John Deere 1026R 4.60 star(s) (51)

Quick Attach On Loader Poorly Designed, Power Take-Off Shaft Wobbles
Model Year: 2011

I have had this little tractor for about five years. I own 2.2 acres and mostly fields. The first time I removed the quick attach loader the pins connected to the loader broke the two welded spots on the loader. Plus, the power take-off shaft wobbles so badly when using my snowblower that it wore out two bearings and totally disconnected the welded plate it runs through. I figure the quick detach touched the bumper and put force on the connected bar, snapped both sides.

Pros: It's green, easy to operate
Cons: After having other green products this one does not measure up

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1026R
Model Year: 0

This is a great little machine; it is just too small to work in the woods. It is great on a lawn or road, but the small tires and lack of clearance are the sources of its limitations. With a 54" front mounted snow-blower, I managed to keep a half mile long gravel driveway open throughout a brutal Maine winter.

Pros: Reliable, strong loader and backhoe
Cons: Not enough stance

An amazing little tractor unafraid of any task!!!
Model Year: 2012

Bought the tractor with the 60" mower, snow blower and H120 Loader. I'm a homeowner living on a lake in the woods and the 1026R is overkill for most of my tasks, but I like it that way. It has about 125 hours after three years so it isn't being worked very hard. The features included on the tractor are incredible. Previously had a JD garden tractor for many years but wanted something with more muscle for moving large boat, moving docks and removing snow from a 1/2 mile of private road when necessary. Looked at the forklift option for the loader but instead simply bolt two six foot 3" channel iron to each side of loader bucket to create my own highly functional "forklift" for under a $100. Not pretty but works great for moving docks around but counterbalancing with weight on rear a must. Solved that by purchasing a cargo carrier that mounts in the 2" receiver and piling concrete blocks on the carrier, also less than $100. Also built a giant plywood "bucket" for hauling leaves that attaches to the channel iron. Had questioned whether the 1026R could pull my large pontoon on trailer out of the lake up the sloped embankment. Was amazed at how easily it handles that task. Overall, a few minor complaints, 1) when mounting the tractor, I grab the seat armrest to assist. Noticed that it will bend outward if not careful 2) When raising the three point hitch full up, generates a irritating sound as it reaches top 3) there is a small silver spring loaded vent cap on the gear housing on the mower deck that is easily damaged by the tractor mounts when driving on/off the "drive-on" deck, especially if the deck is not on perfectly level ground, replacement only a dollar or two but purchased extras as likely to happen again and 4) agree with other reviewer, the hydraulic couplings would be easier to use if more space between them. Minor complaints, overall this has been an excellent machine for my use.

Pros: Extensive features, powerful diesel engine, easy on/off attachments
Cons: As noted in review, all minor

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Not durable, Not reliable
Model Year: 2011

My 1026r had rave reviews but has proven otherwise in real life. This tractors components have broke and / or worn far too easily for a green tractor. Now just past 38 months of ownership nearly every valve and wearable part has failed. The repair costs are astronomical and now I will sell it when it return from the shop (3rd time this month). This tractor has been used only for light duty work, has only 255 hrs and has been very well maintained and greased weekly. Stored in drive shed. However it has proven to not be durable or reliable. These subcompact tractors do not live up to the brand. And certainly not even in the same league as any model built in Germany. JD in subcompact is no better than red or orange. In fact friends who own Kubota haven't seen have the issues Ive encountered at similar age and use. They should sell these models at Home Depot along with the JD ride-on mowers.

Pros: quick attach
Cons: mostly every other aspect

John Deere Mini Tractor with Front Loader and Center Mount Mower 60"
Model Year: 2013

This is a fine mini tractor although it should be. It is new. I wish it was a gasoline engine and not a diesel. We have a gas tank on campus but we have to go for a ride for diesel. Features are fine as well, 4WD, PS, hydraulic deck lift.

Pros: Good for mowing an open field, power steering, 4WD.
Cons: Not the best choice for smaller areas with lots of obstructions, diesel fuel.

John Deere 1026R
Model Year: 2012

My tractor has 44 hours on it. It has been in the shop 4 times and is still there. The engine has plenty of power. The rest of the various systems (computer & electrical, hydro-static drive and hydraulic components) are poorly designed and cheaply built. John Deere customer service is poor.

Pros: Tilt steering wheel, operator foot pedals, quick attach loader.
Cons: Cheaply built.

Strong Tractor with Small Tires
Model Year: 2012

Great little tractor as long as you keep weight on back while using bucket. It mows great except for deck wheels need to pivot instead of being fixed. The three point lift handle center lock-nut came loose on tractor but is easily tightened. The wet hydraulic connectors could be spaced out a little more for people with big hands.

Pros: Good power, comfortable ride, gets into tight places, quick connect attachments work well.
Cons: Front tires are to small, wet hyd. connectors hard to connect.

Great Little Helper
Model Year: 0

I live at 8800' in the mountains of Colorado. My house is near the summit of a mountain, and the lot slopes from 10¼ to over 40¼ with boulders, trees, and wild grasses. I bought the 1026R to help me perform wildfire mitigation. I needed something to haul out deadfall, lower limbs trimmed from Pine, Spruce, and Fir, including forest thinning. Portions of the lot has wild grass that must be mowed at a respectable angle. I am pleased as punch with the little 1026R, with H120 FEL and 54" blade, Pioneer 2048 rotary cutter, ballast box, rear wheel weights, and block heater. The amount of work I can get done in a short time is amazing. I clear the debris and haul it down to the road with the FEL, where the chippers can get it. In early fall I cut the grass on slopes exceeding 40¼. This tough little tractor runs up and down the hills laying waste to the grass and small Yucca. I installed mirrors on the FEL so I can back down while mowing. There has only been one glitch: somehow I managed to break the welds where the stand was attached to the loader masts. But I learned it was a Mfr. defect already addressed by Deere, and the dealer sent my little machine back with a new, modified, FEL. It works great. Now we approach winter, and have already had a couple of snowstorms. The FEL is off and blade on. I can't tell you how pleased I am while moving snow off my steep (paved) driveway. I look forward to opportunities to plow!

Pros: A versatile and useful addition to the home crew. High quality, ease of use, and with that HS tranny jobs get done right now!
Cons: I wish it had a swivel seat. But, I have mirrors now, so I don't have to strain my neck trying to look back as I mow down the hill.

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1026R
Model Year: 2012

Had a few mechanical problems, but doing better now. Great service at the dealer.

Pros: Ease of attachments, powerful.
Cons: Several start-up issues.

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Best Purchase I Ever Made!
Model Year: 2012

Bought my little tractor just over a year ago and have never looked back. Great machine and does more than I can do with It. Love the small diesel and the power, especially the four wheel drive. Front end loader with tooth bar is a God sent. So far all is great except dealing with the JD dealers in my area. I got a wonderful deal on the purchase, but that is where it ends. Dealership wants arm and a leg for attachments and service and all else! I am slowly finding my way around all this.

Pros: Original price, loader, belly mower.
Cons: Dealership after purchase accessories and service etc.

Excellent Model JD 1026R
Model Year: 2012

I have been using it for over a year now in a variety of tasks. It is lightweight yet strong enough to handle most digging and lifting duties. If you are using the backhoe quite a lot, it is a hassle to rotate the tractor seat every time. I decided to add a second seat to the backhoe making the change over very quick. It folds out of the way as I attached the second seat with a heavy duty hinge system.

Pros: Good price.
Cons: Needs secondary seat for backhoe.

Another Great John Deere
Model Year: 2013

I bought this tractor to use on my 10 acre piece of land that has woods, open areas and out of control brush. I purchased the tractor with the John Deere loader and a drive over 60" belly mower. Also purchased since then are a Woods BrushHog, a 3-Point lift arm, forks for the loader and I made a Ballast box for the 3-point. The tractor is very well built and has good power for its size. The controls are in good locations and work well. I like it that the ROPS folds down as I have some lower trees in my yard.

Pros: Comfortable and handles any task well. Quick change over for mower and loader are great.
Cons: The throttle doesn't stay where I put it, slowly decreases engine speed.

2012 JD-1026R W/H120 Loader & 47" Snow Blower
Model Year: 2012

Great Tractor. Added TekTite Cab with hot water heater and moved the Fender lights to the top of the cab for snow blowing work at night. Still need to find and add a wind shield washer system and back work light and wiper.

Pros: Powerful and agile. Fun to drive. Not much bigger than JD-445.
Cons: Top heavy with cab, SCV issues.

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Little Kicker
Model Year: 2013

A solid performer. Only two things are missing, first an reasonably priced factory cab and second, air conditioning. Worth the money.

Pros: Does what it should without drama.
Cons: None.

Outstanding Machine
Model Year: 2012

After using this tractor for one full season, I can honestly say it is a fantastic machine. I was on the fence between this tractor and the Kubota and the drive over mower deck is what did it for me. Getting the belly mower on and off takes less than a minute. The front end loader is also very easy for one man to remove or install on the tractor. The control layout is set up so that everything is exactly where it should be and makes perfect sense. The 26 HP diesel has plenty of power for mowing, tilling and skidding logs. I have bush hogged over small trees over 10 feet in height with ease and without bogging the motor. My only complaint is the use of so much plastic on the hood and cowling and I question the durability of this material over the lifespan of the tractor. I wish JD would make metal hoods again.

Pros: Plenty of power, logical control layout, easy to operate.
Cons: Too much plastic.

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Happy with the Deere
Model Year: 2012

I bought my tractor almost a year and a half ago. I bought it with the H120 53" loader and the 60" mid mount deck. I've used the loader for a bunch of landscaping jobs around the house and to clear the snow off of my lane. I've been very happy with the loader. It has all of the power I need. It has actually surprised me a few times. I couldn't live where I live without it. The tractor cuts the grass efficiently as well. One thing I don't like is the guide wheels on the deck. They don't pivot, which doesn't make sense to me. I know they aren't supposed to ride right on the ground, but they do if you are on a slope, and it would be better if they pivoted.

Pros: Great power/usability. Loader has been great, and drive over deck is very convenient.
Cons: Guide wheels don't pivot.

My Little Tractor
Model Year: 2012

I bought mine about a year ago and have used it almost every day since. Just learning about the controls took a couple of months or more. Dealership was of little help and non-existent after the sale. Typical JD in this area. Machine is great and I love most everything about the operation. I am retired and can take my time learning these things. So far so good. I think its a keeper.

Pros: Well built, great performance for its size.
Cons: Dealer service, but that is not the machines fault!

Even More Than I Expected
Model Year: 2013

I recently bought an additional 10 acres of land to use for firewood and recreation. I needed a tractor that could get through the trees easily and still have the power to do loaded work and brush cutting. The John Deere 1026R has been even better than I could have thought. Plenty of power for running a 48" Woods Brush Cutter. The 4-wheel drive and power steering are great for doing loader work and one off the best features is the quick mounting and removal of implements. I can be mowing the yard with the 60" belly mower and change over to the loader in about 10 minutes! I drop the mower in the barn and go around back to get the loader it really is easy. All the controls are very well laid out too, makes it comfortable to be on the tractor for extended time periods. Overall a great tractor.

Pros: Quick changeover of implements.
Cons: Wish there was a way to lift either center implement or rear 3-point.

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1-Series with Attachments
Model Year: 2013

Bought 1026R with several attachments to tame 3.5 acres around new house. Selected JD over other options based on quality and previous history of durability and longevity.

Pros: Great assortment of attachments. Relatively simple to swap out.
Cons: Some initial growing pains, but nothing serious.

JD 1026R SCUT
Model Year: 2012

I just upgraded from my 11 year old JD 445 L&G tractor to a new JD 1026R SCUT (now discontinued & replaced by lower power 1025 due to U.S. EPA emissions regulations restrictions in 2013). I always wanted a SCUT, and the EPA emissions change, in addition to higher new year model pricing forced my hand. I was going to wait a couple years. The Deere financing offer was too good to pass up. I have had the 1026R for 4 days. I got the FEL with bucket & 60" wide mid mount mower with mulch kit. I got tired of bagging grass. The mulch kit is a pleasant surprise - it finely shreds the grass and does not clump - the engine has plenty or torque to mulch even heavy grass (dry). My lawn looks like a golf course fairway without having to collect & dump clippins all summer. This is great! The mower is also quieter than the 445 was. The loader works silky smooth, looking forward to finally doing my landscape projects. Unsure whether to go with bagger for leaves in fall or try mulching into grass. Plan to go with 53" snowblower this winter, & a tiller next spring. I would be glad to try to answer any questions you have.

Pros: No more grass clipping bagging & dumping! More comfortable seat, easier to get in & out (more legroom), smooth loader actuation. Usual great Deere dealership locations (many) & support.
Cons: ROPS structure is too high (compare to Kubota).