Recent Conversations (Bota vs. Deere)

[LD1]

As has been stated already, in my area there is not enough price difference to make much difference. I recently priced three tractors in the 50 HP range. JD 5055e, Kubota M5040, Mahindra 5035(I think). I think these are comparable models. There was about $1200 difference from highest to lowest.

I am actually suprised the mahindra was as high as the JD and Kubota. Typically they are a good bit less.

But you are right, they are pretty comparable models. The kubota weighing about 500lbs less, but has the highest 3PH capacity. But pretty comparable none the less. I figured the JD and 'bota would be close in price with the mahindra a few grand less.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I think all the major brands are about equal as far as quality goes. Shop around. Prices are determined by the dealers just like buying a car. I chose Deere because there are two dealers within 12 miles of me. If the others had dealers close by I may have gone with one of them depending on features and price.

John

 

[BethesdaEC]

I am actually suprised the mahindra was as high as the JD and Kubota. Typically they are a good bit less.

But you are right, they are pretty comparable models. The kubota weighing about 500lbs less, but has the highest 3PH capacity. But pretty comparable none the less. I figured the JD and 'bota would be close in price with the mahindra a few grand less.

They may have come in with lower prices to break into the market and then raised their prices once they established a beach head. I guess they have been around for about 10 years as a legitimate US brand.

 

[aczlan]

Around here, resale values on Deere and Kubota are close enough that most of the difference is in how well you can bargain rather than orange vs green.

Most of the farms around here are either running Deere, Case or Massey for their big tractors as that is who has big dealerships in the area.

Smaller places are running Kubota, Deere, Ford, Massey and "Other"

Aaron Z

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Fantastic replies everyone. Well put.

Just what I was looking for and expecting.

What a bunch.:thumbsup:

I do find it to be true that Deere has great resale value but, the crowd that I hang with looking at tractors are not looking at used for that reason. They say "why not buy new for 2 or 3 grand more."

Makes sense. I bought the old 770 because it's what I could afford. The seller got top dollar I figure but still, it cost me less than 10 grand. The tractor is everything I need and more. And, everything on it works as it should, 2750 hours on the meter.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the replies everyone. I call it a good thread.:thumbsup:

 

[charleyfarmall]

Apples to apples I have found them to be very close in price when a comparison can be made. For 20-30hp tractors if you need a cab, Kubota has the advantage. 30-40hp I think they are even. In the 40-60hp large compact size each has unique advantages.

I like the Deere 4000 series and may downsize to one since I have downsized my farm. The advantage for me would be e-pto and the self leveling loader and air seat. The disadvantage is a slightly shorter wheelbase and rougher ride in the field. The comparable Grand L Kubota has a longer wheelbase and the multispeed hydrostatic transmission but lacks e-pto and the self leveling loader.

Bigger than that it depends on your needs. In the general full size open utility category I don't like the transmission choice for either brand. I have baled with the Kubota M-6800 and hated it because I couldn't find just the right ground speed. I was used to a 12x12 transmission and right now I have 16x16 with a power reverser and a cab. In that class, both companies make nice machines.

I no longer feel the need for an 8-10,000 pound tractor with 75hp so I am looking at going down to 60. Mowing with a sickle and HST would be the cat's meow as far as I am concerned.

Charley

 

[sunnyside360]

For 20-30hp tractors if you need a cab, Kubota has the advantage. 30-40hp I think they are even.

I agree with you relative to pricing. However, I have to respectively disagree relative to features, especially for the factory cab models in JD 3x20 and 4x20 models. I test drove both Kubota and Deere cab models before purchasing. Maybe what is ergonomically pleasing to one is not for another, but ergonomics played a large part in my decision to get a JD 3720 and a 4320. I have owned six Kubota tractors over the past 35 years and there is no doubt they do produce good products. In fact I currently own a Kubota M110X cab tractor which is an excellent machine.

 

[beppington]

When I first started shopping for the one tractor I've ever owned (Kubota L3940), I was 99% sure I'd be buying a nice, shiny green good ol' American Deere :thumbsup: But the Kubota dealer had all brand new current models, lots of 'em, & seemingly at least 1 example of about every model, all jammed onto their small lot - It was like Christmas! And the sales folks were very pleasant & helpful & so far from pushy as to be a fault. The Deere dealer, more like car salesmen, had a smaller representative sampling, & seemed to have mostly still-new but-1-or-2-year-old models that were "discounted". It seemed a bad sign that they had so many un-sold year or 2 old units, & their discounted pricing seemed in line with Kubota's pricing for brand new, current-year machines ... Oh and Deere doesn't have the HST+ with Auto Throttle :thumbsup:

I had never paid a whole lot of attention to tractors before my shopping started, but when I sat on, examined & drove 2 Kubota's, it was very obvious that they are well-designed, well-built, top-notch machines.

Summary: After a few visits to each, I had a very good feeling about Kubota that was really missing at the Deere dealer ... & Deere wasn't making up for it in price since that not-so-good feeling was gonna cost me about the same.

 

[eagle107]

When I first started shopping for the one tractor I've ever owned (Kubota L3940), I was 99% sure I'd be buying a nice, shiny green good ol' American Deere :thumbsup: But the Kubota dealer had all brand new current models, lots of 'em, & seemingly at least 1 example of about every model, all jammed onto their small lot - It was like Christmas! And the sales folks were very pleasant & helpful & so far from pushy as to be a fault. The Deere dealer, more like car salesmen, had a smaller representative sampling, & seemed to have mostly still-new but-1-or-2-year-old models that were "discounted". It seemed a bad sign that they had so many un-sold year or 2 old units, & their discounted pricing seemed in line with Kubota's pricing for brand new, current-year machines ... Oh and Deere doesn't have the HST+ with Auto Throttle :thumbsup:

While you are right that Deere does not have HST+ with high/low features, Deere does have the auto throttle feature, however, it is only available on the 4520 and 4720 models known as eThrottle. Deere also has the automotive cruise control/SpeedMatch, MotionMatch and LoadMatch for its eHydro HST transmission.

 

[TheGoose]

When I was searching it came down to the Kubota L3400 and the JD 3032e or 3038e.

The 3400 was a much better tractor for the money.

I really wanted a 3320 or 3520 but they were several thousand more.