bad but are no way the top of line when it comes to reliablity and quality. JD's are better equipped to go head to head with AYP and MTD brands and don't fair the same following with brands in there price range and level of competition."

That is the silliest, unsupportable opinion expressed here in quite some time. I just hope your fingers got a little ahead of your thoughts when you posted it.

Cheers

JDFANATIC

If you're willing to spend the $ for a JD or Kubota you should also look at Simplicity and Cub Cadet. I think you'll find more capability for the same $

There is no local CC dealer. Maybe Simplicity. The Kubota dealer has done business with my father before I'd like to return the favor. I just like the size of the JD x320.

JD fanicy you have green eyed fever. take a pill

If you like the JD x320 buy it, it's your money and you'll be the one operating it. Maintance is the key to any machine lasting and if a neighbor giggles when he sees you waxing it, don't worry, he's just jealous!

rc,

Go ahead and bash. It will be the end of this forum.

In fact, when it goes down, you will find the other forums won't allow it -- as they should -- where will you post then?

Cheers

JDFANATIC

I cant say that one motor is better than the other, but from what people say the kawi is the choice.Maintenance is the key to any machine.The nice thing about the better quality products is that they are made to be maintenanced with grease fittings etc...When i shopped around i found kubota to be less expensive and as good if not better quality than deere.The jd vs kubota with almost the same stuff like 4wd, class 1 3 point with pto deck and bucket was $4000 dollars.Like what most say its your money, ride it and see what you like.

I'm certainly no authority but it seems as if Kubota's reputation is due to producing consistently good tractors. They do this by not outsourcing and having a clear concept of what they want to offer in the way of a more limited line. Comparing JD to Kubota is a little like apples and oranges. First of all, which JD are we talking about? JD produces a plethora of lines from box store offerings to top of the line tractors. To make matters worse they mix up their nomenclature (as has already been alluded to in this forum) so that it is hard for the uninitiated to figure out what quality of tractor they are buying. The best of both K and JD are comparable as far as I can see.

I don't see why comparing JD to Kubota is like apples and oranges. We are comparing lawn tractors, aren't we?

P.S., the JD's and Kubota's we're talking about are listed in the first line of the original post.

As for the "bashing", this is a love letter compared to other posts. None of those brought down the forum.

machiem,

Then look at the quality of posts here on GW over the last two years or so. Then look at the number of quality posters who have vacated. Then look at other forums and see where they have gone. I subject, that brand-bashing and the other off-color things that have gone on here are behind it.

If this is too hard to understand, then all I can say is see you on the other side.

Cheers

JDFANATIC

since no one has answered your question as to the deck issue, I'll take the plunge! The decks are different, size and gauge, also ease of taking it off the X series is easier. IMO the Kaw is a better engine. End result you would be investing your money wisely on the X series. Now just depends what you are mowing...Tranny differ's from 300 and the rest of the 300 series...K46 in the 300 and K58 in all the others. The rest is up to you...good luck!

as for bashing why is it bashing when I don't agree or think JD is the top of the line equipment especially the entry level X series. The JD crowd is eager to jump in and say AYP and MTDs are junk. Now would that be considered bashing?? I guess not by the JD crowd, but when I say there not top of line when compared to a equal brand it's a Bash. Did I say they were Junk and don't buy them???

I have an opinion and it not always in JD favor as the JD crowd always insists there machines are best. But IMO and this is my opinion and I can state MY opinion on any forum even this pro JD forum. Actually I thought I was quite polite and I usually don't post to which brand are better posts and try to stick to problem posts which is what a LT forum is about not which one should I buy.

JDs are finely compared to a even playing field so don't get all huffy when some of us don't say "BUY the JD" I said to test drive them and buy the one you like not by brand loyality. I have no interest in any LT brand on this forum but I also get try of hearing buy the JD the rest are junk.

AGAIN, I say test drive and read up on them then buy the one you like! After all it you dime not mine or the JD crowds.

I don't see the bashing either. What I do see is a forum that should be renamed the John Deere owners club. Or better yet, the low end John Deere owners mutual admiration society.

Fact is, if you're spending less than about $8-10K, on a feature by feature basis the JD offerings really aren't all that competitive. They're expensive and generally offer less than the competition for the same $ spent. Parts are also expensive as are dealer services.

Those points don't seem to ever be addressed though. It's almost comical. Are the people *really* that happy with their green purchases or just trying to rationalize them...

OK, you guys wanna fight with each other. Go for it. But I submit that there is a way of answering achenator's original ? without putting down each other's tractors. Enjoy.

OH BOY !....A "low end John Deere owners mutual admiration society" ... Where do we sign up , I think that's a great idea.

Ouch guys, You'd think i was pitting Ford and Chevy trucks against each other. LOL. I'll be back with some more questions. Thanks to all.

I dunno. I pulled up the specs on that Kubota T series tractor. Can't say that I was reading it and going 'WOW boy I sure got rooked on my JD purchase'.

This is a remarkably opinionated forum, as the above postings prove out. For every one that says Kubota owns JD, you'll find somebody spitting on the ground and saying there JD has lasted 2 generations.

Go w/ what specs out right for your price range. The rest is all huffing and puffing.

It seems that the Deere has several advantages over the Kubota. A twin cylinder Kawasaki would be smoother than a single. The turning radius - 16 vs 30 - is much tighter on the Deere. Plus you could get a bigger deck on the Deere - 48 vs 44. But yu should also sit on each machine and try them out. See if it is a good fit for you, legroom and operation is important. Give the pedal on the Kubota a try and see if it is something you could live with.

I think achenator's already given up! : )

rcmoser,

Im glad you decided to state this was now your opinion only and no longer as fact:

Posted by rcmoser (My Page) on Sat, Aug 25, 07 at 9:16

"I think it's well known that Kubota is a notch above the rest. Why? they had to be to get there share of the high end market. Coming from nowhere 20 years ago and blasting pass all makes is not done by inferior products. Basiclly if boils down to brand faith JD's arn't bad but are no way the top of line when it comes to reliablity and quality. JD's are better equipped to go head to head with AYP and MTD brands and don't fair the same following with brands in there price range and level of competition."

It looked like the OP was looking at very equal machines. No big mystery there they are basically identical, but personally not what I would look for in either brand.

Im glad you came to your senses with that blanket statement earlier - otherwise I would just have to dismiss you as another source of information that should be iqnored

I'm still here LOL. We had a t1400 already so i'm familiar with the size of the Kubota and the controls. Gonna go look again. Looking at the t1670 at $3300 and the JD x300 at $2799 and the x320 at $3999

achenator,

Then you have a tough skin. Test drive all the tractors, and when you get serious, on your own property if possible. Pay careful attention to ergonomics (ostensibly you will be living with this choice for some time), look at the dealership with an eye toward whether or not this is the dealership you would want to go to bat for you on a warranty or non-warranty claim. So often the decision should be about the dealership, rather than the tractor color.

Cheers

JDFANATIC

Im glad you decided to state this was now your opinion only and no longer as fact:

Well for me if a fact if I'm spending my dime, for those that can see Pass JD I keep it to my opinion.

rc,

Why continue to embarrass yourself? You opined that Kubota was a cut above the rest and that John Deere was better compared to MTD and AYP products. Those inflamatory and controversial statements should be enough to last you throughout the post. But no, you've got to keep at it. You told me to take a green pill. Nowhere in ANY of my posts have I mentioned the color green. Go back and read them. You've set yourself up out on a tottering cliff of assumptions. Meanwhile, the rest of us are here to aid the OP and not insert our opinions, especially unsuported ones.

Cheers

JDFANATIC

"Wise men speak when they have something to say - fools speak because they have to say something"

Plato - helluva long time ago

A Deere X320 is a $4000 mower. If the OP is willing to spend that much $ why wouldn't he be looking at the larger twin cylinder Kubota or Simplicity mowers to compare. I'd expect a t1570 or t1670 to come up short. They're over $1000 less cash...

I was more comparing the x300 w/ the t1570 and 1670. The x300 has a 2 cyl kawasaki at $2900 and the t1570 has a 1 cyl. kohler at the same price. I didn't compare the 1770 to the x320 only because the kubota dealer didn't have a 1770 in stock. The 1670 is $3350 and I guess the only thing JD has in price compareable to this is the x304. At that price point the JD has 4WS and 17 hp versus 15 hp on the kubota, at only $100 more for the JD. I'm a gadget person and I think the 4ws might be neat to have. Is the 4ws on the JD reliable?

achenator,

You could go on forever comparing specs and trying to figure out what model is the better match between competitors, but you have to realize, both manufacturers you have listed make great machines and have wide followings. The next step really is to start test driving the tractors and talking to the salesmen. Listen for consistencies -- or inconsistencies -- in what they suggest. Pay attention to ergonomics -- what's important to one person may not be to another. Look around the dealership, is it neat, organized, and cared for? Think, is this the dealer you would want to go to bat for you on a warranty or out-of-warranty issue?

Happy hunting!

Cheers

JDFANATIC

JDFANATIC is correct, especially the dealer aspects. A great machine with even minor problems will become a real PITA if the dealer won't stand behind it. Alternately, a lessor machine might work out just great with a good dealer to back it up.

Notice too that the machines are just enough different that direct comparisons are tough. Don't suppose they do that on purpose do you? In Marketing 101 I think they call that "differentiating your product from the competition"... ;)

For reference, I was in my local Kubota dealership in May 2007 and their price on the T1670 was $2900. There was a large sign sitting on the seat stating that price.

When I bought my T1670 3 years ago, it was $2800 before tax. At the time the closest JD model was the LX266 with a list price of $3700 and a dealer that wouldn't budge on price. for me, it was a no-brainer to save approx. $900.

The price you were quoted on the T1670 ($3350)is probably list price which you should never have to pay. As someone stated, the list price on the X320 is $4000 which I hope you don't intend to pay either.

now if I could get an x324 for $4000 i'd be all over that! Yeah i'm definatly gonna try to bargain. I don't usually put this much into buying cars LOL!! Then again I only keep those for 4 or so yrs.

Now lets not forget the 4 wheel steer is an expensive option
otherwise if not need the price will be close enough for the Deere -
Either way I would look at some Garden Tractors (from other brands)especially when the price is $4k and up - IMHO

Features
Welded Steel Frame
OHV Engines
16" Turning Radius
3.5 Gallon Fuel Cap.
Full-Pressure Lubrication with Oil Filter
1" to 4" Cutting Height
Quick Oil Change System
X38" & X42 Side Discharge Mowers
42M" Freedom Mulching Mower


X300-38"
17 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
X38" Mower

$2,999.00

X300-42"
17 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
X42"Mower

$2,999.00

X300-42M"
17 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
42M Mulching Mower

$3,199.00

X304-42"
17 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
4 Wheel Steer
X42"Mower

$3,699.00

X320-X48"
22 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
X48" Mower

$4,199.00

X324-X48"
22 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
4 Wheel Steer
X48" Mower

$4,699.00

X340-X54"
25 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
Hydrostatic Transmission
X54" Mower

$5,199.00

HALARIOUS, I see that the brand bashing is still in full swing.

Darn! I'm feeling guilty for liking my Conquest. Good reading though and interesting.

What's with all of the complaints about bashing?

Do you all come here to console each other and give group-hugs?

While it's unfortunate that there are disagreements on people's preferences of lawn care machinery, there's no need to complain about it.

If it's that upsetting, don't read it. If it's been bothering you for so long, stop coming here to read it. It's apparently a chronic problem (to you) and you should help yourself by staying away.

Well guys,

If that's what you want, I'll climb out of "your" sandbox. Have fun slinging sand.

Cheers

JDFANATIC

Please don't mis-interpret my comments.

I'm not asking you to leave and I don't want you to leave. However, I am asking that if something bothers you (or anyone else), stop reading it and move onto another topic.

P.S., I was told the same thing on the "other forum" a long time ago, so don't feel that you're alone. I took the advice and pretty much ignore things that are contrary to my beliefs and opinions.

having a difference of opinion is useful in that it presents differing points of view and is sometimes an opportunity to learn something. Brand bashing, name calling, insults are simply bad manners and impart no useful info.