John Deere 1025R vs Kubota BX2380 — First-Time Buyer Guide (2025)
These two subcompact legends are the default cross-shop for first-time buyers with 5+ acres. Both fit in a garage, run mid-mount mowers, push snow, and handle loader/driveway chores. Below is the straight-talk breakdown with loader truth at 500 mm forward, hydraulics that matter, and deck convenience.
TL;DR (Key Takeaways)
- Loader truth: 1025R’s 120R publishes forward (500 mm) numbers you feel at the fork tips. BX2380’s LA344/LA344S brochures emphasize pivot-pin lift; forward (500 mm) is Not Specified.
- Hydraulics reality: 1025R lists 3.5 GPM implement + 3.5 GPM steering and ~2,000 PSI. BX2380 lists 6.2 GPM total; the implement/steering split is Not Specified.
- Deck convenience: 1025R’s AutoConnect + Load-N-Go is fast and repeatable. BX2380’s Easy-Over drive-over MMM is also quick.
- Quick-attach ecosystem: 1025R uses JDQA (SSQA tools need an adapter). BX2380’s LA344S is SSQA-pattern, so standard skid-steer implements fit.
Model Overview & What’s Included
John Deere 1025R — What you’re getting
Engine: 23.9-hp Yanmar 3-cyl diesel; HST 2-range; 18.2 PTO hp.
Hydraulics: 3.5 GPM implement + 3.5 GPM steering (total ~6.3); ~2,000 PSI.
3-pt: Limited Cat-1; 758 lb @ 24" behind. Weight/size: ~1,556 lb (open), 57.1" wheelbase; 6.3-gal fuel.
Loader: 120R with 553 lb @ 500 mm (full height) and ~803 lb @ pins.
Mower decks: AutoConnect 54/60" drive-over; optional Load-N-Go ramps. Backhoe: 260B compatible.
Kubota BX2380 — What you’re getting
Engine: 21.6-hp Kubota D902 3-cyl diesel; HST 2-range; 17.7 PTO hp.
Hydraulics: 6.2 GPM total pump output (implement/steering split Not Specified).
3-pt: Cat-1; 680 lb @ 24" behind. Weight/size: ~1,443 lb (ROPS), 55.1" wheelbase; 6.6-gal fuel.
Loader: LA344/LA344S; brochures publish pivot-pin lift; forward (500 mm) Not Specified.
Mower decks: Easy-Over drive-over 54"/60" MMM. Backhoe: BT603 (commonly via BX23S).
Specs at a Glance — Head-to-Head
Units are U.S. first; metric in parentheses. Lift points are labeled (at pins vs 500 mm forward).
| Spec | John Deere 1025R | Kubota BX2380 | So what? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine HP (gross) | 23.9 hp | 21.6 hp | Same class; hydraulics & loader geometry shape day-to-day “strength.” |
| PTO HP | 18.2 hp | 17.7 hp | Both run 4–5 ft implements; match PTO gearboxes accordingly. |
| Displacement & cylinders | ~1.27 L (3-cyl diesel) | ~0.90 L (3-cyl diesel) | Bigger displacement can feel lazier/torquier at low RPM. |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic (2-range) | Hydrostatic (2-range) | HST is ideal for loader work & tight areas. |
| Hydraulic flow (implement / steering / total) | 3.5 / 3.5 / 6.3 GPM | Not Specified / Not Specified / 6.2 GPM | Implement GPM = loader speed; steering often has priority. |
| Hydraulic relief (implement) | ~2,000 PSI | Not Specified | PSI caps muscle; cylinder bore turns PSI into real force. |
| 3-pt hitch (cat & lift @ 24") | Limited Cat-1; 758 lb @ 24" | Cat-1; 680 lb @ 24" | Impacts rear implement size and ballast capacity. |
| Operating weight (ROPS/open) | ~1,556 lb | ~1,443 lb | Base weight helps stability; ballast still required for loader work. |
| Wheelbase | 57.1" | 55.1" | Longer wheelbase often rides/stabilizes better. |
| Ground clearance | ~7.7" (front axle) | ~8.4" | Clearance helps ruts/woods; also watch deck/link clearance. |
| Fuel capacity | 6.3 gal | 6.6 gal | Similar runtime; both sip fuel at this size. |
| Warranty | Not Specified | Not Specified | Programs vary—get terms in writing for your serial-numbered unit. |
| Loader model | 120R | LA344 / LA344S | Check bucket used for ratings; geometry affects feel. |
| Max lift height (pins) | ~72.0" | Not Specified | Height differences are small in this class. |
| Lift @ pins (full height) | ~803 lb | Not Specified (published at pins) | Pins read higher than forward numbers you feel at fork tips. |
| Lift @ 500 mm (full height) | 553 lb | Not Specified | Forward (500 mm) is the real-world truth at the bucket edge/forks. |
| Breakout force | ~1,963 lbf (pins) / ~1,335 lbf (500 mm) | Not Specified | Pry at ground; geometry + bore matter. |
| Bucket width (common) | ~53" materials bucket | 48"/54"/60" options | Wider/heavier buckets eat lift margin. |
| Quick-attach type (loader) | JDQA (adapter to SSQA) | SSQA (two-lever on LA344S) | SSQA = broad skid-steer tool universe; JDQA needs an adapter. |
| Backhoe option | 260B | BT603 (often via BX23S) | Verify MMM/backhoe coexistence in OEM literature. |
Quick Comparison Matrix
Hydraulics, Loader Geometry & Decks — Real-Work Notes
Flow vs Pressure vs Cylinder Bore
Flow (GPM) sets speed (cycle times). Pressure (PSI) sets potential muscle, but force = PSI × piston area. Cylinder bore (area) turns PSI into real force; bigger bores need more oil per inch, so they move slower at the same GPM.
Illustration (per cylinder, piston side @ 2,400 PSI): 1.75" bore ≈ 2.41 in² → ~5,770 lb; 2.25" bore ≈ 3.98 in² → ~9,540 lb (~+65% force, ~+65% more oil per inch of stroke).
The 500 mm reality check
Forward (500 mm) lift reflects what the bucket edge/fork tips can hold at height. If only pivot-pin numbers are published, forward reality will be lower. Use published forward data when available and plan a safety margin when it isn’t.
Deck convenience (day-to-day difference)
1025R: AutoConnect drive-over decks; Load-N-Go ramps let the loader move the deck when it’s off the tractor. BX2380: Easy-Over drive-over MMM is offered across the BX line; attach/detach is quick and repeatable.
Ballast 101 — Liquid Tires vs Rear Counterweight
Myth-bust: Filled tires are not the same as a rear counterweight. Liquid adds stability/traction but does not move weight behind the axle to offload the front axle during loader work. For serious loader tasks, use both: liquid tire ballast and a rear implement/ballast box.
Practical rule: aim to keep roughly 60% of total weight on the rear axle with the loader raised and a load secured (check on level ground).
Tires & Traction (Quick Picks)
- Mostly lawn / wet ground R3 turf or R14 hybrid; go easy on turns on soft turf.
- Loader & driveway work R4 industrial or R14; add chains for winter.
- Soft soils / traction first R1 ag (expect lawn marking).
Real-World Scenarios — Which Tractor Wins?
Acreage with loader + driveway (forks, gravel, snow)
Edge: Lean 1025R for transparent 500 mm loader data; easier to set safety margins at fork tips.
Hobby farm with mowing + winter snow
Edge: Slight 1025R if the Load-N-Go deck-moving workflow matters. Both offer drive-over MMM convenience (AutoConnect vs Easy-Over).
Residential, mowing-first with seasonal chores
Edge: Tie. Both mow well. Your deciding factors are deck workflow and local support.
Woodlot/trails, broad third-party attachments
Edge: Lean BX2380 (LA344S) for the SSQA carrier—standard skid-steer pattern fits a huge tool universe directly.
Quick-Attach Reality Check
- John Deere 1025R / 120R: JDQA; to run SSQA implements use a JDQA↔SSQA adapter (adds weight/leverage).
- Kubota BX2380 / LA344S: SSQA (two-lever)—standard skid-steer pattern; older pin-on BX loaders require an adapter.
Buyer Worksheet — Quick Peek
Information to collect from official literature and quotes — no in-store testing required.
- Loader capacity at 500 mm (forward): record the published number; if Not Specified, note that forward capacity will be lower than pins.
- Hydraulic flow split: record implement vs steering; if only total is published, mark Not Specified.
- Hydraulic relief PSI: record the published value (if provided).
- Quick-attach type: JDQA vs SSQA (LA344S); note any adapter you’ll need.
- Mower deck system: AutoConnect/Load-N-Go vs Easy-Over; confirm deck sizes.
- Warranty terms: coverage years/hours, transport, diagnostics — get a written printout.
- Common parts pricing: filters, hoses, mower blades.
Editorial Notes
Where a manufacturer does not publish 500 mm forward lift, we list Not Specified. When only total pump flow is listed, the implement/steering split is Not Specified. Warranty programs vary by region/time — treat warranty as dealer-verified (written terms).
FAQ — John Deere 1025R vs Kubota BX2380
Why does Deere sometimes list lower lift than Kubota?
Deere publishes forward (500 mm) numbers that reflect bucket-edge capacity. Kubota’s BX brochures emphasize pivot-pin ratings. Forward capacity is lower than pins; use published forward data when available.