New Holland Workmaster 25S vs John Deere 1025R — Which Subcompact Is the Better Buy?
These two 25-hp subcompacts dominate first-time buyer shortlists for mowing, snow, driveway gravel, and loader chores. On paper they’re close; in real life, loader geometry, 500 mm forward lift, deck convenience, tire choice, and your local dealer decide which machine feels planted and capable.
TL;DR (Key Takeaways)
- Fork reality: Workmaster 25S 100LC lists 693 lb @ 500 mm forward vs Deere 120R’s 553 lb @ 500 mm. At-pins numbers are higher on both, but forks live forward.
- Deck convenience: 1025R’s AutoConnect 54D/60D is the quick, repeatable one-person on/off benchmark; NH’s 160GMS is a capable 60" MMM with a different hookup.
- Hydraulics split: Workmaster 25S shows ~4.6 + 2.1 gpm (6.7 total); Deere publishes 3.5 + 3.5 gpm (6.3 total) at ~2,000 psi. “Feel” comes from flow + geometry + ballast.
- QA ecosystem: 25S 100LC uses SSQA on recent builds; Deere 120R uses JDQA (SSQA via Frontier SA20 adapter).
Model Overview & What’s Included
New Holland Workmaster 25S
24.7-hp 3-cyl diesel subcompact with 2-range HST, rear 540 PTO + mid PTO. Typical packages pair the 100LC loader (SSQA, ~50" bucket) with a 160GMS 60" mid-mount mower; 905GBL backhoe optional. Tires commonly offered in Turf (R3) or Industrial (R4) sizes 18×8.5-10 front / 26×12-12 rear.
John Deere 1025R
23.9-hp (SAE J1995) subcompact with 2-range HST, rear 540 + mid PTO, premium lighting and seat. Popular packages include the 120R loader (MSL option available), AutoConnect™ 54D/60D drive-over decks, and the 260B backhoe. Tires in Turf (R3/R3 radial) or Industrial (R4).
Specs at a Glance — Head-to-Head
Units are U.S. first; metric in parentheses. Forks live at 500 mm forward — use that rating when comparing lift.
| Spec | Workmaster 25S | John Deere 1025R | So what? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine HP (gross) | 24.7 hp | 23.9 hp (SAE J1995) | Same class; gearing/weight/ballast drive “feel.” |
| PTO HP | ~17.2 hp | 18.2 hp | Both run 60" MMMs and typical rear implements. |
| Displacement & cylinders | ~1.27 L (3-cyl diesel) | 1.267 L (3-cyl diesel) | Durable compact diesels; maintenance matters. |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic (2-range) | Hydrostatic (2-range) | HST is ideal for loader work & tight areas. |
| Hydraulic flow (implement / steering / total) | 4.6 / 2.1 / 6.7 gpm | 3.5 / 3.5 / 6.3 gpm | Different splits; valve tuning & geometry decide “snap.” |
| Hydraulic relief (implement) | Not published (loader valve-set) | ~2,000 psi | PSI caps force, but geometry + ballast dominate. |
| 3-pt hitch (cat & lift @ 24") | Cat-1; ~728 lb @ 24" | Limited Cat-1; ~758 lb @ 24" | Both handle small cutters/tillers; some Cat-1 tools need care on Deere’s “Limited.” |
| Rear PTO / Mid PTO (rpm) | Yes / Yes (540 / ~2,000) | Yes / Yes (540 / ~2,100–2,000) | Supports MMMs and front snow solutions. |
| Operating weight (ROPS) | ~1,444 lb | ~1,556 lb | Base weight similar; ballast changes stability most. |
| Wheelbase | 56.1 in (1,425 mm) | 57.1 in (1,450 mm) | Longer wheelbase tracks a touch calmer. |
| Ground clearance | ~6–7 in (model/tires) | ~7.7 in (front axle) | Subcompacts sit low; mind ruts/stumps/curbs. |
| Tire options (sizes) | R3/R4: 18×8.5-10 F • 26×12-12 R | R3/R3 radial/R4 (similar sizes) | Pick for your ground (see tire guide). |
| Fuel capacity | ~6.6 gal | ~6.3 gal (varies by year) | Ranges are similar; confirm by serial/year. |
| Loader model | 100LC (SSQA) | 120R (JDQA; MSL optional) | QA standard affects tool choices & adapters. |
| Max lift height (pins) | ~72 in (1,830 mm) | ~72 in (1,830 mm) | Similar stack height at full raise. |
| Lift @ pins (full height) | 1,005 lb | 803 lb | At-pins favors NH; forks live forward. |
| Lift @ 500 mm forward | 693 lb | 553 lb | Forks live here. Compare these first. |
| Breakout force | ~2,078 lbf (pins) / ~1,426 lbf (fwd) | ~1,963 lbf (pins) | Both pry well at ground. Ballast is not optional. |
| Bucket width (std) | ~50 in (SSQA) | ~53 in (materials bucket) | Heavier/wider buckets eat lift margin. |
| Quick-attach type | SSQA (recent builds) | JDQA (SSQA via Frontier SA20) | SSQA = broad tool ecosystem; JDQA needs adapter. |
| Backhoe option | 905GBL (~79.4" dig) | 260B (~74.5" dig) | Light trench/landscape covered; check subframes. |
Quick Comparison Matrix
Hydraulics, Loader Geometry & Decks — Real-Work Notes
Flow & Relief (Why it Matters)
Implement GPM sets loader/grapple speed; relief PSI caps usable force. Deere publishes 3.5 + 3.5 gpm (6.3 total) at ~2,000 psi. Workmaster lists 4.6 + 2.1 gpm (6.7 total). In practice, “feel” is a mix of flow, cylinder bores, valve tuning, and ballast.
Loader Geometry & 500 mm Reality
Spec sheets trumpet at-pins lift; forks load the boom 500 mm forward. Deere publishes 803 lb pins vs 553 lb @ 500 mm on 120R. New Holland lists 1,005 lb pins vs 693 lb @ 500 mm on 100LC. Ballast behind the axle is required to hit these safely.
Mowing & Deck Convenience
Both support mid-PTO MMMs. Deere’s AutoConnect is the one-person, repeatable on/off benchmark. New Holland’s 160GMS 60" MMM cuts well; if you swap decks frequently, the convenience delta adds up over seasons.
Ballast 101 — Liquid Tires vs Rear Counterweight
Liquid in rear tires adds low, static weight for traction and stability. It does not remove loader-induced load from the front axle. To protect the front axle and steering while using the loader, add weight behind the rear axle (ballast box, box blade, etc.). Loader manuals specify a required rear counterweight — follow it for rated lift and stability.
Tires & Traction (Quick Picks)
- Mostly lawn / wet ground Turf (R3) or Hybrid; add chains for ice.
- Loader & driveway work Industrial (R4); add liquid + 3-pt ballast.
- Soft soils / traction first R1 or aggressive hybrid if turf marks are acceptable.
Real-World Scenarios — Which Tractor Wins?
Acreage with heavy loader work + driveway maintenance (gravel)
Edge: Workmaster 25S for stout at-pins and strong 500 mm ratings; spec SSQA forks and rear ballast.
Hobby farm: pasture mowing + winter snow (blower/plow)
Edge: Deere 1025R for AutoConnect deck speed and broad front snow options.
Residential/HOA: lawn finish + occasional loader
Edge: Deere 1025R — the MMM on/off time savings matter if you mow more than you dig.
Woodlot/trails: brush, firewood, light grading
Edge: Workmaster 25S — strong loader metrics and SSQA standard bucket simplify tool swaps.
Quick-Attach Reality Check
- Deere 1025R: JDQA on 120R; run SSQA tools via Frontier SA20 adapter.
- Workmaster 25S: 100LC ships SSQA on recent builds; verify bucket width and adapter needs with your dealer.
Buyer Worksheet — Quick Peek
- Loader demo: Time a full raise/dump/rollback with required rear ballast installed.
- Fork test @ 500 mm: Handle ~500–700 lb and judge stability and steering effort.
- Deck demo: Watch AutoConnect vs NH MMM install/removal.
- Parts & service: Filter kit prices, common wear items, lead times, shop backlog.
- Warranty printout: Get the exact coverage for your serial-year.
Editorial Notes
Figures reflect manufacturer/dealer literature for the current model family. Some specs vary by year and attachment (e.g., 1025R fuel tank). If a number isn’t on an official sheet, we don’t invent it — verify loader ratings, ballast requirements, and deck compatibility for your serial and bucket/forks.
FAQ — Workmaster 25S vs John Deere 1025R
Which has better loader performance in real work?
Workmaster 25S’s 100LC lists 693 lb @ 500 mm forward and 1,005 lb at pins — strong for the class. Deere 120R lists 553 lb @ 500 mm and 803 lb at pins. Add rear ballast for either to feel planted.
Which is easier to mow with and remove/install the deck?
Deere 1025R with AutoConnect 54D/60D is the quickest, most repeatable one-person deck on/off system. NH’s 160GMS is a capable 60" MMM, just a different hookup.
Are parts and attachments easier to find for one brand?
Deere’s network and aftermarket are the deepest in North America. New Holland coverage is solid and dealer-dependent — check local parts availability and shop backlog.
Can I run skid-steer (SSQA) tools?
Workmaster 25S 100LC uses SSQA on recent builds. Deere uses JDQA; add Frontier SA20 if you want SSQA tools.
Backhoe options and digging depth?
NH 905GBL digs ~79.4". Deere 260B digs ~74.5". Ensure you get the correct subframe kit for your tractor/loader/deck combination.
Do filled tires replace a rear counterweight?
No. Liquid fills add traction and rollover resistance but don’t unload the front axle. A rear counterweight behind the axle is required for rated loader performance.
What tires should I choose?
Turf (R3) or hybrid for lawns and wet ground; Industrial (R4) for loader/driveway mix; R1/aggressive treads for soft soils if turf marks are acceptable.
Is PTO power enough for a 60" mower or snow blower?
Yes for most 60" MMMs and many compact snow blowers in this class. Match blower width to your typical snow depth and consider chains.
Verdict — The Right Pick for Your Property
- Mostly mowing + winter driveway: 1025R with AutoConnect; Turf or R4 + chains.
- Loader-heavy gravel/stone, frequent fork work: Workmaster 25S for stronger 500 mm and pins figures; or 1025R + MSL if you want Deere’s ecosystem.
- Mixed chores, sensitive turf: Either with Turf/Hybrid tires + liquid ballast and a removable rear counterweight.
Next Step — Make It Yours
Owning a tractor is just step one. Upgrading your tractor is step two and the most fun — make it something built just for you. 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.