T2290 riding mowers, do they have locking differentials?

[Ciscoape]

I have posted this question on 2 other forums. But, I haven't been pointed to a definitive answer with info to back it up although a couple of people have tried.

I'm doing research before purchasing a riding lawn mower. In fact, I'm setup to buy a used 2020 this weekend.

I thought I read somewhere that the Kubota T2290KW-42 and T2290KWT-48 does have diff lock but I can't find that now. I thought maybe there would be someone on here that would know.


-TractorData.com does not list Kubota's the "newer" T2090/T2290KW models.
-Kubota's sales spec sheet on their website does not show the feature at all.
-GR2120 have full time 4WD, the BX's have a diff lock with a pedal. Neither list it on the spec sheet.
-Kubota's website pic's and videos don't show it or call it out does not show the feature at all.
-I also called two local dealers; one said yes the other didn't know.
-Kubota phone service was closed even though it was just 3:30 Grapevine, Texas time.
-I read on the the Hydro-Gear transmission manufacturers website that they make the T3HD both with and without diff lock. The Hydro-Gear G700 trans for the T2290KWT-48 does not state that it is or is not made with a diff lock at all.


Also, If I am buying used how can I easily tell if it has that feature or not?

Also Also, If there is a locking diff on them, how is it engaged?

Not many people seem to own these, the forums support the brand saying how quality they are but little is written about the T2290, The company goes home before I do, and they didn't have a phone line for technical support questions.

Maybe I should reconsider the purchase? I'm willing to learn/do the maintenance on whatever I buy but I have to rely on others to tell me how for some things because I'm not mechanically inclined.

That being said you guys do a good job on this forum and that is one reason I was willing to buy a Kubota.

 

[Fordtech86]

Well I don’t have an answer, only a question. Pardon my ignorance, why does one need a diff lock on a riding mower? If Im understanding your reasoning for inquiring about the diff lock.

 

[kubotafreak]

That would be useful if it does, especially on hills and turns. It would be a rare bird if it does. Are you sure it is not being confused with a HST lock lever? This would disengage the trans(or allow it to free flow fluid through the pump) allowing for pushing it around.

Going off the part diagram it appears to only have a hst bypass rod...

 

[Fordtech86]

That would be useful if it does, especially on hills and turns

How is a diff lock useful in turns?

I think the OP should provide info on their intended use for the machine as well.

 

[kubotafreak]

How is a diff lock useful in turns?

I think the OP should provide info on their intended use for the machine as well.

I have a kubota g2160, great heavy strong mower. I have a sloped yard with a tree at the end with about two feet of grass. I swear I do a small burnout every time I try to go around it. I have had to start going further out and making my turn on the paved drive instead. I would mow down hill, except the thing blows clippings 15ft into the street. Having had a bike, I don't allow myself to do that. Kind of a niche use, but I could see it being useful.

 

[Fordtech86]

I have a kubota g2160, great heavy strong mower. I have a sloped yard with a tree at the end with about two feet of grass. I swear I do a small burnout every time I try to go around it. I have had to start going further out and making my turn on the paved drive instead. I would mow down hill, except the thing blows clippings 15ft into the street. Having had a bike, I don't allow myself to do that. Kind of a niche use, but I could see it being useful.

Don’t doubt they are great mowers. Im just trying to understand the need for a diff lock on a riding mower like OP is inquiring about. Being they mentioned a GR series being awd and mentioned a BX, it just reads to me that the machine in question may not be the best choice for the intended use.

 

[Ciscoape]

Don’t doubt they are great mowers. Im just trying to understand the need for a diff lock on a riding mower like OP is inquiring about. Being they mentioned a GR series being awd and mentioned a BX, it just reads to me that the machine in question may not be the best choice for the intended use.

No harm in asking. I'm just mowing 3/4 acre of grass, on mostly flat grass and mud. I'm working on planting more grass. I'm just mowing with it.
But my dad had a couple of other late 80's craftsman 5 speed riding mowers that when you would have any tire slippage, where it just won't go forward, you could drop it into 4wd otherwise you got off and pushed it a bit out of that spot. If I'm buying a $5,000 tractor, I want that feature at that price point, my dads tractor didn't cost that in todays money. $2100 on a box store rig and I don't expect any frills. But I can see it now I'm going to be slipping on mud and I push it out of the way and just then my wife will see me and ask "why can't your new mower handle that my vacuum doesn't have floor it can't roll over".

In my pretty uneducated opinion I feel, even if both are taken care of, a Kawasaki FR651V 21.5HP will outlast a Kohler 7000 25HP. CC dropped the Kawasaki engines for 2022 or I'd probably be going with a XT2 GX54 D. I'm not ready to maintain a diesel mower yet like on the GR and even the gas one is to expensive for me. I don't care about color but I do care about value.

 

[Ciscoape]

That would be useful if it does, especially on hills and turns. It would be a rare bird if it does. Are you sure it is not being confused with a HST lock lever? This would disengage the trans(or allow it to free flow fluid through the pump) allowing for pushing it around.

Going off the part diagram it appears to only have a hst bypass rod...

View attachment 73749
View attachment 73750

After finding and reading the Owners Manual at manualslib.com there is no mention of a rear differential lock.

I do see where they discuss the HST and that was not what I was referencing, but thank you very much.
https://www.manualslib.com/brand/kubota/lawn-mower.html

 

[Fordtech86]

where it just won't go forward, you could drop it into 4wd otherwise you got off and pushed it a bit out of that spot.

a diff lock isn’t 4wd though. Im not trying to be rude, only trying to help. My experience on a riding mower is if one rear tire spins and gets stuck, locking both rear tires together would get it stuck deeper.

Maybe Im reading it wrong.

 

[kubotafreak]

I had a T series, two of them through the years. They are worse at slipping than my g2160. It is diesel, however it cost me no more to maintain than a Kawasaki. For the fuel economy alone, I like diesel mowers. If you can find a diesel model you would be happier because of the sheer weight. Diff lock on a mower and not a garden tractor are hard to come by. Don't forget about the weights/weight brackets, Kubota offers them for every model. From the sound of it, it really seems like you should buy a B series garden tractor with mid mount mower. It will be 4wd, but diesel... The GR series like the Deere x series are cool, but are very expensive to fix. I have a GR as well, and you wont slip, but the first time the rear axle, or clutch go out you will be rid of it.

 

[Ciscoape]

a diff lock isn’t 4wd though. Im not trying to be rude, only trying to help. My experience on a riding mower is if one rear tire spins and gets stuck, locking both rear tires together would get it stuck deeper.

Maybe Im reading it wrong.

I'm taking you as sincere and very helpful. I think you were reading my post right. I think maybe my experience with the 4wd is overshadowing what I think I would get with rear diff lock. I have the assumption in my head that 1 of the rear tires would be on something with traction while the other one is slipping, diff locking is super helpful when you need more grip.
I had two 4wd jeeps one with a rear diff lock (limited slip differential) and one without. The one without had sadly less capability to overcome obstacles or mud.
I don't claim to know how it works I just now that it does. I think it's the added tourqe not necessarily the front 2 wheels that are also doing work.

 

[Ciscoape]

I'm positive I have found the answer in the fact that it is not covered in the OM at all.

Thank you all for taking time to reply and so quickly too. IT truly makes me feel better about buying this brand. A few good forums, youtube, some manuals, and parts availability can go a long way.

 

[Fordtech86]

I had two 4wd jeeps one with a rear diff lock (limited slip differential) and one without. The one without had sadly less capability to overcome obstacles or mud.
I don't claim to know how it works I just now that it does. I think it's the added tourqe not necessarily the front 2 wheels that are also doing work.

without going into it I don’t think comparing a 4wd jeep to a 2wd mower is a fair comparison.

my wife will see me and ask "why can't your new mower handle that my vacuum doesn't have floor it can't roll over".

Going back through I think I found the most serious issue though. Think BX may be bare minimum, Kubotafreak probably has it right with the B though

heavier isn’t always better but R1s will dig through more mud

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

To summarize:
No, no diff lock on that model.

 

[Missouribound]

If you are just mowing, buy a zero turn.
Inherently they have dual wheel drive and are twice as fast as a tractor.
The tractor you are looking at, and probably 95% of tractors do NOT have locking differentials.
That would tear up the grass at every turn.
Now if you plan to do a lot of hauling and not mowing a tractor may be a better choice.
But for 3/4 of an acre you don't need a $5000 machine.....just my opinion.