Deere 2520 vs Kubota 3030

[toolcollector]

Time is running out for 0%... I would love to have a Deere 3000 series, but realistically I am comparing and ready to pull the trigger on a 2520 or 3030. The 3030 seems like more for the money or am I just getting caught up in specs? The tractors will not be used for mowing. I have 2.5 acres and will use the tractor for landscaping and clearing 1.5 acres of trees. I will most likely get a BH as well. I have been pricing out the Woods Bx80 with the B3030. Should I stay faithful to Deere or does the 3030 have enough points to justify orange. If one went green, anyone got the woods BH over the Deere.

Thanks

 

[BCNU]

Either tractor would make you a good choice. I went with the Kubota B2630 which is Kubotas equivelent to the 2520 because of the better features for the same money. Stronger Hydraulics, 3 range transmisson, telescoping links, pinned sway bars instead of chains to name a few. I kept waitng for the 2320 John deere to come out but they kept pushing it back so I started looking at the Kubotas and comparing the 2630 against the 2520 and made my choice for the Kubota due to the added features. My only regret about buying the Kubota was not being able to deal with my John Deere dealer who I have purchased all my previous equipment from, but my Kubota dealer treated me very well also, I would recomend them to anyone. Also I believe the 2630 and 3030 have a $500.00 rebate on them now which would save you some money. Also with the 3030 as you were looking at you would have 4 more HP. Good luck in your decision either one will make you a excellent tractor. Try them both out to see which one you like the best, but most important find a dealer who will take care of you when you need them.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

If your just running a backhoe a B2630 will do just as good of a job, well... better infact since it does have a bit more hydraulic flow. The BX80 is a monster hoe - the OEM BH75 is also rather stout for its size, but not much can touch what the BH80X can do.

 

[Toolguy]

The JD2520 was not available last August when I bought my B3030. After it came out I checked it out thoroughly to see how it compared to the B3030 to make myself feel good about my purchase. I am pleased to report that IMHO the B2630 and B3030 outshine the 2520 in many areas.

Just a few advantages are:

3 speed transmission

Better Hydraulics and loader capacity

More 3PH capacity

Telescoping links on the 3PH arms

Pin adjustable sway bars VS. chains

14" of ground clearance vs. 12"

Backhoe capable

I am sure the 2520 is a nice unit and may suit your needs, however it is a smaller tractor without the bells and whistles of the B2630 or B3030. Good luck.

 

[AKfish]

First off -- I don't own a 2520 and haven't driven a 3030. But my neighbor just bought a 2520 and I've been over there playin' (er, workin') with his new machine. He was cussin' the chain adjustment for the 3pt arms so I took my iMatch hitch over for him to use for a couple of weeks. What a difference! Just a minute to hook up his LX4 mower or Landpride boxblade! No more lettin' the tiller blades roll over his toes!
Nonetheless, there are a couple of things that should be noted about the JD. It has the eHydro transmission. Depending upon the kind of work you have in mind -- the Hydro can be a better option than a gear tranny.
As well, JD makes a hoe for the 2520 --- the model 46BH. Don't know how it stacks up against the BH80, but you can find a thread or two on the JD forum that speaks to the 2520 and the 46 hoe.
That said, my JD970 is 33 hp and the 2520 is 26.5 hp. My older JD is likely 25-30% larger overall and quite a bit more machine. The 4hp on the Kubota 3030 could be the same kind of comparison --- apples and oranges. AKfish

 

[BCNU]

AKfish, just wanted to let you know that the 2520 dosen't have the E-Hydro. It has a 2 speed hydrostat transmisson but not john deeres e-hydro. Glad your neighbor liked your I- match, you may not get it back from him!

 

[biker128pedal]

Too bad John Deere does not make a reasonably priced 790 with hydrostatic. I considered the 2320 and 2520 but the local dealers around here won't get any until Fall and they hope to get two each. They do have 3203 tractors for $12,999.

It is tough comparing brands as it looks like they try to make units that fit in between.

But trying to compare it looks to me the 2520 compares to the Kubota B2630, MF M1528 hydro (but bigger) and the NH TC26. The Deere site list price is $15,279. This is about the same as the B2630 but Kubota dealer discount about 15%. If I could justify the cost I would go for a B7800 then go to a boat supply store and get a cup holder.

The 2320 compares to the B7610 but like the 2520 cost more. Not just a few hundred more but a few thousand.

 

[lawn_king]

If you plan on moving the machine around often, i think you will find the kubota to be much lighter. I purchased a B3030 HSDC 9 months ago & im very pleased with the machine. It is really a lightweight power house, great on fuel,quiet,well balanced,turns on a dime,strong fel,etc. Lots to like about the B3030.

 

[kirbygiampa]

Just a couple of notes:

My dealers have quoted me pricing on the Deere 2320 and the Kubota b7610 with FEL and BH. They are priced the same, $23K.

Also a major diff for me with the 2520 and the B2630 - if you are planning on using a MMM with a BH, the BH subframe must be removed on the 2520 to hook up the MMM; not so with the B2630. To use the BH, the MMM and the 3pt hitch has to be removed. same is true for both the 2320 and b7610, they are ok. Very negative for the 2520. 1 point for the Kubota.

 

[JohnSinVA]

Too bad John Deere does not make a reasonably priced 790 with hydrostatic. I considered the 2320 and 2520 but the local dealers around here won't get any until Fall and they hope to get two each. They do have 3203 tractors for $12,999.

I believe that would be your reasonably priced 790 with hydrostatic. The 3203 does lack the mid-PTO option that the 790 has. I'm guessing this was done to prevent the 3203 from drying up sales of 2000 series tractors.