Buying Advice New Tractor Help - Kubota B2601 or Deere 3025e

[Trillium Farm]

In your case do you really need the bigger tractor? Bigger is not always better.

Tue, but there have been so many case of people buying too small and regret it, not so many the other way around.

 

[s219]

Thanks everyone. I am fine with bare bones and thus fine with economy, just want to make sure that economy doesn't mean lack of quality. If the L2501 were priced the same as the B2601 or the JD 3025 then I would probably go that route. Since the price is the comparison rather than tractor series, that is what is making it a tough choice for me.

S219 - I am new to tractors, what are you looking to have changed in the last 10 years?

Thanks!

Go look at the 3025e and compare it to something like a Kubota 2501/3301, or a Deere 3-series "R" model and you'll see that the 3025e looks and feels like it belongs in an older era. It looks and feels like an older Deere model from the 1980s because that is essentially what it is. The basic tractor has carried on for many many years and is way behind the basic tractors from other brands.

 

[Jchonline]

Hello,

I am buying my first tractor and enjoying and agonizing over the search. I would use it for maintaining 150' gravel driveway (snow removal in winter/grading in summer), cutting and moving firewood around our 5 ac lot and general landscaping and projects around yard. Keeping x500 for mowing.

I have both a Kubota dealer and Deere dealer close by, so will be going with either of those.

My two options based on my budget are the Kubota B2601 or the Deere 3025e. I have quotes from both dealers that are only by only a couple hundred dollars apart (Kubota actually a bit more).

I like the size of the Deere, it feels more tractor like, but I am concerned that the "e" in economy means cheap or breakdowns at some point in the future.

What do you think?

Thank you!

Try and get more quotes from other area Kubota dealers (even if 200 miles away). Make your dealer work for it. You may be able to get into a more capable machine for similar dollars. If the 3025e still ends up being the cheapest option, then as mentioned it is a frame size up from the B2601 and I would probably get it unless there is a compelling reason not to (ie you want a lighter machine, or one that is more maneuverable being smaller).

 

[RalphVa]

Hello,

I am buying my first tractor and enjoying and agonizing over the search. I would use it for maintaining 150' gravel driveway (snow removal in winter/grading in summer), cutting and moving firewood around our 5 ac lot and general landscaping and projects around yard. Keeping x500 for mowing.

I have both a Kubota dealer and Deere dealer close by, so will be going with either of those.

My two options based on my budget are the Kubota B2601 or the Deere 3025e. I have quotes from both dealers that are only by only a couple hundred dollars apart (Kubota actually a bit more).

I like the size of the Deere, it feels more tractor like, but I am concerned that the "e" in economy means cheap or breakdowns at some point in the future.

What do you think?

Thank you!

Think a Kubota L would be more equivalent. JD has issues with the UJoints in the drive shaft between the engine and the HST that Kubota apparently does not have.

The JD "E" may not have the variable settings on the 3ph height. It's a very nice thing to have.

Think it mostly comes down to whether you like the treadle on the Kubota vs. 2 separate pedals on the JD.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Oh, I'm one of those the other way around. Would rather have a smaller hp tractor with lots of goodies instead of a bigger one without the goodies. Trouble is, it's hard to find one much below 25 hp now.

Ralph

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I would be turned off by the tredal pedal on the Kubota. But I would also pass on the 2 gear range HST on the Deere.

So I guess I would say "None of the Above"?

Next bigger Deere maybe?

Are there NO OTHER tractor dealers (brands) anywhere near you?

 

[Trillium Farm]

I would be turned off by the tredal pedal on the Kubota. But I would also pass on the 2 gear range HST on the Deere.
So I guess I would say "None of the Above"?
Next bigger Deere maybe? Are there NO OTHER tractor dealers (brands) anywhere near you?

Deere doesn't make any tractors below 100hp and maybe 150hp anymore, they are all manufactured by others with Deer colours and name, don't be confused by the name there are equal and better tractors for less money. Deer attitude is like they do YOU a favour by letting you buy one of their products.

 

[Rock Crawler]

The treadle is odd for the first hour, then you have absolutely no conscious knowledge that your foot is even on it and doing it's thing. I sure wouldn't let that have any weight on deciding. If your brain is unable to convert that treadle action to unconscious muscle memory in a very short time of use, you likely need to wear a helmet and carry a droll towel....

 

[prof fate]

the '01' in kubota speak is 'economy'. the '50' is the more heavily optioned version.

The 'economy' is in features - some of which are obvious perhaps, some of which you only learn to appreciate later on.

For example- MANY kubota owners complain (aka mention) the lack of a grab handle on the right side, no bucket level indiicator, no arm rests and at times other things they can be added - but at a price ($75 each seems what most pay). Do you NEED these items? Of course not, but they make life, day to day, nicer.

I had a kubota and went to kioti - I got both side grab handles, rubber floor mat and level indicator, and I use them / appreciate them daily.

I also got a mirror - very nice feature to have.

Kubota fuel fill is over the hood, PITA to me. Kioti is behind the seat - better. I think deere is what, under the floorboard? better yet!

Plastic vs steel...steel can rust, but it dents as opposed to cracks. Can be fixed rather than replaced. I prefer steel for the most part.

RK (rural king), LS, TYM (same as RK), Kioti are other options - even if you have to travel a bit to find a dealer, may be worth considering. My kioti was about $3500 cheaper than the kubota, and a couple hundred less than RK.

All sorts of specs to pour over...ground clearance, HP at the PTO, etc, etc. MOST are just numbers on a page and won't have much affect on how you use the unit.

One BIG consideration is the bucket attachment - q-tach is THE standard. May be optional on some kubotas and Deere uses their own design...limits you options on front attachments, may make them more costly, harder to find used, etc.

Thanks everyone. I am fine with bare bones and thus fine with economy, just want to make sure that economy doesn't mean lack of quality. If the L2501 were priced the same as the B2601 or the JD 3025 then I would probably go that route. Since the price is the comparison rather than tractor series, that is what is making it a tough choice for me.

S219 - I am new to tractors, what are you looking to have changed in the last 10 years?

Thanks!

 

[prof fate]

As a kid we had a treadle HST cub cadet - loved it.
Kioti is 2 pedals...after 150 hours i'm getting used to it. Issue is the right pedal is go forward, like the gas pedal on a car. the middle one is go backwards..right where a BRAKE pedal is on every car/truck I've ever driven. And to the left of htat is the brake pedal. ONly an issue using the loader or other 'fine' work (forks). I'm about 98% used to it now, but did back up a few times when I ment to go forward or stop!

The treadle is odd for the first hour, then you have absolutely no conscious knowledge that your foot is even on it and doing it's thing. I sure wouldn't let that have any weight on deciding. If your brain is unable to convert that treadle action to unconscious muscle memory in a very short time of use, you likely need to wear a helmet and carry a droll towel....