John Deere 1026R Reviews
First Tractor
Model Year: 2012
Purchased the unit with backhoe attachment, land pride box blade and 54" mowing deck. This unit had a rear valve issue from the beginning that caused the rear 3-point to leak down quickly (30 seconds to the ground from full up). Took a while to get it fixed, but has been operating normally since repaired. Unfortunately, I do not have any previous experience with other tractors to draw any comparisons. It gets the job done for the most part. I wish it had just a little more power when digging with backhoe. it's a little cumbersome in heavy clay and attempting to pull stubborn stumps. The deck is really nice, cuts very even and super quiet. Overall, it's a little pricey but I would purchase again. It has enabled me to do a lot this summer in a short amount of time.
Pros: Fast attachments, pretty good on fuel.
Cons: A little more hydraulic power would be nice.
Model Year: 2012
Purchased the unit with backhoe attachment, land pride box blade and 54" mowing deck. This unit had a rear valve issue from the beginning that caused the rear 3-point to leak down quickly (30 seconds to the ground from full up). Took a while to get it fixed, but has been operating normally since repaired. Unfortunately, I do not have any previous experience with other tractors to draw any comparisons. It gets the job done for the most part. I wish it had just a little more power when digging with backhoe. it's a little cumbersome in heavy clay and attempting to pull stubborn stumps. The deck is really nice, cuts very even and super quiet. Overall, it's a little pricey but I would purchase again. It has enabled me to do a lot this summer in a short amount of time.
Pros: Fast attachments, pretty good on fuel.
Cons: A little more hydraulic power would be nice.
Love My John Deere 1026R
Model Year: 2012
I have never owned a Sub-Combact tractor before. I always wanted a 2305s but I heard lots of good things but a few bad things so I never did buy one. I am glad I waited and bought a 2012 JD 1026R. It is a mowing machine! I did have a John Deere LX277 and I couldn't believe how my new tractor mowed. I hit sticks with it and never chipped the blade they are really thick. I have used it to pull trees I cut up in the woods up a hill. My wife said it would never pull it, but the JD proved her wrong. I can't wait 'till winter to see how it does in the snow. I got a FEL and a box scrapper with it too, and also a brush hog. It will be the only tractor I will ever need.
Pros: Realibilty, easy to connect attachments, power.
Cons: When I lock the mower deck sometimes you have to lift up on the deck to get it out of lock position.
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Model Year: 2012
I have never owned a Sub-Combact tractor before. I always wanted a 2305s but I heard lots of good things but a few bad things so I never did buy one. I am glad I waited and bought a 2012 JD 1026R. It is a mowing machine! I did have a John Deere LX277 and I couldn't believe how my new tractor mowed. I hit sticks with it and never chipped the blade they are really thick. I have used it to pull trees I cut up in the woods up a hill. My wife said it would never pull it, but the JD proved her wrong. I can't wait 'till winter to see how it does in the snow. I got a FEL and a box scrapper with it too, and also a brush hog. It will be the only tractor I will ever need.
Pros: Realibilty, easy to connect attachments, power.
Cons: When I lock the mower deck sometimes you have to lift up on the deck to get it out of lock position.
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Great SCUT
Model Year: 2012
My JD 1026R came with the 120 front loader, 54" drive over mower deck, and a ballast box. I have also used a Wood TSR52 rotary tiller with it which it handled just fine. The deck gives a good cut and is easy to take off and put on. The loader has plenty of power and, again, is super easy to remove and install. I looked at the Kubota BX series and MF 2400/2600 tractors before I checked out JD. I assumed, from what I had heard, that the JD would be way more costly. Well it was not! I got the package for around $17,500 (not including the tiller). This was about the same price as the Kubota BX2660 and just a bit more than the MF. While all are good machines I felt the JD had a much better system of removing and reattaching the mower and loader. I also liked the longer arms on the 3 point hitch and that the adjustment linkages are on the outside of the arms. My suggestion to anyone considering a SCUT is to be sure you know what you want the tractor to be able to do, test drive each at your local deal, have them give you their price and go from there. Good luck and enjoy whichever tractor you choose!
Pros: Ease of attachment, solid reputation, hydraulic power.
Cons: No light on dash to confirm you are in 4 wheel drive.
Model Year: 2012
My JD 1026R came with the 120 front loader, 54" drive over mower deck, and a ballast box. I have also used a Wood TSR52 rotary tiller with it which it handled just fine. The deck gives a good cut and is easy to take off and put on. The loader has plenty of power and, again, is super easy to remove and install. I looked at the Kubota BX series and MF 2400/2600 tractors before I checked out JD. I assumed, from what I had heard, that the JD would be way more costly. Well it was not! I got the package for around $17,500 (not including the tiller). This was about the same price as the Kubota BX2660 and just a bit more than the MF. While all are good machines I felt the JD had a much better system of removing and reattaching the mower and loader. I also liked the longer arms on the 3 point hitch and that the adjustment linkages are on the outside of the arms. My suggestion to anyone considering a SCUT is to be sure you know what you want the tractor to be able to do, test drive each at your local deal, have them give you their price and go from there. Good luck and enjoy whichever tractor you choose!
Pros: Ease of attachment, solid reputation, hydraulic power.
Cons: No light on dash to confirm you are in 4 wheel drive.
Compared 1026r to Kubota BX
Model Year: 2012
Hi All, I am a new user, and just started using my new JD 1026r. I was sold on Kubota until I looked closely at the two - the JD features in terms of ease of FEL removal and hook up, seat comfort and control position, and the mower deck quick connect sold me. First impressions are that I made the right decision! Everything has been excellent so far - very glad I went the JD route. I have the snowblower sitting on a pallet waiting for snow to fly. I picked up lightweight pallet forks from Chris at Artillian (great company) and I can see they are the main tool I will use. If you are comparing tractors, make sure you spend time on both, drive them around your dealer's yard and connect and disconnect some attachments.
Pros: Attachment systems, seat comfort.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2012
Hi All, I am a new user, and just started using my new JD 1026r. I was sold on Kubota until I looked closely at the two - the JD features in terms of ease of FEL removal and hook up, seat comfort and control position, and the mower deck quick connect sold me. First impressions are that I made the right decision! Everything has been excellent so far - very glad I went the JD route. I have the snowblower sitting on a pallet waiting for snow to fly. I picked up lightweight pallet forks from Chris at Artillian (great company) and I can see they are the main tool I will use. If you are comparing tractors, make sure you spend time on both, drive them around your dealer's yard and connect and disconnect some attachments.
Pros: Attachment systems, seat comfort.
Cons: None.
Completely Satisfied
Model Year: 2012
I recently removed a swimming pool from the back yard. I convinced my wife that if I had a tractor, I could fill hole and grade yard as time allowed because I'd have what I needed when I had time (that it will also be a great asset to take to the hunting camp is just a coincidence). Short version: I purchased a 1026R w/ FEL, tiller, box blade and trailer and love it. So far, it has performed beyond my expectations, has plenty power for my tasks, handles easily in small areas. Also, my local dealer gave me a pretty good deal as he wanted to sell me a Deere vs. the other two brands he carries.
Pros: Small enough to perform in tight quarters, adequate power, attachments (at least the ones I wanted),
Cons: Only once, I could have used a little heavier machine, however, I just take "smaller bites".
Model Year: 2012
I recently removed a swimming pool from the back yard. I convinced my wife that if I had a tractor, I could fill hole and grade yard as time allowed because I'd have what I needed when I had time (that it will also be a great asset to take to the hunting camp is just a coincidence). Short version: I purchased a 1026R w/ FEL, tiller, box blade and trailer and love it. So far, it has performed beyond my expectations, has plenty power for my tasks, handles easily in small areas. Also, my local dealer gave me a pretty good deal as he wanted to sell me a Deere vs. the other two brands he carries.
Pros: Small enough to perform in tight quarters, adequate power, attachments (at least the ones I wanted),
Cons: Only once, I could have used a little heavier machine, however, I just take "smaller bites".
1026R...Love It!
Model Year: 2012
After owning a 425 with a front-end loader for 17 years I finally upgraded to the 1026R with loader and cannot be happier! It's a great machine, quieter than I expected with as tight a turning radius as my 425. No added mulching around bottom of trees needed! Awesome!
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Nothing.
Model Year: 2012
After owning a 425 with a front-end loader for 17 years I finally upgraded to the 1026R with loader and cannot be happier! It's a great machine, quieter than I expected with as tight a turning radius as my 425. No added mulching around bottom of trees needed! Awesome!
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Nothing.
John Deere 1026 R
Model Year: 2012
I just recently purchased along with pallet forks, loader and 60" mower. Everything seems to work well except my only disappointment so far is the lifting ability of the pallet forks--- very weak. The mower cuts smoothly and is fairly quiet for its size. I like the quick change features between the bucket & forks. I haven't used it yet but it has a drive over easy hook up on the mid-mount mower deck. Still learning operational features, plenty of safety overrides etc. Shopped several dealers but still seemed pricy @ almost 18K for whole package.
Pros: MFWD is good like hydo trans with easy acess to drivers station.
Cons: Weak fork lifting power, R-4 tires don't give great traction in 2WD.
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Model Year: 2012
I just recently purchased along with pallet forks, loader and 60" mower. Everything seems to work well except my only disappointment so far is the lifting ability of the pallet forks--- very weak. The mower cuts smoothly and is fairly quiet for its size. I like the quick change features between the bucket & forks. I haven't used it yet but it has a drive over easy hook up on the mid-mount mower deck. Still learning operational features, plenty of safety overrides etc. Shopped several dealers but still seemed pricy @ almost 18K for whole package.
Pros: MFWD is good like hydo trans with easy acess to drivers station.
Cons: Weak fork lifting power, R-4 tires don't give great traction in 2WD.
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Great Rig!
Model Year: 2011
I bought my 1026R new, in October 2011 and have just 12 hours on it so far. In a nutshell... This is a beautiful rig that's well worth the extra coin over JD's 1023E. An extra thousand bucks gets you work lights, front brush guard and a fistful of extra HP. Likes: -Idiot proof H120 loader (upgrade); no need to get off tractor -Very ergonomic seating for a big man like me -Intuitive controls; everything easy to reach -Big, super comfy seat w/folding armrests -More horsepower than I'll ever need for my small estate (25 engine, 18 PTO) -Excellent build quality top to bottom; feels like a Deere -Butter smooth hydrostatic transmission -Nice toolbox (included) -Yanmar runs great; my neighbor across the street heard it once and said, "Sounds like a 3-cylinder!" -All service points easily accessible -Great operator's manual (one volume, not separate engine and chassis manuals) -Generous cup holder and storage bin -Slick styling Don't like: placement of the gas shutoff valve. Wearing boots, I unintentionally shut off the valve when moving my foot between pedals. It should be rotated 90 degrees.
Pros: Pretty much everything.
Cons: Fuel shutoff location.
Model Year: 2011
I bought my 1026R new, in October 2011 and have just 12 hours on it so far. In a nutshell... This is a beautiful rig that's well worth the extra coin over JD's 1023E. An extra thousand bucks gets you work lights, front brush guard and a fistful of extra HP. Likes: -Idiot proof H120 loader (upgrade); no need to get off tractor -Very ergonomic seating for a big man like me -Intuitive controls; everything easy to reach -Big, super comfy seat w/folding armrests -More horsepower than I'll ever need for my small estate (25 engine, 18 PTO) -Excellent build quality top to bottom; feels like a Deere -Butter smooth hydrostatic transmission -Nice toolbox (included) -Yanmar runs great; my neighbor across the street heard it once and said, "Sounds like a 3-cylinder!" -All service points easily accessible -Great operator's manual (one volume, not separate engine and chassis manuals) -Generous cup holder and storage bin -Slick styling Don't like: placement of the gas shutoff valve. Wearing boots, I unintentionally shut off the valve when moving my foot between pedals. It should be rotated 90 degrees.
Pros: Pretty much everything.
Cons: Fuel shutoff location.
Early Observations
Model Year: 2011
I bought the 1026R as a do all machine. The attachments that were delivered with it are the H120 loader (53" bucket), 54D auto-connect (with auto PTO shaft), and 54" 4-way quick hitch snow plow. The ergonomics, fit and finish, ease of implement hook up, smoothness of operation, dealer support in my region, country of origin, and high resale are the reasons I chose Deere. It's been so muddy here lately, that I've really got to test the four wheel drive with rear differential lock. The r4 tires do pack up with mud, but I haven't been stuck yet. I plan on keeping this little tractor for a long time, so I thought I might as well get the most comfortable, deluxe model in it's category.
Pros: Too many.
Cons: Low ground clearance, no 4wd indicator on the dash.
Model Year: 2011
I bought the 1026R as a do all machine. The attachments that were delivered with it are the H120 loader (53" bucket), 54D auto-connect (with auto PTO shaft), and 54" 4-way quick hitch snow plow. The ergonomics, fit and finish, ease of implement hook up, smoothness of operation, dealer support in my region, country of origin, and high resale are the reasons I chose Deere. It's been so muddy here lately, that I've really got to test the four wheel drive with rear differential lock. The r4 tires do pack up with mud, but I haven't been stuck yet. I plan on keeping this little tractor for a long time, so I thought I might as well get the most comfortable, deluxe model in it's category.
Pros: Too many.
Cons: Low ground clearance, no 4wd indicator on the dash.
1026r
Model Year: 2011
I got the 1026r with the 60d auto-connect deck. This tractor does everything I need it to do. The only negative I've had was a leaking seal in the rear axle near the rear right tire. My dealer picked it up and repaired it. The service manager said the seal may have been installed wrong at the factory or it was just a bad seal. This was pretty inconvenient seeing how I only had 24 hrs. on it at the time. I've put over 3 hours on it since I got it back and haven't had any problems.
Pros: 4wd is perfect for the steep hillsides I cut.
Cons: Leaking seal after 22 hrs. use.
Model Year: 2011
I got the 1026r with the 60d auto-connect deck. This tractor does everything I need it to do. The only negative I've had was a leaking seal in the rear axle near the rear right tire. My dealer picked it up and repaired it. The service manager said the seal may have been installed wrong at the factory or it was just a bad seal. This was pretty inconvenient seeing how I only had 24 hrs. on it at the time. I've put over 3 hours on it since I got it back and haven't had any problems.
Pros: 4wd is perfect for the steep hillsides I cut.
Cons: Leaking seal after 22 hrs. use.