Grasshopper vs. Kubota: Which Zero-Turn Mower Is Right for You?
Kubota brings serious equipment pedigree to the zero-turn market, including diesel options and a strong dealer and financing network. Grasshopper is more specialized around the versatile front-mount mowing platform. This is how the two stack up.
At a glance
| Grasshopper | Kubota | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine options | Gas (broad range) | Gas and diesel |
| Dealer / finance | Dealer-based (find local dealer) | Strong dealer/finance network |
| Versatility / implements | All-season implement system | Mowing-focused |
| Best use | Specialized do-more mowing | Diesel torque, existing Kubota owners |
| Price range | $$$ premium | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Verify current terms | Verify current terms |
Where Kubota wins
Kubota's diesel options appeal to buyers who want longevity and torque for demanding work, and its dealer and financing network is a real strength, especially for owners already in the Kubota equipment ecosystem. It's a premium, well-supported brand.
Where Grasshopper wins
Kubota's lineup overlaps with its tractor and compact-equipment business, so its zero-turn focus is less concentrated. Grasshopper is built specifically around the versatile front-mount mowing platform and its all-season implement system, with a build geared to long ownership. That matters more in Illinois than in warmer states: with real winters across the state, from Chicago's lake-effect snow to downstate ice, a machine that swaps its deck for a snow thrower or dozer blade earns its keep twelve months a year, not four. For a buyer whose priority is a specialized, do-more mower, Grasshopper is more tailored.
Worth knowing if diesel is the draw: several Grasshopper, Gravely, and Scag diesel models actually run Kubota diesel engines. So if you like Kubota for its diesel, it's worth considering the diesel options from Grasshopper, Gravely, or Scag as well, you can get that Kubota engine in a more mowing-focused platform.
Who should choose which
Choose Kubota if diesel power, financing, or an existing Kubota relationship matter most. Choose Grasshopper if you want a specialized, versatile mowing platform.
Our verdict
Kubota is a premium, well-backed choice. For the versatility-and-longevity buyer, Grasshopper is our recommendation.
Leaning Grasshopper? See one in Illinois.
We're an independent resource, not a dealer, so we point you to the people who can help. Use the Grasshopper dealer locator to find an authorized local dealer near you. Your local dealer handles pricing, demos, parts, and service.
Interested in Kubota?
You can find an authorized Kubota dealer near you. We keep competitor links genuine because our recommendation of Grasshopper is based in facts, not preference. Compare for yourself and see.
Frequently asked questions
Does Grasshopper offer diesel like Kubota?
Kubota is known for diesel options with strong torque and longevity. Grasshopper's strength is its versatile front-mount platform and all-season implements rather than diesel specifically. If diesel is a must-have, verify Grasshopper's current engine offerings with the dealer; if versatility is the priority, Grasshopper leads.
Which has better financing in Illinois?
Kubota's dealer and financing network is a genuine strength, particularly for buyers already in the Kubota ecosystem. For Grasshopper, your local, authorized dealer can walk you through current financing and demo options; we don't sell or finance directly.