G1900 VS JD 455

pilot-werx · Oct 28, 2008

Still looking for a tractor but have come across a JD 455 with 700 hours and a G1900 with 600 hours. Anyone know how the two compare? Which is the tougher of the two? Which is more difficult to get parts for?

I did read the other thread but there was too much crap in there about the BX. I do not want a BX and I would rather not have anyone try to make the comparison.

Regards,
Chris

js5020 · Oct 28, 2008

Don't know if it's a common probelm,,, but a buddy of mine has the Kubota model and around those hours, the frame is broken, parted the frame rail on the one side completely,, and the other side is broken half way,, same place on both sides just forward of the trans. First time I saw one, man the frame is thin for a machine that size, in my opinion. I kinda looked into the Deere/Kubota thing and I thought the Deere would be a better option because of better/more convenient product support,,,, now there is nothing wrong with Kubota by any means, so orange guys don't get yer skirt in a bundle! It really depends on what you want to do with it, the attachments your going to want and also the accessories required,,, the ones for the Deere are gonna be easier to find as they are just plain more plentiful and some have even gone to making new aftermarket stuff for the Deere because of the brand popularity.

Shimon · Oct 29, 2008

I would go with the Deere. Much stouter and parts support is industry standard. I have a Kubota tractor and a Deere mower and I'm not a brand loyalist but I think in this case the Deere wins. I've looked at G1900s and I think the 455 is better built plus it has a little more horsepower although the engines are pretty much equal...Kubota vs Yanmar would be a tossup.

Drive them both because you may find that the 455 is uncomfortable compared to the 1900 which makes a big difference. No sense logging many seat hours if you ain't comfortable. See how they both steer. See how the pedals feel and how easy it is to operate the controls. Those ergonomic factors are sometimes the tiebreakers when you compare two fine machines.

In the end though, I think you will be happy with either one. It's a fine line comparing the two machines...they are both excellent.

jcmseven · Oct 31, 2008

I cannot speak to the G1900, but can say the 455 JD has the reputation of being one of the best garden tractors ever made. I have used them in the past and I have personally seen two of the machines with over 3000 hours on them, running well and with not problems. My only complaint with them is that the steering wheel is oddly angled and not that comfortable to use (even with the tilt option) and frequently loosens with increasing hours. Perhaps the dealer could tighten it for you if this is an issue, but otherwise these truely are machines that will run well and perform well for thousands of hours with good maintenence, have plenty of power and an outstanding resale value even with high hour usage. While I do not know much about the other machine, I do not hear of it in the same context of the 455, which I think speaks to your question.

John M

Gittyup · Nov 2, 2008

Don't know about the bota. But, parts for the JD are readily available at any JD dealer. And probably will continue to be available for some time into the future. Due to the number of 455s and sibling 425s and 445s, used parts and attachments are starting to show up too. Frame on the 455 is very stout. It can be had with all-wheel steer. Though with AWS, it cannot be equipped with a JD loader. You can also get a rear pto, cat0 3ph, and hydraulic remotes, plus several attachments. I have the snow blade and the hydraulic lift and angle make it a joy to use. If you know you don't want or need a subcut (aka a bx), then you will certainly be happy with the 455. Put a speed knob on the steering wheel. That makes all the difference and compliments the powersteering nicely.

pilot-werx · Nov 2, 2008

Well I finally bit the bullet and picked up a used 455 with 725 hours on it with a 60" deck and older style rear three bag bagger powered by an aux engine. Was owned by an 80 year old woman and even came with chrome hubcaps... do not see that these days. was also able to pick up a used 47" two-stage blower in great shape. should be some fun!

In loooking at the Kubota and the Deere, there was no comparison. The 455 is built like a tank.

Thanks for the help!

Gittyup · Nov 2, 2008

Here's my 425 (same except 20 hp gas) set up for winter with my hydraulic dump trailer behind it. It's 15 years old, 850 hours. Total repairs $75.

Gittyup · Nov 3, 2008

Congrats. Sounds like you got a real find. The hub caps sure make em look nice.... and you can still buy them new (if you can afford them).

EquipmentJunkie · Nov 3, 2008

Good choice. My father's Deere 455 AWS is a joy to run.

One thing that I have heard as an advantage of the Deere is the suspended mower deck. The tractor carries the mower deck instead of letting it float on the ground. On steep slopes, the additional ballast of the mower deck makes a big difference at keeping you planted on the slope.

Fendbass22 · Nov 24, 2008

I have the G1800 (16hp vs G1900 18hp) and it is awesome. Loads of power and very very rugged. Someone said the frame is known to crack. I've been on sites for a long time researching before I bought and there was only one reoccuring issue that was the U-joints for the driveshaft at 1000hrs. Thats it. This frame is tougher than some of the trucks being produced today.

Just my 2 cents. I absolutely love it.