John Deere vs New Holland – Who Makes The Better Mowers?
New Holland and John Deere are two of the most recognizable agriculture equipment manufacturers in the world.
They both produce a wide variety of tractors, lawn mowers, backhoes, forestry equipment, compact tractors and more.
You have probably seen the green tractor on farms that is indicative of the John Deere brands.
But for most people, New Holland is a lesser known company even though they have been around for a very long time.
So in the following comparison article, we wanted to shed a little light on New Holland and see how some of their most popular mowers and tractors stack up against comparable John Deere models.
After all, this is expensive equipment you are shopping for. You should have all the facts and have as much information as possible to make the right choice. Let’s get started by comparing the history of the companies.
John Deere Overview & History
Today, the John Deere brand and logo are iconic.
They have been hailed as the manufacturers of the most reliable tractors in North America. They make equipment for large forestry services and the average outdoor hobbyist.
The John Deere company got its start all the way back in 1837 when John Deere himself began making steel farming implements.
In 2022, John Deere is a huge multinational corporation that produces a wide variety of residential and commercial-grade outdoor equipment.
New Holland Overview & History
The original New Holland Machine Company was founded in 1895.
Since then, the company has undergone a series of mergers and buyouts. A couple of the most notable acquisitions in the company’s history are the buyouts by the SPerry Corporation in 1947 and then the Ford Motor Company buyout in 1986.
In the 70’s New Holland began producing tractors to be sold under the Ariens brand. Today, New Holland is still going strong and has even won awards for their agricultural equipment designs and products.
Their current headquarters is in Turin, Italy but their products are sold in 170 countries around the world.
What is Each Company Known for?
It’s hard to separate the John Deere legacy from the invention of the first steel plow by the man himself, John Deere.
That’s sort of what put John Deere on the map. Today though, the John Deere company is known for making easy to operate tractors and lawnmowers for residential and farming purposes.
New Holland is known for making a wide variety of agricultural equipment including forage harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, haying tools, tractors, seeding equipment, hobby tractors, balers, combine harvesters and even grape harvesters.
New Holland is also known for innovation and they hold multiple trademarks related to renewable energy farming equipment including the NH2 which is a hydrogen-powered tractor.
New Holland Workmaster 25s vs John Deere 1025r
New Holland Workmaster 25s
Quick Facts:
- Sub-compact tractor
- Flat deck operating platform
The New Holland Workmaster 25s features a 3-cylinder , 24 HP engine. It has a 2-range hydrostatic pedal but that is the only control choice you get.
It comes standard with cruise control and a wet, multi-disc braking system.
This is a diesel-fueled tractor with a lot of power. It has a 60” cutting deck so it would be good for properties of 2+ acres. It’s also fairly easy to operate with color-coded controls.
Even if you have never used a tractor before, you should be able to get the hang of this one fairly easily.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Easy to get into and dismount
Cons:
- Tricky maintenance
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere 1025r
Quick Facts:
- Detachable mid-mower deck
- LED headlights
The John Deere 1025r features a 23 HP engine with pressurized lubrication.
This is a 3-cylinder engine that really seems (from our testing) like it will stand the test of time. It has a hydrostatic transmission so it shifts, speeds up and slows down very smoothly.
It also comes standard with cruise control and very intuitive controls. The John Deere 1025r would be a great choice for anyone who prefers a smooth comfortable ride.
In terms of comfort and handling around turns, the John Deere 1025r performed better than the New Holland Workmaster series.
Pros:
- Very easy to switch implements
- Smooth foot controls
Cons:
- Struggles on uneven terrain
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere 5310 vs New Holland 3630
John Deere 5310
Quick Facts:
- 3-cylinder engine
- Dry air filter
The John Deere 5310 has a 55 HP engine so this is a beefy tractor with a lot of power.
Obviously, this tractor will only be suitable for professional farming and commercial use. The standard John Deere 5310 also has a 2000 Kg lifting capacity.
The engine is rated for 2400 RPMs. You can also switch from 2-wheel to 4-wheel drive with this tractor. The John Deere 5310 can hold 68 liters of fuel and features a hydraulically actuated braking system.
The John Deere 5310 also has 9 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.
Pros:
- Oil-immersed disc brakes
- Power steering
Cons:
- More expensive
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
New Holland 3630
Quick Facts:
- 3-cylinder engine
- 55 HP
In many ways, the specs of the New Holland 3630 tractor match up with John Deere 5310. It’s also a 3-cylinder tractor with power steering that can generate up to 55 HP.
However, the engine of the New Holland 3630 is rated at 1500 RPMs.
The New Holland 3630 also only has 8 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. So in terms of speed, you are a bit more limited with this tractor.
There is also no 2-wheel drive option for the New Holland 3630.
Pros:
- More affordable
- Smooth gearbox
Cons:
- Slower overall
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere 5075e vs New Holland Workmaster 75
John Deere 5075e
Quick Facts:
- 540 PTO
- Hydrostatic transmission
The John Deere 5075e is a 75H, 3-cylinder tractor. It has a hydrostatic transmission with 9 forward speeds. It has a 3-point hitch and a max rear lifting power of 2,205 pounds.
This would be a great tractor if you have demanding lifting and hauling needs.
It has an 18 gallon fuel tank capacity and it actually runs very efficiently with all of the different speed options.
Pros:
- Great for hauling
- Fuel-efficient
Cons:
- Pricey
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
New Holland Workmaster 75
Quick Facts:
- 4-wheel drive
- Wet disc brakes
Like the last New Holland model we highlighted, the New Holland Workmaster 75 is a 4-wheel drive tractor with no 2-wheel drive option.
However, it is a 4-cylinder tractor and as the name implies, the engine is capable of 75 HP.
However, the New Holland Workmaster 75 comes with a partially synchronized transmission and only 8 forward speeds.
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Electric start
Cons:
- No hydrostatic transmission
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
What Does John Deere Do Better?
We feel that John Deere does a better job of making tractors that can cover more ground. They often have more speed options than New Holland tractors and can cover more ground quicker.
They also give the operator more drive choices and smoother shifting.
What Does New Holland Do Better?
New Holland is better at making more affordable tractors. Not everyone will need all the options that John Deere models offer and New Holland seems to be keenly aware of that.
They spare some superfluous features so that they can offer their tractors at more affordable prices.
Which Brand is Better Priced?
By and large, New Holland tractors and mowers are less expensive than comparable john Deere products.
Which Brand Cuts Better?
This one was a tie. Both brands produce tractors with very sharp blades right out of the box. Both New Holland and John Deere tractors excel at creating crisp lines even if the grass is damp.
Which Controls and Handles Better?
As you get into the larger capacity New Holland tractors, you will find that they are a bit harder to handle and control than John Deere tractors in the same class.
In the subcompact category, we would say that both companies create tractors that are easy to control and easy to learn. But large-capacity John Deere tractors handle better.
Which Brand is More Reliable?
The two-range transmission of New Holland tractors offers variety in terms of cutting and mobility; but overall, the automated transmission of John Deere models performed better
Which Brand Lasts Longer?
That’s a tough call as maintenance and application count for a lot. In general though, we got the sense that the John Deere tractors we tested would last longer.
Who Should Buy John Deere?
John Deere tractors would be a great choice for anyone who prefers easy-to-learn, intuitive controls.
Who Should Buy New Holland?
New Holland would be a better choice if you are on a budget and don’t need high-end features and speed capabilities.
Final Assessment
So who makes the better tractors and mowers? We have to give this one to John Deere.
If you are a serious farmer, rancher or outdoorsmen, you will want the options and capacities that John Deere tractors offer.
New Holland makes comparable tractors at lower costs; but they may lack the power and dependability you need.
