Looking for a riding mower? Kubota offers lots of great mowers and lawn tractors to suit a variety of purposes. Everyone’s needs are different ranging between smaller mowers for less land, and larger, more powerful models that can do more than mowing. Choose the right mower, and you can use it in the spring with a lawn roller or in the winter with a front-mounted snowplow. Let’s talk about the different types of lawn tractors as well as a range of Kubota riding mowers to suit different purposes.
Types of Mowers
Before you buy a mower, analyze your needs. Options include traditional riding mowers and lawn tractors, zero turn mowers, and small tractors. Consider the following:
- How much grass do you have? If you have half an acre to mow, a small riding mower gets the job done faster and easier than a push mower. However, if you have a lot of acreage, you’ll probably want something larger that features a wider mower deck to speed the process.
- Is your lawn sloped? Slopes play a big part in the type of mower you’ll need. Zero turn mowers have a high center of gravity, which can make them unsafe on steep hills. Lawn tractors and compact tractors may be a better fit to mow those hills safely.
- Is your terrain packed with lots of obstacles? Lawns with lots of trees, landscaping and other obstacles mean lots of tight turns and lots of backing up to make sure you don’t miss anything. Zero turn mowers feature high maneuverability to make navigating obstacles easier.
- What else do you need besides mowing? For many homeowners, the only real need they have is mowing. If that’s the case, a riding mower will be the best fit. However, gardeners might be interested in lawn tractors that can pull wagons or tillers. People running a small farm may prefer a compact tractor that can not only mow, but use a rotary cutter, a front end loader, and other implements.
We’re mainly concerned about Kubota lawn tractors here, but understand that mowers break down into three types:
Riding Mowers
Riding mowers are the most popular type of mower for mid-sized yards. For most homeowners, these mowers will get the job done. They come standard with a mower deck. Deck widths will vary based on options selected and the size of the mower. Some riding mowers, particularly on the larger end, can be equipped with implements like yard rollers, grass sweepers, sprayers and wagons, making it a versatile tool that can handle any job the average homeowner may need to do.
Zero Turn Mowers
This is the mower of choice if you have a lot of grass to mow or a lot of tight turns and obstacles in your terrain. Traditional riding mowers feature front wheels that turn together when you turn the steering wheel. Zero-turn mowers turn on a dime using dual transmissions driving side wheels independently.
These mowers are typically speedy, averaging six to eight miles per hour compared to the three or four that a riding mower achieves, which lets you mow lots of grass quickly. That’s in addition to the fact that many zero turns offer large mowing decks. Kubota zero turn mowers range between 42 inches and 72 inches while Kubota lawn and garden tractors go between 42 and 54 inches.
The drawback to these mowers is that zero turn mowers can be dangerous on steep slopes. They have an increased risk of tipping, and because they don’t have a dedicated braking system—you have to pull back the levers to stop the mower—they can be difficult to stop if they start to slide. Here’s how some of the top Kubota zero turn mowers compare.
Compact and Subcompact Tractors
This is the ideal choice when you need a lot more than a mower. For many homeowners, though a compact or subcompact tractor is probably too much tractor. Kubota tractors come with a lot of options like choices between turf tires and tires for other uses, plus options for a front end loader. Since they feature three-point linkages and PTO drives on the rear, this means you can use a lot of different types of equipment, including box blades, rear driven mowers, post hole diggers, snow blowers, sweepers, tillers and more.
That’s what makes tractors ideal for hobby farms or homeowners with a lot of land to maintain. If you’re looking at several hundred feet of driveway that needs to be graded each year, or if you need an easier way to clean barn stalls or move earth than a wheelbarrow, these tractors will do it—and they’ll mow your lawn, too.
For the homeowner with an acre or two, remember that bigger the equipment, the harder it is to maneuver. Compact tractors need a larger area to make turns.
What Are The Top 5 Kubota Lawn Tractors?
If you’re looking for a new mower, Kubota a top brand to consider. They offer a lot of options, and they’re built tough. Accidents can happen when you’re mowing. Cheaper mowers don’t place as much emphasis on structural quality, which means the chances of something bending or part of the framework warping when you hit something goes up. Below are five of the best Kubota mowers out there, each ideal for different budgets and different needs.
Kubota T2090BR-42
This is a smaller riding mower, but with a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, it still has plenty of power. It has a lot of great features including a ductile cast iron front axle that will stand up to bumps and shocks whereas other mowers with weaker front axles are more likely to bend or break. Mower decks for this model range between 42 and 48 inches, which gives you a nice wide path for a riding mower. Other options are available, like a deluxe high back seat with armrest and suspension for extra comfort while you’re mowing. This lawn tractor also has optional attachments, including a front snow blade, snow blower and grass catcher.
Kubota T2290KW-42
Also a smaller mower, the Kubota T2290KW-42 is ideal for small to mid-sized yards. It has a 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine, which is a step up from the 20 HP engine in the T2090BR-42. It also adds a few features. Cruise control lets you set the right speed and go, and suspension beneath the seat makes the ride more comfortable. Mower deck sizes are available in 42 and 48 inches. As with other models, you can also get a front snow blade, snow blower and grass catcher for this lawn tractor.
Kubota T2290KWT-48
The Kubota T2290KWT-48 is a feature-rich riding mower. It has an updated dash that lets you monitor the mower’s systems and the 21.5 HP engine. This is a comfortable mower, too. Dual arm rests and a suspension seat prevent shocks when you go over bumps and give you a place to rest your arms. There is also a 12-volt power outlet and a slot for your phone so that you can charge while you mow. Available mower decks for this model come in 42-inch and 48-inch sizes.
Kubota GR2120
This heavy-duty mower is designed for small to mid-sized yards. It features a 21 HP engine and mower decks between 48 and 54 inches. While the horsepower is lower than other models, keep in mind that this is a powerful diesel engine. This mower is made with durable 10-gauge steel while the mower deck features a tough 5/16-inch U-frame platform. With the optional mulching kit, this mower breaks down grass clippings so that you don’t have to collect them—although a grass catcher is available, too. One of the things that sets this mower apart from others is the shaft drive PTO, which is a sturdy, low-maintenance improvement on belt-driven mower decks.
Kubota GR2020G
This mower offers several upgrades. It features a 5/16-inch U-frame platform that gives it enhanced durability. It also has a shaft-drive PTO to power the mower deck, which is a more durable, less maintenance intensive option compared to the belt drives that most riding mowers use. It’s a riding mower that has been designed for comfort with a high-backed seat, cruise control, and a step-through operator platform that makes it easier to get on and off the mower without bumping your shins.
With a 48-inch mower deck, and with Kubota’s Glide Steer technology, it features a tight turning radius that gives you professional results. Optional attachments include a front snow blade, snow blower and grass catcher.
Have questions about which is the best Kubota lawn tractor for you? Stop by our showroom or get in touch! We’ll be happy to help you pick the right fit.