Test drive day....my thoughts

[LBrown59]

I actually prefer the single pedal design. I know I am in the minority here, but I use the entire foot on top of the pedal
1* when doing precise work for instant available reverse.
The 2 pedal system I find more awkward to use as
2* it is just not as fast for quick forward/reverse motion.

1*This can be a life saver when doing loader work near the edges of banks holes ditches and cliffs.

2*One miss slip of hitting the wrong pedal can result in tragedy when doing loader work near the edges of banks holes ditches and cliffs.

 

[LHS Inc]

I skipped out of work early today on a quest to find my next tractor. I have done a ton of reading and a lot of looking but today was the day to take them for a spin and really make a decision.

These are only my thoughts and may not be of any value but i thought i would throw them out there.

I drove a few Kubotas (b3030 w/cab and an L series)
I drove a few from John Deere (2320, 3320)

I know these aren't direct comparisons but i was trying to make a general brand decision then drill down from there (model, options, etc).

My thoughts:

Kubota: You get a lot for your money. They are more go then show. Pedal configuration was VERY awkward (for me). Brakes pedals located above the hydro pedals?? The heel/toe pedal set up because of a lawsuit?? VERY noisy hydro whine inside the cab of the 3030. Great finance options 0/60 months

John Deere: Very smooth and quiet. Comfortable. good ergonomics. Handles well. I was very impressed. Not as good upfront value when compared to Kubota but may pay off in the long run.

I was biased towards Kubota when i started out. I thought JD was a lot of hype and green paint.

From a pure seat of pants pick I think I would go Green. I wish the Kubota was a little more user friendly because they are a great value and I am sure they perform well.

Anyway, thanks for listening

The ergonomics of the JD 3520 eHydro did it for me and I bought it over a comparable Kubota. Buy what you feel is best for you and your needs. They are both great tractor brands, you can't go wrong with either one. Let us know what you decide.

 

[kday64]

We prefer brakes on the right as all of our other tractors have brakes on the right, but fortunately we don't often use brakes on the HST models.

I find my self breaking all the time but I live in CT where the hill are more of an challenge then an obsticle.

You are moving in the right direction. More test driving the better. Just remember at some point you will have to choose at least one of you favorite tractors.

~Kevin

:thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

I find my self breaking all the time but I live in CT where the hill are more of an challenge then an obsticle.

You are moving in the right direction. More test driving the better. Just remember at some point you will have to choose at least one of you favorite tractors.

~Kevin

:thumbsup:

Interesting, two of our farms are in the hills with pond levies etc. to mow and about the only time my wife or I use brakes on our BX2660 or John Deere 2305 HST models are when parking. I hauled quite a few loads of dirt and crushed rock with our L5030 the last few days and never touched a brake, I just put it in 4WD and low. Now if I have to hold position on a steep slope with the L5030 with a loaded bucket, I have used the brakes, but not if I am just mowing.

 

[jenkinsph]

I skipped out of work early today on a quest to find my next tractor. I have done a ton of reading and a lot of looking but today was the day to take them for a spin and really make a decision.

These are only my thoughts and may not be of any value but i thought i would throw them out there.

I drove a few Kubotas (b3030 w/cab and an L series)
I drove a few from John Deere (2320, 3320)

I know these aren't direct comparisons but i was trying to make a general brand decision then drill down from there (model, options, etc).

My thoughts:

Kubota: You get a lot for your money. They are more go then show. Pedal configuration was VERY awkward (for me). Brakes pedals located above the hydro pedals?? The heel/toe pedal set up because of a lawsuit?? VERY noisy hydro whine inside the cab of the 3030. Great finance options 0/60 months

John Deere: Very smooth and quiet. Comfortable. good ergonomics. Handles well. I was very impressed. Not as good upfront value when compared to Kubota but may pay off in the long run.

I was biased towards Kubota when i started out. I thought JD was a lot of hype and green paint.

From a pure seat of pants pick I think I would go Green. I wish the Kubota was a little more user friendly because they are a great value and I am sure they perform well.

Anyway, thanks for listening

I went through the same process in 2004 or so, test driving small tractors, small wheel loaders and mini excavators. When I narrowed the field to a compact tlb I seriously compared Kubota and Deere and found both to be good machines. Finally settled on the 110tlb because it was a better fit to me, After six years I still feel it was the right choice. When buying the new tractor choosing the 4520 with the same pedal configuration was an easy decision and have been well pleased with it too.

I think you are on the right track test driving the various models to help you decide what works best for you. I still feel both Kubota and Deere are excellent machines so either way you go you should have a good tractor.