Tractor's, Kubota vs John Deere

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Gator 45/70, Apr 16, 2015.


  1. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    I've been looking at tractors for a couple of weeks and have it down to Kubota's and Deere's.
    Just wondering is anyone has or currently has one and can point out the Good, Bad, or look elsewhere input.
    Leaning towards the Kubota L3901 w/Bucket and 5' mower. Thanks' Monkeys
     
  2. HK_User

    HK_User A Productive Monkey is a Happy Monkey

    I have the Kubota L3901 (HST 4WD) with Heavy Duty Industrial Tires, Quick Attach, 72" Q.A. Bucket, Cruise Control (HST only), Deluxe Canopy Top, Front and Rear work lights.

    With the HST it is quick to work with, heel and toe controls and does somethings
    better/faster than my Ford 2310. Had it about two years and do not regret it. A bit noisy due to the HST but I have ear plugs.
     
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  3. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    I'm planning on the geared transmission.
    Will be cleaning fire lanes,Making foot plots and a little garden.
     
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  4. Cruisin Sloth

    Cruisin Sloth Special & Slow

    the farm has deere ,ford , case & Lamborghini tractors , I have a few Kubotas . When I purchased them , I also bought the big manuals & parts books for each machine , as like the farm has . My Kubotas are much nicer to buy parts for than any other tractor. the lambo i need a translator to phone italy , but because of the parts book I did overhaul the 1972 air cooled lambo & it pulls it's weight better than many , but not the most comfortable.
    Kubota L3901 is a big machine & would be fine on 50 plot , if you have a small setting , a smaller machine works well also . I downsized from a JD510 into a smaller bota.
     
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  5. Airtime

    Airtime Monkey+++

    One brother in law has Kubota. Other BIL has Deere and I have green too. It's like Ford vs Chevy. Both good, both can obtain parts overnight both have good resale. Assuming maneuvering room is not tight, then generally you won't regret buying a larger tractor; 5 years later you will never be saying I wish I had that extra $5k back, but buy the smaller tractor and 50-50 chance you'll be kicking yourself for years for not springing for the bigger one.

    AT
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2015
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  6. Cruisin Sloth

    Cruisin Sloth Special & Slow

    True also , but im clearing another 5a & will hire out a 200 excavator to do the stump & clearing . I could do it , but these PROS do it in haft the time and no clanking of the machine as I would . so far 20a done this way for 3g-4g per 5a.
     
  7. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    @Airtime gives good advice. I've only seen one bum steer Kubota. A buddy of mine bought a 90 hp 4x model and has had nothing but problems with it. Everytime it gets over 75-80 degrees outside it shuts down..Been back to the dealer several times, parts replaced, samesame. We have a restored Super A for the garden and an older Massy for bigger stuff. Everything else is handled with the bobcat or the dozer. Uncle has a JD with loader and will probably be buried with it..;)
     
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  8. HK_User

    HK_User A Productive Monkey is a Happy Monkey

    No doubt. When I started looking for a tractor all suggested a Gasoline model. Cheaper they said and just as good. I didn't agree and purchased the largest I could find that would fit my place. Since I had a lot of wooded land that meant a diesel with adjustable width and no canopy. It has never broken, OTOH due to the brush and trees and rocks I have on occasion busted the box blade a few times. All were repairable and now a much stronger unit. Along the way the Ford paid its way with work on others' property and a regular contract for right of way mowing in a large subdivision due to the heavy duty Brush HOG mower I purchased at the same time. Which brings up the "Package Deal" often offered. It's a fine way to deal and upgrade and I've always bought what I need, not what was offered.

    The Bota Tractor was the second of that breed, the first was a RTV 900 4WD. I had seen other such vehicles and was almost impressed with the Diesel Mule until they had enough problems to suspend the Diesel production for a while. The Bota RTV only came in diesel and has been a staple for all around work "truck" on the place. Tires are a major consideration as is NOT using the wheeled vehicles at really bad times of wet but being able to use them in 4WD as needed. You can do more damage to food plots by making too many roads and driving around in the mud.

    The Ford weighs about twice what the Bota Tractor does and is a first choice as a heavy duty work tractor even without 4WD.

    The Bota's 4WD and industrial tires is easier on the pastures and in climbing in most areas as well as sipping fuel due to its lighter weight.

    The Ford does not have ROPS and so no canopy. This allows me to go more places with the Ford but the negative means I use a Bota in Hot or Wet Weather this increases my comfort and work level so each is complimentary.

    No such thing as a CHEAP TRACTOR, know what you need and make the purchase.
     
  9. Gafarmboy

    Gafarmboy Monkey+++

    Purchase a Kubota B8200 tractor (19 hp) with a front end loader that had over 2000 hours on it. Needed minor repair (glow plugs, tie rods, some small cosmetic work) but it has served me and my family well on our little 10 acres of heaven for 3 years now. Had several other tractors in the past (Ford, Massey, JD,Case) and this is hands down the BEST tractor I have ever own. It's like the energizer bunny. It just keeps going and going and going. parts are readily available on line and at the local tractor junk yard. purchased a ROPS and oil dip stick for 100 dollars even. That would have not have covered a seat on that JD. The Case (David Brown) was the most powerful tractor I have ever own. Would pull anything any time and any where.
    Gafarmboy
     
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  10. Tully Mars

    Tully Mars Metal weldin' monkey

    You got that right sure enough!!;)
     
  11. Altoidfishfins

    Altoidfishfins Monkey+++ Site Supporter+

    Good input guys, thanks.
    I too will be eyeing a small to medium sized in a few years for property up north of here. As with most major purchases, I like to get opinions and do some research first, sometimes far in advance.
     
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  12. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    Dad has had 2 kubotas and they were both excellent. Buddy has had 2 also and were great too. The thing I don't like about the john Deere is the bucket quick attach is proprietary. It won't accept standard skidsteer attachments. If you don't need that, then no big deal.
     
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  13. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Thanks, Its those little details that sometimes can make or break a buy.
     
  14. Cruisin Sloth

    Cruisin Sloth Special & Slow

    Yes Thanks also , didn't know that .
     
  15. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 30, 2015
    Gator 45/70 likes this.
  16. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Went with the Kubota and here she is, Thanks to all.

    Kubota L3901 001 (1024x768).
     
  17. kellory

    kellory An unemployed Jester, is nobody's fool. Banned

    Looks like a sweet machine, gator! Congrats.[winkthumb]
     
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  18. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Thanks', I think I will name her 'Satsuma'


    lol...
     
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  19. kckndrgn

    kckndrgn Monkey+++ Moderator Emeritus Founding Member

    nice tractor!(y)
     
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  20. HK_User

    HK_User A Productive Monkey is a Happy Monkey

    PM me and I'll tell you how to disable her for your security, just so she'll be where you left her.
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2015
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