John Deere 1025R vs Kubota BX2680 — Which Subcompact Is the Better Buy?
The 1025R and BX2680 are the two “top of the class” subcompacts most first-time buyers cross-shop. Both fit in a garage, run mid-mount mowers, push snow, and handle driveway and loader chores. Here’s the straight-talk breakdown with loader truth at 500 mm forward, real hydraulics, and deck convenience.
TL;DR (Key Takeaways)
- Loader truth: Deere publishes 500 mm forward numbers (553 lb), while Kubota brochures emphasize at-pins. Forward reality matters for forks.
- Hydraulics: Deere 3.5 + 3.5 GPM; Kubota 5.2 + 1.0. Both total ~6 GPM, but implement flow is your loader speed.
- Deck convenience: Deere’s AutoConnect + Load-N-Go vs Kubota’s Easy-Over MMM. Both are quick drive-over systems.
- Quick-attach: Deere JDQA (SSQA needs adapter); Kubota’s two-lever coupler on LA344S matches SSQA pattern in field use.
Model Overview & What’s Included
John Deere 1025R
23.9 hp engine (18.2 PTO hp), HST 2-range, 3.5 + 3.5 GPM hydraulics (~2,000 PSI), Limited Cat-1 hitch rated 758 lb. Weight ~1,556 lb, wheelbase 57.1", fuel 6.3 gal. Loader 120R with 803 lb @ pins, 553 lb @ 500 mm, breakout 1,963 lbf. AutoConnect decks (54/60") and optional 260B backhoe.
Kubota BX2680
24.8 hp engine (~19.5 PTO hp), HST 2-range, 5.2 + 1.0 GPM hydraulics. Cat-1 hitch rated 680 lb. Weight ~1,521 lb, wheelbase 55.1", fuel 6.6 gal. Loader LA344S with 2-lever coupler (500 mm forward not published). Easy-Over drive-over decks (54/60") and BT603 backhoe (BX23S).
Specs at a Glance — Head-to-Head
| Spec | 1025R | BX2680 | So what? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine HP | 23.9 | 24.8 | Same class power. |
| PTO HP | 18.2 | 19.5 | Both handle 4–5 ft implements. |
| Hydraulic flow | 3.5+3.5 (6.3) | 5.2+1.0 (6.2) | Implement GPM = loader speed. |
| Relief PSI | ~2000 | TBD | Pressure caps usable force. |
| 3-pt lift @ 24" | 758 lb | 680 lb | Rear implement weight. |
| Weight | 1,556 lb | 1,521 lb | Base weight ≠ ballast. |
| Loader lift @ 500 mm | 553 lb | Not Specified | Forks live here. |
Notes: Deere publishes forward specs; Kubota does not. Expect lower than pins.
Quick Comparison Matrix
- Loader feel: Deere good (publishes forward); Kubota info (not published).
- Hydraulic transparency: both good (splits listed).
- Deck attach: both good (AutoConnect vs Easy-Over).
- Dealer footprint: Deere very broad; Kubota strong orange coverage.
- Quick-attach: Deere JDQA (adapter needed); Kubota 2-lever SSQA-style coupler.
Hydraulics, Loader Geometry & Decks
Flow (GPM) = speed. Pressure (PSI) × bore = force. Deere’s 120R publishes both pins and 500 mm numbers; Kubota lists pins only. For mowing, Deere’s AutoConnect + Load-N-Go is fast; Kubota’s Easy-Over is also effective.
Ballast 101 — Liquid Tires vs Rear Counterweight
Tires & Traction Quick Picks
- Lawn/wet: Turf (R3) or R14 hybrids.
- Loader/driveway: R4 or R14; add chains in winter.
- Soft soil: R1 Ag if you accept lawn marking.
See: Tractor Tires Explained — R1 vs R4 vs R14.
Real-World Scenarios
- Acreage + loader: Edge 1025R (publishes 500 mm).
- Hobby farm w/ snow: Slight edge 1025R (AutoConnect workflow).
- Residential mowing: Tie; pick by deck workflow and dealer.
- Woodlot/trails: Edge BX2680 (SSQA-style coupler).
Buyer Worksheet — Quick Peek
- Loader capacity @ 500 mm.
- Hydraulic split + relief PSI.
- Deck attach demo (AutoConnect vs Easy-Over).
- Quick-attach style + adapter needs.
- Warranty coverage terms.
FAQ
Why does Deere look weaker on paper?
Deere publishes 500 mm forward numbers; Kubota lists pins. Forward is real-world fork capacity.
Which has faster hydraulics?
Deere 3.5+3.5, Kubota 5.2+1.0. Implement GPM sets loader speed.
Deck convenience?
Both are drive-over; Deere’s AutoConnect + Load-N-Go is benchmark.
Can I run SSQA implements?
Deere JDQA requires adapter; Kubota 2-lever aligns with SSQA-pattern tools.
Verdict — The Right Pick
- Mowing + driveway: 1025R (AutoConnect + published loader data).
- Loader/driveway: Close call; pick by coupler preference.
- Attachment tinkering: BX2680 (SSQA-style coupler).
Upgrade, no matter what you buy
Owning a tractor is step one — upgrading your tractor is step two. Visit the Tractor Buyer Resource Center for more guides, and check out our page for high-quality tractor upgrades including chainsaw carriers, toolbox kits, and chassis protection for select models. Built in the USA, made for real-world work.