Our verdict
The Kubota for buyers who want Japanese build quality at a price closer to a premium John Deere X-series. Kawasaki engine is the win — properly built, parts widely available, runs forever. No collection is the trade-off.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Kawasaki FR541V — pro-grade V-twin
- Cheapest Kubota T-series
- Hydrostatic drive standard
- Built like an agricultural Kubota
Cons
- Side-discharge only — no collection
- Heavier than typical domestic ride-ons
- Kubota dealer network thinner than JD
Full specs
| Type | Ride-on |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 102 cm |
| Engine / Power | Kawasaki FR541V V-twin 18HP |
| Weight | 245 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | — |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 100 dB |
Buying second-hand
£2200–3600 used. Kawasaki FR541V hours under 500 excellent. Test the hydrostatic drive in both directions — must be smooth. Kubota service stamps add value. Side-discharge chute should pivot cleanly without binding.
Where to buy the Kubota T1880
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Repair-cost reference
UK 2026 ballpark prices for the parts you're most likely to need on this mower. OEM is dealer-genuine; aftermarket is what you'll find on eBay or generic small-engine suppliers. Use these to sense-check any quote and to negotiate on used buys.
| Part / job | OEM | Aftermarket |
|---|---|---|
|
Replacement 102cm blade
Annual sharpening is free; replace when bent or cracked.
|
£24–£32 | £8–£12 |
|
Oil filter
|
£18 | £9 |
|
Air filter + pre-cleaner
|
£35 | £18 |
|
Spark plugs (pair)
|
£18 | £9 |
|
Deck spindle bearing
Replace if blade vibrates or the deck whines under load.
|
£48 each | £22 each |
|
Transaxle service (gear oil change)
Hydrostatic units need fresh fluid every 200 hours.
|
£60 dealer | £15 DIY |
|
12V starter battery
Generic 12V 18Ah lawn-tractor battery — fits most ride-ons.
|
£45 | £28 |
Fair-offer calculator
Tell us about a specific used listing for the Kubota T1880 you're looking at. We'll compute a fair offer range from our used-market data and the condition signals you provide.
Calculations are guidance, not gospel. Used-market prices vary by region (Scotland is typically 10–15% cheaper than the South-East), season (October cheapest, March most expensive), and seller motivation.
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