Decided to go with Kubota.

[broncosfan]

Ah you folks know good ole ArtVandelay from Vandelay industries dont ya

 

[Superduper]

My experience parallels several others. When I went CUT hunting, I gave all brands equal consideration, but Deere seemed to be clearly heavier duty than the Kubota. The B3030 was the one I gave serious consideration to in comparing with the JD3120 but the B3030 costed the same or more. The specs. appears to corroborate the perception that the 3120 was a more robust machine in that even though they are considered comparable, the Deere weighed in at 700lbs more. Same money, more machine, the decision for me was easy. The hood and the fenders may be made of a plastic material but it's metal where it counts! Besides, being a vette guy, I had no problem with plastic or fiberglass. My H2, with the huge flip over hood was to my suprise also made of a similar type of plastic. I can tell you that the H2 hood takes a beating when offroading. Plastic material, if kept painted, performs very well and never rusts.

 

[ArtVandelay]

The weight difference between most Kubotas and Deere of similar PTO and specs are pretty close, so that makes little difference. But IMO, when I looked at the two brands of tractors in person, it seemed obvious to me that the Kubota was put together a little better. My guess is that most CUT buyers feel the same, and that's why Kubota are the #1 selling brand of CUTs in America.

I understand that some people are loyal to Deere because it's an American brand, the company has been around longer, or whatever reason. Just like some people refuse to buy Japanese cars even though it's been proven, time after time, by virtually every consumer magazine that they are better than American cars. To each his own.

If somebody likes Deere CUTs better, that's fine, but I personally like Kubota CUTs better

 

[Builder]

The weight difference between most Kubotas and Deere of similar PTO and specs are pretty close, so that makes little difference. But IMO, when I looked at the two brands of tractors in person, it seemed obvious to me that the Kubota was put together a little better. My guess is that most CUT buyers feel the same, and that's why Kubota are the #1 selling brand of CUTs in America.

I understand that some people are loyal to Deere because it's an American brand, the company has been around longer, or whatever reason. Just like some people refuse to buy Japanese cars even though it's been proven, time after time, by virtually every consumer magazine that they are better than American cars. To each his own.

If somebody likes Deere CUTs better, that's fine, but I personally like Kubota CUTs better

Well, I can tell you right now I'm comparing a used Kubota M4900 to a used CASE CX50 and the CASE weighs about 30% more! Both are 50HP utility tractors.

I know it's hard to believe, but some tractors weigh a heck of a lot more than others. Deeres & CASE/IH usually weigh consideraby more.

It can be an advantage or a disadvantage. The disadvantage woul be sinking into soft ground, causing more damage or trailering (requiring a heavier trailer & bigger truck to pull)

The advantage would be it should be tougher, take more abuse, resist tipping with a FEL, more stable, heavier rears, axles, etc.

As far as American vs Japanese, I'd say Kubota & Deere have similar quality standards. Deere has a much larger parts & service network. That does add to purchase price cost, but when something finally breaks, Deere is superior to Kubota. I've owned both and Kubota can be real tough for parts.

I waited about a week for a front axle bearing for an L-35. Never waited more than 24hr for a Deere or CASE part.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The weight difference between most Kubotas and Deere of similar PTO and specs are pretty close, so that makes little difference. But IMO, when I looked at the two brands of tractors in person, it seemed obvious to me that the Kubota was put together a little better. My guess is that most CUT buyers feel the same, and that's why Kubota are the #1 selling brand of CUTs in America.

I understand that some people are loyal to Deere because it's an American brand, the company has been around longer, or whatever reason. Just like some people refuse to buy Japanese cars even though it's been proven, time after time, by virtually every consumer magazine that they are better than American cars. To each his own.

If somebody likes Deere CUTs better, that's fine, but I personally like Kubota CUTs better

Given that this is all out of the blue and you were looking closely at Deere until just a few days ago, I get the impression that you are passionately "team oriented" and once you have picked a "team" you will not look at anything else or listen to any contradictory information. Whatever, enjoy whatever you get. I am posting this at all because I feel like you were asking for and receiving lots of objective, useful tractor information until you started this thread, and then this thread seems to have been started as an orange vs. green flame war type thread, which is particularly odd for someone who hasn't even bought the orange brand yet.

 

[BlacknTan]

I'm kinda new, bought my first tractor last year (Kubota) on the strength of recommendations from other owners..
I can't figure why this should start a flame war!
I read mostly to learn. Consequently, I read the Kubota forums, JD forums, and NH forums. Others also..
All seem to be high quality machines with some breakdowns, and owners that love them all.
Brand loyalty is great, and can promote what should be, good natured ribbing. But, I believe that the quality level of most of these CUT's is so close as to be inconsequential..

But, We all know Kubota's are the best!

See what I mean????????

 

[rico304]

Given that this is all out of the blue and you were looking closely at Deere until just a few days ago, I get the impression that you are passionately "team oriented" and once you have picked a "team" you will not look at anything else or listen to any contradictory information. Whatever, enjoy whatever you get. I am posting this at all because I feel like you were asking for and receiving lots of objective, useful tractor information until you started this thread, and then this thread seems to have been started as an orange vs. green flame war type thread, which is particularly odd for someone who hasn't even bought the orange brand yet.

Couldn't have said it better Z

 

[DK35vince]

I believe that the quality level of most of these CUT's is so close as to be inconsequential..

Thats right.. There are many very good brands of compact tractors avalible today. Why get stuck on only one brand.
It doesn't matter to me what brand the tractor is. If it well made, works good, its reliable and parts are avalible I like it..

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Yawn.

 

[machmeter62]

My experience parallels several others. When I went CUT hunting, I gave all brands equal consideration, but Deere seemed to be clearly heavier duty than the Kubota. The B3030 was the one I gave serious consideration to in comparing with the JD3120 but the B3030 costed the same or more. The specs. appears to corroborate the perception that the 3120 was a more robust machine in that even though they are considered comparable, the Deere weighed in at 700lbs more. Same money, more machine, the decision for me was easy. The hood and the fenders may be made of a plastic material but it's metal where it counts! Besides, being a vette guy, I had no problem with plastic or fiberglass. My H2, with the huge flip over hood was to my suprise also made of a similar type of plastic. I can tell you that the H2 hood takes a beating when offroading. Plastic material, if kept painted, performs very well and never rusts.

If weight is a factor, you probably made the correct choice; but all metals don't have equal strength, if they come from recycled sources with impurities. Also, remember weight can be added, but difficult to remove. Kubota also gives the owner an option for mowing purposes in that category of tractor (B series), to reduce the compaction on the lawns.etc. I have both, so I'm not color blind; just pointing out that strength/ weight ratio may not be a factor.