I am a long time watcher of these and some other tractor forums. But decided to post since I WILL be buying a tractor on Friday. I am narrowed down to a John Deere 4052R or a Kubota L5460. I realize both are quality machines and see a few differences in specs and wanted to get some opinions. First off I will be brush hogging and tilling also working a 1/2 mile driveway I also will be moving some lighter weight round bales(I realize I will need to be properly ballasted to do this). I wanted to know the real if any difference on the 3 point hitch the John deere spec shows a category 1 and the Kubota is a Category 2 is this an issue at all? Also the Kubota has a feature where you can bump up your gear while using the hst to faster on the fly essentially making this a 6 speed hst. The deeere only has a 3 speed I have test drove both the deere was a 4044R and am indifferent on the use of it especially in the dealer parking lot. Your oppions would be appreciated. Both tractors are open station with a rear remote very similarly equipped. The deere is 34400 with everything I am looking at and 0% interest(may finance part of the purchase) The Kubota is 36800 so there is a touch of price difference. The only other issue is the Deere wont be instock till April 8th and the Kubota is on the show room floor. I am leaning deere just for the resale value people always talk about. Both Dealerships are equal distances apart and the service departments seem the same. This will be my first tractor purchase.Thoughts????
Buying a tractor
- Thread starter bgctrading
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North Idaho Wolfman
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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Kubota's have a higher resale value up here in my area.
I've had a few JD's over the years and the one thing that turned me off is the prices of their parts, Kubota is high JD is higher.
Another thing I have found is the complete negative reaction I got when I told several JD dealers that I was going to work on my tractor and not pay them to do it.
I've had a few JD's over the years and the one thing that turned me off is the prices of their parts, Kubota is high JD is higher.
Another thing I have found is the complete negative reaction I got when I told several JD dealers that I was going to work on my tractor and not pay them to do it.
Billdog350
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Kubota L3710 HST,L2230A QT,forks,Takeuchi TB125, 60" Luck Now pto Snowblower
Not sure where you heard that resale on JD's is better than Kubotas?
My experience is that Kubota's hold their value VERY well.
I agree with Wolfman on the parts comments. Kubota parts can be shopped around and bought for decent prices online while JD's are almost always through dealers and the markup is pretty crazy.
I have serviced both JD's and Kubota's and IMO the Kubota's are a far better design for most of the mechancials. Also kubota invented and has been making HST's since the 1970's and you can still get parts for almost all of their tractors...JD's become harder and harder to find parts when they get to be about 15+yrs old.
My experience is that Kubota's hold their value VERY well.
I agree with Wolfman on the parts comments. Kubota parts can be shopped around and bought for decent prices online while JD's are almost always through dealers and the markup is pretty crazy.
I have serviced both JD's and Kubota's and IMO the Kubota's are a far better design for most of the mechancials. Also kubota invented and has been making HST's since the 1970's and you can still get parts for almost all of their tractors...JD's become harder and harder to find parts when they get to be about 15+yrs old.
kubota man. better quality, better support, cheaper parts although rarely needed. I've now driven deere and kubota and the 5 minutes of operation I wanted the kubota without hesitation, I have no loyalties.tell the kubota dealer what they are up against and see what they will throw in to sweeten the deal.
There is a dealer near here who carries both JD and Kubota. He is not making it public, but he confided in a friend of his (and mine) that the JD's come in much more often for repairs, etc.as compared to Kubota.
Also, if you are buying so that some day you will sell, well I would like to have some of that good prediction advice if and when i ever get rid of my tractors. That would be the last item on my priority list of why buying anything.
Also, if you are buying so that some day you will sell, well I would like to have some of that good prediction advice if and when i ever get rid of my tractors. That would be the last item on my priority list of why buying anything.
TripleR
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Equipment
BX2200, BX2660, L5740 HSTC, M8540HDC and some other tractors and equipment
No doubt both are good tractors and I'm sure you will be happy with either.
The only real difference is the HST+ and only you can decide how important that is; for me you simply can't beat the HST+ and I use the hi/low switch more than any other feature, so no brainer for me.
In my area, resale value is about the same for both.
This is a Kubota forum, so you might want to ask the same question on the John Deere site for more input, we all try to be objective, but...
http://www.greentractortalk.com/forums/forum.php
Like I said; can't go wrong either way.
The only real difference is the HST+ and only you can decide how important that is; for me you simply can't beat the HST+ and I use the hi/low switch more than any other feature, so no brainer for me.
In my area, resale value is about the same for both.
This is a Kubota forum, so you might want to ask the same question on the John Deere site for more input, we all try to be objective, but...
http://www.greentractortalk.com/forums/forum.php
Like I said; can't go wrong either way.
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I agree with tripleR, I have a new 3560, and the 60 series Kubotas are really nice. I drove JD's and Kubotas and Farmalls before I decided. The HST is great, it makes it easy to drive the tractor nicely, if you know what I mean. Smoothly, efficiently, no lurching. I also switch back and forth between autothrottle and plain, either low (turtle mode) or high (rabbit), probably really hare and tortoise . There is cruise control for mowing too. The Kubota dealer has gone out of his way to help me out, including with my old Ford8N. I think there is a 5 year warranty on the new emissions control stuff as well, that you might want to compare with JD. Kubota makes their own engines and thatis a definite plus.
There are a couple of people on the forum with the bigger tractors who can give you information about the implements. Cat 2 hitches take bigger heavier ones. You do need the bigger tractor for the round bales.
. There is cruise control for mowing too. The Kubota dealer has gone out of his way to help me out, including with my old Ford8N. I think there is a 5 year warranty on the new emissions control stuff as well, that you might want to compare with JD. Kubota makes their own engines and thatis a definite plus.There are a couple of people on the forum with the bigger tractors who can give you information about the implements. Cat 2 hitches take bigger heavier ones. You do need the bigger tractor for the round bales.
85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
I would do exactly that - what VV said -
walk up to the dealer - tell them that you really want to be in the orange and tell him the two prices - ASK HIM what the absolute best he can do on the price. DO not let him tell you that Kubota is worth it (ok it is ....but) tell that you are committed RIGHT then ( and be that ) if he can match the price or lower it some.
If he stands hard pressed - ask for something ELSE that he can include that JD has not - ballast for tires, ballast box.....anything.
I think JD makes good stuff - but I really think that Kubotas are better.
Here's a link to another form, I enjoy, with a thread about JD and Kubota. They might add something to the fire.
http://www.cattletoday.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=97379
http://www.cattletoday.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=97379
Mbarrette
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Equipment
Kubota U55, Kubota SVL75, Kubota B3030, Kubota L6060, Kubota ZG21, Kubota L4760
My Dad had JD equipment on the orchard since I was a kid. Dad never had any major issues, but always complained that the price for parts was outrageous. Our local JD dealer eventually closed shop. Ten years ago we sold all of the farms green (except for a few attachments)and purchased orange.
Never had any issues with our Kubota's except a recall on the L6060. The dealer picked the tractor up, finished the recall work, changed the oil, air filter and greesed up the tractor for free then dropped it off the same day. The service and pricing from our Kubota dealer has been outstanding.
Dad is 76 now and still likes to help out, especially when it involves operating equipment. He doesn't remember voicing his opinion against switching to orange 10 years ago, but he sure likes to tell everyone it was his idea now.
Never had any issues with our Kubota's except a recall on the L6060. The dealer picked the tractor up, finished the recall work, changed the oil, air filter and greesed up the tractor for free then dropped it off the same day. The service and pricing from our Kubota dealer has been outstanding.
Dad is 76 now and still likes to help out, especially when it involves operating equipment. He doesn't remember voicing his opinion against switching to orange 10 years ago, but he sure likes to tell everyone it was his idea now.
Thank you everyone for the information. I am going early Friday to make the final decision. I have studied this now for several months and have researched everything I can online. I have come to the conclusion that both machines are very comparable. One will out edge the other in one category then the other in another. I think it is ultimately going to boil down to 1. price and 2. which style pedal I feel most comfortable with.
A hint if the dealer doesn't tell you, the Kubota HST pedal can be used in at least 3 ways.
1. Rocker style with whole foot placed on left long part.
2. Forward using the flange extending to the right, tuck toe under flange and lift for reverse.
3. Forward using flange, , move foot back to step on back part of long part for reverse.
1 feels awkward to me, 2 works well in summer weight boots, 3 works well in winter feltpacks.
Have fun with your new tractor!
TripleR
Active member
Equipment
BX2200, BX2660, L5740 HSTC, M8540HDC and some other tractors and equipment
Yep several ways to use it and some work better facing forward and some looking back.
On the L40 you have the option of using the cruise control in lieu of the HST pedal to go forward; I often use it backing down slopes and going back up using my toe on the pedal to go back and cruise control to reverse directions while looking back.
I'm in JD country but a few years ago I asked a neighbor why he bought Orange. He's best friends are some of the big 'Green' farmers here, they took him shopping. Their advice was for mid size or smaller go Orange and that's what they made him buy. A bigger cab M, don't remember which.
As an aside there is a lot of nursery ground here too. They've got multiple sites in two states, in other words big. they went from JD to Case.
As an aside there is a lot of nursery ground here too. They've got multiple sites in two states, in other words big. they went from JD to Case.
Thanks again everyone. I know this won't be a popular decision around here but I went green the kubota dealer just wouldn't deal it was definately a quality product and it will get a look by me again if I ever trade. Thanks for all the info.