TYM T25 vs John Deere 1025R — First-Time Buyer Guide (2025)
Two subcompact workhorses most first-time buyers cross-shop. Both fit in a garage, run a mid-mount mower, and handle driveway/landscaping chores. Here’s the straight-talk breakdown with loader reality, hydraulics that matter, and deck convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Loader feel at the fork tips: Deere publishes 500 mm forward for 120R; TYM’s TL25 lists pins only. Given T25’s higher pin rating and heavier chassis, expect the T25 to feel stronger at the tips in real work, assuming comparable ballast and attachment weight.
- Hydraulics reality: T25 shows higher implement GPM (speed). Real lift also depends on relief PSI + cylinder bore + geometry—don’t shop PSI alone.
- Deck convenience: 1025R’s AutoConnect drive-over + optional Load-N-Go is the fastest on/off combo; T25 decks use linkage/pin mount (no drive-over).
- Quick-attach: T25 = SSQA (broadest ecosystem). 1025R = JDQA; SSQA tools require an adapter that adds weight and moves the load forward (reduces effective lift).
Model Overview & What’s Included
TYM T25 — What you’re getting
- Engine: 24.7-hp, 3-cyl diesel; HST, 2-range
- Hydraulics: ~4.18 GPM implement + ~2.77 GPM steering (total ~6.95)
- 3-pt: Cat-1; ~1,102 lb @ 24" behind; 540-rpm independent PTO
- Weight & size (ROPS): ~1,881–2,046 lb; ~61" wheelbase; ~50" wide; 6.6-gal fuel
- Loader: TL25 (SSQA), 1,380 lb @ pivot pin (500 mm forward not published)
- Mower decks: 54"/60" mid-mount (linkage/pin; not drive-over)
- Backhoe: TB65 compatible
John Deere 1025R — What you’re getting
- Engine: 23.9-hp, 3-cyl diesel; HST, 2-range
- Hydraulics: ~3.5 GPM implement + ~3.5 GPM steering (total ~6.3); relief ~2,000 psi
- 3-pt: Limited Cat-1; 758 lb @ 24" behind; 540-rpm independent PTO
- Weight & size (open): ~1,556 lb; ~57" wheelbase; 6.3-gal fuel
- Loader: 120R with 553 lb @ 500 mm forward (full height) • ~803 lb @ pins
- Mower decks: AutoConnect 54/60" drive-over; optional Load-N-Go ramps
- Backhoe: 260B compatible
Specs at a Glance — Head-to-Head
Units are U.S. first; metric in parentheses where useful. Lift points are labeled (at pins vs 500 mm forward).
| Spec | TYM T25 | John Deere 1025R | So what? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine HP (gross) | 24.7 hp | 23.9 hp | Close; hydraulics & geometry change daily feel more. |
| PTO HP | ~18.2 hp | ~18.2 hp | Similar PTO for 4–5 ft implements. |
| Transmission | HST, 2-range | HST, 2-range | Same style; feel varies by valve tuning. |
| Hydraulic flow (implement) | ~4.18 GPM | ~3.5 GPM | More implement GPM = faster loader motion. |
| Hydraulic relief (PSI) | Not Specified | ~2,000 psi | PSI = muscle; bore & geometry turn it into lift. |
| 3-pt lift @ 24" | ~1,102 lb | 758 lb | T25 favors heavier 3-pt ballast & implements on paper. |
| Operating weight | ~1,881–2,046 lb (ROPS) | ~1,556 lb (open) | More base weight helps stability; ballast still required. |
| Wheelbase | ~61 in | ~57 in | Longer = calmer with forks; mind turning radius. |
| Ground clearance | ~7.7–10.2 in (trim-dependent) | Not Specified | Clearance helps in ruts/woods; check MMM linkages. |
| Fuel capacity | 6.6 gal | 6.3 gal | Similar runtime. |
| Loader @ pins (full height) | 1,380 lb (TL25) | ~803 lb (120R) | Pins inflate lift; forks feel the forward figure. |
| Loader @ 500 mm (full height) | Not Specified | 553 lb (120R) | Forward = what you hold at bucket edge/forks. |
| Breakout force | ~2,059 lb (pins) | ~1,963 lb (pins) / ~1,335 lb (500 mm) | Breakout = pry at ground; geometry & bore matter. |
| Bucket / QA | 60" SSQA bucket | ~53" bucket (rating) • JDQA | SSQA = broadest ecosystem; JDQA needs adapter for SSQA tools. |
| Backhoe option | TB65 | 260B | Both proven; verify MMM/backhoe coexist on your build. |
Quick Comparison Matrix
Hydraulics, Loader Geometry & Decks — Real Work Notes
Flow vs Pressure vs Cylinder Bore
- Flow (GPM) sets speed — T25’s higher implement GPM typically yields snappier loader motion.
- Pressure (PSI) sets muscle — but force = PSI × piston area.
- Cylinder bore multiplies force at the same PSI, but needs more oil per inch, so it moves slower at the same GPM.
Bottom line: look at implement GPM + relief PSI + cylinder sizing/geometry together—then feel it in the seat.
Deck Convenience
- 1025R: AutoConnect drive-over + optional Load-N-Go ramps = quickest attach/detach in class.
- T25: 54"/60" mid-mount decks are capable but not drive-over; they attach with linkages/pins—plan a few extra minutes.
Ballast 101 — Liquid Tires vs Rear Counterweight
Myth-bust: Filled tires ≠ rear counterweight. Liquid adds stability/traction but does not move weight far behind the axle to unload the front end. For serious loader tasks, run both: liquid in the rears and a rear implement/ballast box. Aim to keep ~60% of total weight on the rear axle with the loader raised and a secured load (on level ground).
Tires & Traction — Quick Picks
- Mostly lawn / wet ground: Turf (R3) or R14 hybrid; avoid tight turns on wet turf.
- Loader/driveway work: R4 industrial or R14; add chains in winter.
- Soft soils / traction-first: R1 ag (accept turf marking).
Real-World Scenarios — Which Tractor Wins?
Acreage with loader + driveway (forks, gravel, snow)
Edge: T25 for snappier implement GPM and SSQA tool universe. Given chassis weight + pin rating, expect stronger tip feel (keep ballast tight and tools light).
Hobby farm with mowing + snow (deck on/off a lot)
Edge: 1025R for AutoConnect speed and transparent 500 mm loader data.
Residential, mowing-first with seasonal chores
Edge: 1025R — deck convenience wins day-to-day; forward loader specs simplify safety calls.
Woodlot/trails, mixed chores, lots of third-party tools
Edge: T25 — SSQA plugs into a wide world of attachments without adapters.
Quick-Attach Reality Check
- T25 / TL25: SSQA carrier — broadest compatibility with third-party forks, grapples, plows.
- 1025R / 120R: JDQA (hook-and-pin) — smooth with Deere-pattern tools; SSQA tools require an adapter that adds weight and shifts load forward (reducing effective lift at tips).
Field-Test Playbook (High-Value Checks You Can Do on the Lot)
1) Fork-Tip Reality Without a Spec Sheet
- Bring a known load (e.g., 500–700 lb palletized material) and proper rear ballast on the 3-pt.
- Lift to hood height with the bucket level, forks at ~19.7" (500 mm) load center. Feel steering/ braking and whether it holds smoothly.
- Note tool weight & adapters: heavy forks or JDQA→SSQA adapters reduce lift and move the CG forward.
If the T25 feels decisively stronger here, that’s the truth that matters more than mixed brochure formats.
2) Estimate Implement GPM from Cycle Time
- At working RPM, time full down → full up and full dump → full curl.
- Faster, repeatable times = higher effective implement flow + good valve tuning. Do it on both machines back-to-back.
3) Relief & “Push” (No Wrenches)
- Gently crowd a pile or pry a stump edge briefly; feel whether the loader stalls cleanly (relief opens) without jerky chatter.
- Don’t hold against relief—momentary checks only.
4) Ballast Math (Fast & Safe)
- On subcompacts, plan liquid rear tires + a 3-pt counterweight roughly 400–700 lb for routine forks/bucket work.
- Adjust by job: heavier forks/pallets → heavier rear box; lawn days → lighten the 3-pt.
5) Deck Demo Script
- 1025R: Request a full AutoConnect off/on cycle. Watch alignment assist and latch behavior on uneven ground.
- T25: Watch the pin/link steps and clearance under the tractor. Time both processes.
FAQ
Why does Deere list lower lift than the T25 in brochures?
Deere publishes forward (500 mm) numbers for the 120R; TYM’s TL25 lists pivot-pin numbers. Forward numbers reflect what you can actually hold at the bucket edge/forks. Given the T25’s higher pin rating and heavier chassis, many buyers will still feel more lift from the T25 at the tips in real work.
Which has faster hydraulics?
On paper, the T25’s implement GPM is higher than the 1025R’s, so loader motions can feel snappier. Loader geometry, valve tuning, and cylinder bore also affect feel and force.
Is JDQA a limiting factor?
JDQA is smooth with Deere-pattern tools, but SSQA is the broader standard. Using SSQA tools on a JDQA carrier requires an adapter that adds weight and shifts the load forward, reducing effective lift at the tips.
Deck on/off—how big is the difference?
AutoConnect on the 1025R is true drive-over with optional Load-N-Go ramps, making it the fastest to remove/install. T25 decks are capable but use linkage/pin mounting; plan a few extra minutes if you swap often.
Do I need rear ballast for loader work?
Yes. Liquid in the rear tires stabilizes, but only a rear counterweight behind the axle unloads the front end so you can steer and reach rated lifts. Run both when you’re carrying real loads.