I feel like JD is a known for longevity but know very little about Kabota and if they are the same work horse. I think they are less cost wise.
I’ve priced both recently, the 25hp versions of each are very similarly priced here in central PA. If anything the Kubota’s are a bit more. Tractor folks seem to prefer one over the other, like Ford vs Chevy, vs a substantial quality difference.
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Which has a better service center nearby?
They’re very similar. These decisions often come down to support, rather than specifics on the equipment.
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This ^^^^^
Except that when it comes to resale value, JD generally will be highest, according to sales records of used machinery.
Maybe just buyer’s perception at play that they are better because they have been around longer and have more decades of research behind them?
A friend engineer worked for them for some years and said they really were best, at that time.
Since then, maybe others have improved enough now to also be equally as good.
Unless someone is going to make a living with a tractor many hours a day, for most small farm light use, I expect any are fine.
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Here is a recent thread with opinions about JD and K compact tractors -
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My Kubota L series was significantly cheaper than the JD I looked at. The JD had more bells and whistles. We got a new tractor and bucket and slightly used 16’ trailer for around 23k (that’s with the tax). I went with the 25hp because the bucket can lift as much as the 39 HP (it’s the hydraulics) and they have the same frame and I’m not doing heavy ground engagement or requiring a super strong PTO. Mainly mowing, moving hay and poop and grooming the arena.
Plus the JD guy was incredibly rude. So I wouldn’t buy from that dealership anyway, and it was the closest.
Hope that helps.
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[B]* Sometimes there is not enough competition in an area Ӣ
the dealers turn out to be Jesse James’s rude cousins :lol: then once they get your ca$h it gets worse :eek:
please shop both brands … for several weeks individually and then with your H returning and walking away …at the end of each month they are more willing to sell.
Be patient and you will discover the best brand for you with the least personnel hassles.
- ask about their repair/ service department
** how many technicians … 2 is not enough ![/B]
Be Smart
Be Patient …you’re dealing with some real asshats ~ IMHO
GOOD LUCK !
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John Deere this they are really special and have a unique hook-up to the FEL. You can pay more and get the universal mount. My friend purchased a JD - He can’t go to the local rental center and/or borrow my my equipment that works with his JD. When I purchased mine I went with a third brand - Kubota was in the mix - I considered JD until I realized how incompatible it is with other equipment.
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We have had both and i much prefer the John Deere. Their financing and discounts were better values than Kubota and our JD runs better than the Kubota did. My husband actually had the entire front axel dislocate from the body on the Kubby.
BO bought a Kubota 20 years ago when she moved to her current farm. She wanted a Deere but her wallet said “sorry.” The Kubota was a compact model, I think, but it handled the equipment for haying: mower, tedder, rake and round baler. She got a nice Deere last year, used but like new, with heat in the cab and who knows what else.
The Kubota seemed to be pretty reliable. I never saw it sitting around waiting for repairs, for example. She kept it and her son can put round bales out with it. The only thing I noticed is that the bucket has rusted through in a couple of areas.
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I love my Kubota. It was significantly less expensive than a similar Deere model. Go with closest service, most desired features and cost. My tractor’s name is Tito. I have matching black and orange ear protectors. We look fabulous together!
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:lol::lol: That’s awesome! Which model did you get?
Proud Massey Ferguson owner here. Not to muddy the waters.
My business partner had to upgrade his tow rig because his 2016 40hp Kubota lived at the dealer. It has been back 18 times in 2 years for a 14 separate problems. Kubota tractors can have some serious manufacturing issues since popularity has blossomed.
John Deere does make a nice unit that you pay Deerly for. The problem is that you have to be very careful what contract you sign. Many John Deere owners find out that you have to have all work at the dealership including regular maintenance or your warranty is void. Worse yet you may find that you cannot get newer parts from anyone but John Deere. Then they will not sell them to you, but they will install them. So, if your tractor breaks, you have to figure out how to have it towed or recovered at your cost instead of having a tractor mechanic look at it where it sits.
I have a 40HP 4x4 Massey Iseki diesel with loader. We originally went to look at a 25 hp and were impressed but, talking more about it, soon realized 40 hp was more in line with our needs on the farm and for hubby’s business. On year four of our ownership, no issues whatsoever. Starts every time, loads everything from 1200lb round bales, moves car bodies, engines, packing crates. Did have a a bit of a wreck (clearing brush by the creek and a tree ripped out a hydraulic line). Dealer had the parts FedEx to us by the next morning. Fixed it on the spot and it went back to work. The Massey aka “Fergus” has over 3k hours on it, fluid changes and we need to think about tires soon.
We spent days talking to owners, researching and spent every weekend for 2 months at dealerships. My hay man is a Deere guy, he farms over 4 thousand acres. He owns 32 John Deere tractors, not one newer than 2009 because of the modern electronics. Deere will not allow him or anyone but a Deere dealer to work on 2010 or newer.
If you are stuck between the two go Kubota. IMHO it is not the great tractor it once was but at least when you buy it you own it and can make your own choices. Business partner has been having better luck with repairs at an Independant tractor shop since it went out of Kubota warranty. He sends it or the guy comes out and it’s fixed, so thats a help.
We went with the Kubota, primarily because our local JD dealership is known to be terrible, and the Kubota service is top notch. So far we are loving ours!
I would have loved to add it to the list of ones to look at but there is no dealer even remotely close.
[B]* there is a lot of “green” in Area IV
** don’t forget one can have a technician come out once a year to service the tractor and it’s attachments … at your place (or repair)
^
*** a better method than having it picked up or having to take it in to be serviced
the green technician man travels from field to field for the crop farmers …spring through early December ”¢[/B]
:eek: ok, I’m going to look into that.
