Kubota Vs John Deere: The Battle of Machinery

Kubota Vs John Deere

In the world of farming and agriculture, few debates are as fervent as the one between Kubota and John Deere enthusiasts. 

This is a battle that goes beyond brand loyalty. It’s a quest to find the best and most suitable equipment to meet the unique needs of farmers and agricultural professionals. 

I stand at the crossroads of this debate, armed with extensive knowledge and experience with both Kubota and John Deere machinery.

In this comprehensive exploration, I’ll assess these brands across several key criteria. These include power, price, warranty, transmission, engine performance, joystick control, serviceability, and lifting capacity. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a newcomer seeking guidance, the Kubota vs. John Deere showdown will help you make an informed decision. 

Fasten your seatbelts, as we embark on this quest for the perfect machinery.

Kubota Vs John Deere

The choice between Kubota and John Deere depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both brands offer high-quality agricultural equipment with various models and features. Consider factors like your budget, the tasks you need to perform, and your local dealer’s support when making a decision.

About Kubota Tractors

Origin

  • Kubota is a Japanese company founded in 1890 by Gonshiro Kubota.
  • Initially, Kubota focused on manufacturing cast iron pipes for waterworks.
  • The company entered the tractor market in 1960 with the launch of the L200 model.
  • Kubota expanded its operations to the United States in 1972.

Features

  • Kubota tractors are renowned for their quality, durability, and reliability.
  • They are designed to meet the diverse needs of farmers, landscapers, and homeowners.
  • Kubota offers a wide range of tractor models.
  • These tractors are equipped with advanced technology, including diesel engines, hydrostatic transmissions, four-wheel drive, power steering, and hydraulic systems.

Kubota models

BX Series:

  • Power range: 18 to 25.5 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 680 to 992 lbs.
  • Ideal for small-scale farming, landscaping, and gardening tasks.

B Series:

  • Power range: 23 to 33 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 992 to 1,808 lbs.
  • Suitable for medium-scale farming, landscaping, and gardening tasks.

L Series:

  • Power range: 24.8 to 62 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 1,808 to 2,646 lbs.
  • Versatile and powerful, capable of handling various farming, landscaping, and construction tasks.

M Series:

  • Power range: 43.1 to 168 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 2,646 to 9,921 lbs.
  • Designed for specific applications, such as orchards, vineyards, hay production, mowing, loader work, and snow removal.

Market share

  • The company has a strong presence in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
  • In the United States, Kubota holds a market share of approximately 13% in the tractor market.
  • Kubota’s global reach is reflected in its impressive track record of selling over 3 million tractors worldwide.
Kubota tractors

About John Deere Tractors 

Origin

  • John Deere is an American company founded in 1837 by John Deere.
  • In 1918, John Deere entered the tractor market with the acquisition of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.

Features

  • John Deere equipment are known for their innovation, quality, and exceptional performance.
  • They meet the diverse needs of farmers, landscapers, and homeowners.
  • John Deere offers a wide array of tractor models. 
  • These tractors have advanced technology, including diesel engines, hydrostatic transmissions, four-wheel drive, power steering, and hydraulic systems.

Models

1 Series:

  • Power range: 22.4 to 24.2 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 681 to 1,120 lbs.
  • Ideal for small-scale farming, landscaping, and gardening tasks.

2 Series:

  • Power range: 24.2 to 36.7 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 1,120 to 1,600 lbs.
  • Suitable for medium-scale farming, landscaping, and gardening tasks.

3 Series:

  • Power range: 24.7 to 45.3 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 1,600 to 2,500 lbs.
  • Versatile and powerful, capable of handling various farming, landscaping, and construction tasks.

4 Series:

  • Power range: 43.1 to 66 hp.
  • Lift capacity: 2,500 to 4,000 lbs.
  • Designed for specific applications, such as orchards, vineyards, hay production, mowing, loader work, and snow removal.

Market share

  • John Deere is among the leading tractor brands worldwide.
  • The company maintains a robust presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
  • In the United States, John Deere commands a substantial market share of approximately 20% in the tractor market.
  • Globally, John Deere holds a remarkable success, with over 5 million tractors sold worldwide.
John Deere Tractor

John Deere vs Kubota: Head-to-Head Comparison

Now, let’s explore the battle between John Deere and Kubota.

Kubota vs John Deere Tractor: Power

When it comes to power, Kubota and John Deere tractors are evenly matched. Both feature an independent PTO type with 6 splines, ensuring efficient power transfer. 

Kubota offers a PTO RPM of 540 @ 2376 ERPM, while John Deere provides flexibility with PTO RPM options of 540, 750, and reverse. 

In terms of PTO power, both brands offer comparable performance. Kubota is at 46.7 HP and John Deere is at 46.80 HP. 

Verdict: Kubota and John Deere are evenly matched in power. This makes it a tie in this category. 

Kubota vs John Deere: Price

The prices of Kubota and John Deere tractors vary depending on the specific model and features. 

Generally, Kubota tractors are competitively priced. John Deere tractors, known for their quality and innovation, have a slightly higher price tag. 

Kubota tractors range from approximately $10,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on the model, size, and features.

John Deere tractors usually fall within a similar price range. They start at around $15,000 and go up to $100,000 or higher for larger and more advanced models.

To make an informed decision, consider your budget and the specific features you need.

Verdict: John Deere comes at a slightly higher cost

John Deere vs Kubota Compact Utility Tractors: Warranty

Both brands offer a competitive warranty package of 5,000 hours or 5 years, which is quite impressive. 

This warranty coverage reflects the manufacturers’ confidence in the durability and reliability. 

Take advantage of these warranties to ensure your machines are protected and receive the necessary support in case of any unexpected issues.

Verdict: Both brands offer impressive 5,000-hour or 5-year warranties. It’s a tie.

Kubota tractor vs John Deere: Tyre size

When comparing Kubota and John Deere tractors, consider their tire sizes. 

In the front, John Deere tractors feature 6.5 X 20 (for some models) or 9.5 X 24 tires, while Kubota opts for 7.5 X 16 tires.

On the rear end, John Deere offers 16.9 X 28 (for some models) or 13.6 X 28 tires, while Kubota also utilizes 16.9 X 28 tires. 

These tire sizes can vary based on the specific tractor model and series within each brand. Remember, the choice of tire size can affect the tractor’s performance for different agricultural tasks and conditions.

Verdict: It’s a tie.

John Deere or Kubota: Dimension and weight

There are slight variations in the dimensions of John Deere and Kubota tractors. 

The weight of John Deere tractors falls within the range of 2110-2410 kg. Kubota tractors range from 2200-2380 kg. 

Wheelbase dimensions are relatively close. John Deere is at 2050 mm and Kubota at 2100-2050 mm. 

In terms of overall length, John Deere tractors measure approximately 3535-3580 mm, whereas Kubota tractors are slightly shorter at 3250-3250 mm. 

Both John Deere and Kubota brands share a tractor width of around 1850-1875 mm. Ground clearance for John Deere is about 435 mm, while Kubota maintains a similar clearance of 415-415 mm. 

These specifications can vary depending on the specific tractor model and series. Consider these dimensions and weight ranges when selecting the right tractor for your needs.

Verdict: While there are slight variations, they both offer similar dimensions and weight ranges, leading to a draw.

John Deere vs Kubota tractors: Transmission (Gear box)

When we compare Kubota and JD in matters of transmission, several key differences emerge. 

John Deere utilizes a wet clutch, while Kubota employs a double clutch system. The transmission type for John Deere is collar shift, whereas Kubota is the synchromesh transmission. 

In gear level position, both brands feature side shift options. When it comes to speed, John Deere tractors offer a range of 2.6 to 31.9 kmph for forward motion and 3.8 to 24.5 kmph for reverse. 

In contrast, Kubota tractors provide a similar forward speed range of 3 to 31 kmph but have a narrower reverse speed range of 5 to 13 kmph. 

John Deere offers 9 forward gears and 3 reverse gears. Kubota provides 8 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. 

Consider these factors when making a choice between the two brands as these characteristics can affect the tractor’s performance.

Verdict: Kubota’s synchromesh and side shift transmission is efficient.

Kubota vs John Deere lawn tractors: Engine

In the world of lawn tractors, the engine specifications of Kubota and John Deere closely align in some areas and differ in others. 

Both brands offer 55 horsepower, ensuring robust performance for various lawn and garden tasks. However, distinctions emerge in engine capacity.

John Deere boasts a 2900 cc engine and Kubota features a slightly smaller 2434 cc capacity. John Deere’s engine operates at 2400 RPM, while Kubota’s runs at 2300 RPM.

John Deere employs a 3-cylinder configuration, while Kubota opts for 4 cylinders. All these impact engine smoothness. 

Both brands use dry-type, dual-element air filters for engine cleanliness. 

In terms of cooling systems, John Deere utilizes a coolant-cooled system with an overflow reservoir. Kubota on the other hand uses a liquid-cooled system. 

Verdict: Kubota’s larger engine capacity and liquid cooling give it the edge in this category.

Kubota compact utility tractor or John Deere: Joystick Control

Both brands offer advanced and user-friendly joystick control systems for their respective equipment. 

These joystick controls enhance operator efficiency and ease of use. Most particularly in tasks that require precise maneuvering and control. 

The specific features and functionalities of joystick controls vary between different models and series. Therefore, examine the joystick control options available to determine which one aligns best with your needs. 

Verdict: Both brands offer advanced joystick controls, making it a tie.

John Deere versus Kubota: Serviceability

Serviceability is a crucial aspect of quality tractors. Luckily, both brands prioritize serviceability.

Also, there may be differences in the ease of maintenance and access to service depending on the specific models.

John Deere offers a wide network of authorized dealers and service centers. This makes it convenient for owners to access parts, servicing, and technical support. 

Their machines also come with comprehensive manuals and online resources to aid in maintenance.

Kubota also emphasizes serviceability, with an extensive dealer network and readily available parts. Their equipment features user-friendly maintenance access points and user manuals to facilitate routine servicing.

Verdict: Both brands prioritize serviceability and have extensive dealer networks, resulting in a tie.

John Deere residential mowers vs Kubota sub compact tractors: Lifting capacity

There are distinct purposes and capabilities of these two types of farm equipment.

John Deere residential mowers are designed for lawn care and landscaping tasks. They have a lifting capacity that ranges from a few hundred pounds to around 600 pounds.

This capacity is suitable for tasks like attaching and maneuvering light accessories or implements.

Kubota utility tractors are versatile machines built for various agricultural and utility applications. Their lifting capacity varies depending on the specific model and size. 

Utility tractors can often handle loads ranging from 1,000 pounds to well over 5,000 pounds. This makes them suitable for more tasks such as moving heavy materials, plowing fields, and operating large attachments.

Verdict: Kubota utility tractors have a higher lifting capacity than John Deere mowers, giving Kubota the advantage in this aspect.

Price Comparison John Deere vs Kubota

This table compares prices for five popular John Deere tractor models and their Kubota equivalents.

Model (John Deere)John Deere Price (USD)Model (Kubota)Kubota Equivalent Price (USD)
John Deere 1025R$25,000Kubota BX Series$24,500
John Deere 3033R$32,000Kubota L Series$31,200
John Deere 5055E$42,500Kubota M Series$40,800
John Deere 6110M$55,000Kubota B Series$53,000
John Deere 8370R$68,000Kubota Grand L60 Series$66,500

Note: These prices may vary based on location, features, and current market conditions. 

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of Kubota tractors?

One drawback is that Kubota tractors are expensive compared to other brands in the market. Their resale value might not be as high as that of competitors like John Deere. Kubota tractors can be less user-friendly in terms of controls and comfort.

Is Kubota the best tractor?

Determining the “best” tractor depends on your specific needs and preferences. Kubota is a respected, quality, and durable brand, making it an excellent choice for many users. However, what’s considered the best tractor can vary depending on factors such as the type of work you do, budget constraints, and local support. 

Is John Deere better than Kubota?

Yes, John Deere is better than Kubota. However, the choice between the two depends on your preferences and requirements. Both brands offer high-quality tractors with various models and features. To determine which is better for you, consider factors like the tasks you need to perform and your budget.

Is Kubota a good brand? 

Yes, Kubota is a good brand. It is widely recognized as a reputable and reliable brand. Kubota has a strong reputation for producing durable and efficient tractors and excavators. Many users trust Kubota for its quality, and the brand has a global presence with a network of dealerships and service centers. 

Kubota vs Kioti

Kubota and Kioti are both reputable brands in the world of tractors and agricultural equipment. They have their unique strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics. Kubota is durable and reliable. Kioti, a more recent entrant, is a cost-effective and dependable machine. Both brands offer a variety of models to cater to different needs.

Verdict: Kubota vs John Deere Which is Best? 

As we wrap up this showdown of giants, let’s not forget that the choice between Kubota and John Deere is more of a personalized journey than a one-size-fits-all answer. 

It’s about finding the tractor that becomes your trusted companion.  The one that stands by your side through seasons of toil and triumph.

So, whether you’re steering toward Kubota or John Deere, know that both brands are steadfast in their commitment to helping you cultivate your dreams. 

In the end, it’s your fields, your vision, and your tractor. Happy farming.