Is a John Deere really worth 24% more that a Kubota

[TractorTYMe]

Here is the thing, you can swing a JD. DO IT. Like Kubota? Do IT. They do got name recognition and parts availability and dealer network going for them. I am a peasent and got a Korean tractor, which I like A LOT. 645h on it since 2020.

 

[rScotty]

I have one of each so some days and green and other days are orange. It works for me.

You have a Kubota BX25S and a John Deere1025R?
Then you might be the perfect owner to answer the OP's original question...

 

[scootr]

My good friend has a JD 3035 and I have a Kubota MX5200 we both love our tractors but I wouldn't trade...and that's just not a size thing. Owning a JD tractor is a lot like owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Been there. Done that. Personally I won't pay more for brand unless I am convinced I'm getting more. Had Porsche and BMW. A Honda goes the same places as many times or more

 

[Jstpssng]

I wonder what the OP decided, he hasn't been here since last June.

 

[KennyG]

I wonder what the OP decided, he hasn't been here since last June.

Maybe his wife made him buy a minivan.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Messicks did a video with a 1025R discussing axle weight ratings. He did it through orange colored glasses, but the somewhat scientific approach is colorblind.

I have not looked at this size of tractor so my buying insights are limited

This post is in direct response to the video, not @Sportsman762 !

Some of you know how I feel about lack of rear ballast for loader work (the rest are about to find out! ) ... I say "Shame in Niel!" Yes, I know ... I read all kinds of reports from new tractor owners, or soon to be tractor owners that there dealer never even suggested having rear weight on the three point to do loader work, Niel is a salesman ... Why isn't he and all the rest advocating and trying to sell a ballast box?

The biggest reason in that video WHY the front axles are OVERLOADED, is he has NO rear ballast!!! He needs to read the owners manual!

Here is a video showing that even filled rear tires, don't count as rear ballast!

Here is a screenshot from that video ...

Some, maybe even most will not agree with me ... But hear me out!

I believe that you should have as much weight on the three point as you want to lift with the loader ... Think about this ... Lots of these SCUT'S & CUT'S are available as as Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) ... While it's "possible" to add more weight on the backhoe, there is no factory option available ... So, I say "That's a good starting point of enough weight!"

Let's look at what a manual for a loader tells us . . . Yeah, I know lots of people don't read them ... Note my purple highlighted arrows!

Kubota uses a loader model numbering system to indicate who much it will lift in Kilograms (KG) ... Multiple by 2.2 to roughly get pounds ...

Notice the word "and"?

How much does the backhoe weigh? Yes, it list other rear attachments, that could be used as rear ballast, if your not planning on using the loader to full capacity ...

Notice how all the pictures/drawings show rear ballast?

Look at the lift capacity ...

To the OP ... If they come back ... I say you need to shop around ... They should be within $1000 of each other ... Sometimes you will see Kubota's cheaper than John Deere's, some times it's the other way around ... Different areas of the country have different promotions at different times ...

 

[outdoorsman123]

Is a Deere worth more than Kubota is something that is determined on what you want and what you're willing to spend. I haven't owned the smaller tractors but I have owned two Kubota utility and now a Deere utility sized tractor. The Kubotas are nice tractors, run nice, and are typically more refined for user comfort on the basic tractors.
The Kubotas are made lighter all around. They used to comment on lower impact to the ground with same horsepower. But that lost weight comes at a cost. The overall strength of the tractor is lower and capability is less. The loader functions are smoother on Kubota but lifting capacity is greater on a Deere, even if the specs are similar. Kubotas mark high on their specs and Deere goes low. A 70hp Deere with similar size and specs to a Kubota, the Deere is 1000 pounds heavier.
When I looked at the Deere 1025r vs similar Kubota for my beice, the Deere seemed also like it was build bugger and stronger.

But if you are using it more to cut lawn with only minor things on the yard, it may do everything you need and you'll save a bunch of money. I went Kubota my first two times as they were a better cost. I went Deere this time for more capability and I found a slightly used one for a good price.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I was looking for the most PTO HP, with the less than 5000 Lb weight, to pull a finish mower, as my trailer is limited to 5000 Lbs, and I don't want to buy a higher rated trailer, as that would also mean buying a bigger truck ... Not worth it to me ... So the lighter Kubota Grand L did the trick for me ...

So it really depends on what the use will be, I don't even have a loader on my Kubota, less weight, so lift capacity isn't important to me ...

 

[CalG]

After looking at SCUT tractors that better fit my needs than my current Mahindra, it came down to the JD 1025R with backhoe and the BX23S which is standard with the backhoe.

I have had a local JD dealer price me a 1025R with backhoe and 60" 7-Iron MMM.

I also had a local Kubota dealer price me a BX23S and a 60" MMM. (Admittedly this is not drive-over like the JD quote. The MSRP of the drive over Kubota is about $700 more than the one I was quoted).

Assuming I use the 0% for 84 month financing, the price for the JD tractor + MMM is 24% more than the price for the BX23S.

Really? Is the JD really worth that much more? Except for the mower differences, these are two machines equipped the same. There are no add-ons or extended warranties on either of these two units.

The only tractor that I have owned has been my current Mahindra so I have no bias towards either of these two brands. Both of the dealers are the same distance from me.

I welcome your opinions on this.

Thanks

Martin

comes down to dealer service (if expected)
I run a Hurlimann,, No dealers anywhere close. Great tractor , better than either of your reference machines..

 

[sd455dan]

Well I guess you're right, considering the vast majority of HST tractors are only lightly used. I was thinking of mowing for 10 hrs a day, plowing for 6-8 hrs/day, etc.
I keep forgetting HST tractors, IMO are kinda like Tonka toys for adults.

Man would I like one of these newer 155 HP at the PTO Tonka Toy 3 range hydrostat Tractors.

 

[JRH02]

Is a Deere worth more than Kubota is something that is determined on what you want and what you're willing to spend. I haven't owned the smaller tractors but I have owned two Kubota utility and now a Deere utility sized tractor. The Kubotas are nice tractors, run nice, and are typically more refined for user comfort on the basic tractors.
The Kubotas are made lighter all around. They used to comment on lower impact to the ground with same horsepower. But that lost weight comes at a cost. The overall strength of the tractor is lower and capability is less. The loader functions are smoother on Kubota but lifting capacity is greater on a Deere, even if the specs are similar. Kubotas mark high on their specs and Deere goes low. A 70hp Deere with similar size and specs to a Kubota, the Deere is 1000 pounds heavier.
When I looked at the Deere 1025r vs similar Kubota for my beice, the Deere seemed also like it was build bugger and stronger.

But if you are using it more to cut lawn with only minor things on the yard, it may do everything you need and you'll save a bunch of money. I went Kubota my first two times as they were a better cost. I went Deere this time for more capability and I found a slightly used one for a good price.

This is really well stated. Although I don't have a small JD it fits. If anyone can dispute the above post I'd like to read it.

 

[thebmrust]

In the four pages thus far, nobody said absolutely “YES” the JD is 24% worth/more/better than Kubota.

Therefore we can surmise, that NO, JD is not worth the 24% price difference.

Edit: has anyone seen the OP? Did he get a JD or nah?

 

[scootr]

This is really well stated. Although I don't have a small JD it fits. If anyone can dispute the above post I'd like to read it.

Note here the poster praised the JD over the Kubota but only after acquiring said JD at a reduced used price which says to me ...no, it's not worth the extra money.

 

[Torvy]

One problem in the OP's area (and many others) is competition. The JD dealers are all part of a huge network of dealers. You aren't going to be able to get a better deal from a different JD dealer because there aren't any.

I live in the same general area of TX as the OP. The Kubota dealers tend to be independent or small groups of 2-3 dealers in this area. The internal competition has the effect of lowering prices somewhat.

As many of us have discussed elsewhere, with both of these brands you are paying a premium for the paint and the reputation, deserved or not.

 

[litework]

In the four pages thus far, nobody said absolutely “YES” the JD is 24% worth/more/better than Kubota.

Therefore we can surmise, that NO, JD is not worth the 24% price difference.

Edit: has anyone seen the OP? Did he get a JD or nah?

The OP lists "Kubota BX23S" as his tractor. I came to the party late. Maybe he always had a BX

 

[dodge man]

Something I hadn’t really thought about but I bought a Kubota BX2350 about 15 years ago and about 7 years ago bought a JD 2025r. A 2025r is the next size up from a 1025r. I didn’t pay double for the JD but about 80% more. So to me it was worth it. It’s tough to say it was 80% more because of the fact I would have paid quite a bit more for a new BX 7 years ago compared to the first one I had.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

In the four pages thus far, nobody said absolutely “YES” the JD is 24% worth/more/better than Kubota.

Therefore we can surmise, that NO, JD is not worth the 24% price difference.

Edit: has anyone seen the OP? Did he get a JD or nah?

While he never posted the actual quoted numbers in the OP ... My question would be how good is his math? Or maybe it was a simply a typo with the decimal in the wrong spot?

Later he said the BX was $24K plus $2500 for the mmm, so using his math the JD would be $32,860, which is about what another poster said his local dealer had, and the BX was very similar ... So either the Kubota salesman had a killer deal going on, or maybe it was a 3 year old left over lot queen, or maybe a demo unit?

To me I wouldn't pay 24% more for the green paint alone ... But the videos from Tractor Time With Tim show that while they are both SCUTS, but far from equal, each has there own pluses ... Bigger is not always better, but the JD is bigger and stronger in most area, so makes sense it would be more expensive, but shouldn't be 24%, usually they are $1K plus or minus of each other ...

 

[outdoorsman123]

Note here the poster praised the JD over the Kubota but only after acquiring said JD at a reduced used price which says to me ...no, it's not worth the extra money.

Note here the poster praised the JD over the Kubota but only after acquiring said JD at a reduced used price which says to me ...no, it's not worth the extra money.

Note here the poster praised the JD over the Kubota but only after acquiring said JD at a reduced used price which says to me ...no, it's not worth the extra money.

I disagree, that is not what I said I implied. I could have gotten a new Kubota but I decided to get a used Deere instead. Price is always a factor, but I chose the Deere for price and because it has more capacity, and is built stronger.
Saying no or yes to whether it's worth the extra cost without a full comparison between both brands and models with similar real life experience feedback is misleading.
If I had the money, I would have paid the 24% more for the new Deere or I'd go with the larger Kubota, but the next size is too large.
My last two tractors were both Kubota. I looked away from Deere because of the price . My last Kubota would not perform as good as the spec said it would while the Deere does. So this time I looked closer at the tractors and researched. I checked the build and tested to compare. And we'll see if I made a good choice in time.

When looking at Kubota vs Deere, you have to look beyond the price difference and the thought of the two being equal, as they are not. When comparing similar horsepower tractors, they typically aren't equal outside basic specs. In my case, both are 70hp, similar exterior dimensions, and functions. Capacity is close on paper but not in reality. The Kubota is more user refined, very nice tractor, but the Deere is built stronger on the frame, axles, and loader. Kubota saves money for more reasons than paint color and build location.
I noticed the same in the bx and 1023 or 2025 from JD.

Is it worth the extra cost, again, it depends. Depends on your budget and use case. I loved my Kubotas and may buy another one day, but they were not without issues, neither is Deere, no brand is.

If your use case fits the Kubota, save the money. If you need something more, then look at a larger Kubota or the Deere.

 

[Paystar]

After looking at SCUT tractors that better fit my needs than my current Mahindra, it came down to the JD 1025R with backhoe and the BX23S which is standard with the backhoe.

I have had a local JD dealer price me a 1025R with backhoe and 60" 7-Iron MMM.

I also had a local Kubota dealer price me a BX23S and a 60" MMM. (Admittedly this is not drive-over like the JD quote. The MSRP of the drive over Kubota is about $700 more than the one I was quoted).

Assuming I use the 0% for 84 month financing, the price for the JD tractor + MMM is 24% more than the price for the BX23S.

Really? Is the JD really worth that much more? Except for the mower differences, these are two machines equipped the same. There are no add-ons or extended warranties on either of these two units.

The only tractor that I have owned has been my current Mahindra so I have no bias towards either of these two brands. Both of the dealers are the same distance from me.

I welcome your opinions on this.

Thanks

Martin

Shop around because my dealer is both Kubota and Deere and one year Kubota's are cheaper, next Deere's are cheaper.

 

[LightningCamaroGuy]

No, when comparing competitive models a Deere is not worth 24% more than a Kubota. Some people might be more bias to Kubota, and feel that it's the better value. If you take brand bias out the equation is a Stihl saw worth any more than a competitive Husqvarna saw? Is a Silverado 1500 LTZ worth more than a competitive F150 Lariat? Is a ***** worth more than a competitive ***? Maybe, maybe not, but without bias you have to weigh, features, specs, and figure out which you prefer when testing out both. Generally speaking when talking brands as established in their respective industries as much as Deere and Kubota are in the compact and utility tractor markets, either choice will work just fine, and they're usually selling products that are very competitive with their competitors equivalent models. Most people I know with either brand are very happy with that brand, with a few exceptions.

With that said, bias's, brand loyalty, and brand recognition are factors. Personally I haven't seen the JD tax in my area that most claim to see. If I cross shopping competitive models of Deere against other established brands in my area like Kubota, MF, NH, CIH, etc then they all usually come with prices that are pretty close to one another. Don't get me wrong there are online prices listed way high on any model JD, but when I ask my local dealers for quotes is usually withing a few hundred dollars of their competition price, and sometime the Deere's actually the lower price. When I've looked at less established brands, with smaller dealer networks, with competitive models, that should come with lower prices to incentivize buyers away from the established brands, rarely do I see enough of a costs saving to make me want to consider them over a Deere or Kubota. Especially when considering the dealer network in my area. I've got 5-6 JD and Kubota dealerships closer to me than the nearest KIOTI, LS, TYM, etc. (At least that I know of.) Their is a Deutz Fahr dealer fairly close, but that's a Linder dealer that sells Komatsu industrial equipment, that over the last year or so has had a new Deutz Fahr or 2 Ag Tractors parked out in front of their business, but they'll also be happy to get you a Kubota. There's several closer Deere and Kubota dealerships to me before my nearest CIH dealer, and since Fairfield Tractor closed over 2 decades ago my nearest NH dealer that I know of is in Aiken, well over an hour drive for me. Nearest MF dealer is an honest 45 minutes for me on the other side of Columbia. Similar with the Mahindra dealers I know of. So for me unless it's a substantial cost saving going with another brand, the JD and Kubota are my best, and most convenient options. They're just the players with the most name recognition in the game, with the largest and usually most established dealership support setups, and are going to get the most sales unless the other brands are willing to undercut their prices enough to incentivize consumers to try something other than what they're used to, and potentially have to travel farther to cater to that newer brand, and trust that they'll be there in the future. This isn't me knocking any brand as being bad or anything, or saying that people shouldn't buy other brands just recognizing truths about what people consider when investing in a new expensive tractor.