John Deere vs Kubota – Who Makes The Better Mowers?
If you are in the market for a heavy duty tractor that is suitable for multi-acre properties, heavy lifting/hauling and serious farming and agricultural work, you have probably come across Kubota.
Kubota is a Japanese company that makes a wide variety of motors and agricultural equipment for serious farmers and commercial use.
And you probably already know that John Deere is an American company that makes some of the most iconic mowers and tractors in the world.
But if you are serious about your lawncare or agricultural projects, you need to consider both brands. It can be hard to compare tractors effectively which is why we have put together the following guide.
In it, we will guide you through the key differences of Kubota and John Deere mowers and tractors. We will also compare some of each company’s most popular products side-by-side.
Kubota Overview & History
Kubota is a multinational corporation that was founded in 1890 in Japan.
The corporation is responsible for making a huge variety of motors and motorized products that range from vending machines to water purification systems.
So right off the bat, they are a corporation that has a much more diversified product portfolio than John Deere. They are based out of Osaka Japan.
They make tractors that are often compared to John Deere tractors – some even say that Kubota tractors are more powerful and capable than comparable John Deere models.
John Deere Overview & History
John Deere is an American company that specializes in making farming equipment, forestry equipment and a wide array of outdoors equipment.
The company was founded in 1837 by none other than John Deere himself.
John Deere tractors are heralded as some of the most reliable in the industry. In 2022, John Deere is likely the most iconic and recognizable brand of agricultural equipment in the US and abroad.
What is Each Company Known for?
It’s hard to talk about the John Deere company without also mentioning the invention of the steel plow.
It was John Deere himself that introduced America and the world to the steel plow which revolutionized the farming and agricultural industries.
John Deere is known for making heavy-duty forestry equipment as well as consumer-level gardening, mowing and ranching equipment.
Kubota is known for its contribution to the construction of the Solar Ark which is a photovoltaic power generation facility in Japan. Their tractors are known to be incredibly sturdy and impact-resistant as they are made from mostly metal parts.
They are also known for making tractors that have 3-range hydrostatic transmissions.
Best Zero Turn – Kubota z400 vs John Deere z700
Kubota z400
Quick Facts:
- 8 gallon fuel tank
- 48-60” cutting deck
The Kubota z400 series of zero-turn residential mowers is chock full of convenience and comfort features.
They all feature 4” sliding seats, cup holders and even chargers for your devices.
In terms of engine power, you can choose from 22 HP to 24 HP models. All the mowers in this series also have 1.5” to 5” cutting adjustable cutting depth. They are very easy to operate with their 2-lever handling.
The Kubota z400 series would be great for anyone who typically deals with rugged terrain because of its sturdy build.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Easy to adjust deck height
Cons:
- Heavy
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere z700
Quick Facts:
- 25 HP (max) engine
- 60” (max) cutting deck
The great thing about the John Deere z700 is you get variety. In terms of HP, John Deere z700 mowers range from 23 to 25 HP.
You can also choose between models with 48 to 60 inch cutting decks.
The John Deere z700 series is great for anyone with 2+ acres to mow. They range from 8 mph to 10 mph models.
Each mower in the John Deere z700 series has a max cutting height of 5” and a minimum cutting height of 1.5”
Pros:
- Variety
- Integrated parking brake
Cons:
- Not as comfortable
Overall Score: 95/100
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Kubota lx2610 vs John Deere 2025r
Kubota lx2610
Quick Facts:
- 3-range transmission
- 2193 Lb lifting capacity
The Kubota lx2610 is a serious tractor that operates very smoothly. The 3-range hydrostatic transmission gives you remarkable control in all terrain conditions. It has a 7.1 fuel tank capacity and a forced lubrication system.
This would be a great choice for anyone who needs ample lifting capacity.
Pros:
- 24HP engine
- Good lifting capacity
Cons:
- Prone to rust
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere 2025r
Quick Facts:
- Hydrostatic transmission
- Two-touch pedals
The John Deere 2025r is a beefy 3-cylinder, diesel, 23 HP tractor that is surprisingly easy to operate. There is a dedicated pedal for both acceleration and braking which makes it much easier to brake on a dime.
It is also very easy to switch out implements without the use of heavy tools.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Smooth transmission
Cons:
- Plastic parts
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Kubota l2501 vs John Deere 3025e
Kubota l2501
Quick Facts:
- Diesel
- 24 HP engine
The Kubota l2501 offers 8 forward speeds and 4 reverse speeds and would be suitable for 4+ acre properties. It features a smooth, hydrostatic transmission; but the controls are a bit hard to decipher.
While the coupler is easy to figure out, the foot pedals take some getting used to.
Pros:
- Very powerful
- Many implement options
Cons:
- Hard to control
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere 3025e
Quick Facts:
- Compact tractor
- 4-wheel drive
The John Deere 3025e features a 24 HP engine with a hydrostatic transmission and a very tight turning radius. The quick-hitch tractor hitch also makes it very easy and fast to switch out implements.
You have the choice to upgrade to cruise control; but it’s not a standard feature. This is a diesel tractor with a fuel tank capacity of 7.5 gallons.
Pros:
- Fuel efficient
- Handles well
Cons:
- No standard cruise control
Overall Score: 96/100
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Kubota b2601 vs John Deere 2025r
Kubota b2601
Quick Facts:
- 24 HP engine
- 3-range transmission
Again, we see the smooth hydrostatic 3-range transmission in the Kubota b2601. This tractor gives you full control of forward and backward speeds and a 540 take-off rating.
It has a forced lubrication system which helps optimize engine performance. It would be a good choice for commercial farming.
Pros:
- 3-point hitch
- Telescoping stabilizers
Cons:
- Complicated pedal layout
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Deere 2025r
Quick Facts:
- Quick-hitch system
- 24 HP engine
The Deere 2025r is the tractor you want if you like tight handling. It gets around objects very well with its 4-wheel drive and tight turning radius. It’s also very easy to switch out implements without the use of heavy tools.
The pedal controls are intuitive and the hydrostatic transmission allows for easy shifting.
Pros:
- Easy to remove cutting deck
- Easy to change oil
Cons:
- Expensive
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
What Does John Deere Do Better?
John Deere is better at making tractors that are easy to operate.
Their hydrostatic transmissions have dedicated pedals for forward and reverse speeds as opposed to a 2-point, heel/toe single pedal featured in many Kubota models.
What Does Kubota Do Better?
Most of the components on any given Kubota tractor are made from metal so they make tractors that are more impact resistant than John Deere.
Which Brand is Better Priced?
Surprisingly, most Kubota tractors that we tested and researched were more expensive than their John Deere counterparts.
For example, the John Deere 2025r goes for $23,900 while the Kubota LX2601 goes for $23,800.
Which Brand Cuts Better?
This was pretty much a tie. Both Kubota and John Deere tractors and mowers cut very efficiently and evenly.
We couldn’t suss out any significant difference in the way they cut although John Deere is generally regarded as outfitting their mowers with very durable blades that rarely need to be replaced.
Which Controls and Handles Better?
Some of the tractors that we tested from John Deere actually had very tight turning radius and almost all of them had more intuitive controls compared to Kubota models.
Which Brand is More Reliable?
They are both reliable in different ways. Kubota tractors are more impact-resistant because of their mostly metal construction; but they are more prone to rust.
John Deere tractors feature more hard plastic polymers so they stand up to rust but aren’t very impact resistant.
Which Brand Lasts Longer?
In humid and wet climates, John Deere tractors will last longer. In dry climates, Kubota tractors are likely to last longer.
Who Should Buy John Deere?
Anyone who prefers tractors that are easier to control and maneuver should consider John Deere.
Who Should Buy Kubota?
The 3-range transmission of most Kubota tractors make them an ideal choice for anyone who prefers more control over speed and cutting.
Final Assessment
This was a tough one but the ease of use and price of John Deere mowers and tractors are hard to overcome.
It’s also easier to switch out the implements of John Deere tractors.
While we actually prefer the 3-range transmission of Kubota tractors, their susceptibility to rust and complicated controls were too much to overlook.
