JD or Kubota? Opinions please

[LBrown59]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Buy the John Deere, at least the Company is from the U.S.A, not Japan. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )</font>

But Yanmar isn't ~! !

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

This sounds just like my search back in May. I was comparing the same models you are. I already owned a small Kubota at the time and still do. I chose the 5205 for a variety of reasons, but I still like my little "Bota". I remeber thinking I would really like to have the 5 cylinder Kubota engine too. They are smooth, no doubt. But, here are the reasons I went with the Deere.

1. Dealer. They were willing to deal and wanted my business. I upgraded from the 5105 to the 5205 for 1k more, which was worth it to me, because 6 muscular 1,500# beasts of burden might just come in handy in a pinch. They are basically the same tractor, but I sleep better knowing I have 6 extra ponies in the stable.

2. The Deere fit me better ergonomically. The farthest control I have to reach is the steering wheel. I do not have to lean or bend to reach any control. The seat absorbs shock and makes working a bumpy field more comfortable and is adjustable to your weight and height. This reason is very important to me because I don't want to feel like I've pulled a muscle or been kicked in the kidneys after 8 hours seat time.

3. Dealer again. To me, a good dealer relationship is important. You are going to need advice, parts, attachments, etc., after your purchase. My dealer has delivered every attachment I've purchased for free, and has been willing to exchange or refund an attachment if I was unhappy with it. It helps that they are only 7 miles from my home, and on my way home from work.

I have 55 trouble free hours as of yesterday, but I would expect no less from any new tractor. Now, had the dealer situation been reversed, I might have went with the Kubota, but I think I would have chosen the M6800 over the M4900 and spent the extra bucks because I think there is considerably more value in the M6800, IMHO, and in my particular situation.

At any rate, you will wind up with an excellent tractor, which ever one you choose. Go with your gut.

 

[Buck]

I have been very pleased with ordering parts from Deere. They are very fast (<2 days), reliable and not cheap but reasonably priced.

 

[bobbyjak]

I have a small Kubota also which has been trouble free..That's the reason I was looking at the Kubota line..If the JD dealer would upgrade me to the 5205 for 1k, I would do it also..Maybe I need to do some more "Dickering" with him..I currently have a large Case tractor (4 cyl) that is much quieter than the 3 cyl JD..I am really surprise how "noisy" the 3 cyl on the JD is..My little Kubota (B7100) is 3 cyl and not near as loud, but I realize there is quite a bit difference in the size of the engine compared to the JD..Hope to drive the M4900 today or tomorrow..Need to make a decision..Tired of shopping & comparing..

 

[jltrent]

I have a JD5210 and a Kubota M6800. The Kubota engine is much quieter and gets a lot better fuel economy. The JD I have has Made in Mexico stamped all over it, but so far after 1400 hrs. has been trouble free. The JD will out weigh the Kubota, but the Kubota is probably a more solid built tractor. Between the two by a slim margin I would take the Kubota.

 

[SonnieP]

Deleted by original poster.

 

[Dargo]

Not to be rude, but there are tremendous differences between a JD or Kubota and a Mahindra. I won't go into them. However, the original poster asked about opinions on JD and Kubota. It is not exactly proper TBN etiquette to plug your particular brand tractor by giving a blanket statement as getting more bang for the buck or anything similar. That's an opinion, but not one that's asked for. There is a thread by Muhammad specifically telling posters to not do what you did.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

jltrent . . . I have experience with smaller Kubotas than you own, but also own a New Holland. I totally agree with your assessment of the Kubota's engines being quiet and smoother than any other brand I've operated. My Kubota is now 5 years old and has been 100% reliable, never needing any service other than fluid/filter changes.

Sonny . . . just curious, but how long have you owned that tractor? Can you state beyond a resonable doubt that is reliable? Has your tractor proven itself in the fields or is it still new? Mahindra is known as a good brand, it is also known as being heavy, but they have very few dealers in some areas. I can draw a circle around my property of 40 or 50 miles and come up with at least a dozen Deere dealers and probably the same number Kubota dealers, but only ONE Mahindra dealer and that is a garden center that sell flowers, trees, and only recently added tractors. I prefer to buy from dealerships that specialize in equipment.

 

[SonnieP]

Sorry folks... didn't mean to step on anyone's toes.

I'm better off just not saying anything.

 

[bobbyjak]

I started out looking at the Mahindra 4530..It was about $6000 cheaper than either Kubota or JD..Dealer was a little farther than the others and kept changing the price on me..After reading the Mahindra discussion group here, I wrote it off..Mahindra appears to have little or no re-sale value..I usually go with the "Under dog"..Too much money involved to do that in this case..