In the opening round, we’ll investigate the 3 point hitch. lift/lower vertical range, lift capacity, physical spacing and size, stabilizer / sway bar design, etc.
If you have not seen the video for this episode, we would encourage you to watch it before proceeding. The video walkthrough really helps to see the similarities and differences.
Additionally, each of the items discussed below have good video showing the measurements. Much easier to visualize than to read with words on the screen!
This episode brought lots of feedback in the form of both questions and comments. To respond, we created a follow-up episode. Here it is:
Lift Arm Geometry & Spacing
The Deere lift arms are longer. Roughly 25.5″ from pin center to pin center. The Kubota BX measures roughly 20.5 inches. What does this mean?
Attachment Compatibility
This extra length provides more space between the tractor and the attachment. Some attachments may have forward protruding elements. For example, a plow might have a coulter which sits forward of the 3 pt hitch connection. It would be more likely to fit on a 1025R than on a Kubota.
We measured from the PTO shield straight back to even with the 3 pt lift pins. 15 1/2″ on the BX, 17 1/2″ on the 1025r. Combined with the sway-bar / stabilizer differences, there is a significantly larger space inside and in front of the lift arms on the 1025r.
Lift Capacity
The shorter lift arms provide better leverage, and therefore create an advantage for the BX. In our testing, the BX lifted roughly 1265lbs via our Heavy Hitch Bracket The 1025r lifted roughly 1065lbs with the same bracket.
Lift Range
I expected the longer lift arms of the Deere to have a broader lift range (lower minimum height and higher maximum height). However, this did not turn out to be true. The BX lifted to 25 1/8″ while the 1025r lifted to 23 1/2″.
On the mimimum (lower) end, the BX dropped to 8 1/2″ while the 1025r dropped to 8 3/4″
Stabilizers / Sway Bars
Each machine has anti-sway bars (I called them stabilizers in the video). This allows the user to either allow the 3 pt to sway, or to restrict it to a single position while pulling an attachment. For example, when tilling, it is preferable to keep the tiller directly behind the tractor, and not allow it to freely move left or right.
The design of these stabilizers is opposite on the two machines. The BX has the stabilizers between the lift arms to keep them from moving outward. The Deere has the stabilizers on the outside of the lift arms to keep them from moving inward.
At first glance, this seems like a non issue. Either approach works fine for keeping the attachment lined up properly. However, when one attempts to unhook an attachment, they encounter the difference.
Without a quick hitch, one needs to pull the lift arms outward to remove from the lift pin on the attachment. The BX approach does not allow this without loosening the stabilizer turnbuckle. The Deere approach allows the arms to move outward (as discussed above), so they can be pulled off the attachment pins.
When nothing is attached, the BX approach works nicely, gravity keeps the lift arms pulled inward. For the 1025r, you’ll need a bungee cord to keep the arms together when nothing is attached to them.
As hinted above, a 3 point quick hitch makes this a non issue. Check out our article describing the different quick hitch options available for compact tractors. We highly recommend one of these!
There is a 3rd party sway bar upgrade available for BX tractors. Check out this site for details: https://www.stabilworks.rocks/
Control Mechanism
The BX uses a simplistic up/down control lever for the 3 point hitch. Pull back on the handle to raise, push forward to lower. Release the lever to stop lifting/lowering. This functions just like the loader joystick. As far as I know, all other sub-compact tractors (except 1025r) use the same type of control.
The 1025r uses a much more precise control. The lever controls the actual position of the implement. For example, set the position control to ‘5’ and it will lower the implement to the exact same position each time. Most larger compact tractors, and ALL farm tractors use this approach.
If you have never used a tractor with position control, you likely don’t appreciate what you are missing! This feature makes using a box blade, rotary cutter or other 3 point attachment MUCH easier.
Summary / Conclusion
The Kubota BX lifts more, lifts it higher, and lowers it lower than the Deere 1025r.
The 1025r has a better sway bar / stabilizer solution. However, there is a 3rd party upgrade available for the BX which could improve this BX weakness.
So, the final decision on this round comes down to 3 point position control. If you find that important (as I do), then the 1025r wins, as there is no equivalent BX solution. If you are content with the more simplistic up/down control, then the BX wins this round hands down.
Hope you enjoyed this round. Stay tuned for further episodes comparing other areas of these two incredible machines!
[…] Round #1 – 3 Point Hitch […]
Hi Tim
I was looking for what size rear blade you have used? Seen some people say 60 inch is fine for 1025r.
Curious of your experience on sizing
Thanks
I have 54 with the rubber wings.
I’ll have to look for that – have not seen a rear blade with rubber wings
Thanks
Oops. I misread your comment. Sorry. I do not yet have a rear blade. Only the front mount 54” blade. I’m sorry.
I am getting a heavy hitch blade soon which will fit the 2” receiver of the heavy hitch. Check it out at Heavyhitch.com. Inexpensive add on.
I wonder if there is a difference in the length of the rockshaft to the lift link for the lower arms? That alone would change the upper and lower limits of the 3 pt arms.
I would like your comments on reverse tine tilling compared to forward time tilling.
I loved you even more than you’ll say here. The picture is nice and your writing is stylish, but you read it quickly. I think you should give it another chance soon. I’ll likely do that again and again if you keep this walk safe.
I loved you better than you would ever be able to express here. The picture is beautiful, and your wording is elegant; nonetheless, you read it in a short amount of time. I believe that you ought to give it another shot in the near future. If you make sure that this trek is safe, I will most likely try to do that again and again.
Wow superb blog layout How long have you been blogging for you make blogging look easy The overall look of your site is magnificent as well as the content
Nice blog here Also your site loads up fast What host are you using Can I get your affiliate link to your host I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Its like you read my mind You appear to know so much about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit but other than that this is fantastic blog A great read Ill certainly be back
Ive read several just right stuff here Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting I wonder how a lot effort you place to create this kind of great informative website
I do believe all the ideas youve presented for your post They are really convincing and will certainly work Nonetheless the posts are too short for novices May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time Thanks for the post
Normally I do not read article on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very forced me to try and do so Your writing style has been amazed me Thanks quite great post
Normally I do not read article on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very forced me to try and do so Your writing style has been amazed me Thanks quite great post
Link exchange іs notһing else howeveг it іѕ simply placing thee οther
person’s blog link onn үouг page at proper рlace and othеr person wiⅼl also do same in support of ʏou.
my website : Papa4d
Products offers a comprehensive range of high-quality vaping devices and flavors. Discover reliable performance, diverse taste options, and sleek designs that ensure a satisfying and enjoyable vaping experience with every use.
La weekly Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Bandar Togel
SocialMediaGirls For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Lois Sasson Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
FinTech ZoomUs Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
At Malka Med Spa we understand that the environment plays a crucial role in the wellness journey. Discover the perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional comfort at Malka Med Spa, where we make every visit a transformative experience.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
With a focus on precision and reliability, BWER offers state-of-the-art weighbridge systems to Iraq’s industries, meeting international standards and supporting operational efficiency.
Noodlemagazine I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav