Your Advice Please Kubota vs JD

[Yankee]

"That's about like saying that the Kubota's have a poor drivetrain. "

The difference is that one is a factual statement, i.e., can be validated (the current Deere frames either are or are not stamped and less substantial than previous models), the other is a pure value judgement ("poor").

Of course, whether or not the comparison of current to previous Deere frames is material to the tractor's usage is an open question, as there are any number of reasons why the design might have changed. Stamped steel frames are perfectly suitable for garden tractors. They COULD even be used in CUTs and full-sized tractors, though the manufacturing issues would start to mount quickly with the heavier steel that would be required. The real issue here is, as someone else has already pointed out, an apples to oranges comparison.

The guy has to figure out whether he wants a garden tractor or a sub-CUT. If it's the former, the Deere frame is just fine.

Bill

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Now that we know what 2 tractors you are considering I don't think there is any question that the Kubota is by far the better of the two machines. And I'd be willing to bet that the 5hp you give up to get the Kubota will be more than made up in 4wd traction and added torque from the diesel engine. In short, the Kubota will be at least as powerful as the JD where you need it.

As for the bar tires, those will be unnecessary with the Kubota because you get the 4wd. I have a Ventrac for mowing my hills, and they are steep. It is 4wd and has regular turf tires on it. It replaced a Cub Cadet for slope mowing, the Cub required 75# wheel weights AND snow chains to climb the same hills and the Cub would spin the tires every time I went up the hills. The Ventrac's 4wd simply pulls the tractor straight up with no problems on regular turf tires.

 

[mathteacher]

gas vs. diesel

My 24 HP diesel engine on my tractor uses less fuel than my old 12 HP gas mower. If you do buy a mower. That is what you will have. The budget might be stretched thin but don't think now as much as later. There are far more possibilities with the BX then the deere. Buy the BX or better yet look at a BX 1830 or BX 2330 vs. a JD 2210. I think that you will be glad that you did. And the BX2330 vs. JD 2210 is more of an apples to apples comparison.

Donald B.

 

[OrangeGuy]

My advice would be to not only compare the tractors, but also the mowers. If you are going to invest 6 plus thousand dollars, you will want the lawn looking good when your mowing is completed. Here's where I would give the advantage to Kubota. My experience with JD tractor/mowers is that the mower is the weakest element. The Kubota mower is much more heavy duty and produces a superior cut.

I also agree with most of the posters that the JD 335 and Kubota BX1500 are two entirely different classes of tractors.

 

[Woodbeef]

Hey Yankee

Yup I was going to say pretty much the same thing as you did. At least he stated why he claims there is a difference in the frames!! So it looks like a valid comparison to me.

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Let me rephrase...

Some folks will assume the newer Deere 3xx series include the well renowned old 3xx series platform and time-proven components... All I want to point out is this is not true...

Anyway... the new and old both have their pluses and minuses...


Dave...

 

[cowboydoc]

My point is that just because the technology has changed doesn't mean that it is any less of a machine. Technology including frame design, engine design, transmissions has all changed in all aspects. That was my point is that you don't know that it's any less of a machine than you know for sure the model that the salesman was talking about didn't have a design flaw.

 

[KiotiJohn]

For the difference in price, the Kubota is a much better deal. Having a diesel engine gives more torque, and none of the carburetor problems you'll find with gas as in shellacing after sitting for a long while unstarted, gas will clog the carb. Let a diesel sit for months, years, and it will usually start right up. Longevity of diesel, when properly cared for, is well known. Also add the abilities of the Kubota over the Deere. You'll be able to buy additional implements that will help you to do MANY more jobs than with the Deere. As for the dealer's statement about Kubota differentials etc. it's all bull. The Kubota is a good or better than any other manufacturer and I don't even own one. I bought Kioti and am very happy with it as you would be with the Kubota. If you really want to compare, find out how much a Deere with a diesel, 3pt etc. would cost and you'll prob. find the Kubota a bargain. John

 

[gwmullins]

For certain, you guys convinced me to at least consider my options a little longer before I make the plunge. Actually, I pretty much had my mind made up to call the Deere Man and tell him to deliver.......however, when I started receiving so many posts encouraging me to give more careful thought to the plus factors on the Kabota I took off for the Kabota dealer and discussed matters a bit more with him. Now, at this point I just dont know what Im going to decide. Just know I gotta decide on somethin pretty soon, cause the grass is not waiting on me...it just keeps growin and growin. I will probably try to post a few more specific questions in some of the other areas of this Forum and see what I get from those; might be an easier and better way to do it, since this post has kind of run it course. I do thank you all for your help so far! Will let you know when I climb aboard new orange or green! I believe the primary choice for me is do I want to buy a good garden tractor or a good compact utility tractor.

 

[JerryG]

GW,
One way, to look it is. The diesel can be past down to your children and the gas will be passed to the curb. That is durability of the diesel compared to the gas.