I've been driving myself crazy over the past 2 weeks trying to decide between JD and Kubota. Specifically looking at 1025r and bx23s. Here is what I pulled in comparison between the two. Still not sure what to do. Getting pricing at about the same with JD always being cheaper. If you are financing, every dealer for Kubota has told me I have to get their insurance and that raises the price by about $1600 to $1700.
I like the JD because it seems you get more for your money with the little helpful things like the stabilizer upright brackets, included bucket level, 3pt hitch, etc. But having smoother hydraulics is important and kinda what you are buying the machine for and having smoother hydraulics and better disconnects almost makes me want to swing back to Kubota.
Anyway, sorry for hijacking thread. My purpose was to tell you about the JD prices have been cheaper for my.
2018 John Deere 1025r and Kubota BX23S Comparison:
Kubota BX23S:
Better smoother hydraulic loader control
Better hydraulic loader disconnect
Better hookup for backhoe
Fully made by Kubota, Engine, etc.
Heavier duty axles
1630 vs 1349
2120 vs 1576
Bigger gas tank
All metal
Hood opens sides along with top
Heavier at 2689 vs 2208 (excludes loader frame, so may be closer?)
Hoe Digging Depth 6'5" vs 6'2"
Radiator in back of engine compartment instead of front
Loader universal Quick Attach
Easier storage, smaller length and width
John Deere 1025R:
Slight better engine HP 23.9 (JD Brochure says 24.2) vs 23
PTO 18 vs 17.7
Slight better engine torque 40.7 vs 40
More comfortable in seating area/More room
Feels bigger and more stable
More lighting
Loader bucket level standard
Toolbox
Drive Over Auto Connect Mid Mower Deck
Hoe Stabilizer upright brackets
Better lift capacity with loader 754 vs 739 and 613 w/QA
Better loader breakout capacity
1823 vs 1407 and 1286 w/QA
1320 vs 987 and 901 w/QA
Better hoe swing arc 150 vs 140
Better Hoe Bucket digging force 2036 vs 1936
Better Dipperstick digging force 1187 vs 1171
So far the JD has been cheaper. $22,260 vs $22,900