So, my parents are thinking of buying a mower/tractor soon and I was talking with some folks about different tractor brands and they seemed to think John Deere was top of the line and then New Holland was in-between and Kubota was more affordable. Granted, I don't know much about all the specifics, nor do I know much about what exactly my parents will need for their property, but I just wanted to know more about the overall reputations of these manufacturers. So, is what I heard correct (especially in the under 60hp category)? And is New Holland and Ford the same thing? That's definitely confusing ... seems like a lot of people are down on Ford but like New Holland?
Is what I heard right?
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boustany
Platinum Member
I don't know much about Ford/New Holland, but, I would rearrange the list somewhat.
Deere and Kubota are usually considered the top of the line models (depending on specific model). Which you consider #1 and #2 depends on a number of factors, including degree of color blindness, 'buy domestic' biases, and preference for certain details like a one or two pedal hydrostatic, and so on.
My experience is, when matching apples to apples, Deere and Kubota pricing is near identical and both companies make fine machine. The only exception I can think of is the Deere X500, which is very expensive, and I don't think Kubota has a match to. (I wouldn't buy one of those, anyhow).
Deere and Kubota are usually considered the top of the line models (depending on specific model). Which you consider #1 and #2 depends on a number of factors, including degree of color blindness, 'buy domestic' biases, and preference for certain details like a one or two pedal hydrostatic, and so on.
My experience is, when matching apples to apples, Deere and Kubota pricing is near identical and both companies make fine machine. The only exception I can think of is the Deere X500, which is very expensive, and I don't think Kubota has a match to. (I wouldn't buy one of those, anyhow).
Bob_Skurka
Super Member
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What you heard is simple opinion.
The Kubota boys say Orange is best. (by the way, I have one)
The New Holland boys say Blue is best. (by the way, I have one of those too).
The Deere boys say Green is best. (I have a JD push mower & weed wacker, but I don't think they count in this race???)
As for pricing, with one being cheaper and another being more expensive, that is really a regional thing and a dealer thing. In my market all 3 are very competitive with each other.
The REAL differences are the features and how they fit you and what you actually prefer. Some people like treddle pedals, others like separate pedals. Some like sloping hoods and curved loader arms, others not. But really those 3 brands are excellent machines with excellent reputations.
As for Ford and New Holland, Ford sold its share and now the brand is strictly called New Holland. It was previously Ford-New Holland, and before that it was just Ford.
The Kubota boys say Orange is best. (by the way, I have one)
The New Holland boys say Blue is best. (by the way, I have one of those too).
The Deere boys say Green is best. (I have a JD push mower & weed wacker, but I don't think they count in this race???)
As for pricing, with one being cheaper and another being more expensive, that is really a regional thing and a dealer thing. In my market all 3 are very competitive with each other.
The REAL differences are the features and how they fit you and what you actually prefer. Some people like treddle pedals, others like separate pedals. Some like sloping hoods and curved loader arms, others not. But really those 3 brands are excellent machines with excellent reputations.
As for Ford and New Holland, Ford sold its share and now the brand is strictly called New Holland. It was previously Ford-New Holland, and before that it was just Ford.
Inspector507
Super Member
Personally I would not try to rank any brand over another based alone on what you heard. I have one of those that you mentioned, but is it "better"? May not be for you or your parents. You need to take a close look at all of their needs or future needs and then find the size tractor that will fill those needs. Then visit those different brands and the others as well. Have a seat on each one, drive them, try out all the features.
Just my thoughts and no color war intended from me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Just my thoughts and no color war intended from me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Not sure what size you are looking for but if it's in the Sub Cut range you didn't mention Massey Ferguson and Cub Cadet.
If your looking at Sub Cut's than a lot depends on usage. Need BH? Kubota, Massey, and maybe JD have a good setup (not sure what's availible for JD, NH doesn't have one). Need really good 3pt hitch capabilites? I think NH has the best.
Kubota has the most time in the Sub Cut range, JD and Massey have been around a bit, and NH is newest to this arena.
I am unfamiliar with Cub because the have no representation in my area. (Other than lawn tractors.)
If your looking at Sub Cut's than a lot depends on usage. Need BH? Kubota, Massey, and maybe JD have a good setup (not sure what's availible for JD, NH doesn't have one). Need really good 3pt hitch capabilites? I think NH has the best.
Kubota has the most time in the Sub Cut range, JD and Massey have been around a bit, and NH is newest to this arena.
I am unfamiliar with Cub because the have no representation in my area. (Other than lawn tractors.)
bandit67
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To add to what Bob said, as an FYI, New Holland merged with Case/ International Harvester, and is now a very large company called Case New Holland. There are Case IH machines that are almost identical to the New Holland machines, with the exception of paint color, grille/headlights, and the SuperSteer option on some of the NH's.
Quality among Deere, Kubota, New Holland, and Case all seem to be at the same level, so reliability should be basically the same among those brands. Pricing is close, but doesn't necessarily dictate machine quality - keep in mind that some of the well-known brands add some $$ to the MSRP, mostly in the name of 'name recognition' (this also relates to the opinions that were given to you before you came to TBN and asked this question). And of course, there's Massey, Kioti, Cub Cadet, and many others with their own loyal followers.
The best way to choose a machine is to narrow your choices down to size & features, then check out the offerings from each of the different brands, and make the decision based on features and fit/comfort AND the dealer. A good dealer is worth a bunch if you were to happen to get a lemon, and ALL manufacturers occasionally spit out a lemon. It helps to go into the process being "color blind". You'll most likely be happy with whatever brand you choose after you've decided what best suites you.
Quality among Deere, Kubota, New Holland, and Case all seem to be at the same level, so reliability should be basically the same among those brands. Pricing is close, but doesn't necessarily dictate machine quality - keep in mind that some of the well-known brands add some $$ to the MSRP, mostly in the name of 'name recognition' (this also relates to the opinions that were given to you before you came to TBN and asked this question). And of course, there's Massey, Kioti, Cub Cadet, and many others with their own loyal followers.
The best way to choose a machine is to narrow your choices down to size & features, then check out the offerings from each of the different brands, and make the decision based on features and fit/comfort AND the dealer. A good dealer is worth a bunch if you were to happen to get a lemon, and ALL manufacturers occasionally spit out a lemon. It helps to go into the process being "color blind". You'll most likely be happy with whatever brand you choose after you've decided what best suites you.
Yeah, no brand war intended. What actually got me on this site was the Kubota reviews -- I hadn't heard much about Kubota in the past, but it seems like a lot of people are really talking a lot about them -- kind of like they came out of nowhere or something. So, I'm just pretty interested in learning more about the differences and similarities really.
mwood
Silver Member
This site is great for comparisons. There are many threads regarding brand X's YYY tractor and brand Z's YYY tractor. Just do a search (and remember to set the date range for the last three months or so). You should be able to find all you need.
Another option is to look at what your parents will be doing with teh machine and find an example machine which matches those qualities. Once that is accomplished, you can search for comparisons with that machine and find TONS of info on this site about different pros and cons to each.
In the end, try test driving the machines. You'll rule out a lot just looking at them and sitting on them. Some will be comfortable, some will not. Some will feel really big (in a bad or good way) and others will be crowded.
Good luck and enjoy the search!
Another option is to look at what your parents will be doing with teh machine and find an example machine which matches those qualities. Once that is accomplished, you can search for comparisons with that machine and find TONS of info on this site about different pros and cons to each.
In the end, try test driving the machines. You'll rule out a lot just looking at them and sitting on them. Some will be comfortable, some will not. Some will feel really big (in a bad or good way) and others will be crowded.
Good luck and enjoy the search!
Dealer is everything. The 3 you mentioned are for sure the top of the food chain.
Pricing is very regional as has been mentioned. Here where I am Kubota is the cheapest but that is becasue the dealer can only sell price.
I suggest, no matter what application your faolks are looking at to stick to one of these 3 brands and they won't go wrong.
My own personal ranking (quality wise) under 40hp would go something like this.
1) Deere,Kubota, CNH (Case/New Holand)
2)Kioti, Cub Cadet, Mahindra, MF, Cat,
3)Branson, Taskmaster (and Dong Feng), Lenar, power trac
4) all the rest like Jinma (and it's 200 names like Farm Pro,rhino, rebel etc) Kama, Foton, Benya, Taishan and the like
just my opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Pricing is very regional as has been mentioned. Here where I am Kubota is the cheapest but that is becasue the dealer can only sell price.
I suggest, no matter what application your faolks are looking at to stick to one of these 3 brands and they won't go wrong.
My own personal ranking (quality wise) under 40hp would go something like this.
1) Deere,Kubota, CNH (Case/New Holand)
2)Kioti, Cub Cadet, Mahindra, MF, Cat,
3)Branson, Taskmaster (and Dong Feng), Lenar, power trac
4) all the rest like Jinma (and it's 200 names like Farm Pro,rhino, rebel etc) Kama, Foton, Benya, Taishan and the like
just my opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
MicroPilot
Veteran Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My own personal ranking (quality wise) under 40hp would go something like this.
1) Deere,Kubota, CNH (Case/New Holand)
2)Kioti, Cub Cadet, Mahindra, MF, Cat,
3)Branson, Taskmaster (and Dong Feng), Lenar, power trac
4) all the rest like Jinma (and it's 200 names like Farm Pro,rhino, rebel etc) Kama, Foton, Benya, Taishan and the like
just my opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>
Can you define "quality" as used in this context?
1) Deere,Kubota, CNH (Case/New Holand)
2)Kioti, Cub Cadet, Mahindra, MF, Cat,
3)Branson, Taskmaster (and Dong Feng), Lenar, power trac
4) all the rest like Jinma (and it's 200 names like Farm Pro,rhino, rebel etc) Kama, Foton, Benya, Taishan and the like
just my opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>
Can you define "quality" as used in this context?
