Apples (Kubota) and Oranges (John Deere)

[pebald1]

Hello!

I've been out reading your boards as I'm considering buying a new tractor and decided to give a shout out and see if your members might be able to help.

I've recently purchased a home in the country with apx 14 acres. Most of this acreage is mowable (guessing about 10 acres), including a small orchard with 16 apple trees. Most of the property is on rolling hills with some level spots (house, garage, carport, orchard) and one steep area. I have a 120' long driveway that opens into a an 80'x50' paved parking area, and have a carport area that has a 150'x40' gravel drive and parking area.

I have a small JD L110 with 42" deck that I mow the level areas with. I mow my field primarily with a 48" Ag-Fab, 10hp tow behind mower, which I tow behind my Outlander 4x4 atv. I also have an old 78 GMC 4x4 rust bucket with plow that I use for keeping the drive clean of snow.

As for the mowing, the equipment I have is obviously not sufficient for maintaining close to 10 acres of "lawn". Additionally the plow truck I have is tempromental at best. I have decided that I want to go with a tractor with a factory cab so I can have all the comforts. I should mention that my father comes over to help me out from time to time and he has problems breathing so I'm thinking an environmentally controlled cab is good.

Apples & Oranges:

I'm considering the following tractors: New Holland TC40DA, JD 3320, Kubota B3030 with a FEL and 6' rear finish mower. I know the NH is a higher class than the other two, but it's the smallest NH makes with a factory cab. Unfortunately, it's 5-7K more expensive than both the JD and Kubota, so I've taken the NH out of the picture.

I test drove the Kubota B3030 and liked it, but the cab was a bit noisier than I thought it would be. My JD dealer is trying to get a 3320 with loader put together for me to try out. He has another 3000 series with CAB that I can look at to try to get the full picture.

Since I haven't seen the 3320 in person yet, I'm not sure if I'm truely comparing apples to apples. It appears to be a physically bigger tractor than the kubota. Can anyone help in this manner?

The B3030HSDC (with cab) with LA403 and a 72" Brush Hog rear discharge finish mower were quoted an apx $23,500. The JD 3320 with cab and 300cx, without mower was quoted an apx $25,000. Assuming, JD could come up with a rear mower in the $1500 range, we're looking at a minimum 3K difference.

I noticed a few other things that are different in comparing these 2 tractors. The kubota comes with a mid mount PTO standard, 2 external rear view mirrors standard and a grill guard standard with installation of the FEL. The JD does not. The kubota pricing also includes loading the tires and the JD does not. I'm assuming that by time these items are added to JD that we're looking at closs to a 4K difference.

Is the JD that much more tractor than the kubota? Are these reasonable prices? In reading the boards, I think the B3030 is more equavalent to the JD 20 series, but wanted to confirm.

Please note that both dealers are very reputable and have outstanding service centers. I think both dealers will offer very good service.

1 final question. Are there financial centers that specialize in tractor financing, particularly for used tractors?

 

[Croomrider]

I would think the Kubota L3240 would be a better comparison with the JD 3320. However, the 3320 may be kind of in the middle between the L3030 and L3240.

 

[DAP]

Yes, the B3030 is not anywhere near the same class as those other machines.

 

[mike69440]

I would think the Kubota L3240 would be a better comparison with the JD 3320. However, the 3320 may be kind of in the middle between the L3030 and L3240.

True, I Agree that the JD 3320 is a lot more tractor than the the B3030. The 300CX out classes a lot of loaders. Shouldn't it be Green Apples (John Deere) and Oranges (Kubota)

 

[Greenlantern]

Interesting, as I was just in a similiar situation over the past couple of months. I was looking at a TC40DA (because I to want/need a CAB). The J.D. 4120 and the Kubota L4240. In the end I ended up going Orange, why?

A.) I had to finance my purchase and I was looking for something affordable in the payment category, meaning longer than 36 month terms on at least a $27,000 loan. If you look at J.D.'s credit terms past 36 months it's 9.9% - NH and Kubota's are both about the same, which is significantly lower in the 48 and 60 month intervals than 9.9%.

B.) You mentioned the other main factor already, cost. When it came down to comparing tractors, to me the big three (J.D., Kubota and NH) all seemed to have generally about the same features and specs. Yes one tractor weighed 400 lbs more, or it's fuel tank was a gallon more, but horse power and lift wise nearly the same on similiar horse power models. Now this is were the Deere dealer starts talking about true cost of ownership, because yes there maintenance schedule is much less frequent than the Kubota's. However, just as you are discovering, I failed to see how spending and extra $4,000 (without the additional finance costs) to go green was somehow going to be made up by maybe $200-$400 more in maintenance costs per year going orange or blue.

C.) Dealer location and services. The nearest J.D. dealer was about 25 miles away, and the Kubota and New Holland dealers were both about 15, not that big of a difference, but something worth considering when your deciding is who will be doing the service and where it will be done. I wasn't impressed with the look of the local J.D. dealers maintenance shop, take a look at your dealers...Speaking of services the dealer I bought from offered free pickup and delivery, that right there saved me another $1500 or $50 in rental fees for having to buy/rent a trailer to haul my tractor in.

In the end I think it's all a matter of personal opinion and wallet size. Clearly J.D. believes they have a superior product that people will be willing to pay a superior price for. The question is are you willing to pay it, or do you believe it is superior to the competition. I didn't...

 

[pebald1]

I think you guys are right and I had it wrong. It should be Green Apples (JD) and Oranges (Kubota). LOL.

I appreciate the feedback. Looks like I need to compare a slightly bigger Kubota tractor to see where things stand, including my financing option.

I do like that the JD appears to be a quieter cab and is more tightly sealed, but we'll see.

 

[Z-Michigan]

As others have stated, the B3030 is a smaller size class than the others. JD 3320 would be great, and as noted compares to the smaller L-series Kubotas. Right now I'd like for Kubota L30's on clearance, as the L40's seem to be priced at a premium. OTOH if the B3030 has enough power for your needs, it is a great deal with a cab. Cab tractors cost real money even in the compact size range.

As long as you're shopping anyway, you might look at Kioti also. I say this as a happy JD owner.

 

[BleedGreen]

pebald,

As others have already said, the B3030 and 3320 are not comparable tractors... RFB asked this question awhile back, so I will paste in the blurb I wrote him regarding both tractors - I hope it helps somewhat.

John Deere 3320 Cab - 32.5 hp Direct-Injected Diesel; 11.8 gal Fuel Tank; Mechanical Scissor-Link Seat Suspension; Standard Joystick SCV control; 3 Range eHydro transmission w/TwinTouch pedals; Helical Gear Final Drive; Open Center Hydraulic System with 13.9 gpm total flow; 2,200# three-point lift capacity @ 24" behind link ends; OSHA, SAE & CSA certified cab; 80 dba noise rating in cab; 68" wheelbase; Unballasted weight - 3,570 lbs.

Kubota B3030 HSDC - 30.0 hp Indirect-injected Diesel; 8.1 gal Fuel Tank; Spring Seat Suspension; 3 Range hydrostatic transmission with treadle pedal control; Spur Gear Final Drive; Open Center Hydraulic System with 9.1 gpm total flow; 1,676# three-point lift capacity @ 24" behind link ends; OSHA certified cab; 85 dba noise rating in cab; 65.6" wheelbase; Unballasted weight - 2,271lbs.

In regards to financing - Deere is currently offering 0% for 36 months - and if you need a longer term, it is not 9.9% (as someone else stated) It is 5.99% for 48 / 6.99% for 60 or 72 months / 7.49% for 84 months. All of these plans are available with no money down, if you prefer.

Now to pricing... If you compare the 3320 Cab with the B3030HSDC, there will be a pretty big price difference - but we have already shown that the two tractors really are not comparable. The L3240HSTC would be the most comparable, in my opinion - same PTO hp, similar size, similar weight, etc... Just make sure you check on the financing, because I don't believe that Kubota is offering the 0% for 36 months on the new Grand L 40 Series tractors - you may have to go to the older Grand L 30 series to get the 0%.

Anyway, I hope I was of some help - and Good Luck with your new tractor - no matter if you get Green Apples or Oranges - they are both tasty!!! (and well built!)

 

[CurlyDave]

If you can possibly afford it, 0% for 36 months is a lot better deal than 6% for 48 months.

Check out the payment schedule before you decide.

 

[Greenlantern]

My bad the 9.9% was if you didn't put 10% down (which is something I was not interested in doing either) they also have the rates BleedGreen talked about...

I also agree with BleedGreen about the L series being more of a compairson to the Deere your looking at.

I drove the Cab Deere and I would agree with there %'s on how much quiter it was, the Kubota wasn't nearly as 'tight'...

Spend the extra money if you got it...

 

[pebald1]

Well, I'm still looking at the JD 3320, but I've moved up on the Kubota side to look at the L3240 model, both with cabs.

I like the JD cab. It seems quiter and has 360 degree view.

I priced both tractors with r4 tires, the better FEL and heavy duty bucket for each and a 6' tow behind finish mower.

I was quoted apx $26,500 (douglas finish mower) for the JD and $28,800 (brush hog finish mower) for the kubota. I do like all the HST options on the Kubota, but I'm not sure how much if it is necessary and what's just gadgetry. Thoughts?

 

[Whistler II]

I do like all the HST options on the Kubota, but I'm not sure how much if it is necessary and what's just gadgetry. Thoughts?

I just bought the L3240 HST (ROPS). The HST functions flawlessly. The AUTO H-DS with STALL GUARD does exactly what it promises. Stalling is one less thing for me to worry about when using the tractor. The HST pedal took some getting used to, but now I like it very much. Also, no more pain in the left knee from using the clutch.

Good Luck with your tractor shopping!

 

[Z-Michigan]

I was quoted apx $26,500 (douglas finish mower) for the JD and $28,800 (brush hog finish mower) for the kubota. I do like all the HST options on the Kubota, but I'm not sure how much if it is necessary and what's just gadgetry. Thoughts?

Let's see.... $2300 less and you avoid the first model year blues... although I am not familiar with the douglas brand of mowers. The Kubota HST Plus looks really neat, but the JD has had some of the same features for a couple years now, and I don't think you will find any of the added features necessary or even that useful for your purposes. Just my opinion, of course. I have seen 6 or 8 of the L40 series now and while I think they are a really good design, I have some concern about the quality and materials - Kubota control levers always seem thin and bendy to me, and the loader support castings on the L40 series matching loaders look quite rough, which seems totally out of place on a high end Japanese made tractor. I might reconsider if the Kubota was cheaper, but since it is instead significantly more $$, I would go green. I would ask whethery Douglas is a really good brand - if not, I would consider getting a better name brand of finish mower (Woods, Brushhog, Deere/Frontier, etc.)

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

without delving into specifics, thats not an aggressive price on the 3240.

I had some serious doubts about the new transmission, but I after spending some time in the seat its clear they really did their homework on it. I really like the auto-throttle myself. The high-low is somthing CNH has had for years and has been one of the biggest reasons we've seen guys buying TC40-45's. Its hard to explain what it all does in a sales pitch, but when you flip on all the features and push the tractor in a pile of dirt it becomes real clear, real quick what all this is for.

 

[cdhd2001]

I just bought a JD

84 months @ 7.49%

$0 down payment

 

[Renob]

For the needs listed in the original post I think the B3030 with cab fits the bill perfectly.

Pebald wants to mow 10 acres and clear some snow in a cab. No ground engaging/land plowing, no super heavy lifting, no high HP pto impliments. The B3030 is the right tool.

Now if money is no object or there are needs not listed then go crazy with his money.

 

[lawn_king]

For the needs listed in the original post I think the B3030 with cab fits the bill perfectly.

Pebald wants to mow 10 acres and clear some snow in a cab. No ground engaging/land plowing, no super heavy lifting, no high HP pto impliments. The B3030 is the right tool.

Now if money is no object or there are needs not listed then go crazy with his money.

I agree, the 3030 is right up his alley. Very happy with my 3030HSDC, its a lightweight powerhouse. The cab is not as quiet as some others both green & orange, however, when you open the door, threre is a big differance. It's quite acceptable to quote messick!

 

[Z-Michigan]

Being a new tractor owner who chose hp over a cab - I can already see how a cab would be REALLY nice for most of the year. Not all the year - those nice spring and fall days are going to be better in the open - but the rest of the time, yeah. If a B3030 cab is within the budget and requirements (and it does seem to meet the work requirements) I would third the recommendation to look at one.

 

[eeekster]

I too am looking at the Kubota B3030 hst but am considering a JD 3005 here in Canada. Would like to hear any feedback for JD 3005 as I'm not savvy on the new lines of JD. I have 2 acres and am planning on a small orchard and garden. The features JD posts is that you must buy 2 Frontier Implements with the 3005 in order to get $750 or o% fininacing for 36 mos. Kubota offers nothing close.Kubota is expensive (so I've heard from owners) to own and maintain. Both dealers are close but have not seriously kicked the tires as of yet. I have been reading alot of forums and have not seen much on Orange vs Green, until now. I would welcome all inputs from all experiences.

 

[murphy1244]

I just bought a JD

84 months @ 7.49%

$0 down payment

how much is your pay back?