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I believe, not 100% sure but from what I've read, that they are all basically the same machine but the Kubota and the original Honda have an upgraded gearbox that should be more durable whereas the lawnflite still has the older style.
A knowledgeable dealer should be able to confirm for sure though. So I'd pick the Kubota as it's the same as the honda but cheaper.
The lawnflite has got the upgraded box on it now as well. So yes all about the same so take your pick probably the one with the closest dealer (I’d pick kubota or lawnflite as the Honda is bonkers money in comparison!)
A comment from someone that knows and has used these:
The Kubota handles and operating levers are differently designed to overcome the issue of people 'feathering the drive' on these dog clutch type gearboxes, which is the cause of premature drive failure.
The kubota employs an 'overcentre mechanism' whichmeans the drive is either engaged or disengaged, there is no inbetween. The handles are also different in that the rotostop is a full width lever instead of a palm held handle and the forward drive is on a lever forward of the main handle that is pulled back towards the operator to engage.
Takes some getting used to if you are used to the other type and vice versa.
I used a Lawnflite Pro for two seasons before the Kubota and it took a few days to adjust.
.Gearboxes.
There ARE different variants on the gearbox, regardless of what many may tell you- there are standard speed and 'hi speed'. The internals of the gearbox are different, the gear mesh pattern is different and the gear ratio is different.
The 'PRO' models are hi speed, which from memory is about 10-15% faster than standard speed due to more teeth on the crownwheel giving a faster roller speed.
All new machines will have the engine set to run slow for noise purposes anyway, once this is speeded up, a normal machine becomes faster and a 'PRO' (hi speed), goes as fast as you will want to go with it.
The gearboxes are not as fragile as people make out and are not a disposable item - the only wearing parts are the crown wheel and pinion, a small chain and a couple of bearings. Any decent mower shop should be able to rebuild them and no, it doesn't cost over £400!
If you are unlucky enough to have two destroyed bearings, a damaged roller shaft, a worn out pinion, crownwheel and chain then, yes a new gearbox may be the best bet, but 90% of the time it isn't needed.
A Kubota machine is made in the KAAZ factory anyway (which is stamped on the serial number label). The differences are in the handles, rear flap design (kubota is metal and a different shape), sundry cables and on some models, the exact type of engine fitted.
Anyone wanting a secondhand Kubota 21" pro for sensible money (bearing in mind the RRP is now £1300), we have one now surplus to requirements, done two seasons work, had major service last winter, unused since - serious enquiries to info@lawncarespalding.co.uk.
Cobra also produce a version of the same mower.