John Deere 1 Series VS. Kubota BX Series

A side by side comparison of the JD 1 series and the **NEW** Kubota BX 80 series.

[ryanmccaslin]

I work at one of the very few dealers in the world that sell both companies under one roof. Which makes my job pretty awesome! I think these are all great points I find that no companies make a dead solid apples to apples, all of them have their niches. The John Deere will flat out out lift the Kubota (955lbs over 739lbs .) The Deere makes some implements easier to take on and off and Kubota does a better job with others. Kubota's SS QT is easier than the JD system.
All that being said I sell more Kubota's over Deere's myself just because they make more models of compacts making it easy for folks to find the right size tractor. If i were an Ag salesman more than likely it would be flipped. Either of these tractors are the two best options there is no doubt about it. I urge folks to do their home work and see which one suits them best.

[borderben]

I did my own research this past spring when I bought my 2018 BX23S. They were very, very close in comparison, but the BX had a few more creature comforts I really liked. The 1025R was $5, 000 more! Kubota had 84 months with 0% interest financing and a lower price? SOLD! I regret nothing, this little tractor is a beast and I love every second I've spent on it.

[mark]

I've rented both machines (2018 models) and relay liked them both, I found both tractors to have pros and cons. Although a lot of people don't like the Deere’s plastic hoods and fenders I do like them, don't have to worry about rust. Deere also has a noticeable lifting capacity advantage with the loader over the Kubota. As for the Kubota, I did like it better for a couple of reasons. First, the hydraulics move a lot faster that the Deere, this is very noticeable when operating the backhoe. The Kubota’s backhoe also had a lot more power. Second, the placement of the 4 wheel drive leaver. When I had to switch from 2x4 to 4x4 the Kubota’s handle was right next to you, where the Deere’s was in an odd place. One thing that at first I didn't like about Kubota was how far the loader stuck out, but after using it I actually liked it, and it really helped out when I had to pushing brush back, it keeps it away from the tractor, when using the Deere doing the same job, brush was in the grill of the tractor. Another thing I noticed about the Deere, when you had a full load of dirt in the bucket, you could see the loader arms flex a little, not sure if that's an issue. One of the biggest issue I had with the Kubota was the lifting capacity of the loader, unlike the Deere if I took a full bucket of dirt that was piled higher that the sides of the bucket, the Kubota would struggle to lift it, where the Deere wouldn’t have much of an issue (even though the bucket is a little bit bigger), once I shook the bucket and all the excess dirt was off, it wasn't an issue. I didn’t get a change to use the 3 point hitch on either machines so I'm not sure about that…. Still not sure which one to get, kind of hung up on the loader lift capacity and the plastic hood/fenders…. Just my two cents.

[JediLCOUSNESS]

I just purchased a bx2380 after very nearly choosing the 1025r. I noticed many of these same comparison issues myself before having watched this video. I feel the bx80 series was the better choice for me and it feels just a lot more refined in multiple ways. I agree with the comparisons in this video and feel it was pretty well done, even down to the noise comparison with the DB meter. Thanks.

[robertpsears]

I have owned and operated both machines Deere made huge improvements on the 2018 which I currently own. The backhoe is flawless and I like the stabilizer locks i like the step and grab handle to get on the backhoe. They addressed the hidden 4wd lever. The fuel gauge is still a float style in the tank but it works fine. The side panels no longer need tools to take off and the hood is supported with struts now. What made me go green was the twin touch hydro pedal I am just not a fan of the treadle pedal. Let's face it they both are awesome and have great factory support and dealer support. Leaps and bounds over Mahindra.

[paulrussellevans]

I finally had to choose between the two a couple of weeks ago. It was always going to be a Kubota BX23S, but at the last minute i did some further research on the 1025R. I went Green!

Here's why...
Greater lift capacity on the loader.
Much tighter turning circle.
I pictured the steel body panels on the Kubota looking less than stellar in a few years time.
260B backhoe is much improved over the example compared in the 2017 video.
I prefer the forward and reverse pedal arrangement on JD.
Backhoe has it's own seat.
Stabilizer hold up hooks part of the backhoe design now.

What I feel I gave up by not buying the Kubota...
I am a big fan of Japanese designed and built products.
I prefer the single cylinder for the loader bucket curl, and what I think is a stiffer loader construction.
The BX is, to my eyes, a better looking machine.
I would have had an extra $4, 500 left in my bank account!

Someone mentioned that they prefer that Kubota uses a Japanese motor. JD's Yanmar motor is Japanese also.
Many of Messick's criticisms of the 1025R have been addressed at this date (maybe partly because of their comparison?).

[eosjoe]

First let me say I really enjoy your reviews. I'm not a JD fanboy but the Deere quick attach system for the loader bucket has been around a long time and it is flawless. Very easy on and off. The new BX quick attach system is a huge improvement for Kubota because the previous quick change bucket system was anything but easy or quick. While I agree that the skid steer universal coupler is nice, it's a total waste on a sub-compact tractor as most skid steer implements are too heavy for this class of machine. So in a way you are still limited to the attachments you can effectively use.

[jeffreyconforti]

I love my BX2200 having it for 20 years now. Traded a JD compact for it.
I DO MISS the twin touch pedal on the Deere though. The twin touch pedal on the JD is terrific.

[Coloredeggfarms]

Thanks for the review. You brought up a lot of valid points for sure. I like the fact that the front loader is more universal. I absolutely hate "proprietary" Its just an excuse to charge you more. The casting issue is just to cut corners and the backhoe tubes defiantly don't look as organized. One of my disagreements was the gas gauge though. I would prefer the deere's over the kubota in that its simple. How many older tractors do you find a working gas gauge in. I also would prefer the controls that are under/near the seat being a little harder to reach but offering them better protection. All in all I would have liked to see this video give some actual numbers like lift capacity, torque different etc backhoe swing/ digging depth, turning radius, more informative than just pointing out things. This would have made this a well rounded review

[trains]

The plastic dose hold up well. That panel on the john Deere is back lit.Drive over decks sure beat pulling it under the tractor by hand. Using a 1025r to clear land. Their is a factory option for if you are going to use grapples on the the loader. The wait a tractor can lift partly controlled by blasting of the tractor. That tractor has more power and pulling power than you give it credit for.

[aday]

JD refined the ROPS, the engine cover, the backhoe hose position, and on and on since this was made. Plus the JD now has separate seats for the backhoe and tractor. And the kicker is the forward and reverse pedals on the JD instead of the treadle deal on the Kube which is a pain in the arse when using the loader. All in all looks like JD did a one up on Kube.

[zeth]

I own a 1025R. You did a fair and balanced review. the shortcomings you pointed out on the 1025R are correct. I enjoy watching your video comparisons.

[leonardrice]

I’m new to the tractor world. Looking at all the Messick’s videos, I’m not embarrassed by my Rural King 55 at all.

[ernestbecker]

I watched all the comparison videos for these two tractors and went with the Kubota mostly because of the customer experience. I told both salesman I wanted the plow blade on the loader and a snow thrower for the rear. The JD said "why would you ever want to do that" while the Kubota dealer said "sure, we can do whatever you want." Done

[tyrrellroach]

I purchased a JD 1025 for light loader work for my landscape company last year and I have to say I haven't noticed too many of the shortfalls you mention. I can easily reach filters and dipsticks for maintenance. The tractor seems to work well and is more capable than I thought it would be. I will say that using only one function of the loader at a time is annoying but the lift capacity of the tractor was about 150-200# better than the kabota bx that I was looking at. But honestly what made me go with Deere was that they offered me better pricing for a similarly equipped tractor oh but the Deere had quick attach the kabota didn't and the kabota dealer didn't return my call or offer to use the equipment before I purchased but the did give lots of brochures that told me JD shortfalls

[prjndigo]

8 position 3 point is good for adjusting spreader height and using for lift pans when you're doing hand work with the tractor supporting.

[willp]

Great review. I have the Deere and my neighbor has the Kubota. Both really nice tractors, I wish mine had some Kubota stuff and he wants some of the Deere stuff. Can't have it all...

[MrBigTexFyre]

I have been shopping for tractors and I've noticed a few things that weren't pointed out in the video:
(1) Deere has a suspension seat which s important to a fat boy like me. (2) I have used Deere backhoes for over 20 yrs and that loader controller isn't nearly as difficult as he makes out. I noticed that you didn't operate the Kubota loader to show how "easy" it is. (3) This is a biggie.. the two separate pedals for forward and reverse on the Kubota works your leg to death when doing a lot of back and forth work. The one pedal on the Deere is a lot easier to use.
I haven't bought either tractor so I don't have any loyalty to either one. I've read good and bad on both, but if you're going to do a review be fair.

[richardholder]

Hi Neal, great video. I'm a Kubota and Deere fan. Actually have had great service from both. I'm currently shopping for a small TLB and wanted to add some thoughts.

Bucket Quick attach system/Loader....I agree the Skid Loader Quick Attach is much nicer. However the only negative I see is the weight it adds to a small capacity loader. Looking at the Kubota cut sheet shows 126 pounds less capacity at the pins to full height if you opt for the Quick attach. The Deere system sucks because you can't use attachments you may already have or need to buy special attachment however it's lighter and the Deere loader is stronger too. Deere also updated the loader too now. It's a 120r now and will out-lift Kubota. However the Kubota valve is superior. Also the Kubota hydraulic connection is superior. Pick your and easy to work or

Mid Mount has two options. Personally their drive over deck is terrible. The ramps rattle and you need to mess with them when you want to use the feature. The other deck is a nice deck with a traditional connection. The Deere auto connect deck is better just because it's so easy to put on and off. My .02 cents

Deere panel is backlit just to clarify that but I couldn't agree more. A bouncy little lawn mower fuel gauge is a joke. Why would Deere do something so stupid?

Kubota wins here. However Deere redesigned the 260 backhoe. It is now a 260B. The upgrades cylinders( like Kubota) clean hydraulic hose routing (like Kubota) stabilizer mounted step and ROPS mounted grab handle, stabilizer mounted step, second seat attached to backhoe...no more swivel seat, clean control pod....much more finished. This looks to be a case of Kubota having a better mouse trap and Deere answering back. As consumers this is how we win.

uses a cooler and Kubota runs a fan. Several aftermarket skid plate options available for the BX to protect this fan. Advantage Deere

Control layout....Advantage placement and feel.

Position advantage.

has a flimsy set of amber lights mounted to the adds driving lights on the fenders also and their ambers lights are higher mounted on the ROPS. Both companies are lacking metal guarding on their lights.

think both machines have great motors, the Yanmar is much larger however. The Kubota D902 is 54-55 cubic inch engine however the Yanmar is 77 cubic inches. I would be surprised the Kubota makes more torque than the Yanmar. I know the specs show it but the fact it's so much larger makes me question that.

green Kubota

Overall both great machines. I'm on the fence, leaning to Deere however. My reasons are loader not as smooth however has more capacity, gauges are not as nice however has in my opinion better hydro pedals, new backhoe looks to be competitive with Kubota, mmm is better. Kubota feels much smaller and I'm a big guy. Hope this comes off the way intended, fair and up the great vids

[jws]

Love your videos. Very informative and well presented. I started out looking at a 1025R but eventually bought a BX23S. Pretty much concur with everything you have said. Very little to criticize on the Kubota. I should mention I live in Canada and the price difference was huge. It might be the yen vs US dollar but the 1025R was over 30% more, at least what the local dealers quoted me.