Kubota WG-Series Petrol V-Twin
Kubota's own petrol V-twin — fitted to the GR-series garden tractors
The story of this engine
Where most of Kubota's mower range runs on either Kawasaki petrol or Kubota diesel, the GR-series garden tractors use Kubota's own WG-series petrol V-twin. Built to the same standard as Kubota's diesels, the WG runs noticeably smoother than the Briggs Vanguard equivalent and lasts about 30% longer in domestic service. Less common than Kawasaki FS/FX, but the dealer network is identical.
Why owners like it
- Smoother running than equivalent Briggs Vanguard V-twin
- 1,500+ hour service horizon is realistic with annual oil change
- Same Kubota dealer network as the diesel range — parts continuity excellent
- Lower fuel consumption than equivalent-displacement Kawasaki FS
Where it falls short
- Less common than Kawasaki — fewer independent repairers familiar with it
- Kubota WG-specific parts are pricier than Briggs equivalents
- Limited to the Kubota GR-series — no aftermarket fitment options
- Diesel Kubota is the natural step-up — pulls owners away from the WG
Service intervals & costs
What this engine actually needs every year, and what it costs to keep alive.
| Interval | Task | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Every season (or 100 hours) | Oil change — Kubota 10W-30 or SAE 30 | £14 DIY / £65 dealer |
| Every 2 seasons | Oil filter | £12 OEM |
| Every 2 seasons | Air filter (paper + foam pre) | £28 OEM |
| Every 3 seasons | Spark plugs (twin) | £10 DIY |
What goes wrong, and when
Every engine family has predictable failures by age. Knowing what's coming saves money on used buys and makes negotiation easier.
Parts cost reference
UK 2026 prices — OEM (genuine) vs aftermarket. Generic parts work fine on consumables; stick to OEM on anything that affects timing or tolerance.
| Part | OEM | Aftermarket |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | £12 | £6 |
| Air filter set | £28 | £14 |
| Spark plug pair | £10 | £4 |
| Replacement engine (used 800hr) | £550 | — |
The right engine for an owner who specifically wants Kubota build quality at the GR-series price point. The Kawasaki FS does the same essential job and has wider familiarity in independent service shops. Pick the WG if you want everything-Kubota under the bonnet.
Mowers in our catalogue with this engine (2)
See every engine family
Side-by-side hub of all the engines we cover — Briggs, Honda, Kawasaki, Stiga, Loncin and more.