John Deere vs Kubota

[40Kchicks]

I’m sure glad my tractor has turning brakes. I use my Kubota M9000 to clean my poultry barns by pulling a machine that tills, lifts, and separates the good bedding (litter) from the bad litter which is called cake. It’s about the size of a manure spreader. One barn is 40’ wide so I have to get on the turning brakes to turn the tractor and litter machine around inside the building. They also come in handy when hooking up implements.

Eric

 

[IslandTractor]

Interesting, I was thinking only of outdoor activities but you have a good point that manuverability in tight spaces, not just at the end of a field is also important. Learn somethin every day on this forum. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JerryG]

I plow quiet a bit, but use my turning brakes more for getting into and out of tight places.

 

[daTeacha]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ....that ... lifts, and separates .... )</font>

What is it called? That sounds like an old ad for one brand of a woman's underwear. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[riptides]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Don't most folks plow with 4wd and have sufficient weight on the front to keep the tires in contact with the road? )</font>

Nope, my B7800 has more power and lift ability than weight. I notice it alot when backdragging trying to smooth surfaces out.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tposts]

<font color="blue"> That sounds like an old ad for one brand of a woman's underwear </font>

LOL /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JasonMac]

Turn Brakes also help you make slight adjustments while you are rototilling. Say if your rototiller is half buried in semi-wet loose topsoil and as you pulling your tiller, and it goes off course just a little bit. Hold one of the two brakes down and it will straighten the tractor out for you much better than your primary steering would, because of the loose soil condition. Yes even in 4WD.

I seriously use them all the time, to the point where you couldn't live without them. You get pretty advanced with them, and you learn much more finesse for using them in many different situations.

 

[Boondox]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( They are both great machines. Go with the best dealer period. You'll probably find not as much difference in price as you expect. The retail price on Deere's web site is certainly much higher than market price. Local dealer here is around 12% to 15% off on first quote. Good luck. Either machine is eye candy for me. I'm jealous. )</font>

Ditto. Both make a great machine. Both are exceptionally reliable. You won't be disappointed with either. BUT, the support you get from your dealer can make or break any deal. You're about to enter into a long relationship with a shop; make sure you feel comfortable with who you're dealing with.

I wanted a JD 4310 badly, but the dealer let me stand out in the lot for 45 minutes, ignoring my waves and "Can I ask you a few questions?" till I got disgusted and left. I noticed a long line at the service counter as well, with many dour faces. The Kubota dealer on the other hand greeted me like a long lost pal, spent hours with me going over the various tractors and listening to my intended uses. That left me with a very good feeling...and that's why I drive an orange tractor.

Pete

 

[RickO]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( </font><font color="blueclass=small">( Don't most folks plow with 4wd and have sufficient weight on the front to keep the tires in contact with the road? )</font>

Nope, my B7800 has more power and lift ability than weight. I notice it alot when backdragging trying to smooth surfaces out.

Yes, he hits it on the head the big diff. between the two tractors you mention is about 1,000lbs. The Kubota is a much lighter tractor. No less rugged and reliable mind you - much better as a mowing tractor IMO because of it's lightweight. That said it's easy to make a lighter tractor heavier for jobs requiring weight but try to make a heavy tractor light. I too have found my B7800 has more engine than it does weight but I like it that way. I have front weights. I can make it as heavy as I want for pushing things. But when I mow, it is very easy on the turf. Get the Kubota for the less money if you plan on using it for 70% mowing get the Deere if your are doing 70% dirt work or snow removal.

 

[PapaPerk]

Kubota...trust me.

 

[tposts]

<font color="blue"> Kubota...trust me </font>

And why is that ???

 

[HobbleCreek]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( That would be the deal breaker for me.. I don't like the foot pedals. TREDDLE + TURN BRAKES ON WRONG SIDE = NOPE NOT FOR ME PLEASE! If Kubota fixed this ergonomic issue, I would have considered buying one.... )</font>

I just bought a JD 4720 in November. The above issues, along with the turbo, are what basically made my decision. I was very impressed with the Kubota L5030 and thought it might actually be the more reliable machine. However, at my altitude (5800 feet), the turbo makes a big difference in actual horsepower.

I also did not like the Kubota pedals, but my guess is that you get used to whatever you use. And like others have mentioned, I couldn't see any possible way that you could use the turning brakes on the 'bota.

I thought I liked the Kubota "cruise control" better when I tested them, but after using my Deere, I really like how it works. Even without the automotive style cruse control upgrade, I can set the cruise and then tweak it down to precisely the speed I want. I can see how that would be very useful for applying fetilizer or other sprays in getting the precise speed.

Like others have said, I don't think you can really go wrong with either brand. I'm happy I bought Deere, but I don't know anybody that regrets buying a Kubota.

 

[linpat]

dewitt

did u buy yet?

 

[Boondox]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Kubota...trust me. )</font>

We have a very nice community here partly because we old timers refuse to get drawn into arguments based on subjective opinions. If you have some objective findings to back up your claim, please share them. Otherwise, let go of the Ford vs Chevy stuff.

Pete

 

[Boondox]

Different findings from different drivers. Since I always twist around and look back when I'm reversing, I find the Kubota pedal arrangement very comfortable. As I look over my right shoulder the right heel naturally hovers right over the rear end of that long treadle pedal. With separate pedals like the JD, I had to stretch out one leg to reach the reverse pedal...or not look back where I'm going.

Personal prefs.

Pete

 

[Volfandt]

I purchased a new little Subcut last year and for the most part I enjoyed the process. I climbed on and test drove just about every brand in the class I was looking at. I started w/a JD2210 an ended up w/a Kubota BX23. I liked all the models but settled on the BX23 for several reasons, I liked the tractor, I liked the dealer, he was one of the closest to me and the price was right at every elses best price. So far I've had 120 hrs w/no problems.

At 1st I didn't like the treadle pedal as much as the separate pedal setup but after getting used to it I much prefer the treadle pedal. It takes very little foot movement to change diections. This is great when mowing around obstacles.

As for the Kubota turning brakes being on the same side as the HST drive pedal well, I used to work an old 48 TE20 and when disc'ing and bush hogging I'd use the turning brakes frequently. I'd set the TE20 to the right RPM and select the right gear range then I wouldn't touch either for the duration of the task I was doing. Sort of like cruise control if'n you know what I mean.
When I wanted to "spin" a turn w/the turning brakes I'd simply stand on the brake on the side I wanted to spin. Did this for 16 yrs before I sold it without any problems. I figured that how it was supposed t work.

Now with the newer Kubota's wth turning brakes, the cruise control does the same thing as setting the throttle & gear range on a gear tractor. You set your working speed with the cruise/speed control then use your brakes to spin. Since you can only spin one way without releasing the speed control then thats how I'd plan my task.
I don't know why one would want to be useing both the turning brake AND the HST drive pedal at the same time, as letting up on the HST pedal also applies an internal brake to both axels! Besides thats what cruise or speed control is for on an HST....
Anyways just my humble opinion....
Good luck on your quest, enjoy it! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Volfandt

 

[bebster]

I looked at both and researched extensively, and went with a JD 4410 because I thought the dealer would service it well. Probably spent about 3% than a comparable Kubota, but in the long run I think I'll make out with the better service. Haven't looked back and happy I made that choice.