John Deere 855d or Kubota 1100rtv

bsrfarms97 · Aug 5, 2014

hey everyone. im looking at either buying the jd 855d or kubota 1100rtv. whats some of your opinions on which you would go with. Im definitely going diesel because it would be heavy farm use everyday and diesel is already available where I have nothing except a lawnmower that uses gas and I dont want the headache of keeping gas cans around. the 2014 jd has the new power steering and seems to be abit better ride than what ive known from the kubotas. But then again kubotas have been proven alittle longer than the deeres. both dealerships are within a 30min drive and seem to have good Customer support at both dealerships. so give me some opinions. thanks.

vrmnthntr · Aug 5, 2014

I have a 2011 RTV 900 and it has been flawless. I love the hydraulic dump bed. Don't be anywhere in a hurry because it doesn't go as fast as the gator.

I test drove a gator before I purchased the Kubota and it definitely had better suspension and more pep.

The belt on the gator was making a minor whining noise and the salesman said that was because they just washed it and the drive belt was wet. I didn't care much for that.

I then told the salesman I was going to use it primarily for firewood and use it for work. He said the Kubota would suit me better.

The Kubota has a low ground clearance and bottoms out a lot.

I know of others that have the gator and they love it.

I can't comment on the cab but a neighbor bought a used 1100 a year ago and loves it. He said he saves so much money in fuel, wear, and tear on his truck just driving from field to field or his chicken house.

bsrfarms97 · Aug 5, 2014

Thats basically what ill use one for.. checking cattle, hauling feed to cattle every morning, building fence, moving empty hay and corn wagons around the farm, and hauling fire wood. im really trying to decide on which machine to get. Im sure both are great. I also have a handicapped mother that likes to still get around the farm so im thinking the deere might be alittle more easier ride for her.

coolnature · Aug 5, 2014

The 2014 Kubota RTV X models have a much better ride and more ground clearance than the previous models. I bought a new RTV X1120D about 2 months ago and like it thus far. I tried out a used RTV 1100 but the softer ride of the new 2014 X model blew it away. I looked at the Deere, Polaris and Kawasaki diesels and have nothing against them. For general farm work, I just thought the new 'boata would best suit my needs.

Kanook · Aug 6, 2014

My brother owns a Gator which he uses on his dairy farm hauling feed, hay bales etc and general chores. I own an older RTV900. We are like Ford vs Chev guys when it comes to arguing who owns the better machine. My personal opinion is that the bota is better suited to heavy hauling/lugging ..... my Bro would beg to differ...If ride comfort comes up, we both agree the Green machine is kinder to your derrier.

timswi · Aug 7, 2014

The main issue is whether you want the cab..If you do, you'll find that it is an absurdly expensive add-on to the other brands. That's why I have the 1100...I wanted something faster although I wanted the HVAC and cab more...I am in no way disappointed with my purchase nearly 5 years ago. Bought a Polaris 570 Touring to take care of my speed needs.

RoyJackson · Aug 8, 2014

I have an 855D...really nice UTV.
I can't compare it to the Kubota since I've never operated one.

The 855D has about 25 HP and is quite frugal with fuel.
For the tasks you describe:

That's basically what ill use one for.. checking cattle, hauling feed to cattle every morning, building fence, moving empty hay and corn wagons around the farm, and hauling fire wood.

I think it would do fine...maybe a bit leery about towing wagons (depending upon the weight of the wagon and topography of your property). I think the Gator would tow the wagons...not sure if it could stop the wagons (especially going down hill).

If you do go for the Gator, get the power steering and the roof. You can add other items (more lights, etc) as you think they're necessary. Due to the 25 HP, I'm not sure I'd want the full cab and AC...too much drain on the 25 HP engine.

bsrfarms97 · Aug 9, 2014

I wouldnt tow anything with much weight. Just a empty hay or empty gravity wagon whenever im moving them out of my way in a shed or or from one barn to another. Its main purpose would be hauling grain to cattle everyday. riding pastures checking bred cows and heifers.

art · Aug 9, 2014

The full hydro with the Kubota is more of a work machine with the hydro drive over a belt drive. We do have customers towing loaded hay wagons as well as other farm duties for thousands of hours.

Craig Durick · Jul 24, 2015

bsrfarms97 said:
hey everyone. im looking at either buying the jd 855d or kubota 1100rtv. whats some of your opinions on which you would go with. Im definitely going diesel because it would be heavy farm use everyday and diesel is already available where I have nothing except a lawnmower that uses gas and I dont want the headache of keeping gas cans around. the 2014 jd has the new power steering and seems to be abit better ride than what ive known from the kubotas. But then again kubotas have been proven alittle longer than the deeres. both dealerships are within a 30min drive and seem to have good Customer support at both dealerships. so give me some opinions. thanks.

I just want to give some feeback and experience with both diesel utility vehicles. We own 3 JD 855D's and 3 Kubota RTV 1100 diesel vehicles. These units are used daily in mining conditions pulling steep inclines and on very rough terrain. Hands down the John Deere has proven itself superior in power, suspension and maintenance requirements. The Kubota's are constant wheel bearing changes, u-joint changes (very expensive & brand specific) and tranny problems (mostly leaking hydraulic fluid). The Kubota's are godly slow and underpowered with very poor and brutal suspension. The one positive is they will not freewheel. The John Deere suspension is night and day better and the power is much better than the Kubota. All these units get used harder every day than any typical owner would use them on a farm or for general utilities but just wanted to put some real feedback out there for people or companies to use when shopping for UTV's particularly in the mining sector. Neither of these units are good for recreation as they are just too slow.