2/15/2009 7:01:06 AM by John Pelletier
Steve,
My John Deere 420 died recently. I have been loooking for a good replacement. I have narrowed my search to two tractors - The Kubota BX 2660 and the John Deere 2305. I'm having a tough time deciding which I like better. The Kubota seems to have a lower center of gravity and a bit more power, metal fenders, and the 4WD unit seems to be a bit more solidly built. I am however a little concerned abou the size of the snow blower.... It does not seem as though it will hand as much snow as the the snow blower on the JD 2305.
Both tractors handled well when I test drove them and seemed to be responsive when I used the buckets to move snow. I will be purchasing one of these machines with a Front loader, a snow blower, and a mowing deck. The John Deere dealer is throughing in a 3 point hitch ballast, a block heater and the package is $1000 less than the Kubota.
Is the Kubota worth that much more???? I have an acre in the country, do my own firewood, and have some stone walls to repair, as well as some other landscaping projects. I am 57 years old and do not plan to purchase another tractor and am trying to make the best choice possible. Both of these dealers are located near me and are recognized for good service. What do you think.
2/16/2009 11:56:05 AM by neilm
We're a bit biased here as a Kubota dealer, but I can give some insight. The BX2660 is the most premuim subcompact available. You won't find another machine with as deluxe of a seat, or with as much engine power. A more fair comparison to the 2305 is the BX2360. This is a few hundred less expensive and has a more standard seat and 3 less HP. Beyond the new things you noticed (metal fenders, more stable, solid built) I'd add a few more things. Kubota actually builds their own tractor front to back, Deere does not. This leads to better overall quality and control. The snow blower that you are looking at is actually built by a Canadian company called RAD. Kubota uses the same implements, just painted a different color.
The bottom line is that both tractors are quality equipment. When you get to this point its important to consider the dealership you are purchasing from, as the equipment is only as good as the dealer who is backing it up. Look for an experienced service dept, lots of parts in stock, and the business sense to be around for the long haul.
