John Deere 4044R vs Kubota L4060 — First-Time Buyer Guide (2025)
Why these two? They’re the sweet-spot, ~40-HP compact tractors many 5–20-acre owners cross-shop when they want a real loader, true Category-1 three-point work, and cab/comfort options without jumping to a bigger chassis.
TL;DR Key Takeaways
- Loader reality: 4044R’s 440R is rated 2,222 lb @ 500 mm; L4060’s LA805 is 1,290 lb @ 500 mm. The Deere wins on forward-of-pin numbers.
- Hydraulics: Deere total flow ~17.4 gpm (11.2 implement + 6.2 steering) vs Kubota ~14.1–14.7 gpm (by transmission). Expect snappier loader response on the Deere in stock form.
- Decks: These are compact chassis—MMM generally isn’t the play. Plan on a rear-finish mower for lawn finish. Kubota offers mid-PTO for front tools; Deere 4R MMM is TBD (verify locally).
- Quick-attach ecosystem: 440R supports JDQA and an optional SSQA carrier; LA805 uses a 2-lever coupler (SSQA adapters available). Confirm your carrier before buying attachments.
Model Overview & What’s Included
John Deere 4044R — What you’re getting
- Engine: 4-cyl Yanmar, 42.5 hp gross @ 2600 rpm; PTO 33.6 hp (PowrReverser) / 32.3 hp (eHydro). Final Tier-4, common-rail.
- Transmissions: 12/12 PowrReverser or eHydro (3-range).
- Hydraulics: Open-center; 11.2 gpm implement + 6.2 gpm steering = 17.4 gpm total.
- 3-pt: Category-1; 2,500 lb @ 24″ behind link ends.
- Dimensions: Wheelbase 73″; front-axle clearance ~13.8″; ship wt ~3,770 lb (ROPS) / ~4,675 lb (cab). Fuel 15 gal ROPS / 13.8 gal cab.
- Common packages: iMatch™ QH, 440R loader, rear remotes, cab or ROPS.
Kubota L4060 — What you’re getting
- Engine: 4-cyl Kubota V2403, 42 hp gross / 40 hp net; PTO ~34 hp (gear/GST) / 32.5 hp (HST). Final Tier-4, common-rail.
- Transmissions: HST Plus, GST (12-spd), or FST (8-spd).
- Hydraulics: Open-center; typical ~9.8 gpm implement + ~4.9 gpm steering; ~14.1–14.7 gpm total depending on transmission.
- 3-pt: Category-1; ~2,760 lb @ 24″ (varies by trans).
- Dimensions: Wheelbase ~74.6″; ground clearance ~15.9″; base wt ~3,737–4,134 lb by configuration. Fuel ~13.5 gal.
- Common packages: LA805 loader, rear remotes, cab or ROPS, draft control option.
Specs at a Glance — Head-to-Head
If a figure wasn’t published by the OEM, it’s marked TBD. Use 500 mm forward for loader decisions; it’s what forks and bucket edges “feel.”
| Spec | John Deere 4044R | Kubota L4060 (Grand L60) | So what? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine (gross/net) | 42.5 hp gross | 42 hp gross / 40 hp net | Both are ~40 hp compacts—enough for 6′ cutters, snow, driveway, forks. |
| PTO hp | 33.6 (PR) / 32.3 (eHydro) | ~34 (gear/GST) / 32.5 (HST) | HST trims PTO hp slightly; still plenty for 6′ implements. |
| Displacement | 2.189 L (Yanmar) | 2.434 L | More displacement can help low-rpm grunt. |
| Transmission | eHydro or 12/12 PowrReverser | HST Plus / GST / FST | All are capable—loader favors HST; field work can favor gears. |
| Hydraulic flow (total) | ~17.4 gpm (11.2 + 6.2) | ~14.1–14.7 gpm | More flow = crisper loader & steering response, all else equal. |
| Hydraulic relief (tractor) | TBD | TBD | Loader reliefs are published; tractor system relief varies—verify at dealer. |
| 3-pt lift @ 24″ | 2,500 lb | ~2,760 lb | Both handle typical Cat-1 implements; Kubota cites a higher figure. |
| PTOs | Rear 540; 540E optional | Rear 540; mid-PTO optional (for front tools; MMM N/A) | Plan on rear-finish or flail mowers for lawn work. |
| Wheelbase | 73 in | ~74.6 in | Longer WB can smooth ride; both are stable for their size. |
| Ground clearance | ~13.8 in (front-axle clr) | ~15.9 in | Extra clearance helps in ruts/woodlot work. |
| Fuel capacity | 15 gal (ROPS) / 13.8 gal (cab) | ~13.5 gal | Similar refuel cadence for property work. |
| Operating weight (ship) | ~3,770–4,675 lb | ~3,737–4,134 lb | More weight = better pushing/traction; ballast still required. |
| Loader model | 440R | LA805 | Both publish forward (500 mm) numbers—rare and useful. |
| Lift @ full height — 500 mm forward | 2,222 lb | 1,290 lb | Fork reality. Forward numbers reflect bucket edge/forks. |
| Lift @ full height — pins | 2,313 lb | 1,715 lb | Pin figures are higher, but less representative for materials handling. |
| Breakout (500 mm) | ~3,337 lbf | ~2,549 lbf | More breakout helps in packed gravel or heavy scoops. |
| Std bucket width | ~73 in materials bucket used for spec | 72 in | Size fits 6–7′ jobs; forks recommended for pallets. |
| Quick-attach type (front) | JDQA; SSQA optional | 2-lever coupler (SSQA adapters available) | Confirm carrier before you buy attachments; adapters add weight/leverage. |
| Backhoe option | 485A (mount kit available) | BH92 | Both are proven, tractor-matched setups. |
| Warranty | TBD | TBD | Get printed powertrain & emissions coverage with hours/years. |
Quick Comparison
Hydraulics, Loader Geometry & Decks — Real-Work Notes
Flow vs relief (how it feels)
- Flow (gpm) affects speed/cycle times.
- Relief (psi) caps force; force = psi × piston area.
- Deere’s higher total flow often feels quicker at the joystick; Kubota’s valve tuning and cylinder sizes matter near relief.
500 mm forward matters
Pin-lift looks great on paper, but forks live 500 mm forward. Deere’s 2,222 lb vs Kubota’s 1,290 lb is a noticeable gap in pallet/timber/stone work. Ballast properly either way.
Decks on this class
On these compact chassis, rear-finish or flail mowers are the practical choice. Kubota offers mid-PTO for front snow gear; MMM is generally not offered on Grand L60. Deere 4R MMM is TBD—plan on rear-mount unless your dealer confirms an MMM package.
Ballast 101 — Liquid Tires vs Rear Counterweight
Myth-bust: Filled tires ≠ rear counterweight. Liquid improves traction and lowers the center of gravity, but it does not move weight behind the axle to unload the front during loader work. A ballast box or heavy rear implement is what restores steering and protects the front axle.
Start here: Filled rears plus proper rear ballast per your loader’s chart. Keep loads low, belt on, ROPS up.
Tires & Traction — Quick Picks
- Mostly lawn / wet ground R3/Turf or modern R14 hybrids; keep turns wide on soft turf.
- Loader & driveway work R4/Industrial or R14; add chains for winter as needed.
- Soft soils / traction first R1/Ag with ballast; mind ruts and loader ballast requirements.
Real-World Scenarios — Which Tractor Wins?
Acreage with loader + driveway gravel (pallets, stone, culverts)
Edge: 4044R for higher 500 mm rating and higher total gpm.
Hobby farm with mowing + snow + mixed chores
Edge: L4060 if you want mid-PTO for front snow gear and prefer HST Plus features; Edge: 4044R if forks/materials dominate.
Residential, mowing-centric acreage
Tie. Run a rear-finish mower on either; pick the dealer you trust and the cab you like sitting in.
Woodlot & trails (stumps, firewood, cleanup)
Tie. Deere for forward lift; Kubota for a tick more ground clearance.
Quick-Attach Reality Check
- Deere 440R: JD Quik-Change carrier; SSQA optional as a kit. Confirm which carrier your loader has before buying attachments.
- Kubota LA805: Mechanical 2-lever quick coupler; SSQA adapters exist if you want universal skid-steer pattern.
Buyer Worksheet — Quick Peek
- Loader cycle time demo: full raise/dump/rollback with spec’d rear ballast.
- Fork test @ 500 mm: lift a known weight on forks to eye height—safely.
- Deck reality: show rear-finish mower hookup and storage footprint.
- Hydraulics printout: implement vs steering gpm; system relief (tractor + loader).
- Parts & service: pricing for 50-hr/200-hr services; typical parts availability.
- Warranty: printed powertrain & emissions coverage with hours/years.
Editorial Notes
Specs and ratings reference current model pages and loader spec tables. Some values vary with configuration (transmission, cab/ROPS). Unknowns are labeled “TBD”. Always verify forward (500 mm) for your bucket/fork setup, and ask the dealer to print hydraulic splits/relief for your serial-number build.
FAQ — John Deere 4044R vs Kubota L4060
Which has the stronger loader in the real world?
For fork work (weight forward of the pins), Deere’s 440R publishes 2,222 lb @ 500 mm, while Kubota’s LA805 is 1,290 lb @ 500 mm. That gap is noticeable with pallets, timbers, and stone. Ballast properly either way.
Will either tractor run a mid-mount mower?
On these frames, plan on rear-mount mowers. Kubota lists mid-PTO availability on Grand L60 for front implements; MMM is generally not offered. Deere 4R MMM compatibility is TBD; ask your dealer.
Which has faster hydraulics?
Deere’s total flow is ~17.4 gpm; Kubota’s is ~14.1–14.7 gpm by transmission. Expect a snappier feel on the Deere; you can also tune feel with valve technique and engine rpm.
What about three-point lift?
Both are strong Cat-1 machines. Deere lists 2,500 lb @ 24″; Kubota ~2,760 lb. Either will handle common 6′ implements with smart ballast.
Are the quick-attach carriers compatible with my implements?
Check the carrier. Deere 440R can be JDQA or optional SSQA. Kubota LA805 is a 2-lever coupler; SSQA adapters are available if you want the universal pattern.
Which is better for snow?
Tie. Both handle snow well with the right tires, ballast, and setup. If you want a front snowblower, Kubota’s mid-PTO path is straightforward; Deere can do an excellent rear blower or front setup depending on kits.
Can I add a backhoe?
Yes. Deere’s 485A is compatible with 4044R; Kubota pairs the BH92 to the Grand L60. Include subframe and hydraulics in your quote.
Verdict — The Right Pick for Your Property
- Mostly loader/forks, driveway gravel, pallets: Deere 4044R (bigger 500 mm rating + higher total gpm).
- Mixed chores with front snow tools, prefer HST Plus feel: Kubota L4060 (mid-PTO availability; comfortable, capable platform).
- Mowing-centric acreage: Either—plan on a rear-finish mower. Pick the dealer you trust and the cab that fits you.
- Trails/woodlot: Tie — Deere for forward lift; Kubota for a touch more clearance.
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.