Comparison Kubota BX or Deere or Kioti equivalent? (Can I avoid a lemon?)

[MossyDell]

I have been tractorless for over a decade but am now living on 7 acres and next door to my daughter's 20 acres in SW Virginia. I have owned three tractors, two Kubotas and a Deere. All were satisfactory and had no problems. The mistake I made was not getting a loader. Could have really used it.

I know what I want now and thought it would be easy: a subcompact tractor for the ongoing basic duty of mowing; the biggest engine in its size class without going up in frame size; and as weighted as I can get it; capable of modest loader work and snow removal, ideally with a hydraulically operated front blade.

Doing due diligence, I read reviews on here of the BX2680 and the Deere 1025R and was shocked at their negativity and the reported problems. I wonder if manufacturers have packed so many features and sophistication into these tractors that quality has slipped or there's just more to go wrong? Or did those guys just get a lemon? I have not been on this site in a while, but recall vast numbers of pleased owners of Kubota and Deere subcompacts.

Second, although I prefer Kubota the Deere dealer is right here so I am leaning toward Deere in case of problems. I also noticed there's a Kioti dealer here and so am thinking of looking at them. On paper, they look a lot like the Kubotas of 10 years ago, which might be a good thing.

Honestly I am a bit concerned. My questions include:

1. Are those negative experiences with two subcompact Kubotas and Deeres outliers?
2. Should I consider going up in size to the smallest compact to avoid problems?
3. I am open to used and wonder if a tested tractor would be better?
4. Are Kioti tractors as trouble-free or more so than Kubotas and Deeres?

 

[dodge man]

I can’t comment on Kioti but I have owned a Kubota BX for 10 years and currently own a JD 2025r. First off a JD 1025r is a bigger tractor than a Kubota BX. Tractor Time With Tim does a series of videos comparing the two if you have time to watch.

I would also look at a size bigger. They both make 25 hp machines that don’t have all the emissions equipment. With JD the make both a 2 and 3 series that are 25 hp and Kubota makes a B and a L series with 25 hp.

Both are making solid machines and like anything, I’m sure there are some lemons. Just remember people don’t post on the internet to say everything is O.K. They tend to be negative or to ask questions about problems.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Maybe look at used equipment and see which ones sell not for the least, but most. These are probably your best bet.

I too, would always opt for the biggest machine practical for the environment it will work in. Size, meaning weight, wheel size and ground clearance.

 

[i7win7]

How do you plan to use it? I replaced a lawn mower with a BX2370, FEL and pin on bucket. One of my applications is removing mudslides from a drainage ditch on a hillside (most dangerous thing to do when tractor is already leaning).

Purchased B2650 with FEL, SSQA, 3rd function control, loaded tires and larger ballast box. Feels safer, still dangerous. By BX is now my mower, tiller and lawn rolling tractor. The B is my general purpose machine and becomes more useful as I add attachments.

The B2650 has been replaced with LX2610, BX2370 with BX2380. The new hydraulic connector (all 4 hoses at once) seems to be a (leaking) problem Kubota is still working out.

I would recommend the B/LX for more lifting power, positional 3pt control and 3 range transmission. The new loaders can be setup with mechanical self leveling (pallet stacking).

 

[MossyDell]

Thanks, everyone. Such great advice. I realize I need to closely compare BX size with B—maybe the smallest B is more what I need. And I am much less worried about the BX. I hope some Deere folk weigh in.

 

[JDAOWNER]

I WENT FROM A JD "A" THAT I USED FOR YEARS TO A KIOTI 4110. I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE KIOTI. GREAT TRACTOR. I BOUGHT IT USED BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT THE TIER 4 EMISSIONS ----2011---400 HRS

 

[jeff9366]

1. Are those negative experiences with two subcompact Kubotas and Deeres outliers?

Neophyte tractor operators are often intimidated by instability of tractors with small front wheels and large rear wheels, therefore frequently purchase first tractors too light, too small for long term satisfaction. After a year or two many want "more" tractor.

Five reasons owner/operators trade up from a Subcompact Tractor:
More tractor weight.
More FEL lift capacity.
More ground clearance = larger wheels and tires.
Three-range (3) HST (Lower LOW, Higher, HIGH) rather than two-range (2) HST.
More tractor horsepower.

Most tractors under 3,000 pounds bare weight operate in residential or hobby farm applications on one to ten flat acres.

Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a new, heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is worse than depreciation on a tractor.

2. Should I consider going up in size to the smallest compact to avoid problems?

How smooth is your land? Bush Hog mowing or finish mowing? Seven acres or 20 + 7 = 27 acres?

Larger wheels and tires permit heavier tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris with less operator perturbation, enabling faster ground speed.

VIDEO: YouTube


3. I am open to used and wonder if a tested tractor would be better?

Will depend on condition of tractors you find used. Some do find garage queens.

4. Are Kioti tractors as trouble-free or more so than Kubotas and Deeres?

The two tractor brands that internally produce almost all components assembled into their tractors are Kubota and Kioti. Many T-B-N contributors feel internal production rather than component purchases from outside contributes to quality control.

Deere is a partner with Yanmar in assembling Deere brand compact tractors. If one had to have a partner, Yanmar as an engine partner/supplier would rank high.

Kubota has 50% unit share of the subcompact and compact tractor market in the USA. Deere has 20% unit share of the subcompact and compact tractor market in the USA. I speculate Kioti has 1-1/2% unit share of the subcompact and compact tractor market in the USA.

 

[dodge man]

I saw a video about building JD 2 series tractors and I was surprised at the amount of components made in the US. The engines are Yanmar but a lot of the rest is made in the US. It’s as American as pretty much the other tractors or more so.

 

[Diggin It]

Don't be afraid to look at LS. Blue is priced far less than green or orange.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

All tractor brands will have that occasional " bad" tractor. Some if not all will have some minor issues that are usually fixed easily. The up and coming (most have been here for 10-20years already) like LS, Kioti, tym, Branson, all have very capable SCUTS and compacts. Some are priced better than others, but that really varies by region. Kubota and JD usually being the highest priced, not necessarily better.

Go sit on as many as you can, see what is comfortable to you, which one feels right for you. For what work you are describing, a SCUT would accomplish the tasks, but a True compact at the 25 HP will do it better. Good luck in your search!

 

[rademamj1]

I am surprised by the OP comments, regarding both the Kubota BX series and JD 1025R are having major problems. Both these subcompacts are proven tractors, with long successful model and series history. As for Kioti subcompacts, they are a highly reliable tractor brand and as well built as the JD and Kubota. In fact, most subcompact tractors (under 25.5 HP) made today are very competitive with each other, have no known systemic repair issues. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong picking any subcompact tractor model for purchase, with dealer and price being dominate concern.

 

[MossyDell]

On the last comment, just to clarify, I did not run down the Kubota BX and JD 1025R but was shocked by the bitter negativity of the two reviews on this site. I am reassured after the posts here. And especially appreciate the referral to Tractor Time with Tim's comparison and evaluation.

 

[Myz28u]

I’m in SW Va too. Not sure where you are located but if you are close to the Rutal King in Martinsville I’d stop by and check out the RK24.
I used to work at the Deere dealer in the area(was a Master tech there). I was gonna pilot he trigger in a 1025r but I looked at the RK24 and I was sold. It’s a little bigger than the 1025R(not much) but it has more lift cap. I have 10acres all together to take care of and a large portion is pretty hilly and steep. Also needed a 4wd drive “mower”.
The RK24 fit the bill well. It’s stable on the hills and small enough to get thru the tight trees and maneuver around the property.
When I worked for Deere I used to use a loaner 4520 and it worked but it would wear you out constantly pulling up, backing up etc to reposition. Too big for the type of property.
To me the BX is a little small. The 1025 is better. If I was gonna go Kubota I’d personally look at a B2601.
That’s just my two penny’s worth. Good luck.

 

[RalphVa]

Have had 2 JD series 2 tractors, both good with no issues except for front Ujoint on the 4010 blew apart at 660 hours and 9 years. So far, the 2025R has had absolutely no problems at all. Had the Ujoints lubed at 200 hours.

Had a lemony 1025R for almost 2 years in between. Loader was also a pain. No trustworthy. The 130 loader on the 2025R is completely goof proof.

A spreadsheet comparison I did of a B2301 vs. 2025R had the B2301 ahead. Think you can still get the B with steering brakes. Think they're discontinued now on 2 series JD.

No experience with Kioti.

Ralph