Kubota or John Deere

[cutthroat]

I know the thread was comparing Deere or Kubota, but give the Mule Pro FXT a look if you are needing a UTV that is more work than play. I got the gas version, but almost went for the diesel to consolidate on fuel needs. I thought the diesel was just too noisy.

-Craig

 

[ArlyA]

Snow is my business. The most poplar side by side UTV used by snow groomers are Gators. Following that is quite a mix of machines. We test operated many machines (in snow with pods) and found the JD models a tad under powered for our needs. Kubota with there hydro transmissions are way to short on power due to HP loss because of transmissions losses. Some UTV company's have built machines with dependable CVT drives for grooming purposes.. The grooming industry is staying away from UTV's with hydro-static drives because of power loss..

I think there's a reason all the snow groomers that use side by sides, power companies, and road crews are using Gators/Rangers and not the Kubotas...a lot of people claim that the CVT transmissions can't do any work but that's proven wrong on a daily basis. The Kubotas have a following but it's mainly in the residential side and then it's typically from people who use it on a relatively small property only....for recreational use they aren't close to the competition.

 

[Branchchipper]

The current JD Gator Diesel engine is made in China by another vendor. On that score alone I would opt for the RTV- everything on it is made by Kubota here or in its own factory in Japan. As the long-time owner of an older CVT-equipped Gator, I also strongly favor the RTV's hydro transmission.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

The current JD Gator Diesel engine is made in China by another vendor. On that score alone I would opt for the RTV- everything on it is made by Kubota here or in its own factory in Japan. As the long-time owner of an older CVT-equipped Gator, I also strongly favor the RTV's hydro transmission.

You sure that's the case? I know the gas engine in my 825i is a Cherry made in China engine but I hadn't heard the diesel engines were from China. Then again I've been extremely happy with my 825's engine....it's got a ton of power and is very smooth/reliable.

 

[JESSE1]

Unless somethings changed, JD used Yanmar diesel engines built in Japan.

 

[ovrszd]

I don't believe the Gator models followed the Yanmar tradition. Yanmar makes a superb engine.

 

[DT86]

Here I was thinking they'd still be Yanmar diesel and Chery gas. I'll need proof to be convinced otherwise.

 

[ovrszd]

Here I was thinking they'd still be Yanmar diesel and Chery gas. I'll need proof to be convinced otherwise.

I hope you are right.

 

[JESSE1]

I don't believe the Gator models followed the Yanmar tradition. Yanmar makes a superb engine.

I had three diesel Gators, a 6x4, HPX and an 855D before I bought my Kubota and they all had Yanmar diesel engines.

 

[HillStreet]

I own my second Kubota for 6 months now. On the first tractor (a B2320), I stopped in at the dealer and was kidding the salesman, saying something like "if the tractor is so good, why is it warrantied for only one year". He smiled and said "Go home and try to break it". I worked that machine pretty hard but also maintained it. Second is a B2650, good machine so far.

I have also told many people that if the dealer had told me the tractor would do stuff that I did with my tractor I would have called him a liar. Never shopped for Green, just a preference.

 

[Branchchipper]

I like the Yanmar in my 6x4 very much. But the modern diesel Gators have Chinese Cheri (sp) engines. I was told that by a dealer at an ag show, and didn't believe it until I found the data plate on the motor. Very disappointing.

 

[ovrszd]

I like the Yanmar in my 6x4 very much. But the modern diesel Gators have Chinese Cheri (sp) engines. I was told that by a dealer at an ag show, and didn't believe it until I found the data plate on the motor. Very disappointing.

Yeah, I was referring to the new models. Very disappointing. No reason to switch other than profit increase....

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I own my second Kubota for 6 months now. On the first tractor (a B2320), I stopped in at the dealer and was kidding the salesman, saying something like "if the tractor is so good, why is it warrantied for only one year". He smiled and said "Go home and try to break it". I worked that machine pretty hard but also maintained it. Second is a B2650, good machine so far.

I have also told many people that if the dealer had told me the tractor would do stuff that I did with my tractor I would have called him a liar. Never shopped for Green, just a preference.

Don't try it with a BX....my father's new BX1860 visited the shop 5 times in 1 yr to get a rear hydraulic leak fixed....the last trip they obviously adjusted the pressure way down without owning up to it because the loader has no power and the last time I went to use it the hydraulics are leaking again. Many Kubotas are trouble free, that one is a lousy tractor.

 

[aczlan]

Where is the leak? There was an issue on our BX2660 where the steel hardline from the loader valve to the 3 point valve cracked, but a new hydraulic hose (not steel pipe) fixed it.

Aaron Z

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Where is the leak? There was an issue on our BX2660 where the steel hardline from the loader valve to the 3 point valve cracked, but a new hydraulic hose (not steel pipe) fixed it.

Aaron Z

It's the line that comes up the left side of the tractor to the rear hydraulic manifold

That's what I was thinking about for this repair since it's on my dime. I thought it would be worth going to the local hydraulic shop and having them make me a new line. After that I'll have to find the fittings to test the hydraulic pressure and dial it back up so the tractor actually has some value in the work it does.

 

[oldforestor]

The Kubota diesels are hands down heavier machines.
The 855d is a great unit for slightly lighter duty. If you have to move hay wagons, drag arenas, and move heavy stuff it
Is not even a contest. Don't even consider it anything other than a 25 hp tractor. If you want a nice riding, comfy workhorse get a deer. If you need utility first and foremost and are willing to give that stuff up, kubota 900-1140.

 

[cebeard]

I just bought a Mule Pro FXT, researched them all and test drove many, it was the best all around on the market.

 

[ultrarunner]

It's taken some time but we did find a used RTV900 and have had it on the ranch for about two weeks... it is like a mountain goat and is already earning it's keep...

Best of all it sounds like a Kubota!

Used the Dump Trailer to bring it home... about an inch clearance all around... would have been out of luck size wise had it be the X model... would not have fit.

 

[ovrszd]

It's taken some time but we did find a used RTV900 and have had it on the ranch for about two weeks... it is like a mountain goat and is already earning it's keep...

Best of all it sounds like a Kubota!

Used the Dump Trailer to bring it home... about an inch clearance all around... would have been out of luck size wise had it be the X model... would not have fit.

Congrats.

I found a used, cheap 900 last Fall. I added an inch suspension lift, 27" mud tires, 1.5" wheel spacers and a bed rack. I treat it like a "Rented Mule". Still not as cost effective as a Sami but has it's calling.

 

[ultrarunner]

The Sami is mine... brother really needed/wanted something with a dump bed...

Found this one about 150 miles away owned by a retired couple for 400 hours on it... kept in the garage... only thing I could find was a muffler repair where the pipe goes into the muffler... it's ok now but I'm sure it will need attention later.