We are attempting to do an in depth user oriented review and comparison of the Deere 1025R and Kubota BX 2680.
We intend to cover practical items which might be missed by the specification sheet, or a quick dealer walk around. This comparison will take multiple episodes, so if you don’t see a particular area of the tractor listed here, keep watching. We will go over each major function of the tractor in as much detail as possible.
We do not have access to a BX23s, so we cannot compare backhoe functionality.
Our Bias Stated Explicitly
We believe that no one can do any product comparison without some bias. It is simply impossible. We can only promise to do our best, using objective tests where possible, and openly stating that we are being subjective (using our opinions) at other times.
We believe it is best for us to discuss our bias and background up front. You can then view the videos and read the write-ups with that understanding.
Our Equipment Background
We have owned two Deere 1025r tractors, starting with a new 2014 model, and now we own a 2018 model.
Our Dealer Relationships
We have a marketing relationship with AHW LLC. Details of this relationship are available here.
As we have encountered Kubota specific questions, we have reached out to Messick’s. Neil Messick (YouTube) is a friend of this channel, and has been very helpful throughout this review.
Ok, with those points aside, let’s get started with the review!
Round #1 – 3 Point Hitch
Round #1 leans Kubota due to the much higher 3 point lift capacity. However, the lack of position control is a major missing feature. So, while Kubota wins, it was not a resounding victory.
Round #2 – Mid Mount Mower Setup and Specs
Round #2 goes solidly to the 1025r. The auto-connect mower seals the win.
Tim,
Love your videos, and I’m really enjoying this series. I own the exact same 2018 BX2680 and mid-mount mower. I’ve found it really interesting so far that my tractor had the exact same mid-mount height position lock issue at around 60 HRS. I don’t have much to complain about with the R&I of mid-mount mower yes it a little annoying but still 5- 10 minutes isn’t that bad. I do perform the R&I the same as Neil M. MY tractor has made the same engine sound as your BX since day one the dealer told me this is typical and a non-issue. There is a better stabilizer option out there for the BX check it out at Stabilworks.rocks. Make sure that when you get to the FEL you point out the amount of lift capacity loss there is with the Kubota Quik-tach which is already significantly less than the green machine.
I’m sure it will give Neil some more talking points.
Whatever color it is get out there do work and have fun.
Rob
Thanks Rob! So, with those known limitations, why did you choose orange?
The main reason was the fact that I have three kubota dealers within reasonable driving distance. All of which are family owned operations. I just had a overall better shopping experience with the orange guys.
Tim after watching your kubota verses Deere I bought a 1025r with a four way bucket. I later saw you test drive a four way bucket and even as a beginner saw many mistakes you made in running it. It is the best tool I can imagine. I would like to see an episode of someone that is experienced with one show what they con do. The grading and sculpting capabilities are incredible. I love walking up to a downed tree and driving away with it. Please consider giving a four way bucket another’s look. Ralph Larson
PS I enjoy your show but leave the scriptures on a little longer it’s hard to read that fast at times.
I am really enjoying your comparison videos of the bx and the 1025R. I have a 2010 bx25 with a 60” deck, which I purchased new. There are several features of the Kubota that I really like. The lift height of the deck, the lifting capacity of the 3 point hitch and the operation of the backhoe. HOWEVER, there are a few things I don’t like. The hassle of the R/I of the deck and the far-less-than adequate lifting capacity of the FEL. I think your videos are accurate and informative. I don’t feel like you are making the Kubota look like and inferior machine at all. You are simply showing what it can and can’t do. I like my Kubota, but I would have chosen a different color if a series like this was available in 2010. Keep the videos coming! God bless you and your family!
Great information Tim! Made my choice a few months ago before I saw these videos because I stumbled headlong into a used 2015 1025R package for the price of a 2018 tractor. 300 hours, 60D deck, iMatch, ballast box, H120 FEL, Frontier RC2048 brush hog, 54 inch JD snowblower. How could I pass it up?
Yes, I would like the 60D to raise higher with the massive amount of big rocks in my dirt. And leveling it side to side takes a lot of effort, but it will stay put once set so I think that is minor. Watching many of your other videos to learn to operate this amazing, and scary, little beast. Can’t justify a backhoe yet, my multi-ton rocks are screaming excavator.
Congratulations, Harold! Sounds like you are having a great time with it!
Just watched round 3. I move 5 acres a week, about a third steep hill, I use suitcase weights on front and it helps a ton. Kirk
Which machine, Kirk? Yep. Weights will help. Do you have Rimguard? Rear wheel weights? These are the best medicine for hills.
I have the 1026r and rear weights.
Tim I have a 2370bx. Please show a picture of the under side of both tractors. The BX has a fan on the under side for cooling. The dealer told me if I was to do any rough work like brush hogging. I should keep deck on to protect the fan. They do sell a after market plate to cover this up.I was wondering how JD looks underneath if it has the same cooling set up?
JD has a real oil cooler in front of the radiator. No fan.
Hello Tim & Family. I just wanted to say thank you for producing these videos. Nevermind the haters and their negative comments. Unfortunately that stuff is everywhere you look these days. I know what goes into making these videos, and thought your series was terrific–exactly the type of fair and objective comparison you set out to do, and that I had been looking for. This definitely helped with my purchase decision. Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!
Tim, I love your videos. Clearly a bias for the John Deere line, but absolutely no mention of Yanmar. Odd only because Yanmar formerly made the entire John Deere compact tractor, (for 27 years), and now still makes the engine, transmission, and hydraulics. Yanmar is selling their own line now, and it would be interesting to get your views on how each company compares on ergonomics, comfort, controls, etc., considering they have an identical underpinning.
I have a video from the only Yanmar dealer in Indiana. Check it out.
Just watched video with rotary cutter. You mentioned about debris on grill and if motor installed backwards would help? It does not, I had a 748x for 8 years and it really pulls dust and grass in more because you are driving into the floating debris. Never been so dusty running a tractor. In the fall you feel cooler because air is rushing passed you. Keep up the good work
Thanks for the feedback!
I have watched the whole series,and given the problems the Kubota had with lifting weight, I wonder if the type of quick connect used for the loader is too restrictive for the application.I’m not an expert on hydraulics,so just wondering,pressure doesn’t seem to be lacking so maybe flow? I enjoyed your work and like some of the features of both tractors. Too bad they can’t put the two together!
Thanks for watching. I believe the difference is the geometry of the loader. The BX loader sticks out 6 inches further forward. This would reduce the lift capacity.
The other difference is the extra weight of the skid steer quick attach bracket.
Hi Tim and Family! Greetings from Michigan! Your comparison series came just in time as my wife and I decided to purchase a new tractor. We ended up going with a new 1025R TLB, with 60D auto-connect deck and coupler, and a 48” box blade.
I think you did a wonderful job comparing the tractors and I was blown away by some of the differences in capabilities and “ease of use” features favoring the green machine. I also watched some of Neil’s videos too, thanks to you.
Keep up the great work! Well wishes to you and your family during this crazy time in our lives.
Now I’m second guessing my purchasing the kubota BX. Great comparison sir. Thanks.
Is there any chance you could speak to the MF GC1725M or bring one in and throw it through this same test? There is little info out there that comes even close to putting it through this test and the Massey dealer here is much better than any JD dealer.
You probably already made a decision, but I have about 10 hours of seat time on the Massey Ferguson Subcompact GC1710 which is basically a 5 year older version with a little less horsepower. Other subcompacts seat time I have are about 30 minutes on a 1025R and about 16 hours on a BX2380 and about 200 hours on a 1700 hour BX2200.
The ergonomics of the GC1725 are definitely improved, but the hydrostatic transmission pedals were really stiff and quite annoying on the GC1710 which I believe is the same transmission for the 1725. I was borrowing my friends GC1710 so I cleaned it up, lubed it, and tried my best to fix the hydro pedal issue. This is a known not very common issue on the Massey (maybe corrosion somewhere for tractors that sit outside?), so if you bought new just make sure you get it checked out under warranty as this tractor was out of warranty but only had 220 hours. My friend got a killer 0% financing 6 year deal on the Massey compared to John Deere— $5,000 cheaper for his backhoe/loader package with mid mount mower and box grader. .