looking to get a Kubota or JD

[s219]

I prefer the Gear over the hystat because that's what I grew up with. I have a 55 Ferguson to -35 now but I would like to get something a little more modern and with a loader and 4x4. Because where I live there is a lot hills and mud and the Gear just work better for me.

Do yourself a favor, drop the history, and try out an HST, especially if you plan to do a lot of front loader work. My first tractor was a gear and I was sort of like you thinking I didn't need HST and was perfectly happy with gear. Well let me tell you my eyes were opened and I changed to HST on my Kubotas. Now when I use my wife's uncle's Deere with gear transmission and do loader work, I can't believe how clunky the process is. The gear machine is nowhere near as productive when doing a lot of loader work.

 

[4570Man]

Do yourself a favor, drop the history, and try out an HST, especially if you plan to do a lot of front loader work. My first tractor was a gear and I was sort of like you thinking I didn't need HST and was perfectly happy with gear. Well let me tell you my eyes were opened and I changed to HST on my Kubotas. Now when I use my wife's uncle's Deere with gear transmission and do loader work, I can't believe how clunky the process is. The gear machine is nowhere near as productive when doing a lot of loader work.

Or doing pretty much anything besides plowing a field.

 

[motownbrowne]

Just try a hydro like these guys want you to and then if you still want gears, you can say you've tried both and they'll leave you alone. Well, they might anyways.

 

[TripleR]

Just my opinion mind you, but having owned and owning several brands including John Deere and Kubota, quality is pretty much a wash across the board, I like some models between and within brands. I didn't see a model of the John Deere, so harder to tell. I don't like any of the economy models of any brands, but some love them and see the the higher price on the tractors with more features a waste of money. Without more background, I can't really say which one is "better" than the other, so must agree with those who say to go with the one that fits you the best sold by a good dealer.

I'll steer clear of the gear vs HST, we run both.

 

[mike69440]

gear drives and shuttle shifts are for real men. Hydrostat's are for women.....lol

On the subject of which, let me throw this tid bit in... In as much as I have Kubota's and a Deere, Kubota's fade from orange to Mary Kay red faster than JD fades from green to lime.

The lime looks a darn sight better that the Mary Kay red anyday.....:laughing:

And sort of lazy men like shuttle.

 

[k0ua]

I "grew up" with an outdoor toilet too. But on those cold winter days, I appreciate my indoor plumbing. :laughing:

I grew up with a gear tractor too. But my current tractor is a HST and I really like it.

 

[5030]

I "grew up" with an outdoor toilet too. But on those cold winter days, I appreciate my indoor plumbing. :laughing:

I grew up with a gear tractor too. But my current tractor is a HST and I really like it.

Two plusses to an outdoor toilet. One, you cannot plug it and two, no one interrupts your 'train of thought'.

Far as gear versus HST, both have their place. I prefer the simplicity of a gear drive with an automated shuttle.

 

[rScotty]

Just my opinion mind you, but having owned and owning several brands including John Deere and Kubota, quality is pretty much a wash across the board, I like some models between and within brands. I didn't see a model of the John Deere, so harder to tell. I don't like any of the economy models of any brands, but some love them and see the the higher price on the tractors with more features a waste of money. Without more background, I can't really say which one is "better" than the other, so must agree with those who say to go with the one that fits you the best sold by a good dealer.

I'll steer clear of the gear vs HST, we run both.

TripleR, you said that so well it's worth quoting.
At our place we had the same JD vs "all the others" decision to make a few years ago. And at that time I still preferred gears. That was a few years back. We've run two or more JDs for a few years now - all with gears or powershift, along with one Kubota with HST for the past 8 years. For anything other than traditional Ag field work we much prefer the HST. More power and more control. At least as reliable...maybe more so. All our tractors have their own loader, but a loader plus HST is far away the best way to go.
I still prefer the JD color and seating; JD fit and finish is legendary. OTOH, I think you get a little more for the dollar with Kubota. As for the tractors themselves, most agree that both makes are excellent. If it were me, I'd try them both out with a heavy implement box blade on the 3 pt. and let that make the decision. Personally I like a real fine & delicate control on my 3 pt. when grading...and I like a seat that lets me look back to see what's going on without torquing my back.
good luck now,
rScotty

 

[4570Man]

If you decide to go with a HST I'd want to put it to work before buying. Based on my experience the Kubota Grand L HST is the best one going.

 

[JWR]

Not sure how clear it is among the various posts but I think these are the main answers to your inquiry:
1) Deere and Kubota both make very credible, reliable "good" machines in the size range you mention. Six of one and half ...
2) dealers make ALL THE DIFFERENCE ! Other things being equal go with the best dealer -- the one with the reputation for being responsive, knowing what the heck he is doing, and backing every legitimate customer concern.
3) You can certainly get HST or stick shift in either brand. Do not feel that either brand implies a stick or an HST in those size machines.
4) The big unknown factor here is your application ! What do you need this thing to do ? Are you bush hogging, hay work, steep ground, mostly level, tilling soil, etc. The dominant chore you do shoudl dictate the better machine for your application.
I personally prefer the standard transmission over the HST , especially if you are working steep ground and have much 4wd activity. Just better control in my view. I do prefer the Kubota loader for strength and design. I also like the Kubota using skid-steer compatible bucket "quick attachment." I'd go with the Kubota std trans and make sure it has the quick attach loader bucket interface.