2nd Impressions: Kubota B2910 vs. JD 4200

[Hook]

Poster: glennmac
Subject: Re: 2nd Impressions: Kubota B2910 vs. JD 4200

> If you like the Deere 4200 better than the 2910, get the
> Deere. But consider getting the 4300 instead. I think the
> 4200 is underpowered for its size and weight. This may be
> one reason Deere is increasing its hp by 2 in the new series.
> The 4300 will have more power and weight than the 2910
> and will have the Deere ergonomics that you apparently
> like.

I've thought about this, but that would mean going up another $1,500. Now if I could find a dealer motivated to move a 4300 & I could strike a great deal, I just dight do this.

Sigh ... I started all of this thinking I would buy a BX2200!

> The 2910 is, however, in my opinion, a better lawn mower
> than either Deere machine because it is lighter, more
> maneuverable, and its 72" deck is much easier to remove
> and install. Tradeoffs.

Hmmm ... well mowing & lawn maintenance (e.g., aeration) is the most important thing I'll be doing with the tractor. But, it's not the only thing. I have a 1,500 foot driveway to plow. And with 15 acres (grass, pasture, woods), I expect I will find lots more to do with any tractor.

I'm still sitting on the fence, though leaning towards the 4200. You didn't make it any easier

Hook

 

[glennmac]

Hook, I have 11 acres. I finish mow 3 and brush cut about 3 or 4. Mowing and cutting is what I do and will continue to do most. I have a 2910. It has done everthing I have asked. But I would like a somewhat larger tractor, and one with an easy to remove backhoe.

To me, the 4300 (actually 4400) is the tractor I would buy now if I had it to do all over again--except for five things. I, like many people who have selected Kubotas over JDs, think that (1) the Kubota hydro is smoother and better, (2) the Kubota pedals are easier to press and less jerky, (3) the Kubota control layout is better, (4) the Kubota engine is quieter and smoother, and (5) the Kubotas have been much more problem free and reliable than the JD 4000 series.These things would, and do, deter me from buying a JD. But that's just my opinion, much of which is subjective.

If, however, those things werent negatives to me--or were even positives, as they seem to be to you--I would buy the 43/4400 over the 2910 because I like the size and the attachment designs better. I wouldnt consider the 4200.

You cannot expect the Kubota and JD to be the same price; they are different products. I think JDs are more expensive in most parts of the country. I wouldnt let $1500 stop me from getting the 4300. You have to think of a tractor and implements as being in the nature of a vehicle purchase, pricewise--$15000 to $30000 for decent one. But unlike, and better, than a car, a tractor can literally last you the rest of you life, and still have a decent residual value. Think of that $1500 as being prorated over that time frame. It's worth it for the extra engine and hydraulic power of the 4300, and you'll be able to attach larger backhoes and pull larger implements on your acreage.

If you go the 3ph mower route instead of belly mower, which is another key decision you have to make, the maneuverability among 27-45 hp tractors is almost irrelevant.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

JD4200 Shoe-in Pricing/Specs
JD4300 Shoe-in Pricing/Specs

Go to the dealer’s 20 miles away… on their lot… looking to buy a “4310”… “Oh, you only have the 4300… ‘the old model’… not really interested… how much did you say for a ‘closeout’?” /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[glennmac]

Cool animation, John. But don't animate the wheels on your signature tractor. I just noticed that it seems to have the infamous turf-ripper axle. With that axle, and the sharp turn of those R1-ed front wheels, one can see your name already beginning to shred.

 

[kerr]

TEAM GREEN-those that are,those that wana be.

 

[glennmac]

Kerr, just the guy Hook needs to talk to. Havent you said that you would have bought the 4300 over the 4200 if you had it to do over.

By the way, Hook, my first tractor for my 11 acres was a BX2200. Within a week I knew I had bought too small, and I traded it in after 30 hours for my 2910, which I now think is a little small.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Glenn... as long as you don't tell me my name is 'mud'... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

My Carraro FWD axle better still be on my unit or I'll get stuck... /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

 

[kerr]

Yes,a little more power would be good sometimes. but i think we all end up wishin we had a instant horsepower button on the dash.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...wishin we had a instant horsepower button on the dash...</font color=blue>

The new 4310 electronic version has that button...! /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

 

[glennmac]

Yeah, it's a cell phone auto-dial feature that calls the Kubota dealer.