- Thread starter 56oliver
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Tx Jim
Well-known Member
- Location
- Coyote Flats, Texas
According to other tractor forums that I read JD' tractors have quite a few operational failures. I think JD is worried about Kubota taking market share because JD advertises on a tractor forum that is only for Kubota's. I think for Kubota to make it the higher HP ranges they will have to increase their weight to HP ratio. I also wonder if Kubota's bevel gear MFWD frt will hold up at higher HP or if they will have to change to outboard planetary type frt axle. I own a Kubota 65 pto HP tractor that I've put nearly a 1000 hrs on that so far has been trouble free. I use it to cut and load/unload rd bales.
Both good machines. There are a lot of model choices so you have to really look hard to compare apples to apples. They both offer cost saver models and deluxe models. In the past when I compared prices were about the same. We have a local dealer that handles both. IIRC Deere tractors were a bit more but their implements were less money. And Kubota tractor was less but implements were higher. So by the time you added say a loader and a mower and or a backhoe it all was pretty close.
Go check them both out and see what features you like and don't like. I don't think you will go wrong with either brand.
Go check them both out and see what features you like and don't like. I don't think you will go wrong with either brand.
Its getting easier to find a useful Kubota dealer around here
than a useful JD dealer!
See more and more Orange out on the landscape for the utility
tractor out on the farm.
Relatives of mine were Oliver, then White, folk. Now the fleet is
Versatile for power and 3 Kubota's.
Paul
than a useful JD dealer!
See more and more Orange out on the landscape for the utility
tractor out on the farm.
Relatives of mine were Oliver, then White, folk. Now the fleet is
Versatile for power and 3 Kubota's.
Paul
In my opinion, Kubota is just about impossible to beat in the compact/sub-compact/utility market.
I bought a new Kubota compact tractor in 1994 and it has been the best significant purchase that I have made in my lifetime. In the 20+ years that I have owned it, it has needed absolutely nothing. Nothing, not a fuse, lamp or fan belt, just regular lube, oil and filters.
I've not owned a late model JD but have shopped them recently.
I have bought a couple new of Massey Fergusons in the past few years (never again) and can attest that they are NOT Kubotas.
Dean
I bought a new Kubota compact tractor in 1994 and it has been the best significant purchase that I have made in my lifetime. In the 20+ years that I have owned it, it has needed absolutely nothing. Nothing, not a fuse, lamp or fan belt, just regular lube, oil and filters.
I've not owned a late model JD but have shopped them recently.
I have bought a couple new of Massey Fergusons in the past few years (never again) and can attest that they are NOT Kubotas.
Dean
Ken Macfarlane
Well-known Member
Kubota commands a premium in that range here. I bought a
used 2003 - 52 hp Kubota 10 years ago, its never been to the
dealer since, its got 2000 hours on it now. It starts at -30 C, not
even a block heater on it. Original battery in it.
Repairs have been broken lights and glass from using it in the
woods. AC heat blower motor needed new brushes around 1900
hours. Lost a seal in the front axle around 1400 hours and
missed it in the snow so burned up 300$ of bearings. I have to
say, extremely impressed taking it apart, high quality machine
work on that front axle.
Tractor runs a heavy 7 ft blower all winter, JD 336 square baler
much of the summer and hauling 8 ton wagons. All while doing
loader work.
used 2003 - 52 hp Kubota 10 years ago, its never been to the
dealer since, its got 2000 hours on it now. It starts at -30 C, not
even a block heater on it. Original battery in it.
Repairs have been broken lights and glass from using it in the
woods. AC heat blower motor needed new brushes around 1900
hours. Lost a seal in the front axle around 1400 hours and
missed it in the snow so burned up 300$ of bearings. I have to
say, extremely impressed taking it apart, high quality machine
work on that front axle.
Tractor runs a heavy 7 ft blower all winter, JD 336 square baler
much of the summer and hauling 8 ton wagons. All while doing
loader work.
I own 3 Kubota's right now, 52hp being the biggest. I have traded two others in on new models over the years. Every time I buy one I check with Deere before I make the purchase. I try to compare the price and what I'm getting. Even though deep down I'd like to have a Deere the Kubota has always won out. Although I can count 7 Kubota dealers that are within 50 miles of where I live. That came to play in my decisions.
I just brought the 52 hp tractor used a couple months ago. It was a 2008 model with 400 hours on it. I was going to buy a new one but the guys on here mentioned staying away from teir 3 and 4 models of any new tractor. I have a teir 4 2012 model which already had some switch go out that left me hanging 5 miles away from home. Although that is the only bad experience I can think of I had with Kubota. That was covered under the warranty.
I just brought the 52 hp tractor used a couple months ago. It was a 2008 model with 400 hours on it. I was going to buy a new one but the guys on here mentioned staying away from teir 3 and 4 models of any new tractor. I have a teir 4 2012 model which already had some switch go out that left me hanging 5 miles away from home. Although that is the only bad experience I can think of I had with Kubota. That was covered under the warranty.
People around here that don't do much heavy work seem to like Kubota'a. One's who use them a lot have a lot of trouble after many hrs. Price sells them here, that and two good dealers. One neighbor who only mows and feeds hay loves his, another who tries to farm with it would never buy another. One kid, who thought Dad was stupid because he wouldn't give up his John Deeres bought a new one and when they were in the field together the John Deere embaressed the Kubota so bad, after one year, it had a new home.
I agree with all comments .I bought a JD4320 subcompact in 2007.Used it commercialy in my business put 4000 hrs on it virtually trouble free.Very powerful for its size. Sit on a Deere vs a Kubota and notice the Ergonomics differance of the controls and the ease getting on and off .More to a piece of a equipment than just price.
Bryce Frazier
Well-known Member
Around here, Kubota's are like Dandelions.
They look nice, but you really don't want them on your lawn!
There are always a LOT of tiny older ones for sale, and they has a crazy price on them. Seems that the smaller JD's and lately Yanmars are selling much more quickly, and usually for more $$$.
The neighbor bought a brand new L3030 (maybe) Kubota a number of years ago, and now that he has passed away, his son has NO CLUE how to operate it, so it is pretty much my responsibility to do stuff with it! :
It amazes me how some things on it are VERY cheap. The first is the step to get onto the platform, I swear, if I was 250, I would snap that cheesy little thing right off!!! Next, once you are "in position" everything is kind of a challenge.. 4wd knob is WAYYYY down between your legs, so it is like all 6'5" of me has to try to get below the steering wheel to operate the knob, and by the time all this is said and done, you should have probably just gotten off, put it in 4wd, and got back on!!
They are a Japanese tractor, built for Japanese size people! NOT 6'5 American hooligans! Bryce
They look nice, but you really don't want them on your lawn!
There are always a LOT of tiny older ones for sale, and they has a crazy price on them. Seems that the smaller JD's and lately Yanmars are selling much more quickly, and usually for more $$$.
The neighbor bought a brand new L3030 (maybe) Kubota a number of years ago, and now that he has passed away, his son has NO CLUE how to operate it, so it is pretty much my responsibility to do stuff with it! :
It amazes me how some things on it are VERY cheap. The first is the step to get onto the platform, I swear, if I was 250, I would snap that cheesy little thing right off!!! Next, once you are "in position" everything is kind of a challenge.. 4wd knob is WAYYYY down between your legs, so it is like all 6'5" of me has to try to get below the steering wheel to operate the knob, and by the time all this is said and done, you should have probably just gotten off, put it in 4wd, and got back on!!
They are a Japanese tractor, built for Japanese size people! NOT 6'5 American hooligans!
BrycePair-a-dice farm
Well-known Member
This is just an observation and comments that I hear at the coop. I have neither JD or Kubota. We have a very good Deere dealer and I have a neighbor that has 2 newer Deere 100 hp range tractors. He has had them in the shop more than I've had my 40yo IH and 20 year old Fords. Most of his trouble has been electronics. I've got a friend that has a couple of 90-100hp Kubotas and he hasn't had any trouble. Most of what I hear is only good for the kubota tractors not so good about the dealer. Most of what I hear about the Deere is good about the dealer and not so much good for the tractors. The only Kubota that I've used was a M4700 4x4 and it was a tough little tractor. If I was buying new today I would look close at a Kubota in the 90-100hp.
Thomas(AB)
Member
- Location
- Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Spent many hours on a M8540D Kubota with no
cab,loader. It's only a few years old, finally
has 700 hours on it,most of that with a big
rough cut mower, moving snow or using a 12' 3pt
cultivator. Only issue with it so far has been
the shuttle shift cable stretched to the point
it needed replacement. Started it before -30C
with no issues not being plugged in. Would go
Kubota over Deere any day.
cab,loader. It's only a few years old, finally
has 700 hours on it,most of that with a big
rough cut mower, moving snow or using a 12' 3pt
cultivator. Only issue with it so far has been
the shuttle shift cable stretched to the point
it needed replacement. Started it before -30C
with no issues not being plugged in. Would go
Kubota over Deere any day.
Ken Macfarlane
Well-known Member
My good friend had a 40 hp John Deere, about a 2005 model or so, we rib each other a bit. He had his for his landscaping company and used it mainly for mowing and a little loader work for about 3-4 years.
Yes JD controls were ergonomic but... it was back in the dealer a lot in the 1500 or so hours. Can't recall all the problems but I have 3 point hitch pieces from it in my scrap pile, and there was computer troubles for the transmission. JD loader was very fast but had no power, I'm assuming it was made for homeowners safety so they couldn't tip the tractor over but it was very annoying coming from a good strong loader on similar size kubota.
Some complaints for a 50 hp MF compact too, fast but weak loader, very sensitive hydro pedal, hard cold starting.
Yes JD controls were ergonomic but... it was back in the dealer a lot in the 1500 or so hours. Can't recall all the problems but I have 3 point hitch pieces from it in my scrap pile, and there was computer troubles for the transmission. JD loader was very fast but had no power, I'm assuming it was made for homeowners safety so they couldn't tip the tractor over but it was very annoying coming from a good strong loader on similar size kubota.
Some complaints for a 50 hp MF compact too, fast but weak loader, very sensitive hydro pedal, hard cold starting.
In that class I don't think it would matter much. Both are likely to be pretty decent tractors. When you start getting into the larger chore/utility tractors that actually see some drawbar work... then I think the Kubota will be found somewhat lacking over the long haul. You can't take a 50 hp chassis and put 100 hp in front of it and expect the thing to pull any more than a 50 hp tractor... and if you weigh it down to pull you needn't expect it to last.
Rod
Rod
I've got a cousin with an older Kubota M5800 - ???? not sure
the exact model, but he has used and abused it bush hogging
and dragging logs and pulling small stumps. He keeps
everything maintained, but slams the tractor at every chore
and as far as I know, it has held up very well. It's probably a
60ish hp tractor, open cab and 4x4. His work is all hunting
camp duty, no real farming.
I've got a great MF50 diesel, but it's a 53 years old and for
several years have been window shopping a new tractor.
When the time came to buy last summer, I settled for a John
Deere 5055d, bare bones 4x2 tractor. The only option I got
was a size up on the rear tires and fluid in them. So far, so
good.
What is the intended purpose of your Uncle's tractor? Farming
or maintenance around the house or hunting camp? In my
case, I wanted a tractor (for the $$$'s I was willing to spend)
that was basic, non-tier 4 (mine is tier 2), 50ish PTO hp and
could run a 4x4 round baler one of these days (read enough
hp and ground clearance). In the mean time, I'm making
square bales with it. I wanted established dealer support vs
some guy selling a new tractor line at his lawn mower shop
and who knows if he be selling a year from now or even be in
business.
I ruled out the Kubota - not for anything bad with the tractor,
but didn't care for the dealer. I looked at the New Holland
Workmaster 55, MF 2615 (which I really liked) and the Deere
5055d.
The Workmaster was the most expensive. I didn't see a lot of
online parts availability for the NH or the Simpson diesel used
in the MF. The Deere, though made in India is a Deere plant -
not a rebadged tractor. These 5055d type tractors are used all
over the world - look them up on youtube and see the use and
abuse they get. I can't say the 8F/4R tranny is the same used
in an earlier 30 or 40 series utility tractor, but many of the
tranny parts, castings look similar - for whatever that's worth.
This design Deere tractor, though there have been some
problems, has been around since about 1992, so there is
some history and internet support for them long after the
warranty runs out.
IMHO - the number 1 reason (for me) to buy the Deere is the
2.9L engine. It is a great engine, one I have first hand
experience with in generators.
Having said all that, I bought based on what I specifically
needed in a tractor and it wound up being the JD 5055d. My
eyes didn't glaze over and my brain shut down due to the
green color, but I'm hopeful someone else's will if I ever sell it -
LOL!!!
I think a Kubota would be great, but would steer towards a
utility if farming and a larger compact if I'm keeping up the
home or a camp.
Good luck,
Bill
the exact model, but he has used and abused it bush hogging
and dragging logs and pulling small stumps. He keeps
everything maintained, but slams the tractor at every chore
and as far as I know, it has held up very well. It's probably a
60ish hp tractor, open cab and 4x4. His work is all hunting
camp duty, no real farming.
I've got a great MF50 diesel, but it's a 53 years old and for
several years have been window shopping a new tractor.
When the time came to buy last summer, I settled for a John
Deere 5055d, bare bones 4x2 tractor. The only option I got
was a size up on the rear tires and fluid in them. So far, so
good.
What is the intended purpose of your Uncle's tractor? Farming
or maintenance around the house or hunting camp? In my
case, I wanted a tractor (for the $$$'s I was willing to spend)
that was basic, non-tier 4 (mine is tier 2), 50ish PTO hp and
could run a 4x4 round baler one of these days (read enough
hp and ground clearance). In the mean time, I'm making
square bales with it. I wanted established dealer support vs
some guy selling a new tractor line at his lawn mower shop
and who knows if he be selling a year from now or even be in
business.
I ruled out the Kubota - not for anything bad with the tractor,
but didn't care for the dealer. I looked at the New Holland
Workmaster 55, MF 2615 (which I really liked) and the Deere
5055d.
The Workmaster was the most expensive. I didn't see a lot of
online parts availability for the NH or the Simpson diesel used
in the MF. The Deere, though made in India is a Deere plant -
not a rebadged tractor. These 5055d type tractors are used all
over the world - look them up on youtube and see the use and
abuse they get. I can't say the 8F/4R tranny is the same used
in an earlier 30 or 40 series utility tractor, but many of the
tranny parts, castings look similar - for whatever that's worth.
This design Deere tractor, though there have been some
problems, has been around since about 1992, so there is
some history and internet support for them long after the
warranty runs out.
IMHO - the number 1 reason (for me) to buy the Deere is the
2.9L engine. It is a great engine, one I have first hand
experience with in generators.
Having said all that, I bought based on what I specifically
needed in a tractor and it wound up being the JD 5055d. My
eyes didn't glaze over and my brain shut down due to the
green color, but I'm hopeful someone else's will if I ever sell it -
LOL!!!
I think a Kubota would be great, but would steer towards a
utility if farming and a larger compact if I'm keeping up the
home or a camp.
Good luck,
Bill
2 Old 2 care
Member
So much of this is anecdotal comments with little more than opinion to back it up. I hope I can offer a little more than that. I own a mowing company that does road right-of-way mowing as well as large tracts of commercial real estate in several as of yet undeveloped industrial parks. We log a TON of hours every year on a variety of brands. Much of the equipment I own, but we lease as needed. I have had several 45 to 70 HP Kubota's, Deere's, New Hollands, And a couple CaseIH utility tractors to go along with a compliment of larger (100+hp) tractors.
In general, the Kubotas have held up as well, if not better than any other brand in some very abusive conditions. Deere's do well too. After a few recent experiences, I'm done with New Holland. Case IH dealer I work with leaves them in the rear view mirror too.
The only complaint I've got from the operators is that the ergonomics of the Kubota's don't quite match up with operator preference. They like the Deere's. Even imported Deere's have a great deal of "American operator" influence. The import brands tend to have operator station traits more friendly to typical European/Oriental operator preference from my observation. Long story short, My "good ol' boy" Amarican farm boys I hire just feel more at home on the Deere's. That issue could just be favoritism of an iconic American brand over a "Japanese import".
In general, the Kubotas have held up as well, if not better than any other brand in some very abusive conditions. Deere's do well too. After a few recent experiences, I'm done with New Holland. Case IH dealer I work with leaves them in the rear view mirror too.
The only complaint I've got from the operators is that the ergonomics of the Kubota's don't quite match up with operator preference. They like the Deere's. Even imported Deere's have a great deal of "American operator" influence. The import brands tend to have operator station traits more friendly to typical European/Oriental operator preference from my observation. Long story short, My "good ol' boy" Amarican farm boys I hire just feel more at home on the Deere's. That issue could just be favoritism of an iconic American brand over a "Japanese import".
8 years ago I sold my 12 year old JD 5410 and bought a JD 4320 since I needed a smaller, lighter tractor. I use the 4320 for general purpose work on my property, Finish mowing, 6 foot bush hog, dirt work and running a chipper. This is the first hydrostatic drive tractor I have had and I have been real impressed with is ability to drag large trees around and its pulling power in general. I have had zero trouble with it and it has not been back to the dealer since I bought it. I have never owned or been around Kubotas but they look pretty well made and I have heard good things about them. When I bought this tractor there wasn't much dollar difference between the two and I have a good relationship with the local Deere dealers in this area already, so I went with the Deere.
Casey in Ky
Member
Just curious, can I ask what was the problem with the New Holland's? Actual equipment issues, dealers issues, or both?
Deere Scotty
Member
One of my local dealers told me Kubota is having trouble with the new Tier IV Emissions. Said if I wanted a new tractor then fine; But if I wanted a "Good Working" tractor buy a slightly used 2012, or 2013 model year. Salesman said He love to sell new one; but doesn't want to people bringing them back either!
The Dukester
Well-known Member
John Deere is an American Company that has been in business over 150 years....Kubota is a foreign company that has sold products over here for over 40 years.....Let your conscience be your guide....
2 Old 2 care
Member
Engine failure on one....(oil pump quit pumping with less than 20 hours)
Reoccuring internal hydraulic leak on another.
Electrical issues that ended in a fire.
Dealer that wouldn't go to bat with NH
Reoccuring internal hydraulic leak on another.
Electrical issues that ended in a fire.
Dealer that wouldn't go to bat with NH
We have a 50hp 4320 JD with Cab and hydro. Also
have a Kubota M126GX. 126 engine hp. Our neighbor
is a new Kubota dealer. Tries to give excellant
service. SIL has a 4000 Deere BIL has a 3000
Deere and another BIL has had 2 small Kubotas.
All of them are good tractors. Do what they are
supposed to do. I have put together a couple of
new Kubotas. They make at least 3 maybe 4
different models of 25 to 135 hp tractors. John
Deere does too. So need to know what you are
buying. Friend of mine bought a Kubota package
4X4 tractor loader mower box blade and trailer to
haul them home. Tractor doesn't have independent
pto! Also cheap Kubotas don't have hydrostatic
power steering. Have power assist steering. Seem
to work good though. Higher end ones have
hydrostatic. Better to get a hi-end 4000 JD than
a low-end 5000. Vic
have a Kubota M126GX. 126 engine hp. Our neighbor
is a new Kubota dealer. Tries to give excellant
service. SIL has a 4000 Deere BIL has a 3000
Deere and another BIL has had 2 small Kubotas.
All of them are good tractors. Do what they are
supposed to do. I have put together a couple of
new Kubotas. They make at least 3 maybe 4
different models of 25 to 135 hp tractors. John
Deere does too. So need to know what you are
buying. Friend of mine bought a Kubota package
4X4 tractor loader mower box blade and trailer to
haul them home. Tractor doesn't have independent
pto! Also cheap Kubotas don't have hydrostatic
power steering. Have power assist steering. Seem
to work good though. Higher end ones have
hydrostatic. Better to get a hi-end 4000 JD than
a low-end 5000. Vic
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