Kubota zero-turn lawnmowers are substantially more expensive than most other makes. Nevertheless, they are well-made and have many features which add to their value. Still, the question remains – are Kubota Zero turns worth the money?
Kubota Zero Turn lawnmowers cost up to 300% more than the equivalent models from other manufacturers. However, Kubota has a reputation for toughness and longevity. At the same time, they also have the most comfortable and supportive operator’s seat, making them worth the money for professional contractors.
For private users, the other manufacturers zero turn lawnmowers offer a compelling proposition, and it is these that we recommend. This article compares Kubota Zero turn products against those from three other manufacturers.
List Of The Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmower Series
The Kubota zero-turn lawnmowers fall into 8 categories (series) listed below.
| Zero-Turn Series | Engine Horsepower | Cutting Deck Size | Acreage Cut Per Hour | Fuel Type | Price Range |
| Z200 Series | 21.0 to 25.0 | 42 to 54 | 1 to 5+ acres | Gas | $5,924 to $8,947 |
| Z400-3 Series | 22.0 to 24.0 | 48 to 60 | 1 to 5+ acres | Gas | $9,489 to $11,504 |
| Z700-3 Series | 23.0 to 29.5 | 48 to 60 | 1 to 5+ acres | Gas | $13,955 to $18,651 |
| ZD1000-3 | 19.3 to 21.6 | 48 to 60 | 1 to 5+ acres | Diesel | $18,369 to $21,049 |
| ZD1200-3 | 24.8 hp | 60 to 72 | Plus 5 acres | Diesel | $23,134 to $24,914 |
| ZG200-3 Series | 21.1 to 26.0 hp | 48 to 60 | 1 to 5+ acres | Gas | $12,643 to $15,022 |
| ZG300-3 Series | 26.0 hp | 60 inches | 1 to 5+ acres | Gas | $16787 to $17,274 |
| SZ Series | 19.0 to 26.0 hp | 36 to 61 | 2.5 to 4.5 acres | Gas | $14,879 to $18,022 |
The Kubota lineup of zero-turn lawnmowers is extensive, meaning there is a suitable model for almost any application.
The downside is that these zero-turn lawnmowers are considerably more expensive than other equivalent machines.
This article compares the Kubota series against the following zero-turn lawnmower manufacturers.
- John Deere Series
- Cub Cadet
- Ryobi Range Of Electric Zero Turn Lawnmowers
How Do Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers Prices Compare?
The following list compares the Kubota zero-turn lawnmower models to the equivalent John Deer Zero Turn lawnmowers.
| Kubota Series | John Deere Series | Cub Cadet | Ryobi Range of Electric Zero-Turn Mowers |
| Z200 Series $5,924 to $8,947 | Z300 Series $3,199 to $3,699 | ZT1 Series $3.499 to $3,799 | 42″ 100 AH $4,999 |
| Z400-3 Series $9,489 to $11,504 | No equivalent model | ZTS Series $4,899 to $6,199 | 80v HP Brushless 54″ Lithium Electric $7,999 |
| Z700-3 Series $13,955 to $18,651 | Z500 Series $4,899 to $5,799 | Z-Force SX $5,899 to $6,399 | 54″ 115 AH Zero Turn Electric Riding Mower $5,499 |
| ZD1000-3 Series $18,369 to $21,049 | No equivalent model | No equivalent model | No equivalent model |
| ZD1200-3 Series $23,134 to $24,914 | No equivalent model | No equivalent model | No equivalent model |
| ZG20003 Series $12,643 to $15,022 | Z700 Series ZTrak $9,207 to $11,479 | ZT1 Series $3,699 to $5,899 | No equivalent model |
| ZG300-3 Series $16,787 to $17,274 | No equivalent model | ZTX Series $4,899 to $9,299 | No equivalent model |
| SZ Series $14,879 to $18,022 | No equivalent model | ZT 200 Series $4,699 to $5,299 | No equivalent model |
Whichever model range is being compared to John Deere, Cub Cadet, and the Ryobi Range Of Electric Zero Turn Lawnmowers, the Kubota machines are significantly more expensive.
The difference is up to 300% more expensive than the equivalent machines by the other manufacturers.
What Do Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers Offer?
There is no question that Kubota Zero Turn lawnmowers have an excellent reputation amongst professional landscapers for being durable and easy-to-use.
The question is whether they are three times as good as equivalent machines.
The early Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers suffered from significant build quality issues, which resulted in the brand developing a poor reputation.
The following features are superior to the other zero-turn lawnmowers in the same class.
Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers Have A Higher Top Speed
The Kubota range of zero-turn lawnmowers generally can travel at a higher top speed than other makes of Zero Turn Lawnmowers.
| Kubota | John Deere | Cub Cadet | Ryobi (Electric) | |
| Top Forward Speed | 8 to 11.2 mph | 7 to 10 mph | 7 to 7.5 mph | 8 mph |
| Top Reverse Speed | Up to 5.6 mph | Up to 4 mph | 3.5 to 3.75 mph | 8 mph |
Cutting at a higher speed enables larger areas to be cut quickly. It also enables faster transit times between cutting sections.
Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers Are Heavier Than Others
Although being heavier makes the Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers more difficult to lift and transport, it does make them more efficient cutting machines.
It means that Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers have better traction going up and down hills and mowing over the softer ground.
| Kubota | John Deere | Cub Cadet | Ryobi (Electric) | |
| Weight | 621 lbs to 1,984 lbs | 554 lb to 995 lbs | N/A | N/A |
Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers Warranty
Because the Kubota warranty also covers two years for commercial operators, this is the superior warranty.
| Kubota | John Deere | Cub Cadet | Ryobi (Electric) | |
| Warranty Period | 48 Months or 500 Hours | 48 Months or 500 Hours | 5 Years (if registered) | 5 Year |
| Frame Warranty | 48 Months or 500 Hours | 48 Months or 500 Hours | Lifetime Limited | 5 Year |
| Deck Shell Warranty | 48 Months or 500 Hours | 48 Months or 500 Hours | Lifetime Limited | 5 Year |
| Commercial Warranty | 24 Months | Nil | Nil | 90 Days |
Standard Features On The Zero Turn Lawnmowers
| Kubota | John Deere | Cub Cadet | Ryobi (Electric) | |
| Gas Tank Capacity | Up to 6 gallons (23I) | Up to 8 gallons | 3.5 gallons | N/A |
| Water Temperature Indicator | Yes | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled | N/A |
| Hour Meter | Yes | No | Optional | Comprehensive LCD Screen & Control Panel displaying runtime, battery life, cut speed, drive speed, and on/off headlights. |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | Fuel level sight line | Remaining Battery Life | |
| Headlights | No | LED Work Lights | LED Work Lights | LED Work Lights |
| Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) | Yes | On certain models | No | NO |
| Storage Compartment | No | Yes | No | No |
| Cup Holder | No | One Cup Holder | One Cup Holder | Two Cup Holders |
| Armrests | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmower Cutting Decks Are the Thickest
The steel used in manufacturing the Kubota cutting decks is almost 50% thicker than that used in the John Deere Zero Turn Lawnmowers.
This makes the Kubota Zero Turn Lawnmowers more durable and is why these machines are popular with commercial lawn contractors.
| Kubota | John Deere | Cub Cadet | Ryobi (Electric) | |
| Deck Steel | 0.16 inch steel | 12 gauge 0.105 inch steel | 11-Gauge Heavy Duty Steel | 10-Gauge Heavy Duty Steel |
Final Word
For a professional contractor, there is no question that Kubota zero-turn lawnmowers are worth the money.
However, for the private owner who is not going to use the lawnmower as extensively and, in all likelihood, will treat it more gently, the other models are more suitable.
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Sources
https://www.kubota.ca/products/Zero-Turn-Mowers
https://www.deere.com/en/mowers/zero-turn-mowers/
https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/riding-lawn-mowers/zero-turn-mowers
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/outdoor/mowers/riding-mowers