Comparison Another Kubota vs. Deere Quandary

[milemarker211]

HI Guys,
So i'm finally resolved to put down a deposit on a Kubota L2501 HST today, when I get a call from a john deere salesman asking if i'd seen the youtube video of the deere 3025E versus the Kubota L2501 [also HST]. Needless to say, I also get a price quote from him which very nearly matches that of the L2501. So of course I watch the video, which I realize is slanted toward the john deere point of view, but which makes some good points that seem to be in its favor. So, now I'm in a quandary but will itemize some comparisons and ask you guys what your thoughts are and which you would go with. [Btw, I'm buying tractor and FEL only and w. rear-filled tires]:

1. the deere 3025 has an oil-bathed wet clutch, whereas the Kubota 2501 has a dry clutch [the cable requiring adjusting every 100 hours]
2. the body/frame of the deere is "composite," whereas the kubota is sheet metal
3. the hydraulic flow rate of the deere is one gallon per minute greater than that of the Kubota
4. the deere has twin pedals for forward and reverse, whereas the Kubota is the front/rear single treadle
5. the detachable bucket on the deere is 60-inches, whereas the detachable bucket on the Kubota is 66-inches
6. the deere has a slightly narrower turning radius than the Kubota
7. the deere though weighs about 400 pounds 'less' than the Kubota
8. the deere has only 2-speed ranges, whereas the Kubota has 3
9. there appears to be far fewer possible attachments available for the deere than there are for the Kubota

So, as u can see, there are plusses and minuses for both, and tho it appears that there will be fewer routine maintenance issues [and less expensive parts] on the deere, I don't know if that's a significant difference, but considering that the deere dealer is 30 miles closer to me than the Kubota, that gives me more 'comfort' regarding those times when the tractor should be serviced by professionals, and the back-and-forth costs just might be significant.
In its favor tho, the Kubota 'appears' to me to be a more solidly built machine, but that might simply be a preferential prejudice on my part.

So, I'm curious as to how u guys would assess the 2. [In some ways, I wonder if the comparison is even fair on deere's part because whenever I see people considering the differences between an L2501 Kubota and a comparable deere, it's usually put up against a deere 3032e.]

I'm pretty sure I would be happy owning either one of these tractors but would love to hear what u guys have to say about the matter.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[TheMadOne]

1. the deere 3025 has an oil-bathed wet clutch, whereas the Kubota 2501 has a dry clutch [the cable requiring adjusting every 100 hours] Point Deere
2. the body/frame of the deere is "composite," whereas the kubota is sheet metal Neutral, Metal dents, plastic fades and cracks
3. the hydraulic flow rate of the deere is one gallon per minute greater than that of the Kubota Trick, the number's based on the total flow, steering and free oil for implements. Actual difference for implements is 0.15GPM, the rest is in the steering flow.
4. the deere has twin pedals for forward and reverse, whereas the Kubota is the front/rear single treadle Neutral, some people prefer one or the other. Try both before deciding.
5. the detachable bucket on the deere is 60-inches, whereas the detachable bucket on the Kubota is 66-inches Point Kubota. Easier to cover your track width with the extra 3ish inches on each side
6. the deere has a slightly narrower turning radius than the Kubota Point JD
7. the deere though weighs about 400 pounds 'less' than the Kubota Point Kubota. It's impossible to truly regain bare tractor weight, because it's structural and adds strength to the tractor.
8. the deere has only 2-speed ranges, whereas the Kubota has 3Point Kubota
9. there appears to be far fewer possible attachments available for the deere than there are for the Kubota Not true, anything you can hang on a Kubota you can do the same with a Deere, unless there's no SSQA option for the 3025.

JD 2
Kubota 3 or 4, depending on the SSQA availability on the 3025. And really, lack of SSQA support from the factory would be a big red flag for me. But there are adapter plates.

Plus a couple of things that you need to judge for yourself that could swing it back to JD.

 

[murph1]

3 speed trans for sure. Go with the Bota but either would work.

 

[kthompson]

Not the models you are looking at but bought a JD couple of years back and hit one of their videos comparing to Kubota and felt it was very slanted done by JD and let them know I felt that way. Ended up with the JD for I found their points were valid. Now that being said I have two Kubota and pleased with them. I just find some points on the JD have a different mind set such as pining the draw bar on JD is much easier than on the Kubota. By it self not a big deal. I do think Kubota is better on fuel than JD but do not have same hp in my Kubota as do the JD.

This is not a 100% valid way but look both up as used tractors for sale and see how the pricing holds there. I do like the thoughts of the 3 ranges over the 2.

 

[CobyRupert]

How can there be fewer attachments for one brand over the other?
Other than hydraulic flow capacities, I'd also look at lift capacities.
I like them green, but some say weight is a good indication of what your buying.
When I was comparing, the operation of the PTO was a big factor too. I wanted one with that has independent lever operated pto clutch. I think Deere has since gone to those pull-button electronic clutch type that slam in (hate them). Kubota back then had a 2-stage foot pedal clutch operated one (one stage was PTO clutch, all the way down was transmission) (hated that too).
Foldable ROPS were a factor too.
Are tire widths adjustable?

 

[CobyRupert]

Delete- Duplicate

 

[Bavarian]

As far as I know, on the JD 30xxe series, the loader won't come off. 3 speed hydro is another plus for orange. If you do a lot of loader work, you want the weight of the machine. If you put all this together, you may have to look at the R series in green.
Now you're in a different ballpark.

Good luck

 

[milemarker211]

Thx for replying and yes, the rear tires on both the Kubota and deere can be adjusted, but for both u need to buy spacers -- $300 for the Kubota, which will get u 2 extra inches each side -- didn't get a price for the deere but assume it would be similar.
Regarding SSQA question from another contributor, the Kubota loader complies but the deere has a separate method for removing the loader, tho there's probably an adapter available that will allow for SSQA, but that's one more headache and expense.
One other thing of note is that the Kubota has a minimum-rpm-requirements-zone indicated on the dash which means that when operating the hydraulics, it's best to be within that marked zone of required rpm's but, from what I hear, the deere's hydraulics aren't under the same constraints and can be operated at any rpm speed [that is, if I understood the explanation correctly].

 

[ovrszd]

As far as I know, on the JD 30xxe series, the loader won't come off.

Good luck

If this is true, Kubota wins overwhelmingly. Today a tractor that doesn't have a Quick Attach FEL shouldn't be produced and sold......

 

[BAP]

The clutch really isn't an issue, because they are both Hydrostatic drive, so the only time you use the clutch is engaging or disengaging the PTO.

 

[nybirdman]

One thing I have read about the L2501 is that it produces more HP than advertised.Two speed HST would not be my choice either.

 

[rScotty]

"milemarker211 wrote: .....when I get a call from a john deere salesman asking if i'd seen the youtube video of the deere 3025E versus the Kubota L2501 [also HST]. Needless to say, I also get a price quote from him which very nearly matches that of the L2501. So of course I watch the video, which I realize is slanted toward the john deere point of view, but which makes some good points that seem to be in its favor. So, now I'm in a quandary but will itemize some comparisons and ask you guys what your thoughts are and which you would go with. [Btw, I'm buying tractor and FEL only and w. rear-filled tires]"

Reading through that list of good points for both tractors from the video, I'm sort of surprised that it was sent out to you by Deere. Given the kind of use you seem to envisage, JD's response seems to be slanted towards favoring Kubota!! Either I'm imagining things or several of the other posters thought so too.
I mean...does it really make sense to talk about composite construction when the competition is using steel?

Both Deere and Kubota make darn good machines and you won't go wrong either way. We've got an old John Deere, a new John Deere, and one Kubota. All of them are keepers. Like a lot of old timers I grew up favoring JD, and ten years ago was on my way to buy a another JD when I stopped by the Kubota dealer just because I'd never looked at them..... and ended up buying the Kubota M59. FWIW, for your use I'd go Kubota - for the extra gearing if nothing else.
good luck,
rScotty

 

[mike69440]

3 speed trans for sure. Go with the Bota but either would work.

2 speed hydro is for putting around a yard. Kubota is a light tractor, If you take out 400 Lbs, watch out on a windy day, it may tip over.

 

[TheMadOne]

I mean...does it really make sense to talk about composite construction when the competition is using steel?

rScotty

JD is pushing the "composite" (plastic, call a spade a spade) angle as a feature for a while now. Supposedly the hood can stand up to more abuse without getting beat up. The clear solution is to not drop cr@p on your hood, but that seems to have escaped them somehow.

 

[s219]

To me, if you test drive/compare both tractors, it would be very hard to choose the Deere. My wife's family has a 3 series E model and it's been a fine tractor, but my Kubota L3200 (near twin of the L2501) is unquestionably better all the way around. All of this seems obvious to me when I compare and operate the two tractor's, and it wouldn't even be a close call if I was shopping them both.

 

[rScotty]

"Regarding SSQA question from another contributor, the Kubota loader complies but the deere has a separate method for removing the loader, tho there's probably an adapter available that will allow for SSQA, but that's one more headache and expense."


Are you saying that JD still has that unique bucket mount from decades past? Kubota's SSQA (and most of the rest of the world) all use a universal quick mount that will attach to anything that will fit onto a skidsteer machine. That's a whole world of options.

JD's used to have an odd bucket mount SSQA that required an adapter to use different FEL buckets. I haven't looked at their compacts for a few years now, but thought that was changed. If there is an adapter necessary and you go Deere, be sure to get the JD dealer to include it as part of the package - hopefully for gratis.

Another thing that I like to include in any deal is a shop manual for that specific model. Maybe even a promise of copies of any periodic updates. Dealers usually get those manuals at very good prices and they are expensive otherwise.

Yes, JD has always used a different type of hydraulic system (closed vs open) than most other tractors. In practice you probably won't notice much - if any - difference. Theoretically it is a point for JD - mostly in that the JD power steering should react steer more positve and quickly at very low rpm. But nothing is free; JD's hydraulics are more sophisticated and expensive as a result. I prefer the simpler style myself on any 20 to 100 hp tractor. For mowing or for a big excavator I'd prefer the JD hydraulic system.

Like most have said, both JD & Kubota are top of the line machines.
rScotty

 

[Grandad4]

One other thing of note is that the Kubota has a minimum-rpm-requirements-zone indicated on the dash which means that when operating the hydraulics, it's best to be within that marked zone of required rpm's but, from what I hear, the deere's hydraulics aren't under the same constraints and can be operated at any rpm speed [that is, if I understood the explanation correctly].

There's some sales blarney behind that claim. These two tractors have the same displacement engines (100 cu. in.), but the Kubota runs at a lower rated rpm (2,200), than the Yanmar in the Deere (2,400). The claim would be true if you were comparing subcompacts, where the baby Kubota famously needs to be revved, but it's a bogus claim with this or any other Kubota L model. Have to observe, though, that all of these modern diesel + hydraulic tractors, regardless of brand, are made to run with adequate hydraulic flow. Putt-putting around at idle is not healthy for any of them.

I'm partial to Kubota, having owned two of them for a long time (12+ years for each), with essentially no repairs and total reliability, but think there's a strong case to be made that the L2501 would be the more productive machine, owing to the 3 range HST, the removable loader and the greater weight. But your personal preference should prevail, not mine. If you just plain favor the green one, the dealer or the deal he offers, by all means follow your own instincts. The JD is a fine machine that would serve you well.

 

[MF283]

I'd get on both tractors & run them both to see which one fit's, feels easier to operate. If i'm not mistaken, the Deere has a faster speed even with the 2 speed tranny, over the 3 speed Bota.

I'm a Deere guy myself, have run a few Kubotas on another farm in the past, my conclusion, they're both tractors.

Ronnie

 

[Musdalen]

Last month I weighed the L3901 vs the 3039R (and E). The 3039R sits under my barn now. It was much closer to what I really wanted in the end and some of those features in the video matter to me as did a few other things.

Fortunately, you really can't go wrong here.

 

[Musdalen]

JD is pushing the "composite" (plastic, call a spade a spade) angle as a feature for a while now. Supposedly the hood can stand up to more abuse without getting beat up. The clear solution is to not drop cr@p on your hood, but that seems to have escaped them somehow.

Didn't take me an hour of owning my Deere before I had cr@p on my hood - literally horse cr@p and gravel. **** happens, especially when learning the controls for the first time, but it will happen again, I'm sure.

I'm pretty happy with the composite parts. They don't scrape up when I push a shovel or chainsaw up on the platform with me either.

None of this really figured in my choosing green over orange last month when I got mine, but I much prefer the operation of the Deere over the Kubota. Just more intuitive or whatever for me and the whole machine seems better put together (though that's very subjective).