Did anyone look at a Kubota MX5100HST and choose Deere instead?

[Cowboy3008]

I'm getting closer to choosing a tractor here.
I started looking at the Deere 4105, but because of weight, only 2 range, no independent brakes, and no folding ROP's, I got away from that one.
I like the Kubota MX5100HST a lot.
Looks like the Deere 4120 is similar, but a little smaller.
This may sound crazy, but I'm not sure about Kubota's Hyrdo pedal.
Maybe it's because I have the 2 pedals on my Deere garden tractor, but it just seems so much more natural and comfortable.
The Kubota seems like a little more tractor and a little less money.
Just wondering if anyone else here had the same choice to make, what route you went, and how it's working out.

 

[pilot-werx]

They are good until you need parts...

 

[Engine_Tech]

The Kubota pedal is a deal breaker...plus how do you use the turning brakes when they are on the same side as the hydro pedal?

 

[Bswope]

The Kubota pedal is a deal breaker...plus how do you use the turning brakes when they are on the same side as the hydro pedal?

On that size tractor it very easy to use the split brakes, I HAD a 2009 JD 2520 (much smaller tractor) and i bought it over the same size Kubota because of the brakes being on the opposite side of the hydro pedals. Well after about a year I realized I need a bigger tractor so I started looking again. I have a Kubota dealer within 10mins from my place so I figured id give them one last look and stop and test drive one...... SO GLAD I DID!!!!

I test drove a L5740 ( cab tractor) now this was bigger than I was looking for but pretty much the same tractor, I quickly realized that I had plenty of room to swing my leg over and use my left foot to operate the split brakes and was very comfortable while doing so, this is very similar to many of the backhoes used in construction companies today. I was very surprised at how comfortable it was to use the split brakes like this and very glad i decided to stop in and check them out. I now have a Brand New Kubota Grand L3540HSTC sitting at my house and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!

As for the hydro pedal it took me a couple hours to get use to it but no that I'm use to it I like it better than the JD setup, this all being said the JD's are very nice tractors and I dont think you will be disappointed with either brand.
Stop by the dealer's and take a good long test drive with each tractor and make your decision based on comfort.

OH and BTW.... the Kubota dealer I bought mine from had a guy the same week I bought mine trade in a JD 4120 on a MX5100HSTC!!! NO LIE.....

 

[TripleR]

We have John Deere and Kubota and don't have any problem with either HST type pedal arrangement. I used our JD425 for years before buying our first Kubota and had no problems adapting. For some it is a big deal and if it is, get the one that fits you the best, but give it some thought. My father in law HATED the HST on the 425, especially after he put it in the pond, but really liked it once he got use to it. My wife initially didn't like the Kubota and now prefers the Kubota though she uses both Deere and Kubota.

There are so many threads on the brake arrangement, I won't even bother. We have no problem using the split brakes on our Kubota.

 

[om21braz]

I wanted a Kubota in the range of a L4330 to L5240 - could not find one in the price range I was looking for. Wound up with a Deere 4120. I'm pretty satisfied with it as it has plenty of power, controls are well located and easy to operate. The only thing I question is that the Kubota has a little wider footprint and subsequently, felt a little more stable on uneven ground. That may be just me though - try them both for yourself before handing over the money. Good Luck on search!
P.S. IMHO, the MX series Kubota is a lesser machine feature-wise than the Deere 4x20 series. To compare apples to apples, compare the larger Lxx40 series Kubotas' to the Deere 4x20 machines.

 

[k0ua]

I have the JD Lawn tractor with the 2 pedal setup, and I like the little machine
and I have the single treadle pedal on the Kubota, and I know a lot of guys do not like the treadle pedal. I prefer the treadle pedal, I did not like it the first day, but once I learned how to use it. I love it. I much prefer the single treadle pedal, in fact the 2 pedal system would be a "deal breaker" for me. It is faster, and more egonomic to use. Everyone to their own, but I am telling you straight up what I think and prefer.

James K0UA

 

[JD755]

On that size tractor it very easy to use the split brakes, I HAD a 2009 JD 2520 (much smaller tractor) and i bought it over the same size Kubota because of the brakes being on the opposite side of the hydro pedals. Well after about a year I realized I need a bigger tractor so I started looking again. I have a Kubota dealer within 10mins from my place so I figured id give them one last look and stop and test drive one...... SO GLAD I DID!!!!

I test drove a L5740 ( cab tractor) now this was bigger than I was looking for but pretty much the same tractor, I quickly realized that I had plenty of room to swing my leg over and use my left foot to operate the split brakes and was very comfortable while doing so, this is very similar to many of the backhoes used in construction companies today. I was very surprised at how comfortable it was to use the split brakes like this and very glad i decided to stop in and check them out. I now have a Brand New Kubota Grand L3540HSTC sitting at my house and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!

As for the hydro pedal it took me a couple hours to get use to it but no that I'm use to it I like it better than the JD setup, this all being said the JD's are very nice tractors and I dont think you will be disappointed with either brand.
Stop by the dealer's and take a good long test drive with each tractor and make your decision based on comfort.

OH and BTW.... the Kubota dealer I bought mine from had a guy the same week I bought mine trade in a JD 4120 on a MX5100HSTC!!! NO LIE.....

Glad you are pleased with your Kubota, but I still have one question. Tractor manufacturers try to make them comfortable and easy to use. The term ergonomically correct comes to mind. I can't understand why any manufacturer would make you cross your leg over to use split brakes unless there were some very good reason for it. Safety, comfort, ease of use, something. I've not been able to think of a reason. My tractor curiosity makes me ask if someone can provide a good useful reason for the right side split brakes.

 

[TripleR]

Glad you are pleased with your Kubota, but I still have one question. Tractor manufacturers try to make them comfortable and easy to use. The term ergonomically correct comes to mind. I can't understand why any manufacturer would make you cross your leg over to use split brakes unless there were some very good reason for it. Safety, comfort, ease of use, something. I've not been able to think of a reason. My tractor curiosity makes me ask if someone can provide a good useful reason for the right side split brakes.

I can only speak for myself, but for me brakes on the right are a safety issue. I operate on slopes, near drop-offs, and ponds. We have geared and HST tractors and I may drive three in one day. The only machine with brakes on the left are the John Deere. For one of those "oh crap" moments, instincts take over and my right foot automatically goes to the brakes. I don't want to wind up at the bottom of a ravine or in 35 foot of water because the brakes were on the left.

I have gotten to the point to where I rarely drive the John Deere and then only on "safe" terrain. I usually just trailer or drive one of my Kubotas to the farm where the John Deere stays and leave it parked.

For someone who uses only one tractor or type of tractor this will be a non issue for the most part.

I have used the analogy of mandated brake/shift placement on motorcycles in the 70's.

 

[JD755]

I can only speak for myself, but for me brakes on the right are a safety issue. I operate on slopes, near drop-offs, and ponds. We have geared and HST tractors and I may drive three in one day. The only machine with brakes on the left are the John Deere. For one of those "oh crap" moments, instincts take over and my right foot automatically goes to the brakes. I don't want to wind up at the bottom of a ravine or in 35 foot of water because the brakes were on the left.

I have gotten to the point to where I rarely drive the John Deere and then only on "safe" terrain. I usually just trailer or drive one of my Kubotas to the farm where the John Deere stays and leave it parked.

For someone who uses only one tractor or type of tractor this will be a non issue for the most part.

I have used the analogy of mandated brake/shift placement on motorcycles in the 70's.

I don't see that as a general safety issue. As you said it is only a safety issue for you because that is what you are used to. For someone who is used to JD it would be a safety concern if the brakes were on the right. If you were a tractor designer working with a clean sheet and not looking at what is out there now, what would be a reason to put the brakes in a position that requires you to cross your leg over to use them?