JD 4200 vs. Kubota 2710

Branch · Jun 25, 2001

I purchased a 4300 around this time last year. I absolutely love it. Part of my reasoning was the extra weight. I do heavy work with it that requires the weight. Spend a lot of time crossing my wet lawn and have never had a problem with even the slightest marks. Other than a clutch problem that came up in the first 20 hrs it's worked flawlessly. No leaks, drips, no problems of any kind! 250 hrs on my neighbors 4400 with some very heavy work done and not a single problem. The talk about initial problems with the 4XXX series of tractors will never end. The problems are solved, those of us that have 4XXX's are satisfied, but on this board you can't talk about a Deere without bringing it up. I ignore the talk and just use it. But I'm sure I will forever be reminded they had a problem. Will 2 years after the fixes be long enough, maybe 10. Or will my grandson have to be reminded when he inherits it 20 years from now that "Hey those Deere's aren't built well." said by people who don't have one.
The dealer is a bigger part of the equation than anything else!! In my humble opinion the people who've complained probably had a poor dealer in the equation. When my clutch problem showed up the dealer immediately jumped on it. I complained to Deere that I had a problem, because I had to snivel about it, and they immediately responded with a phone call to make sure I was happy with the way the problem was being handled. But like I said, my grandson will have to hear these stories all over again.

Branch

toddler · Jun 25, 2001

Went through the same decision 2yrs ago and got the Kubota because I use it mostly for cutting, but needed the other abilities. (Otherwise I'd have a zero turn) Weight is both good and bad. I have a lot of wet/soft property and don't worry with the Kubota as I would with the Deere. On the flip side, if I were to put a back hoe on a compact, I'd go with the 4200 or higher, or a Kubota L. I'd also go heavier if I were running a big tiller as you mentioned, or a big rotary cutter, a lot of the time. The tractor weight will decrease vibration from the impliment some. I have a 53" tiller, 56" overall that weighs 460#, and have no problems using my B2710.

Both are great tractors. I think the 4200 is roomier and may have a nicer seat. Important features by me!

Todd

npalomba · Jun 26, 2001

For the little extra $$ I would look at the 4300. For the price difference you get a lot more power. I found it to be their best deal price/performance. Mine should be delivered Friday!

Anonymous Poster · Jun 26, 2001

Regarding weight, I am looking at going to a larger tractor primarily because my current tractor ( JD 670) is too light for any substantial loader work. As far as the turf is concerned, I have tested a 4300 on wet ground with R4s and it does less damage than my 670 with bars driving in a straight line, the 670 is more than 1000 lbs less than the 4300, the lbs/sq. in is definitely the important factor. If turf is a primary consideration look to turf tires. I am looking at similar tractors as you, 4300 and 3010. Just for clarification, my JD is built by Yanmar as are all the new 4xxx, and I have had zero trouble. My brother owns a dealership that sells NH & Kubota, when I asked him to recommend the 3010 or TC33d, he said that 5 years ago it would have been hands down Kubota, today he would rate them as equals in reliability and quality. Tough call, you probably won't go wrong with either unit....Good luck

Anonymous Poster · Jun 26, 2001

I forgot to mention, the one thing that I really like about JD is the controls, HST pedals & especially loader control position, this may not seem like a big deal......until you spend all day using it, there ergonomics are tough to beat, at least for my build (average). I have friends with Kubotas and Fords and I find them very uncomfortable to operate after being on my JD, even my old one.....for what its worth.