Deere 1023E Vs. Kubota BX1880

[jgillott]

I am looking for the absolute smallest compact tractor I can find to replace the old Craftsman garden tractor that we use to cut the 5-6 acres a week directly around our house. I don't need anything bigger than this since I have the much larger Ag tractors around to do the loader and PTO work we need.

The biggest reason I'm looking for this style of tractor is that my father who is nearing 80 really enjoys cutting the grass every week and even though he will not admit it, he could use something with power steering, step through foot well, and I would feel a lot better with him on something with a ROPS and seatbelt.

Anyway, all I would want with one of these is a 48" deck which they are both available with and either turf or industrial tires that will not mark as much as the standard Ag offerings.

Between the Deere and the Kubota, what would you recommend and why? My big tractors are primarily Deere, but I'm not brand loyal. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I plan on purchasing after Christmas, Jan or Feb, to have it in place for the start of the next mowing season.

 

[TFucili]

If mowing is your only goal, have you considered a zero-turn, or front mower? They can cover a lot of turf in a hurry.

Otherwise, having been a dealer, I naturally tilt toward Deere, but I can't knock Kubota one bit. Both great machines with good resale.

 

[jgillott]

I had considered a Zero turn and even brought home a demo unit from our local dealer last month to try it out. Unfortunately , the uneven, rough terrain we have here isn't the best for a zero turn (I got it stuck more than once the weekend I tried to use it down at the bottom of one of our banks).

If it was just me running it, I'm sure I could get used to it. However, knowing my father is going to be running it often, I think I should stick to something a little more traditional for him.

 

[TFucili]

Just a really quick scan of the specs, the Deere has a little more HP, but the Kubota appears to have beefier axles. Also, an odd thing with the 3 pt hitches, the Kubota says Cat 1, but the Deere says Limited Cat 1. Not a term I have seen before. Some small tractors used to be Cat 0.

 

[Wayne M.]

I know a ZT is out, but the city has a JD ZT for mowing the perimeter of the landfill. These guys are brutal (truly nobody owns it), and while that piece don’t come into my shop, I’ve asked about it, and it stands up to the abuse. That said, a small BX ‘bota with hoe was to be part of a house I looked at, and boy that thing seemed built well. Wilson just bought a similar unit for his new digs, and he’s already said that Kubota items are not cheap.
Are you limiting yourself to these? How about Yanmar, Mahindra and others?

 

[mwilson]

Just a really quick scan of the specs, the Deere has a little more HP, but the Kubota appears to have beefier axles. Also, an odd thing with the 3 pt hitches, the Kubota says Cat 1, but the Deere says Limited Cat 1. Not a term I have seen before. Some small tractors used to be Cat 0.

Found it!!

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-buying-pricing/44659-limited-category-1-3ph.html

 

[jgillott]

Are you limiting yourself to these? How about Yanmar, Mahindra and others?

Dealer network is an issue with those around here. You can't toss a dead cat without hitting a JD dealer and there is a Kubota dealer near one of the buildings I work out of a couple days a week.

 

[jgillott]

Just a really quick scan of the specs, the Deere has a little more HP, but the Kubota appears to have beefier axles. Also, an odd thing with the 3 pt hitches, the Kubota says Cat 1, but the Deere says Limited Cat 1. Not a term I have seen before. Some small tractors used to be Cat 0.

What about differences in transmission and emissions system design. Have you noticed anything of significance there?

 

[jgillott]

Most of my current 3pt equipment is cat 2 to run with my 5303 Deere.

 

[Wayne M.]

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/006/7/8/6788-john-deere-1023e.html

Looks impressive. Yanmar Power. Wet brakes.

 

[TFucili]

I don't see a significant difference. One thing I don't see spelled out, and I may have missed it, is whether they have planetary final drives or bull gears. For mowing it's not a big deal, but for loader work, and ground engaging implements, planetaries will hold up better. Bull gears tend to deflect and knock out seals.

 

[jgillott]

I don't see a significant difference. One thing I don't see spelled out, and I may have missed it, is whether they have planetary final drives or bull gears. For mowing it's not a big deal, but for loader work, and ground engaging implements, planetaries will hold up better. Bull gears tend to deflect and knock out seals.

I'm almost positive that I read somewhere that the Deere is bull gear.

 

[mwilson]

Being a parts guy I went into the Kubota Parts Book library. Both my B7500 and the BX1880 have a bull gear type drive in the rear axle...no planetaries....

 

[mwilson]

I have had very little free time to play with my tractor but I did frig with it a little last Saturday...learned several things right off quick...

(1) Hydraulics are lightning fast....

(2) Low Range is your friend (once you figure out it has it)

(3) Hydrostatic Forward and Reverse on foot pedal....brilliant idea, very intuitive!!

(4) Gobs of torque....

(5) Flat floor...another brilliant idea...so much easier to mount and dismount with size 11 feet..that would now be a priority if shopping for another one...

 

[Wayne M.]

I’ve only seen wet brakes with planetaries. I wonder what the setup is? Also I’d think that planetary axles will drive up build cost fast!

 

[mwilson]

I would think where you already have bigger stuff around that a used one with a mower deck only would fit the bill. I'm sure in your area there are some low hour gentleman farmer rigs around. Used machine, less emissions issues.

One thing that sold me on mine was the dirt simple design, glow plugs are activated by holding key between run and start. Pull a lever to shut it off... After chasing emissions crap for truck diesels all day long I want to come home to simple...
Oh wait, my wife does that already......

 

[mwilson]

I’ve only seen wet brakes with planetaries. I wonder what the setup is? Also I’d think that planetary axles will drive up build cost fast!

I'm here for you Wayne.....

 

[jgillott]

I would think where you already have bigger stuff around that a used one with a mower deck only would fit the bill. I'm sure in your area there are some low hour gentleman farmer rigs around. Used machine, less emissions issues.

One thing that sold me on mine was the dirt simple design, glow plugs are activated by holding key between run and start. Pull a lever to shut it off... After chasing emissions crap for truck diesels all day long I want to come home to simple...
Oh wait, my wife does that already......

My next one up from this potential new one is 65 hp. It's 7' high to the top of the ROPS when folded. Lol

My kids on it.

 

[jgillott]

It makes a great ladder also. Just don't tell anyone I igore the warning stickers.

 

[Wayne M.]

I'm here for you Wayne.....

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View attachment 109747

Thanks Mike!
I see. In the trans and mechanically actuated. Clever.