Recent Conversations (Bota vs. Deere)

[LD1]

As has been stated already, in my area there is not enough price difference to make much difference. I recently priced three tractors in the 50 HP range. JD 5055e, Kubota M5040, Mahindra 5035(I think). I think these are comparable models. There was about $1200 difference from highest to lowest.

I am actually suprised the mahindra was as high as the JD and Kubota. Typically they are a good bit less.

But you are right, they are pretty comparable models. The kubota weighing about 500lbs less, but has the highest 3PH capacity. But pretty comparable none the less. I figured the JD and 'bota would be close in price with the mahindra a few grand less.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I think all the major brands are about equal as far as quality goes. Shop around. Prices are determined by the dealers just like buying a car. I chose Deere because there are two dealers within 12 miles of me. If the others had dealers close by I may have gone with one of them depending on features and price.

John

 

[BethesdaEC]

I am actually suprised the mahindra was as high as the JD and Kubota. Typically they are a good bit less.

But you are right, they are pretty comparable models. The kubota weighing about 500lbs less, but has the highest 3PH capacity. But pretty comparable none the less. I figured the JD and 'bota would be close in price with the mahindra a few grand less.

They may have come in with lower prices to break into the market and then raised their prices once they established a beach head. I guess they have been around for about 10 years as a legitimate US brand.

 

[aczlan]

Around here, resale values on Deere and Kubota are close enough that most of the difference is in how well you can bargain rather than orange vs green.

Most of the farms around here are either running Deere, Case or Massey for their big tractors as that is who has big dealerships in the area.

Smaller places are running Kubota, Deere, Ford, Massey and "Other"

Aaron Z

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Fantastic replies everyone. Well put.

Just what I was looking for and expecting.

What a bunch.:thumbsup:

I do find it to be true that Deere has great resale value but, the crowd that I hang with looking at tractors are not looking at used for that reason. They say "why not buy new for 2 or 3 grand more."

Makes sense. I bought the old 770 because it's what I could afford. The seller got top dollar I figure but still, it cost me less than 10 grand. The tractor is everything I need and more. And, everything on it works as it should, 2750 hours on the meter.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the replies everyone. I call it a good thread.:thumbsup:

 

[charleyfarmall]

Apples to apples I have found them to be very close in price when a comparison can be made. For 20-30hp tractors if you need a cab, Kubota has the advantage. 30-40hp I think they are even. In the 40-60hp large compact size each has unique advantages.

I like the Deere 4000 series and may downsize to one since I have downsized my farm. The advantage for me would be e-pto and the self leveling loader and air seat. The disadvantage is a slightly shorter wheelbase and rougher ride in the field. The comparable Grand L Kubota has a longer wheelbase and the multispeed hydrostatic transmission but lacks e-pto and the self leveling loader.

Bigger than that it depends on your needs. In the general full size open utility category I don't like the transmission choice for either brand. I have baled with the Kubota M-6800 and hated it because I couldn't find just the right ground speed. I was used to a 12x12 transmission and right now I have 16x16 with a power reverser and a cab. In that class, both companies make nice machines.

I no longer feel the need for an 8-10,000 pound tractor with 75hp so I am looking at going down to 60. Mowing with a sickle and HST would be the cat's meow as far as I am concerned.

Charley

 

[sunnyside360]

For 20-30hp tractors if you need a cab, Kubota has the advantage. 30-40hp I think they are even.

I agree with you relative to pricing. However, I have to respectively disagree relative to features, especially for the factory cab models in JD 3x20 and 4x20 models. I test drove both Kubota and Deere cab models before purchasing. Maybe what is ergonomically pleasing to one is not for another, but ergonomics played a large part in my decision to get a JD 3720 and a 4320. I have owned six Kubota tractors over the past 35 years and there is no doubt they do produce good products. In fact I currently own a Kubota M110X cab tractor which is an excellent machine.

 

[beppington]

When I first started shopping for the one tractor I've ever owned (Kubota L3940), I was 99% sure I'd be buying a nice, shiny green good ol' American Deere :thumbsup: But the Kubota dealer had all brand new current models, lots of 'em, & seemingly at least 1 example of about every model, all jammed onto their small lot - It was like Christmas! And the sales folks were very pleasant & helpful & so far from pushy as to be a fault. The Deere dealer, more like car salesmen, had a smaller representative sampling, & seemed to have mostly still-new but-1-or-2-year-old models that were "discounted". It seemed a bad sign that they had so many un-sold year or 2 old units, & their discounted pricing seemed in line with Kubota's pricing for brand new, current-year machines ... Oh and Deere doesn't have the HST+ with Auto Throttle :thumbsup:

I had never paid a whole lot of attention to tractors before my shopping started, but when I sat on, examined & drove 2 Kubota's, it was very obvious that they are well-designed, well-built, top-notch machines.

Summary: After a few visits to each, I had a very good feeling about Kubota that was really missing at the Deere dealer ... & Deere wasn't making up for it in price since that not-so-good feeling was gonna cost me about the same.

 

[eagle107]

When I first started shopping for the one tractor I've ever owned (Kubota L3940), I was 99% sure I'd be buying a nice, shiny green good ol' American Deere :thumbsup: But the Kubota dealer had all brand new current models, lots of 'em, & seemingly at least 1 example of about every model, all jammed onto their small lot - It was like Christmas! And the sales folks were very pleasant & helpful & so far from pushy as to be a fault. The Deere dealer, more like car salesmen, had a smaller representative sampling, & seemed to have mostly still-new but-1-or-2-year-old models that were "discounted". It seemed a bad sign that they had so many un-sold year or 2 old units, & their discounted pricing seemed in line with Kubota's pricing for brand new, current-year machines ... Oh and Deere doesn't have the HST+ with Auto Throttle :thumbsup:

While you are right that Deere does not have HST+ with high/low features, Deere does have the auto throttle feature, however, it is only available on the 4520 and 4720 models known as eThrottle. Deere also has the automotive cruise control/SpeedMatch, MotionMatch and LoadMatch for its eHydro HST transmission.

 

[TheGoose]

When I was searching it came down to the Kubota L3400 and the JD 3032e or 3038e.

The 3400 was a much better tractor for the money.

I really wanted a 3320 or 3520 but they were several thousand more.

 

[XSKIER]

Having recently spent big money on a little tractor, I feel compelled to chime in. This opinion is applicable to my area, so your view may vary. It was my first new purchase of any thing over $3000, so each dealer had an equal shot of disappointing me, feeling buyers remorse. There are JD dealers near my home and work, everyone else is a special 40 mile trip. Kubota has the best in stock selection at it's dealers. JD had similar models in stock, MF was order only, and CC was in stock 80 miles away. I can't really say which machine is best, it's impossible to have all four in the same place head to head.

The tractor I was looking for would be a SCUT with FEL and MMM. Each one of the colors has their own strengths and weaknesses. The price? Well, I was comparing: rebates, out the door, total amount financed, delivered, yada, yada. About $250 +/- amongst 11 dealers. After reading on here the struggles with MMM removal, the auto connect, seat, 3ph, lights, ergos, and "initial quality" won my business. JD 1026R.

 

[charleyfarmall]

I agree with you relative to pricing. However, I have to respectively disagree relative to features, especially for the factory cab models in JD 3x20 and 4x20 models. I test drove both Kubota and Deere cab models before purchasing. Maybe what is ergonomically pleasing to one is not for another, but ergonomics played a large part in my decision to get a JD 3720 and a 4320. I have owned six Kubota tractors over the past 35 years and there is no doubt they do produce good products. In fact I currently own a Kubota M110X cab tractor which is an excellent machine.

I was really referring to price point and overall offering. I too prefer the Deere cab and control layout. I also prefer dual pedals on the HST and I have had both types. Other people prefer the Kubota layout so I was just leaving some room in there for differences of style

 

[Martian]

IMO they are all pretty much similar. Price and features included. What sways us is personal preference. (twin touch vs rocker...) We're comparing apples to apples. There's no clear choice in any one tractor over another for everyone.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

"Kubota is a lot less money than Deere." And I've heard this debated since owning my '92 770.

As a salesmen who deals with people day in, day out, we get a lot more responses from people who are surprised that a Kubota is affordable, than we do those who are blown away by sticker stock. Most people expect the premium brand to cost more than comparable machines, and anymore I think the market has started to turn on Deere and fewer and fewer people are looking at them as the premium tractor.

 

[PaleFX]

I just purchased a Kubota M7040 with Cab and FEL, I found when shopping over the last year that the equipment was very comparable, and where one machine was lacking a particular feature, it had another feature that wasn't standard on the others. I have Kubota, NH, Mahindra, Case IH, and JD within 1 hr.
As far as pricing flexibility, they were ALL willing to move approximately 15% and closer to 18% as I suggested more additions or options.
For me it came down to the dealer and how I was treated!
The Kubota dealer was willing to go the distance right from "hello", if he didn't have what I was interested in on the lot he was willing to bring one in for me to "check out" or show me the lesser or greater model and take the time to explain the differences and give an honest opinion based on existing customers preferences. 3 weeks of discussion and comparison without hesitation, built our relationship and earned him the sale.
I wouldn't hesitate to send him anyone who wanted straight up honest information! He didn't slam the other guys once, just gave honest comparisons.

 

[jenkinsph]

I just purchased a Kubota M7040 with Cab and FEL, I found when shopping over the last year that the equipment was very comparable, and where one machine was lacking a particular feature, it had another feature that wasn't standard on the others. I have Kubota, NH, Mahindra, Case IH, and JD within 1 hr.
As far as pricing flexibility, they were ALL willing to move approximately 15% and closer to 18% as I suggested more additions or options.
For me it came down to the dealer and how I was treated!
The Kubota dealer was willing to go the distance right from "hello", if he didn't have what I was interested in on the lot he was willing to bring one in for me to "check out" or show me the lesser or greater model and take the time to explain the differences and give an honest opinion based on existing customers preferences. 3 weeks of discussion and comparison without hesitation, built our relationship and earned him the sale.
I wouldn't hesitate to send him anyone who wanted straight up honest information! He didn't slam the other guys once, just gave honest comparisons.

The salesman can make all the difference, the better salesman will point out the better fine points of the brand he sells. Bashing the competition puts the salesman in a poor light with me, no matter what brand.

Some salesmen will try to convince you that the competition is lacking with obsure generaliations I tend to walk away from these dealers.

 

[LD1]

Bashing the competition puts the salesman in a poor light with me, no matter what brand.

I agree 100%

And not just tractors. Same can be said when shopping for a new car, truck, chainsaw, etc.

It's fine to point out your advantages over your competition, but dont bash them. Not a good tactic in my book.

 

[Martian]

As a salesmen who deals with people day in, day out, we get a lot more responses from people who are surprised that a Kubota is affordable, than we do those who are blown away by sticker stock. Most people expect the premium brand to cost more than comparable machines, and anymore I think the market has started to turn on Deere and fewer and fewer people are looking at them as the premium tractor.

I don't see any tractor as a premium over another, each has its own respective features and most of the difference is paint color, the dealer, and control layout. There isn't much that Kubota offers that a Deere doesn't and vice versa.

I buy Deere because my local dealer is much better than the local Kubota, like the twin touch vs the rocker and a couple other minor differences. It's not like the Deere is head over heals in front, there's just a couple things and from the pricing I've done I haven't found Deere to be as much more expensive as others say. $1,000 is about the most more I've seen.

I think more people are starting to realize how even all the tractors are though and none really has a premium over another and how similarly priced one is vs the other and they are buying for dealer support and machine controls/comfort.

 

[crazyal]

I have a room in my house that my GF calls JD green. I like the green with yellow wheels. Yet I never really gave them much thought. The local dealer, Agway, had JD CUTs but when I asked a couple of questions all I got was blank stares and a "come back when xxx is here". The next dealer was way out of the way. They were an Ag dealer and that's where they made their money.

Kubota when to the top of the list because of all the people I know who own them. When they have nothing but good to say about something that says a lot. I really didn't care for the dealers around me though. One sold a rear blower to a friend who wasn't too mechanically inclined and never cut the PTO shaft. While I could understand that mistake but when you go to a dealer and buy a tractor and a blower in one shot but because it's summer and the blower will take a month to get a good dealer would have been on top of it.

A second dealer was really hard to deal with for a coworker when he got some hay in his fuel tank. It seamed like it was pulling teeth to get them to come out and get the tractor. It was only a few months old and not running right and I would expect a good dealer would bend over backwards for a 5th generation farmer who's new tractor wasn't running right.

Anyway I started looking at Kioti but the dealers seam to open then close. There's a good NH dealer but he's in the next state and quite a bit of a drive but I was leaning that direction when, thanks to TBN, I contacted Barlows and I got a better price than Kioti or NH.

At the end of the day it really was the dealers. I didn't want to have to go to each and everyone of them and spend hours trying to get my questions answered. Thanks to TBN the simple ones were already answered but some of the places reminded me of the TV commercial where the guy asks about the difference between two computers and the sales kid starts reading the display to figure it out.

I can read just fine, I wanted real world answers. For example rear remotes, why would I want one with float, what attachments need only one, two, or three? What do most people who choose to add them use them for? For my uses will they be needed or will it just make my life easier?

 

[firejunkie]

When I first started comparing tractor 2 years ago, I visited web sites such as this and other to get a feel for the models from various brands, what problems they may have had, customer support etc. fast forward to Feb 2011 I start shopping with knowledge that by spring/summer I would free up enough cash per month for a payment, told all the dealers I wanted full price and not to account for incentives, as they may or may not be availible by the purchase time. First I visited the local Kioti dealer, very nice, willing to talk with me about price, options, features etc.Gave me the price, with the options I wanted on a DK45se, also showed me the DS40 for a more cost consious option. Next was the visit to the in town Kubota dealer, did not have the time of day for me, unless I was more ready to buy. Massey Ferg had a good selection of on the lots, prices were fair for what I was looking for. but did not like the feel of the units. Last up was the Kubota dealer 40miles from me, talked to me during lunch, went over all the numbers on 4 different models, plus ran numbers for rental units that were due back by late spring. Took me through the shop, introduced me to the guys back there, very good people, willing to to go through all the +'s/-'s of each model, for my application, took the time to figure out the "right one" months before I was ready to buy.
Same dealer months later, I return in July, remembered my name, what we disscused, every detail. Looked through the machines again choices, as well as other used unit on the lot. Chose the New MX4700 with the options I wanted on a Tuesday, by Friday all options installed and tractor delivered. The right dealer makes all the difference prices for the similar units were within $1000 to $1500 of each other. I did not shop for a Deere for personal reasons that I will not discuss. Oh and I did price out the Bobcat CT450 it was $3500 more than the MX4700 and $5000 more than the same DK45se from Kioti, pass.