Trying to decide Kubota BX25 or 1025R

[nikerret]

I appreciate all the compliments I've received on the reviews and my observations. It was difficult for me to make a decision. It took over two years from when I started looking at tractors. It all began when I wanted to get a riding mower and put a blade on it. I found out I needed a "garden tractor" and that lead to "spend a bit more to get a lot more". I knew very little about tractors and had to have the first couple salesmen show me how to do EVERYTHING after I got it started. For reference, I was more comfortable, faster, on a motorcycle, than I was on a subcompact tractor.

I came into this with no bias as I didn't have any previous experience. I didn't know any of the terminology beyond the obvious; engine, hood, key, tire, wheel....I knew those, but anything tractor specific, I had to look up. I grew up in suburbia, with a family that didn't fix their own things. Where I live now, I know a lot of people with tractors, but most of what's around here is 100 hp and up and I know nothing about those.

 

[hurricanoday]

yes Nikerret and everyone else, thanks for the input pics and all the great information. I still haven't made up my mind, but I did take the wife out and we actually drove and played with both tractors.

Is the 1025r really in the same class as the bx25? While we didn't go dig any holes or anything, the deere definitely felt bigger. I also do like how the loader comes off the deere and I think the seat was better. Felt a little more roomie for a 6ft 300lb round guy.

I think my wife and I both agree that if money wasn't a factor we would go with the deere 100% A lot of it has to do with it being a "deere" but I just think I do like the little differences BUT I don't think it is 5k worth better tractor. (just from my limited reading and driving around the parking lot) Like I said I don't have any real world stats/jobs to compare them. The Kubota did seem a more "sporty" if that makes sense?? While the deere just feels like a "tractor" not really sure if that is a plus or minus. Whether it is more capable than the Kubota I don't know and doubt it is.

Sucks in life (at least in mine) money is a big factor. Not only is the tractor more but the implements are quite a bit more also. One good thing is the deere dealer says he is "buying" the 72 month 0% financing so if I do go deere that would ease the sting a little. I got a quote, but didn't want to negotiate right then but 25k is a lot and no way I am paying 500+ for setup and delivery while the kubota dealer who is way farther away offering free delivery with full diesel and 2 hour setup and "training" ( I really am a tractor noob) While I'm sure it isn't free it is included in the price somewhere from kubota.

Last thing is I didn't think I wanted a canopy but it sure was nice sitting on the deere driving around covered. Sucked getting off the 1025r to let the wife drive around to have the sun beating me in the face. :confused2:

You guys are not helping :cool2: help haha, Thanks again everyone. Keep the input coming.

 

[nightdevil]

Couple of things I noticed since my decision.
The JD FEL removal process is neat but don't factor it in as I've only taken mine off once and that was just to try it.

The JD does seem to be a little larger than the BX, when I brought mine home it was noticeably larger than my riding mower compared to the BX. If anything I wish JD was a little lower/wider.

Maybe you should flip a coin.

I seriously planned and sought to buy a kubota but another forum member was trying to do a group buy for a JD. Turned out I got a better deal with a dealer about 120 miles away. Definitely worth it.

 

[TripleR]

No doubt it is a difficult decision and none of us can make it any easier and it doesn't even come down to the money for some of us. I no longer use SCUTs, they are used by my wife, kids and grand kids. When we bought the 1025R for another property, I brought it up here for everyone to see how they liked it to determine whether to keep it or the BX2660. The 1025R went to the other property and we kept the 8 year old BX2660 here. We had tried the same thing with our previously owned JD2305. :confused3:

 

[Grandad4]

Is the 1025r really in the same class as the bx25? While we didn't go dig any holes or anything, the deere definitely felt bigger. I also do like how the loader comes off the deere and I think the seat was better. Felt a little more roomie for a 6ft 300lb round guy.

I think my wife and I both agree that if money wasn't a factor we would go with the deere 100% A lot of it has to do with it being a "deere" but I just think I do like the little differences BUT I don't think it is 5k worth better tractor. (just from my limited reading and driving around the parking lot) Like I said I don't have any real world stats/jobs to compare them. The Kubota did seem a more "sporty" if that makes sense?? While the deere just feels like a "tractor" not really sure if that is a plus or minus. Whether it is more capable than the Kubota I don't know and doubt it is.

Mechanically and operationally, the 1025R and the BX are virtual twins. Engines are nearly the same, aside from the Deere having a Yanmar engine vs. the Kubota engine in the Kubota tractor (no tradeoff there: Yanmar and Kubota are arguably two of the finest small diesels made). Same hydraulic capacity. Same basic tractor weight. Same tires. The Deere has a couple inches longer wheelbase and is a couple inches wider... maybe why your "eyeball impression" tells you the Deere is "bigger".

If you put them to work side-by-side, the amount of actual work they would accomplish and the tasks they could perform would be pretty much the same. That would also be true in ordinary, day-to-day use. Whichever one you bought, there's really no chore you'd encounter where you'd think, "Gee, if only I had bought that other tractor, I could get this done."

As between Deere and Kubota, those are both fine companies that are dedicated to making fine equipment. Can't go wrong either way.

So it comes down to which one you like best, which presents the best value and whether you prefer the dealer for one or the other. I would only offer this advice: This is a tool, not a status symbol or fashion statement. As such, the functionality each offers should be the main consideration. There are differences, with pros and cons to each choice. The more refined loader controls mentioned by Nikerret, for example, favor the Kubota. So does a smaller footprint. Likewise, the well-designed ergonomics and the 3 point position control are advantages for the Deere.

Good luck choosing, and let us see pictures, whichever one you choose!

 

[bcp]

If you can't decide which you like more, then it really doesn't matter. To me, the price difference would buy lots of nice implements.


Analysis paralysis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Analysis paralysis or paralysis by analysis is the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome. A decision can be treated as over-complicated, with too many detailed options, so that a choice is never made, rather than try something and change if a major problem arises. A person might be seeking the optimal or "perfect" solution upfront, and fear making any decision which could lead to erroneous results, while on the way to a better solution.

 

[varmint]

Don't know about the 1025, but when I was last shopping about 3 years ago, the smaller Deere's had aluminum rear ends, which made no sense to me, and still doesn't. I would check into that, and see what others have experienced and/or said about it. Kubotas work for me, but had I first bought a Deere, perhaps I would be pushing those? A lot of folks really have high opinions of the BX 25, though. I can't picture spending $5K more for a similar Deere.

 

[sixdogs]

I don't think I'm biased but I guess we all are to a degree. I have seen the BX25 and was surprised at what it would do and how well it was built. It would be my choice even if money were not an issue. Whatever you buy, we'll be happy for you and hope you post pictures so we can be admire it.

 

[nikerret]

The JD FEL removal process is neat but don't factor it in as I've only taken mine off once and that was just to try it.

I have a completely different experience. My BH comes off around 8 times out of ten I use the tractor, in summer (a lot of mowing), and probably 7 times out of ten, in winter (just a guess, I bought it Dec 31, 2015). The FEL probably comes off 7 times out of ten, in summer, and 1 time out of ten, in winter (again, guessing, but I don't know what I'd use the tractor for w/o the FEL, in winter). Some of those times, like today, I've left the BH on just for rear ballast and in case I got stuck when I mowed the hunting spot.

These numbers are all just to give you an idea. If you really need the correct numbers, I can look them up. I write down every time the tractor is used and what I do with it.

 

[nikerret]

If money was no object, I would have REALLY had a tough decision. Money was pretty much my tie breaker. I didn't list all the factors in my decision as a lot were relevant to me, only. Even with the personal needs/wants and my location, the scores were **** close.

Stay tuned for pictures of today's project: Mowing the hunting spot and moving concrete steps to a buddy's house.

 

[hurricanoday]

If you can't decide which you like more, then it really doesn't matter. To me, the price difference would buy lots of nice implements.


Analysis paralysis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Analysis paralysis or paralysis by analysis is the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome. A decision can be treated as over-complicated, with too many detailed options, so that a choice is never made, rather than try something and change if a major problem arises. A person might be seeking the optimal or "perfect" solution upfront, and fear making any decision which could lead to erroneous results, while on the way to a better solution.

this is totally me. My wife made a joke about putting both tractor fliers down and letting the dog pick or asking the kids (5 and 7) which one to pick. Of course the 5 year old said the one with the deere on it. I also read on a deere forum a guy joked he bought green because it matched his eyes haha. Which it does match my eyes btw.....

Also one thing I didn't like was getting in the right side of the kubota the loader control really sticks out and me being 300lb round that could be a big factor (or I'm the big factor). Maybe I should start a thread for pics of fat guys on their kubotas, but I asked the wife which one I looked less fat on lol. She said green. The kubota sales man made a joke about the tractors being like horses and are suppose to mount from the left.

Grandad4 and nikerrett (and everyone else) thanks again for the detailed posts. I especially liked the comment about this being a tool not a status symbol.

Another part of the story is the house (5 acres) is a short sale we had been living in and finally just got the closing disclosure so it will be ours when we close. That has been the main reason I haven't made a decision yet, can't spend 20k on a tractor for a property I don't own yet. (been living in it since May)

So it seems next week I will have to finally decide. I think if I go back to the deere dealer and they try to say no we are deere and won't work with you it then it will be kubota.

 

[check]

As I said before, you have a very pleasant choice. For what it's worth, my decision was the Kubota BX25, as it apparently is built for construction, and very tough. Also, I have been very impressed with the number of different goodies and add-ons that you can get from bxpanded.com. And, after some seven years and 700 hours or so of ownership, I have not been disappointed at all, and I've had no problems other than leaky front tires.

 

[nikerret]

Here's the thread on my mowing and moving concrete steps, today:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ts-thickest-crap-youve-mowed.html#post4544036

A couple of teaser pics:

 

[nikerret]

The JD definitely wins for entry and egress, from the right side. The Kubota isn't very good, from the right. Would I like ot get on the right side? Sometimes. Whenever I have to go around, I tell myself, "That's part of the $5,000 and I'm fat, should be glad for the exercise!" It is what it is. With my MMM on, and the chute up, I couldn't get ont the right side, anyway. At least, they are both on the same side.

 

[Tompet]

this is totally me. My wife made a joke about putting both tractor fliers down and letting the dog pick or asking the kids (5 and 7) which one to pick. Of course the 5 year old said the one with the deere on it. I also read on a deere forum a guy joked he bought green because it matched his eyes haha. Which it does match my eyes btw.....

Also one thing I didn't like was getting in the ride side of the kubota the loader control really sticks out and me being 300lb round that could be a big factor (or I'm the big factor). Maybe I should start a thread for pics of fat guys on their kubotas, but I asked the wife which one I looked less fat on lol. She said green. The kubota sales man made a joke about the tractors being like horses and are suppose to mount from the left.

Grandad4 and nikerrett (and everyone else) thanks again for the detailed posts. I especially liked the comment about this being a tool not a status symbol.

Another part of the story is the house (5 acres) is a short sale we had been living in and finally just got the closing disclosure so it will be ours when we close. That has been the main reason I haven't made a decision yet, can't spend 20k on a tractor for a property I don't own yet. (been living in it since May)

So it seems next week I will have to finally decide. I think if I go back to the deere dealer and they try to say no we are deere and won't work with you it then it will be kubota.

Read your thread, at least you're taking it all in good humor! I was just over at a friends house and he bought a Deere 1025r with all the bells and whistles. It does seem like a nice setup. The JD does appear a little bigger than a bx25, but for $4k to $5k more...not that much bigger.


Before I would spend that much more money for same size tractor, I would at least get a quote on a Kubota 2301 with same setup and its improved features over previous model. Should be about same money as your current Deere quote. It might fit your "big" size a little better!


After having experience around old two wheel drive tractors and three point attachments, buying a "modern" tractor with FEL and BH was quite a process. I started with the Massey scut in 2005 (excellent BH for its size btw) then a kubota b2920 with bh65 (now replaced with a new version BH70 for the 2301 and 2601). Then I moved to a B3300 with bh77. I'm pretty happy with this setup for my uses, but even thinking about a B26! I recently purchased a used Massey 1540 with FEL for a super price I couldn't pass up. Tractor addiction, but I do work them and enjoy it!

I traded up primarily each time for BH capability while still keeping compact size.

Anyway, point is, I sympathize with your decision having gone through it myself, but ultimately as others have said you will be thrilled (wife relieved) once you choose. But before going green at that price (unless JD dealer will deal) quote a B2301 setup. In any event, Enjoy!

 

[hurricanoday]

Read your thread, at least you're taking it all in good humor! I was just over at a friends house and he bought a Deere 1025r with all the bells and whistles. It does seem like a nice setup. The JD does appear a little bigger than a bx25, but for $4k to $5k more...not that much bigger.


Before I would spend that much more money for same size tractor, I would at least get a quote on a Kubota 2301 with same setup and its improved features over previous model. Should be about same money as your current Deere quote. It might fit your "big" size a little better

I think this is really what it will come down to. If the john deere dealer will make a deal or not. I know some have said it shouldn't be that big of a factor, but the kubota dealer with the best price is the farthest away (even than the local kobuta) and they are willing to deliver with a 2 hour setup/training. That just seems great to me and I really feel like they wanted to sell me a tractor. I will also look into the B2301.

I have a nice craftsman rider for mowing so I don't think I will get a MMM for either the tractor. I will just be using the tractor to hog the field and then mow around the house with the rider and push mower. So the drive on deck doesn't seem like a big plus, at least right now. Could be different when the rider dies.

 

[nikerret]

If the MMM isn't in the equation, that means you will most likely be leaving the FEL and BH on, or at least, the FEL, most of the time. What other attachments/implememnts are you looking at?

Unless you're getting a front plow, brush, or snowblower, you'll almost never take the FEL off. This means the better release system on the JD is no longer an advantage, for you. Do you plan to buy a grapple or other loader arm mounted tool? If so, the JD has a better system. The Kubota QA is an extra piece that adds 50+ pounds to the end of the loader arms and moves the load about six inches further out. This means you can now lift that much less and with less advantageous leverage, using this system.

You'll have to do some checking to see which system offers more accessories, but I doubt JD has more. There are several companies that make stuff for Kubotas, then, they make stuff for the JD. If you're just going to leave the bucket on, skip the QA on the Kubota.

If you're not planning to take the FEL off and you're going to do a lot of loader work, the JD has the advantages of a more comfortable loader control position, stronger lifting specs, and the side-by-side pedals (most people believe this is an advantage). However, the Kubota offers the ability to do multiple functions, at once, on a sufficient platform. Personally, the pedal placements was fine, either way.

The BH's both come off the same, or close enough to, not to matter. What else do you plan to have for the back?

I like the Kubota BH better, but they are even closer than the rest of the tractor; except, that pesky one control at a time, thing.

I couldn't find a JD dealer that would deal, in the Kubota price realm. Others have found the JD cheaper than the Kubota, in their area. If the JD had been cheaper, I would have received a green hat. I have a JD dealer less than five miles away and a Massey Ferguson dealer slightly closer. The JD dealer wanted $50 to deliver the tractor to my house and didn't have any plans to help outside their shop, in regard to warranty repairs. The Kubota dealer I used, which is around 80 miles away, sends a tech out, with ta trailer, if you have an issue. If it can't be fixed, on-site, they take it to their shop, fix it, then return it. This was a dealer policy and it was the only dealer, of any color that offered that service. When I asked more about it, they said they didn't have issues, and no one could remember having to back it up. This could just be sales talk, but I doubt they would keep offering it, if it kept costing them money. As the owner of the dealership said, "If we had problems with them, we would sell a different brand."

Just curious, and I probably forgot or missed it, but why aren't you interested in the MF GC series? On paper, it looks like a nice blend of the Kubota and the JD.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Hold on. The Deere backhoe can only perform one function at a time?! That would bug me on the loader but would be a game-changer running a hoe. In my mind efficiency and control would be a real problem.

 

[nikerret]

The one I used only could do one function at a time on the backhoe and the FEL. Watching Youtube, I'm lead to believe it is that way, on all the 260's. I haven't seen any video where someone was able to move it two functions, at once. Perhaps, someone with one can chime in.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Does this seem like a HUGE limitation to anyone else? Maybe it's just me.