Liliyflynn,
A couple other thoughts to share as I was seriously considering the 3520 as well. The 3520 has been around several years with a proven track record. I think...not sure, but the Kubota model in your sights is a fairly new with fairly new features. I personally don't like buying new equipment and then find the following year that this or that had been upgraded, revised, or replaced for better reliability or performance. Also, if you can get a rep to take you through each function of the tractors you consider, that would greatly help compare the two in your decision. Don't go specifically by spec sheets as JD and Kubota don't always have direct models to make comparisons off spec sheets. I failed to do this when I bought my first tractor.
Remove replace buckets, loaders, the 3PH, and test other functions to see how they work for you. I really like the JD quicktach system for the loader bucket and removing the loader and #PH is a breeze. The Yanmar also purrs and is a fuel sipper. On the other hand, a nice feature of Kubota is Kubota can say their products are not pieced together...it's a Kubota motor, parts, etc. I do think some of their 3PH sway arms area bit stouter than the JD. BUT, I've bent a JD sway arm going in reverse and it was easy to hammer back in shape. The Kubota I believe is all metal...at least mine was...and I prefer metal hoods over JDs plastic hoods. BUT the Kubota required removing bottom panels to service...not sure if they changed that...while the JD can be serviced in many ways without removing the hood or panels. A lot of thought went into the way JD set their units up for service and I personally think Kubota improved their design to follow suit. Check out foot operation...treddle peddle vs F & R on the JD. I liked them both equally...just gotta get used to whatever you get. Check out if the 3520 has loadmatch to keep your motor from stalling under load...works great. I think Kubota may have come up with a similar function...I believe once again Kubota took this idea from JD
So, get the reps to point out servicing the oil changes, air filtration, hydro, etc. Also ask about warranty, doorstep service costs if any, loading tires, added hooks, lights, etc. My JD dealer threw in a lot of extras that cost me on the Kubota. Yes, I paid more for JD upfront, but final cost of ownership for me proved the Kubota cost me more in the long run.
Paint, my paint on the Kubota faded badly in a short time...none so far on the JD. Also, my Kubota gauge cluster went from a dark grey to faded grey in no time. Color choice may be a factor as well. I prefer the green...looks better in relation to my surroundings and house color. My house was red...did not look good with ornage near it. However, the Kubotas orange looks pretty fantastic in other places.
I'm trying to be as objective as possible...but after owning both, I'd personally get the 3520.
Lastly, a question for Messik. Can you share what features JD took from Kubota other than developing smaller CUTs to diversify their product line for market share? I have heard that many Kubota features were originally introduced by JD and maybe even improved. Historically, many products from Japan have been "copied" and even improved from other manufacturers. If I was a betting person, I'd wager that the JD R&D folks spend much of their time trying to seperate themselves from the pack rather than be like Kubota. I bet they are a pretty proud bunch that certainly looks at other brands features, but in the end, try to standout as a leader in the industry. They have a huge presence in the construction and agricultural industry with big iron, ags, combines,TLBs, excavators, dozers, forestry, etc. They are everywhere...on almost every street corner, many farms, ranches, and contruction sites. I bet Kubota's corporate folks would fall over themselves to have this type of market depth and diversity. So, I respectfully disagree that Kubota is the brand others want to be.
