Comparison Another Kubota vs. Deere Quandary

[s219]

Having owned a Deere machine with metal hood, two Deere machines with plastic hoods, and two Kubotas with metal hoods, my preferences is definitely metal. I dropped a couple firewood rounds on my Kubota hood last year and it left small dents that I can live with. When I damaged one of my Deere plastic hoods about 10 years ago -- with far less impact -- pieces fell off and left jagged sharp edges on the rest of the hood. It was so sharp and jagged that I felt it was unsafe. The replacement part was fairly expensive.

I don't think the plastic would keep me from buying a Deere if it was truly the better tractor -- in fact, I bought one of their riding mowers last spring and it has a plastic hood -- but no question I like metal better. At least in my experience, the theoretical benefits of plastic don't really matter much.

 

[pmsmechanic]

For me there is no other option. I do not like treadle hst. Even the Deere two speed would be easier to put up with than a treadle hst.

Also on the SSQA. I don't believe that it's an extra adaptor. You take the Deere style adaptor off of the loader and then attach the SSQA one. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
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

FRAME??? of SHEET METAL?? Sheeeet.

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

Bigger is better.

6. the deere has a slightly narrower turning radius than the Kubota
7. the deere though weighs about 400 pounds 'less' than the Kubota

Usually we want MORE weight in tractors.

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.

The L2501 is a down graded larger tractor to take advantage of EPA regs. Take advantage of it.

Having owned a Deere machine with metal hood, two Deere machines with plastic hoods, and two Kubotas with metal hoods, my preferences is definitely metal. I dropped a couple firewood rounds on my Kubota hood last year and it left small dents that I can live with. When I damaged one of my Deere plastic hoods about 10 years ago -- with far less impact -- pieces fell off and left jagged sharp edges on the rest of the hood. It was so sharp and jagged that I felt it was unsafe. The replacement part was fairly expensive.

I don't think the plastic would keep me from buying a Deere if it was truly the better tractor -- in fact, I bought one of their riding mowers last spring and it has a plastic hood -- but no question I like metal better. At least in my experience, the theoretical benefits of plastic don't really matter much.

Don't have accidents!!
Truly a plastic hood that shatters is a dumb engineering mistake.

 

[beckmurph]

The loader on the 3025e is not removable. The L2501 loader is removeable.
John Deere's QA is not standard SSQA. L2501 is standard SSQA.
L2501 uses the BH77 backhoe, but no backhoe for the 3025e.

 

[ovrszd]

The loader on the 3025e is not removable. The L2501 loader is removeable.
John Deere's QA is not standard SSQA. L2501 is standard SSQA.
L2501 uses the BH77 backhoe, but no backhoe for the 3025e. &#55357;&#56836;

All those important to me.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I hate these videos. Deere really stretches the truth.

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] (only on the gear drive, no one buys that)
2. the body/frame of the deere is "composite," whereas the kubota is sheet metal (who ever thought plastic was better)
3. the hydraulic flow rate of the deere is one gallon per minute greater than that of the Kubota (woweeeeeeeee)
4. the deere has twin pedals for forward and reverse, whereas the Kubota is the front/rear single treadle (100% personal preference)
5. the detachable bucket on the deere is 60-inches, whereas the detachable bucket on the Kubota is 66-inches (the Kubota uses a skid loader coupler, you can put whatever bucket on you want)
6. the deere has a slightly narrower turning radius than the Kubota (untrue, they do this test with the loader on. THe Kubota loader is larger and longer. The turning radius of the tractors is very close)
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 (this is a big deal)
9. there appears to be far fewer possible attachments available for the deere than there are for the Kubota. (correct)

I have respect for many of Deere's tractors. But the economy 3000-series machines have a lot of serious flaws. Frankly, I much more legit comparison is to a Kubota B3350SU... the L2501 is a larger tractor.

 

[Musdalen]

Maybe you should compare a 30xxR to a the L series Kubotas. You seem to be ignoring them. After reading around here, I am somewhat surprised, sometimes that John Deere is still in existence.... :laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe you should compare a 30xxR to a the L series Kubotas. You seem to be ignoring them. After reading around here, I am somewhat surprised, sometimes that John Deere is still in existence.... :laughing:

I'm just guessing, that would be cost prohibitive.

 

[Musdalen]

I'm just guessing, that would be cost prohibitive.

Could well be. Personally, I notice a lot of angst here about 2 vs 3 speed trannies. So much so, that I got the 3 speed R series and I have yet to take it out of midrange. I suspect that 2 speeds would be just fine for lots and lots of people.

Will I really need to take the FEL off? I doubt it. But I can. Was it worth the money? Probably not.

I do like the faster hydraulic pump(s). I can already tell that I am working it hard, steering and lifting a lot at the same time. I would not want it to be any slower.

The SSQA is another such beast that I think is a bit oversold for a lot of us compact tractor buyers. At least that's how I decided to lay my wager. But everyone is different. More attachments for a Kubota sounds great. Don't need'em. There are many hundreds for the Deere, more than I could ever even imagine. I'm happy that they will have whatever I want, well into the future, and not just from Deere but most 3rd party attachment makers.

All in all, I'm happy, but I still wonder why all the downtrodding of the JDs, even the e series which really seems to get the boot around here.

 

[TheMadOne]

Could well be. Personally, I notice a lot of angst here about 2 vs 3 speed trannies. So much so, that I got the 3 speed R series and I have yet to take it out of midrange. I suspect that 2 speeds would be just fine for lots and lots of people.

Will I really need to take the FEL off? I doubt it. But I can. Was it worth the money? Probably not.

I do like the faster hydraulic pump(s). I can already tell that I am working it hard, steering and lifting a lot at the same time. I would not want it to be any slower.

The SSQA is another such beast that I think is a bit oversold for a lot of us compact tractor buyers. At least that's how I decided to lay my wager. But everyone is different. More attachments for a Kubota sounds great. Don't need'em. There are many hundreds for the Deere, more than I could ever even imagine. I'm happy that they will have whatever I want, well into the future, and not just from Deere but most 3rd party attachment makers.

All in all, I'm happy, but I still wonder why all the downtrodding of the JDs, even the e series which really seems to get the boot around here.

The 30XXE series units are priced similar to Kubota's standard L lineup, but are closer to the higher HP Bs when it comes to things like weight 3PT lift and loader lift. So it's hard to recommend going with what amounts to a step down in size while loosing features like SSQA and paying almost the same. The 30XXR units are actual tractors more suited to their HP, but come at a cost premium. Some people are willing to pay it for the green paint or really like their dealer, and that's fine.

 

[jd3046r]

The loader on the 3025e is not removable. The L2501 loader is removeable.
John Deere's QA is not standard SSQA. L2501 is standard SSQA.
L2501 uses the BH77 backhoe, but no backhoe for the 3025e. &#55357;&#56836;

The loader on the 'E' is removable, just not a quick detach with a parking stand. I normally just drop the bucket and leave the arms on, even with the quick detach loader feature on what I use now.

 

[TheGoose]

When I looked at tractors years ago I had to choose between the Kubota l3400 and the JD 3032e. Here is what swayed me to the Kubota:
I liked the metal hood and fenders better. Much more sturdy. Plastic belongs on kids toys, not my tractor.

The Kubota could have a backhoe attached. The Deere rear housing is aluminum, no back hoe availability.

The Kubota has 3 hydro speeds, Deere two.

The Kubota comes with a draw bar, Deere did not.

Kubota has real gauges, Deere did not.

Kubota had cruise control std, Deere did not. Was a $1000 option iicr.

Kubota loader was easily removable, Deere was not.

Kubota was the same price or slighty cheaper. It has served me well.

 

[Musdalen]

When I looked at tractors years ago I had to choose between the Kubota l3400 and the JD 3032e. Here is what swayed me to the Kubota:
I liked the metal hood and fenders better. Much more sturdy. Plastic belongs on kids toys, not my tractor.

Your choice - I disagree.

The Kubota could have a backhoe attached. The Deere rear housing is aluminum, no back hoe availability.

Wherever did you get that idea? Certainly, all I have to do is slap down the money and I can have my choice of several backhoes for it. The brochures all feature backhoe photos and rave about them. I don't know why anyone would even begin to suggest they can't have a backhoe.

How many folks here NEED or even WANT backhoes? Somehow this item gets pitched as though its indispensable like a front bucket on an FEL.

The Kubota has 3 hydro speeds, Deere two.

Depends on the Deere model. I have 3 but I don't know what to do with two of them. Stuff I have but don't need.

The Kubota comes with a draw bar, Deere did not.

Can I show you mine? Really? That's BS. I have a draw bar. 'Nuff said.

Kubota has real gauges, Deere did not.

See above.

Kubota had cruise control std, Deere did not. Was a $1000 option iicr.

Sadly, it came with mine though I know I'll never use it. Not even once.

Kubota loader was easily removable, Deere was not.

Depends on the model. I have yet to remove mine, but it's at least as easy to remove as the Kubota. I wonder if I ever will?
I think most new buyers hear this and they are thinking about the bucket being hard to remove on an e series - it's not. It is quick attach. Simple as pie.

Kubota was the same price or slighty cheaper. It has served me well.

That's all that counts. I'll keep my green tractor.

 

[rScotty]

L2501 uses the BH77 backhoe, but no backhoe for the 3025e.

Be careful with any 3 pt backhoe. Especially if the tractor has 3 pt draft control.
rScotty.

 

[moriboy]

I just bought an L3901 and looked very hard at the 3038E and 3039R JD before I went with Kubota. Here are a few more points to add to the discussion:

1) I did not like the loader "feel" on the JD machines. It was very difficult to lift and curl the bucket at the same time. I know there must be a sweet spot, but the loader valve on the Kubota was much smoother.

2) I did not like the location of the fuel bowl on the JD's. It's located just behind the front axle and hangs very low. I felt like it would be a liability for me since I am in the brush a lot.

3) I liked the PTO switch on the green tractors better. I don't like having to use the clutch on the Kubota.

4) The treddle vs. twin pedal made no difference to me. I would be happy with either one.

5) The SSQA attachment on the Kubota's makes more sense for me since I already have several FEL attachments. Yes, you can probably convert the JD to SSQA.

6) The 3038E loader can be removed, but its a chore when compared to the Kubota.

 

[DK35vince]

Your choice - I disagree.


Wherever did you get that idea? Certainly, all I have to do is slap down the money and I can have my choice of several backhoes for it. The brochures all feature backhoe photos and rave about them. I don't know why anyone would even begin to suggest they can't have a backhoe.

How many folks here NEED or even WANT backhoes? Somehow this item gets pitched as though its indispensable like a front bucket on an FEL.



Depends on the Deere model. I have 3 but I don't know what to do with two of them. Stuff I have but don't need.


Can I show you mine? Really? That's BS. I have a draw bar. 'Nuff said.



See above.


Sadly, it came with mine though I know I'll never use it. Not even once.



Depends on the model. I have yet to remove mine, but it's at least as easy to remove as the Kubota. I wonder if I ever will?
I think most new buyers hear this and they are thinking about the bucket being hard to remove on an e series - it's not. It is quick attach. Simple as pie.



That's all that counts. I'll keep my green tractor.

You have an R model, OP is discussing the E model. Big difference.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I bought green lol fell in love with the 4320 and am completely satisfied with it. BUT I looked at the 3038E and didn't like it, it just felt cheap which is what it is. In that defense so is the non grand L from bota. I liked the L4901 much better than the 3038E BUT. . . Lol the Kubota only was rated at 1050lbs on the loader so that knocked the Kubota out of the running for me, hay bales are much heavier than that.

The 1533 HST was the tractor I chose, lifts over 1500lbs on the loader and had more options than all the others for less money.

Between your choices

JD has 1189lb
Bota 1050lbs

I would have chose the JD over the Kubota in between the 3038E and L4901. Kubota was 3rd, Case and NH was too expensive

 

[TheGoose]

I should have made clear in my original post I have not researched these tractors for years. They don't even make my model anymore but I'm betting the lineup is similar. I was referring in general to the Deere "303xe series" to the Kubota L series.

If you are happy with your tractor that's all that counts.

One thing I didn't mention is the jerky 3pt on the kubota. Mine has it but it's a non issue for me.

 

[the old grind]

IMO this is a comparison where the Kubo wins big. I'm on my second Deere, geared and with a CI vs alum (E series?) rear end.

A treadle should only be a problem if your foot doesn't 'rock' easily from ball-down to heel-down when backing. I find the treadle esp more 'ergo' then. Say I'm using the LR and backing, or 'dozing' snow with a BBlade. My L knee might be layng across the center to get my old body twisted far enough. With my long legs on a CUT or SCUT there's barely room on the op platform for my RT foot at all, it's worst on the DX-26.

Another opinion I'm strong about is the number of HST ranges. I'm using my second 3-range (NHs), first 2-range (Case/IH) and only non-ZT single. (T-M) They couldn't be more equal-feeling in their lowest ranges, but the frustrating one is the 2-range where low always seems too low and high seem overly so, strains to budge a 2' x 4' lawn roller at all in high much less dream of working it. "HST needs three ranges" to be truly versatile! .. and to me this one is BIG!

Quality, value, and resale ... enjoying/working my second Deere and with only a Kubo 7hp tiller (BIL calls 'Cadillac') to my name can only say that ... I wouldn't buy either brand 'new' but would so 'used' as surely as I'd draw my next breath. This is where these brands are comparable and in general a tough choice, IMNSHO.

What O'szd said about SSQA in general. Have it or wish you did.

btw, I'll always favor getting 'PTO-speed' at 'lower' engine rpm. Some Deere/Yanmars are 'buzz' motors in my vernacular.
(>3K rpm? )

 

[Oldoak]

4. the deere has twin pedals for forward and reverse, whereas the Kubota is the front/rear single treadle

That, to me, is a major operator comfort issue. And why you should ask to drive them both before making a final decision.

Some people love Kubota's single pedal design, others hate it. Me, I love the two pedals for forward and reverse on my JD X758 GT. But on my Kubota L4200 GST the is no pedal for forward and reverse, so it is a non-issue.