JD5025 - Kubota 7040 - ?

[threeman]

Well some of you may remember my troubles with the TN and the dealer. I am convinced this tractor is doomed to be a lemon. One thing after another and for 38k its time to go from here. With that being said I am looking for another brand and both of the above tractors have dealers in the area.

What seems to be the one to go with? I like the operator functions of the Jd 5425 and 5525's. I think they would be a good tractor. What options are a must? I do not want the SL loader because of it being kinda bulky and hinders viewing. I do want 3rd remote on mid mount. Others? Any concerns?

On the Kubota the 7040 seems a bit lite. I have been in the 8540 but really the size scares me off a little. Concerned its a bit too big. My equipment is mostly 7' stuff except for the harrows that are 10' pulls. Really dont use them but 5 times a year so not that big of a deal. What options on the Kubota are a must? Do they offer a 3rd function remote on the mid mount? I do like the one button lift that NH has and JD has. That way you keep your lift settings, flip one button to raise and lower the attachment. Does kubota have this?

40 acre farm, 6 acre remote hay farm, another 20 acres in hay in other farm. mainly up keep on farms, some hay, moving hay, feeding, is main use.

 

[art]

We've found that you can make a light tractor heavier, the best part of it is you can add it where it will do the best for the job. You can't take heavy tractor and make it lighter!! The heavier tractor might also need ballast making it more cumbersome to move with the additional weight needed to offset loader.

The three point hitch adjustment on the Kubota is a good unit, simple and basically maintence free! Something a lot of people like over something that might have to be in the shop because of a simple short.

 

[gamble77]

The 5X25 series definatelly "more tractor" however that reflects in the price as well. The Deere controls are much nicer then the Kubota's...look around on the Deere forum there has been some real world customers who have recently purchased a 5X25 series Deere that came from Kubota's and they will sing their praises as well...good luck!

 

[Dargo]

I was in a similar situation and it was complete and total lack of support from Kubota corporate that drove me to JD. Every brand of tractors will have some sort of issue with a machine sometime. When I've had any issue with Kubota it has been a total nightmare getting anything done. My dealer appears to be the problem but he tells me that his hands are tied by Kubota. I then contact Kubota directly only to find that they are completely and totally unresponsive to consumer complaints. It feels as if Kubota has taken the stance that they have plenty of customers and, if you have a problem, you can just buzz off because they don't care to take the trouble to help you.

I told Kubota time and time again that even though I had a 7040 or 8540 picked out and ready to buy but was hesitant because they wouldn't make any move to help me with their own defective parts on machines I'd already purchased. They made it more than clear that they couldn't possibly care less, so I bought the JD machine. And, fortunately, I couldn't be happier. The JD cab is far larger and much superior to the Kubota cab. I really like the jump seat in my JD cab (not available in Kubota because their cabs are just too small). Imagine that, Kubota corporate drove me directly to JD and I now like JD so well I may never come back to Kubota. I had a small issue with my JD 5425 and the dealer and factory were all over it and went above and beyond the call of duty to take care of me. I couldn't be happier with my choice to buy John Deere over Kubota because of the way Kubota treats customers. Sorry Kubota, but I really don't think you have such a superior machine that you can tell your customers to just go pound sand when they have issues. I'm sure JD and other manufacturers thank you for your attitude.

 

[Builder]

I think the biggest difference between these 2 machines is price. The 2nd biggest difference is HP. The 5525 is over 90HP. The 5425 is over 80HP. The 7040 is only 67HP. So clearly, the 7040 is not really in the same power class as the 5525/5425.

The Deere is probably built a little heavier, but that can be rectified on the Kubota with cast wheels, suitcase weights, filled tires, etc. No japanese machine put side by side with an American machine will be heavier. It's not their way. They build everything with more conciousness about weight savings. If you look up the weights, the 7040 is 6175lbs. The 5425 is 6254lbs. A whopping 79lbs.

I kinda like Kubota's hydraulic self modulating pto clutch engagement over Deere's mecanical engagement and the multi-plate wet clutch over Deere's dry clutch. That way it's cooled by oil and lasts longer.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Kubota also has a true 8x8 left hand shuttle transmission compaerd to Deere's standard 9x3 without a standard left hand reverser.

I would have to guess you can get a new 7040 for ~$36,000. http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5379086&GUID=A8D9DFDCDA534670A064E5EFE94A5027

I can't imagine touching a 5425/5525 for under $44,000. http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5398988&GUID=A8D9DFDCDA534670A064E5EFE94A5027

If price was no object, I would buy everything made by Deere, but on this small construction company's budget, I would have to take the small shortcomings on the Kubota and pocket the $8,000 savings. Put that in a mutual fund account for 10 year lifespan of the tractor at the average 12% return and you'll have accrued enough interest to buy another new tractor.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Interesting replies! A John Deere dealer says buy John Deere-wow I didn't see that one coming. A disgruntled former Kubota owner thinks Kubota has pulled the wool over the rest of us Kubota owner's eyes. I've owned four different Kubota tractors over the last 15 years (still own two). I failed to notice that my dealer and Kubota "made it more than clear that they couldn't possibly care less" and "to just go pound sand" regarding my relationship with them. But I digress!

Threeman asked some legitimate questions and I suspect is looking for some informative answers. Builder appears to have addressed the weight issue. I also agree with his observation that if Kubota has a wet clutch reverser this would be superior to a dry clutch setup. In addition, the Kubota loader has the standard skidsteer quickattach available. Threeman states that he wants the third valve for the loader so I assume he will have multiple attachments for the FEL. A tractor/loader without the skidsteer quickattach would be a deal breaker for me. An $8,000 higher price would also be.

You are no novice to compact tractors. Kubota and John Deere have the largest marketshare when it comes to compact tractors. They earned this marketshare by being responsive to customers wants and needs, and producing high quality equipment. Like all of us they cannot please eveyone all the time. Put together a checklist of postives and negatives for both tractors, factor in a dealer who has a proven track record of satisfying it's customers, and buy the one that makes you feel good.

Good luck!

OrangeGuy

P.S. No response necessay from the two posters I gently picked on. I was once a dealer employee and can understand the desire to promote my product. I have also been disappointed in some products/services I have purchased in the past. Experience has taught me that venting to third parties has rarely produced successful results. Just MHO!

 

[Dargo]

ROFL!!!!! If having better support, a more powerful tractor, a nicer and larger cab and paying less for one tractor over another are not legitimate reasons to opt for one brand over another, I honestly have to say that I completely disagree with whatever blind brand loyalty reasoning you may have. I have zero brand loyalty. I buy what serves my needs the best and is the best buy for my money. And, who said that I no longer own any Kubota products; making me a "disgruntled former Kubota owner"?? You missed yet again in your post. And, if sharing facts on how someone was treated by a manufacturer is "venting" in your eyes; sorry for your luck.

And "addressing the weight issue"??? What weight issue?? That's really funny. That's almost as funny as thinking that JD doesn't have standard skid steer mounting available! Almost as funny as thinking my JD tractor has a dry clutch. You know, spreading misinformation doesn't really do anyone any good. I'd say "nice try" about the post, but it wasn't even really a very good try.

 

[keving]

I don't know a thing about the JDs but I do know that I'm very happy with my 7040. I have two rear remotes and one front remote. I also have the cast wheel weights. Great machine.

 

[gamble77]

Yeah I don't know why people get on here and post comments like all JD 5x25 tractors have "mechanical PTO engagement and a dry clutch"...guys if you don't know what you are talking about best to keep your voices down!!

 

[threeman]

Some things I take with a grain of salt, mostly opinions of folks on either side of the issue. Really just trying to figure out if I sould be pursuing one brand more so than the other. Tired of looking and calling.

I like the 8540/9540 tractors by Kubota alot. I have the switch on the NH that you flip to raise and lower your implement and that would be missed if I go Kubota. Other than that I would say probably be good move.

The deere gets all of the gadget awards. I like gadgets. The Ehitch works like a charm, so does the rear fender mount control for the 3pt, I also like a 3rd function remote with switch on the loader control and I havent seen that offered by kubota but maybe the make it.

I have never used either to do anything. Been on some Jd's but not the Kubotas for work that were similar. Another reason for me looking around. The TN I have is 2yrs old, nothing wrong with NH. I have just had it with the dealer and this particular tractor. Just goofy things going wrong and for 36k they shouldnt be. I am at the point where I dont trust the tractor and if something goes wrong I am always telling myself "i knew i should have got xxxx brand of tractor". So with that said I will look around to see what I can get.

 

[Builder]

Yeah I don't know why people get on here and post comments like all JD 5x25 tractors have "mechanical PTO engagement and a dry clutch"...guys if you don't know what you are talking about best to keep your voices down!!

Well, OK. I was just going off this competitive comparison where it clearly states Deere has a standard dry PTO clutch and Kubota has a standard wet clutch. Scroll down to page 8 and look at "Clutch type" Maybe Kubota is perjuring themselves to the general public?

http://www.kubota.com/f/products/M5040comps.pdf

 

[Builder]

The deere gets all of the gadget awards. I like gadgets. The Ehitch works like a charm, so does the rear fender mount control for the 3pt, I also like a 3rd function remote with switch on the loader control and I havent seen that offered by kubota but maybe the make it.

I also think the JD gets the award for the most gadgets, switches and features, but I think Kubota gives you all the drivetrain oriented features and quality of Deere for a lot lower price. I do think the Ehitch and fender mount 3pt switch is really cool, but the price to be paid is steep.

On the Kubota, the 3rd loader valve function (for a grapple bucket, snowplow, etc.) is a dealer installed option.

I just can't afford a (mostly) American made tractor with all those gadgets.

Another thing I like about Deere is resale value. Their 1yr old low hour used 5425's sell for more than a great deal on a new 7040.

 

[slowzuki]

I've looked at the two as well, they both make a good product. The JD's have a full range of builds like most other brands and often moving up a transmission option affects the pto clutch type.

I'm no fan of the base JD transmission but I'm told it is long lived and reliable. Its nice to have that option. If I recall they have two higher priced transmission options including a reverser like the Kubota. The base kubota's have a mechanical reverser and dry clutch too.

As for weight, the JD 5603 and that series are much lighter, actually lighter than the Kubota's. JD isn't really proud of that, you won't find it in the specs in the glossy sheet at the dealer. But the reality is that is great for some uses. If I drag a discbine around, I want the power to spin it, but it doesn't weigh any more than an old haybine that needed 35 hp to run it.

If you're plowing alot, your are not gonna be happy with the repair bills of overballasting your Kubota to pull an extra bottom to match the heavier machines drawbar pull.

Traditionally the Kubotas are better on fuel than a JD but I'm not sure if that is due to the lighter weight, the engines or what. Not sure it still applies with the new emissions stuff on everyones engines.

Check out your local dealer too, a terrible dealer will spoil a terrific tractor.

 

[Dargo]

Some things I take with a grain of salt, mostly opinions of folks on either side of the issue. Really just trying to figure out if I sould be pursuing one brand more so than the other. Tired of looking and calling.

FWIW, I still own 5, yes five, Kubota products. I obviously like their quality and their products. However, and that's a BIG however, I will not stay with any manufacturer who wipes their hands and is finished with their customers once they sell them a product. Fortunately I have not had issues with many Kubota products at all. I was just extremely disappointed in Kubota corporation when I did have problems and discovered that they have most definitely put customer service on the back burner.

I'd moved to Kubota many years ago when I wanted a cab in a CUT and JD said that "there is no market" for such an item. I then discovered that Kubota was once again leading the field in innovations and what was wanted and needed in the field. (If you look at history, Kubota pretty well single handedly developed the market, and dominated the market for 4X4 CUT and SCUT tractors) It is glaringly obvious that many other manufacturers have caught on to what "sells" Kubota and have responded accordingly. Take Kioti for example. When they first came out dealers popped up all over the place only to go out of business when their tractors had issues and the little roadside implement dealers were not able to service what they sold. Kioti has regrouped and not only come out with a very high quality tractor, but they seem to have made huge strides in weeding out the guys who stock one or two Kioti tractors along side their push mowers and string trimmers who have no shop.

Most other manufacturers have realized that there is in fact a HUGE market for CUT tractors not only with cabs but with high end equipment. I think JD is way ahead at this point with their cabs and things like their e-PTO. When I think about it, why should I have to run my tractor at max RPM to mow, bush hog etc. when half that RPM would suffice? Not only is it much quieter using the e-PTO setting, but it uses far less fuel. Once this old guy learned how to operate the e-hitch, I found that it is very useful and far more precise than the standard 3 pt. hitches I've used.

Just because I speak out about Kubota's poor customer service doesn't mean that I dislike their products or don't own any. Thinking as much is just plain making illogical conclusions. Personally, I feel it is extremely important not only to have a dealer who works well with you but also a manufacturer who works well with their dealers and customers. Kubota seems to have taken the attitude that their products are so superior that they shouldn't have any problems and are very ill equipped to handle problems when they occur. It disturbs me when a corporation builds it's own ego so much to think that they can cut way back on customer support because they have convinced themselves they don't need it. I've owned many different tractors over the past couple of decades or so. I haven't seen any manufacturer stay on top with "the best" product for any length of time. I speak not of what I've read or what I've heard, but what I've actually experienced when spending my own hard earned dollars. Furthermore, I'm very interested in hearing other people's experiences with tractors. I've long since quit being blindly loyal to any company and defending them at all costs when they have dropped the ball. You'll never see me use a screen name identifying me with one particular brand or color that I must defend. I call it like I see it; always have and always will.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Well, OK. I was just going off this competitive comparison where it clearly states Deere has a standard dry PTO clutch and Kubota has a standard wet clutch. Scroll down to page 8 and look at "Clutch type" Maybe Kubota is perjuring themselves to the general public?

http://www.kubota.com/f/products/M5040comps.pdf

The comparison is for the Deere 5X03 series which is an indian made economey tractor. The 5X25 Series is a better tractor which is really what probably should be compared feature wise to an M-Series.

Both are good tractors, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone with complaints about either. In my mind its a questions of if you think green paint is worth $8,000.

 

[tjkadar]

I owned the predecessor to the M7040, the M6800. I now own the JD 5425. I was happy with the Kubota, but the Kubota did not have a cab. When I started looking at tractors with cabs, the JD stood out. A JD with PowerRverser, eHitch, ePTO, MFWD, skidsteer quicktach, 3-midSVCs, and 2-rearSVCs is a great tractor.

Alas, mine does not have the eHitch, but I digress.

Now that I've run the JD for 35+ hours, I could not be happier. Pulling the same exact implements as the M6800, the JD completely and totally outworks the M6800. The hydraulics are much better than those on the M6800.

Yes, the JD is rated for more HP at the motor (81 vs 70.9), but at the PTO the difference is much less (61 vs 65). To me (this is opinion, not fact), the JD feels more refined than the Kubota. The ergonomics of the cab are better and the tractor 'fits' me better than the Orange one.

In my area, the JD does cost more than the Kubota. But then again it has more features. Both the Kubota M6800 and the JD 5425 are fine tractors. You can't really go wrong with either one. Matter of fact, if you want a killer deal on an open station M6800, I know where there is one.

If possible, I would demo both tractors as close to each other as possible. Pick the one that fits you from the dealer you like the most at the price that suits your wallet. Green or Orange doesn't really matter.... choose the tractor for what the tractor does for you.

I loved me Kubota but I love my JD even more. AC has a way of doing that.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

I've had my JD 5425 with cab and 542SL loader, 24x24 power reverser, E-hitch, buddy seat, 2 mid, 2 rear remotes, air seat since March 08. I have about 40 hours on it now. Number of problems or defects observed since delivery - 0.
Rating the options that I got - are they worth it:
Air seat - definitely
Universal skid steer QA - yes
EH PTO engagement (pull knob)- jury is still out on this one - kinda miss the lever where you could finesse the engagement. Economy PTO setting which is standard is GREAT. So far I have not needed to use the normal PTO setting.
rear wiper - yes
radio - yes
Buttons on rear fender to raise/lower hitch - yes
Power reverser - absolutely
24 x 24 trans - probably not, 12 x 12 would have been adequate for my needs. Fun to play with the buttons though.
The 20 percent boost in ground speed doesn't do much in "A" range or even the lower gears in "B" range.
I didn't opt for the 3rd SCR mid valve. Was expensive and I am unlikely to ever need it. Same with the 3rd rear remote.
Didn't go for the 5525 mainly due to the excessive premium to buy extra 10 hp, but wanted the 4.5L engine over the 3.0L 5 cyl.

Took awhile to get used to the tractor's higher center of gravity with the 700 lb cab and much higher seating position over the IH 454. Dealer sets wheel width slightly narrower than loader bucket width spec'ed.
I will probably have wheel track widened the first time it is back to the dealer for 100 hr service.

JD defininitely has the nicest, roomiest cab with the most powerful HVAC of the ones we tested, (you'd think Japan, South Korea didn't get hot! Kioti A/C was pretty useless) but I wish it had an articulated front wiper arm like the Kubota cab. Wipes a larger area of windshield more effectively.

 

[tjkadar]

Second for the air seat. I love mine!

 

[pitt_md]

I was in a similar situation and it was complete and total lack of support from Kubota corporate that drove me to JD. Every brand of tractors will have some sort of issue with a machine sometime. When I've had any issue with Kubota it has been a total nightmare getting anything done. My dealer appears to be the problem but he tells me that his hands are tied by Kubota. I then contact Kubota directly only to find that they are completely and totally unresponsive to consumer complaints. It feels as if Kubota has taken the stance that they have plenty of customers and, if you have a problem, you can just buzz off because they don't care to take the trouble to help you.

I told Kubota time and time again that even though I had a 7040 or 8540 picked out and ready to buy but was hesitant because they wouldn't make any move to help me with their own defective parts on machines I'd already purchased. They made it more than clear that they couldn't possibly care less, so I bought the JD machine. And, fortunately, I couldn't be happier. The JD cab is far larger and much superior to the Kubota cab. I really like the jump seat in my JD cab (not available in Kubota because their cabs are just too small). Imagine that, Kubota corporate drove me directly to JD and I now like JD so well I may never come back to Kubota. I had a small issue with my JD 5425 and the dealer and factory were all over it and went above and beyond the call of duty to take care of me. I couldn't be happier with my choice to buy John Deere over Kubota because of the way Kubota treats customers. Sorry Kubota, but I really don't think you have such a superior machine that you can tell your customers to just go pound sand when they have issues. I'm sure JD and other manufacturers thank you for your attitude.

I have a Kubota and I have not had any problems with it. I am curious as to what Kubota corporate is doing that made you choose JD? Nothing wrong with JD by any means. For me and the basic unit that I wanted they were just to expensive. Hope you have better luck with the JD.

 

[Dargo]

I have a Kubota and I have not had any problems with it. I am curious as to what Kubota corporate is doing that made you choose JD?

Obviously I like Kubota because I still have several. And, fortunately, it's pretty rare to have an issue with a Kubota product. Much to my dismay though, when I have had a couple of issues with my Kubota products that were still under warranty, Kubota has done nothing. In saying 'nothing', they haven't a clue how to fix one problem and have dragged their feet for over a year on fixing another issue. I honestly feel that Kubota is trying to stall me until I'm out of warranty and then tell me "too bad for your luck". With New Holland and JD anytime I've ever had an issue, not only the dealer is all over the issue but JD regional service managers are all over the problem as well. The Kubota regional service manager sends me to the dealer, the dealer tells me that Kubota has no fix (or hasn't given him authorization to replace the defective part) and I end up going back to Kubota who just sends me back to the dealer. Obviously I'm a bit tired of playing their game. I've had the dealer call Kubota on his speakerphone so I could hear that Kubota corporate isn't allowing him to do anything to fix a problem that they admit exists. So it's not like Kubota is saying that I don't have a problem, they just are doing nothing to fix the problem.

Even when there aren't many problems, such poor customer service by Kubota has caused me to spend my money for my newest tractor with a different manufacturer. I don't like having the feeling that, if something breaks, I could be out of service for many, many months.