Trying to decide Kubota BX25 or 1025R

[Steve1300]

Lovely photos, Hurricanoday, and what a Cutie Pie!

Like I said before, you have a wonderful choice facing you and so enjoy it for all it is worth.

What suggestion. The loader is very, very important to me, as I use it the most. And, on my BX25, it is the thing that I run up against the limitations the most. When speaking to the dealer one time, he said that people's experiences with the BX25 are such that the loader tends to lift less than the stated amount it real practice (745 lbs.). So, I would strongly recommend that you get the dealer to put anything in the bucket such as bags of sand or something like that and compare the two FELs directly, seeing as how they are both on the same lot.

Good luck to you, and do keep us posted. I for one have found this thread very informative and entertaining, and remember, we TBNers are also vicariously enjoying you shopping fun!��

I have found, for myself, that understanding a FEL's capabilities requires experimentation. The manufacturers advertise a certain amount, but they don't always tell us at what point that capability exists. Is the way for on-the-round, at chest height, or for all the way up? The capacity changes as we raise and lower the bucket. Also, we are sometimes fooled by what we think a certain thing weighs. I have found that to be true when picking up root balls and such from oak trees. They are heavier than we think, usually.

It is true, I do like to keep tabs on someone shopping for a tractor just to see what drove the decision - other than only the color.

 

[sixdogs]

I recently went through this Massey Furgeson, LS, New Holland, John Deere, Mahindra, and Kubota purchase experience. It is NOT easy unless one is really brainwashed as to "best color." There are things to like about each of them: price, sophistication, power, comfort, capability, implement costs (yes, a tractor is merely a platform - things get done with implements), and did I mention price?

These manufacturers compete and present themselves as "better for the price." Where I live, most tractors are green.

I bought orange for my personal selection and not because the others were inferior. Its great that we have choices, isn't it?

Over the years, I have learned that a good reason to buy a particular brand or not was how well things hold their value. In reality then, the heavy lifting of decision making was done for me by others who have the ultimate vested interest in their answer; their wallet. The marketplace has decided what tractors have the most desirable characteristics because of that. Sure, one of us may need one bell or whistle different or not different but generally we all want pretty close to the same functionality. Its worked so far--for me-- and just my two cents here.

 

[varmint]

Over the years, I have learned that a good reason to buy a particular brand or not was how well things hold their value. In reality then, the heavy lifting of decision making was done for me by others who have the ultimate vested interest in their answer; their wallet. The marketplace has decided what tractors have the most desirable characteristics because of that. Sure, one of us may need one bell or whistle different or not different but generally we all want pretty close to the same functionality. Its worked so far--for me-- and just my two cents here.

Which is largely the reason I keep owning Kubotas....

 

[check]

I have found, for myself, that understanding a FEL's capabilities requires experimentation. The manufacturers advertise a certain amount, but they don't always tell us at what point that capability exists. Is the way for on-the-round, at chest height, or for all the way up? The capacity changes as we raise and lower the bucket. Also, we are sometimes fooled by what we think a certain thing weighs. I have found that to be true when picking up root balls and such from oak trees. They are heavier than we think, usually.

It is true, I do like to keep tabs on someone shopping for a tractor just to see what drove the decision - other than only the color.

Good point, Steve. For example, the Kubota.ca website lists the FEL capacity at 745 lbs. at "max height", but does that mean it lifts less when on the ground, and if so, how the heck do you get it to "max height"?

 

[Garandman]

Well this is what I am talking about

John Deere 1 Family vs. Kubota BX Video - YouTube

Sweet, the 1 series has a "thick, ergonomic floor mat" and a 12V plug! I'm sold!

Salespeople have a name for these kind of comparisons, which are always biased and manipulative: "**** lists." Deere makes by far the most but Kubota makes a few as well.

Good point, Steve. For example, the Kubota.ca website lists the FEL capacity at 745 lbs. at "max height", but does that mean it lifts less when on the ground, and if so, how the heck do you get it to "max height"?

Loaders have a number of standardized ratings. Generally they will have a "breakout" rating which is the max they can lift from the ground. They also rate them at max height, which would be less. There are also ratings at the pins versus 500mm or 24" forward.

The Kubota LA240A loader gives the following specs:
Lift capacity, 500mm forward, max height: 518 lbs.
Lift capacity, pivot pin, max height: 745 lbs.
Breakout force, 500mm forward: 992 lbs.

The H120 loader used on the 1025R (Front End Loaders | H12 Loader | John Deere US) only lists "512 lbs of lift capacity" but does not give the detailed specs Kubota does. The D120 gives capacity of 570 lbs.

Kubota has detailed competitive specs at: http://www.kubota.com/assets/product/comps/BX70/BX70_comps.pdf

Which shows the BX25 to be 680 and 1025R to be 681. Also shows the BX25D to have a little more PTO HP than the 1025R so Yanmars must achieve magical powers in certain parts of Ohio....

 

[Code54]

Thats great that they have them side by side so you can compare them! Glad you found which one you like the best and it sounds like price difference is not going to be a factor so that really helps. I like the the built in work lights (think that is what it is) on the Deere, I had to add some to my machines. They really come in handy when you are trying to get something done and the day is not cooperating with you!

Remember we love photos so when you get a Deere out working........

Check - May want to test your loaders pressure, mine was right at the min. factory pressure when I got it. Dealer adjusted it to the top of the factory spec and it made a noticeable difference. May help??

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Thats great that they have them side by side so you can compare them! Glad you found which one you like the best and it sounds like price difference is not going to be a factor so that really helps. I like the the built in work lights (think that is what it is) on the Deere, I had to add some to my machines. They really come in handy when you are trying to get something done and the day is not cooperating with you!

Remember we love photos so when you get a Deere out working........

Check - May want to test your loaders pressure, mine was right at the min. factory pressure when I got it. Dealer adjusted it to the top of the factory spec and it made a noticeable difference. May help??

I remain highly suspicious of another brand on the lot for 'comparison." How much you want to bet there are few washers missing from the pressure control valve and mineral oil for hydraulic fluid?

 

[Code54]

LOL - could happen! Wouldn't be the first time..... I was thinking they sold both, but that makes sense that it is a "comparison" model as i didn't think you could carry both Deere and Kubota.

 

[SteveM70]

I remain highly suspicious of another brand on the lot for 'comparison." How much you want to bet there are few washers missing from the pressure control valve and mineral oil for hydraulic fluid?

Speculation. But it shouldn't matter in the OP's decision since his decision (based on info provided) thus far, has been based on driving the two tractors around the lot and nothing more except spec sheets.

 

[check]

Thats great that they have them side by side so you can compare them! Glad you found which one you like the best and it sounds like price difference is not going to be a factor so that really helps. I like the the built in work lights (think that is what it is) on the Deere, I had to add some to my machines. They really come in handy when you are trying to get something done and the day is not cooperating with you! Remember we love photos so when you get a Deere out working........ Check - May want to test your loaders pressure, mine was right at the min. factory pressure when I got it. Dealer adjusted it to the top of the factory spec and it made a noticeable difference. May help??

I did test the pressure and it was right at spec. I seem to recall only one number, and I didn't know that there is a range ov values that would be acceptable. Will have to have another look at the manual.