JOHN DEERE 1025R TLB VS KUBOTA BX23S: HEAD TO HEAD

Can the Kubota BX23S tractor perform to the same level as the John Deere 1025R TLB? In this series of comparison videos we conduct some practical applicaiton tests of the two tractors.

[xjfo]

I had a 2017 Kubota BX23S and now have a 2023 John Deere 1025R. There are things I like better about the Kubota and things I like better about the John Deere. Both have their pros and cons and in the hands of skilled operators are really capable and neat machines. I agree with what you showed in regards to the loader, it's the one thing I really disliked the most about the BX (other than maybe removing and installing the manual mid-mount mower deck). With that said, it appeared to me that you often did not have the loader bucket level when pushing into the pile but maybe it's hard to tell on camera. Kubota sells an optional bucket level indicator rod that is nearly identical to that of the 1025R. I added that to my BX. Having had both I'm enjoying the 1025R more but I think both are neat machines. I would just recommend sitting on both and trying before making your decision. I regret not doing that before buying the Kubota. In the end it will probably come down to which dealer you like more.

[kurtloftfield]

Thanks for the comparison video, keep them coming!

[redmonna]

That’s a nice comparison! I’ve owned both a John Deere 1025r I bought new in 2014 with only a loader and MMM. I sold it back in 2016 because we moved and I really missed that tractor. I was always impressed with its performance for its size. I purchased a used low hour 2020 BX23s last summer. I love having the backhoe and I’ve been impressed with the performance of the machine. I did notice the loader was a little weaker than my old 1025r so I added a couple of shims. That made a noticeable difference. I haven’t noticed the power difference you demonstrated and it feels like I puts a little more power to the wheels on the ground than my 1025r but I do need to rev out the rpm’s more. The JD does have more power at lower rpm’s. The pressure relief valve would come on sooner on my 2014 1025r though and I could run it out of pushing power if I got solid traction with ballast sooner than my BX, or at least it feels that way. Both machines are awesome and I’ve been happy with both! Thanks for doing this review! I’m looking forward to more comparisons.

[MrRockBluff]

I've been looking at these two tractors as well as others for several months now. I've watched many videos on multiple tractors, and I can say with some confidence that the JD is a little better with lift capacities. Possibly by a few hundred pounds. This is significate if you need that extra capacity. That being said, in other areas it appears that the tractors are very similar (with the exception of hp). I do think the Kubota's loader is much more capable than what is shown here. I know that the bucket level indicator on the Kubota is not as good as JD so it's harder to see when its level. But, on a few occasions while driving into the pile I could see that the loader was digging into the subsoil under the gravel making it much more difficult to scoop the gravel. You can even see the front of the Kubota coming off the ground when driving into the pile. In contrast, the JD was level (and even the bucket was tilted slightly up) before driving into the pile. On the one or two occasions when attempting to dig down the JD did do it but it definitely struggled more.

Honestly, after everything I've watched I do think the JD is a little stronger and I would look to get it but, there is several thousand in price difference. I've been quoted from my local JD dealer for a 1023e with a belly more and loader at $25300. I'm sure the 1025r will be even more than that. The Kubota I've been quoted for with the same config at $22000. For my needs and because I have a smaller property these tractors will be working I will most like go the cheaper route to save thousands. If the JD was comparable in price, I would definitely go for it.

[michaelskeels]

I dont know how long the pile set there but to the extent that the pile was compacted due to weight of materials on top or rain settling etc, the 2nd tractor would always have an easier time with a freshly fluffed area of the pile previously dug by the first tractor. I originally thought the pile was big enough that you were going to do one side with each tractor but that didnt happen.

[Dan-ozqb]

I've used both. The 1025r is a larger and more powerful tractor. If Kubota is telling anyone they are substantially the same that is dishonest. The BX is a fine machine & certainly has it's place but it can't go head to head with a 1025r as you demonstrate.

[jollyg]

Just from personal experience I went with Kubota on both my tractors (B2650 and BX23s) over John Deere for 2 major reasons. Customer experience at the dealership level and bang for the buck. Deere may have some marginal and I do mean marginal better performance in some areas when comparing the machines but not worthy of the prices you guys charge. I spec’ed comparable machines by both brands and it was head shoulders better with Kubota pricing. Combine that with attitudes at the dealerships and KTAC insurance, and I’m more than happy with my “under performing” orange brand.

[michellepowell]

do the sub-compact tractors have power-up? My 4720 does and it is fantastic

[EverythingGreenTractors]

Thanks for responding and thanks for watching!

[Spitzer]

I was deciding between the JD 2025r vs the Kubota B2601. To me it was the treadle peddle that swayed me to JD. I hate the treadle peddle.

[derekdal]

very interesting indeed, love the tractor market. what I notice is the Kubota stops spining the rear wheels for some reason which I have to think is the limiting factor on being able to push into the pile. Except for the fact the bucket level was never achieved in the Kubota, pretty major difference. I think the Deere performed better for sure but I'm an orange guy (Kioti), which doesn't have the issues Kubota has pushing into a pile and has a good bucket level indicator. (and auto leveling bucket). more inline with Deere performance but cheaper (its a balance of performance and preference in this world)

[alh]

You know I'm highly impressed with your excavator skills as well as your techniques using the tractor. These are subcompact tractors so loader work is max rpm (.) Well, unless you are floating and smoothing a driveway. Unless you have.. Im not going there with the compacts or regular ones.. These are not something to be handled like their bigger brothers and surely not like a 80+ hp.

Cheers on the excavator techniques but yikes. This is just looking for something that wont work when not used correctly no matter what brand then trying to say whats better baised on nonsense.

[Jtwizzle]

Cool video! The kubota would have to be a decent bit cheaper for me to consider it over the JD. One thing id like to see is a 3 range transmission on these subcompacts. Not always seeing the wheels spinning mean more traction is left which would could help!

[johnotten]

so some of the lifting capacity is greater on the John Deere but at that it puts limits on front axle and over all handling
we change the orifices' on hydraulics on Kubota and we has huge increase in lift. Kubota playing it safe
I did comparisons and in a sub compact tractor the Kubota fits places the John Deere does not
also the over all frame is stronger on the Kubota.
John Deere 1025R while performs well is built on a thread of failing early
Owned both.
John Deere dealer in our area was greedy on pricing
In South western Ontario Kubota is really moving forward.
some country roads farms are all showing the orange colour on small tractors.

[coleallsopp]

I think if you found someone who was used to operating the bx you would find a lot of the problems you cite would magically disappear. Better comparison here would be 1025 vs b2601

[projectswithjw]

The treadle pedal and rotator backhoe seat are 2 huge negatives that would never let me consider a BX. I knew the loader was weak but I didn't know that engine/transmission would stall that easy. How do they sell these things!?🤨

[neokibo]

Since I am in the market for a small tractor, many people tells me to buy the Kubota. I do not see why. The way I see it, the 1025R is a proper tractor but small. The Kubota is an oversized lawn tractor with tractor attachments.

[MaverickMan]

For the same money, I'm looking at a yanmar SA series. More lift power on the same motor as the Deere. Just all around stronger.

[wildbillc]

You are operating the Kubota in high range, wrong gear selection, the tach tells you where to operate for loader use. You can do multiple functions at the same time with the Kubota....you just need a lot more practice with the Kubota.

The 1025R is a larger size machine, its a compact, VS the Kubota is a sub-compact.

[bthemedia]

On kubota tractor, the bucket does NOT look level… looks like you go halfway into the load then hit the ground. 🙄 Hard to move the earth with only 24hp! As soon as you level out, then the bucket goes through the gravel.