Matt in Virginia
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2010
- Messages
- 85
Gentlemen,
I have been going back and forth between a John Deere 4520 Cab Tractor with 400X FEL and a Kubota 5740 with the LA854 FEL. I have been test driving these two tractor for two years(conservatively) and the time, December, for a purchase decision is at hand. A few tasks that the tractor will ultimately be called to perform:
Tasks:
1. John Deere 709 or MX-7 Brush Mower(or Bush Hog Equivalent). Low weekly acreage total(less than an a acre), however, significant initial cleanup with growing and sporadic brush mowing that could total 15 acres. Again low weekly totals at this point.
2. Farm driveway maintenance. Either a heavy box blade or an Industrial Grademaster with custom Cat 1 hitch(imatch on Deere). Driveway is excellent base, from 12" to 3' feet of milled aggregate. Put in with laser and 650 John Deere a couple of years back. Seems to be holding up well in heavily traveled areas.
3. Sporadic FEL work with likely upgrade to W.R. Long Grapple Bucket. Later addition of weight appropriate forklift tongs.
By and large this machine will largely lead a fairly sheltered life with longevity and absolute reliability being of prime importance.
The points that currently make a difference to me from my perspective. Which is going to be a one man machine...fwiw:
1. Indoor air quality. I have acute allergies/sinus and cab air filtration, especially in the summer, is paramount.
a. Having driven both machines in the field the Kubota has disappointed in this area. I've found myself in need of claritin and sudafed after short exposure.
b. The John Deere Pressurized Cab and High Efficiency Filtration has proven superior. With similar usage I wind up with minor added allergy inflammation.
2. The Deere is more comfortable FOR ME on the Hydro Ergonomics. The Kubota requires picking my foot/leg up while the Deere's seperate petals allow for a rested heal and forward and reverse with minor strain. Small thing but this is not a small purchase.
3. The Deere has the full Air Ride Seat pre-installed. I'm amazed by Paul Short and his 5740 improvements, however, I know my limitations.
4. I prefer the Deere FEL Joy Stick with the third function switch. Again Ergonomics.
5. John Deere Top and Tilt eliminate the headache of guessing what will work perfectly the first time on the 4th and 5th SCVs.
The reasons I am still impressed with the Kubota...
1. Dead tough build quality. It may be just a "look", however, the LA854 looks tougher than 400X. Not to mention the creaking the 400X displays under load.
2 Kubota INDUSTRIAL QUALITY Diesel. I am not cutting the Deere short, however, "Made in Japan" trumps "Made in Mexico" when it comes to small Diesels from my LIMITED experience. I have a 95 HP Deere that was built, and rebuilt, here by the best of the best. I just don't know about this new Powertech. I do like it's ability to provide power at 2400 RPM versus 2800. My 73' 4020 Diesel is 2100 as was our 4840 if memory serves. Granted the cab should make this a small issue.
3. Decline in Deere Quality on replacement parts and certain products. The Deere Gator comes to mind... Have a friend on a large equestrian operation who has begun to turn to Kubotas after he bought one of their Diesel UTVs with A/C and Hydraulic Dump. That unit exudes quality like a Full Size John Deere Row Crop Tractor(the $250,000 and up variety), Combines, and Dozers. If it were a UTV versus Gator issue this would be a non issue. This may be off topic, however, I'm going to buying one of these as well and the Kubota is the only one in the running. Would not mind having the same garish(kiddin) color orange on both items....;-).
All in all BOTH seem to be World Class items in their class. I wonder if I should take a Claritin and live with the Cab as opposed to necessitating a pressurized HEPA Chamber...
I would GREATLY appreciate your input on this issue. It's gotten to the point friends are ducking me for fear of the debate...(close but not quite).
Whoops, failed to mention a great Deere asset. I have a dealer who is a dream to work with and is saving me $6-8000 over local prices. The only issue is I have a long ride. That said he has entertained all the questions, and delays, without being anything short of a Gentleman. Have a Diesel F350 Lariat, a 10K Trailer, and professional driver/friend who has offered to make the trip with me on a few days notice. Just Diesel Fuel and Cracker Barrel...
Your thoughts?
Regards, Matt Garrett
Chesapeake, Virginia
757-581-6270
I have been going back and forth between a John Deere 4520 Cab Tractor with 400X FEL and a Kubota 5740 with the LA854 FEL. I have been test driving these two tractor for two years(conservatively) and the time, December, for a purchase decision is at hand. A few tasks that the tractor will ultimately be called to perform:
Tasks:
1. John Deere 709 or MX-7 Brush Mower(or Bush Hog Equivalent). Low weekly acreage total(less than an a acre), however, significant initial cleanup with growing and sporadic brush mowing that could total 15 acres. Again low weekly totals at this point.
2. Farm driveway maintenance. Either a heavy box blade or an Industrial Grademaster with custom Cat 1 hitch(imatch on Deere). Driveway is excellent base, from 12" to 3' feet of milled aggregate. Put in with laser and 650 John Deere a couple of years back. Seems to be holding up well in heavily traveled areas.
3. Sporadic FEL work with likely upgrade to W.R. Long Grapple Bucket. Later addition of weight appropriate forklift tongs.
By and large this machine will largely lead a fairly sheltered life with longevity and absolute reliability being of prime importance.
The points that currently make a difference to me from my perspective. Which is going to be a one man machine...fwiw:
1. Indoor air quality. I have acute allergies/sinus and cab air filtration, especially in the summer, is paramount.
a. Having driven both machines in the field the Kubota has disappointed in this area. I've found myself in need of claritin and sudafed after short exposure.
b. The John Deere Pressurized Cab and High Efficiency Filtration has proven superior. With similar usage I wind up with minor added allergy inflammation.
2. The Deere is more comfortable FOR ME on the Hydro Ergonomics. The Kubota requires picking my foot/leg up while the Deere's seperate petals allow for a rested heal and forward and reverse with minor strain. Small thing but this is not a small purchase.
3. The Deere has the full Air Ride Seat pre-installed. I'm amazed by Paul Short and his 5740 improvements, however, I know my limitations.
4. I prefer the Deere FEL Joy Stick with the third function switch. Again Ergonomics.
5. John Deere Top and Tilt eliminate the headache of guessing what will work perfectly the first time on the 4th and 5th SCVs.
The reasons I am still impressed with the Kubota...
1. Dead tough build quality. It may be just a "look", however, the LA854 looks tougher than 400X. Not to mention the creaking the 400X displays under load.
2 Kubota INDUSTRIAL QUALITY Diesel. I am not cutting the Deere short, however, "Made in Japan" trumps "Made in Mexico" when it comes to small Diesels from my LIMITED experience. I have a 95 HP Deere that was built, and rebuilt, here by the best of the best. I just don't know about this new Powertech. I do like it's ability to provide power at 2400 RPM versus 2800. My 73' 4020 Diesel is 2100 as was our 4840 if memory serves. Granted the cab should make this a small issue.
3. Decline in Deere Quality on replacement parts and certain products. The Deere Gator comes to mind... Have a friend on a large equestrian operation who has begun to turn to Kubotas after he bought one of their Diesel UTVs with A/C and Hydraulic Dump. That unit exudes quality like a Full Size John Deere Row Crop Tractor(the $250,000 and up variety), Combines, and Dozers. If it were a UTV versus Gator issue this would be a non issue. This may be off topic, however, I'm going to buying one of these as well and the Kubota is the only one in the running. Would not mind having the same garish(kiddin) color orange on both items....;-).
All in all BOTH seem to be World Class items in their class. I wonder if I should take a Claritin and live with the Cab as opposed to necessitating a pressurized HEPA Chamber...
I would GREATLY appreciate your input on this issue. It's gotten to the point friends are ducking me for fear of the debate...(close but not quite).
Whoops, failed to mention a great Deere asset. I have a dealer who is a dream to work with and is saving me $6-8000 over local prices. The only issue is I have a long ride. That said he has entertained all the questions, and delays, without being anything short of a Gentleman. Have a Diesel F350 Lariat, a 10K Trailer, and professional driver/friend who has offered to make the trip with me on a few days notice. Just Diesel Fuel and Cracker Barrel...
Your thoughts?
Regards, Matt Garrett
Chesapeake, Virginia
757-581-6270