Deere 1025R vs Kubota BX Round #2 of 8 Mower Deck 

Just a tip for all of you on the John Deere. After removing your deck. Raise your 3 point handle (the one that raises your mower deck) all the way up. And adjust the knob that sets your cutting height to the highest setting. So when using your tractor out in rough terrain or in heavy brush your mower deck brackets will always be tucked up out of the way.

I have a Kubota BX2660 with a 60" deck. I swapped out those factory pins on the anti-scalp wheels with "square lock pins." It made removal 3 times faster.

I don’t have a mower, but wanted to comment that I’m really enjoying this series!!!

Honestly, it was Deere's auto connect deck that led me to choose the 1025R over the BX. Watching this video has confirmed my choice. Excellent video! Keep up the great work!!!

Nice job Tim, your care is evident. Only bits you missed on the Bx were the size of deck belts and the L\R leveling springs. Kubota does offer 3 decks, fine cut, standard and drive over. The fine cut is a flat deck like your Deere, at least that one does not handle volume as well as the air tunnel version. It does have some extra baffling for a finer mulch. You put a note about a welded rod on the Deere, the BX edge is rolled for strength. .... really, I've never seen either of these tractors with destroyed or even rusted decks. You also forgot to point out that your tractor has the optional auto connect PTO, that's not standard (it is what seems to cause the most adjustment issues, at least ones the ones I've tried) You make me second guess my negative attitude towards drive overs. You have remember that few people have your skill level to make adjustments. As a whole, dealerships don't like selling things that have a frequency of calls for silly adjustments. My concerns are less functional, and more practical. We'd value consistency over convenience. They do make a great demo, the kubota included, when they are properly adjusted. I will admit jealousy at your attachment to lift the deck with the loader. That's killer.

Loved the video. When shopping for a subcompact I asked each dealer to show me how to install/uninstall implements so I could decide. I specifically remember the Kubota tech saying not to bother with an undermount and I should go with a rear attachment. This is the first time ever seeing what a pain it is to remove and attach it. I get that this is not an issue for many but the sheer ease of JDs system was a MAJOR selling point for me and I still feel that way. I truly appreciate the time and effort you are putting into this comparison and I'm glad you're the one doing it. You provide enough technical information without drowing me with specs like a salesman. On the other side you provide a real world/everyday guy's evaluation, but unlike many youtube people you don't wander and ramble either about yourself or something else unrelated. I know you have Casey, Vinny and the other Johnny's, but I'm THRILLED that you are getting back to your roots and spending time with the 1025. Keep up the good work and I look forward to part 3.

I have a Kubota, but the Deere has a clear advantage on deck removal/installation. Good job demonstrating both Tim.

I own BX2380 with mid mount mower. I looked at the deere products and they were definitely my second choice. Honestly the Kubota got the nod more for the dealer than the tractor. Having said that The Kubota mower is not so bad to get off, BUT that Deere drive over does look pretty sweet. All the BX owners out there claiming bias are just looking for a reason to complain. Round one video was pretty fair, and this one was too. Each tractor is going to have its strong points and it's average points. Drive over deck is a strong point. +1 for Deere. Loader removal will be a +1 for Kubota ( well maybe +.5 ). I do sometimes feel like TTWT is more about advertising for sponsors, but this series has really been good so far. In the case of this series I really believe that the end result is likely a draw. In my case the Kubota dealer made me a better deal, was closer to my house, and genuinely seemed more interested to spend time with me to show me the equipment and answer my questions. This kind of support is worth more than a drive over mower deck to me. JD does make a good tractor and I don't think anyone is going to regret purchase of either tractor. Great Series Tim, and God Bless you always. Don't ever loose the Bible Verses on your videos.

Tim, I believe you have done an awesome job in this mower deck review. Just the uninstall and reinstall procedure for the mower deck puts the John Deere far above any other subcompact tractor. I reviewed all of them last fall before making my purchase of a new tractor. I am so glad that i got the John Deere 1025R.

After numerous garden tractors in the past, I don't think the deck on my BX2200 is that bad to put on or take off other than PTO shaft, around 5 minute job or so. Great comparison videos!!

I’ve got an old 1976 Kubota b6000 and love the idea of upgrading and these videos are reaping helping me cut through the marketing. Thanks Tim

Thank you for the clear and UN-biased demonstration. It is clear deer auto-connect system is by far superior to the competition.

Tim, Thanks for this video. I just purchased a Kubota 2380 with the 60” deck. This video will be right there with me in the garage when I remove my deck. It is priceless to me. Great job.

I work for Deere but my dad owns two kubotas and I love the auto connect deck the key is if it’s adjusted properly and you don’t just ram away at it great videos guys keep up the awesome content!!!

I have no desire to ever mow with my tractor, but this was still a very interesting episode. Well done.

We've never had any issues with our 60D Autoconnect deck with our 2014 1025r. We've had it for 5 years, and we're the only owners. I added the Load-N-Go this year after your video. I love it! We have 10 acres of mostly woods and hills. We take the mower deck off often to use the loader and/or backhoe. Being that it's so easy to remove/install, I couldn't imagine having to do it any other way! Great video as always!

The JD drive over deck and the accessory where you can lift the deck with the loader for maintenance is a HUGE deal.

Very Clear and honest remarks about both products and I like the part when you said about the sale's people you hit the nail right on the head, they only really Interested in the sale for their commission and don't have the customer's best interest at heart great job love the honesty we lack into today's society.

I had a BX1500 tractor w mmm deck and while it mowed ok, the deck was the same style pin on the newer ones have, there seems to be some mild updates to the hardware the process is the same. Kudos to kubota for making the bogie wheels turn sideways to pull the deck out. I upgraded to a 1025r after about 4 years with the bx. Direct comparison, kubota deck floats better while mowing uneven terrain, but the autoconnect tradeoff is worth every penny. Like you stated Tim, if adjusted properly it’s never given me any issues. And the ease of being able to switch from mowing to any other operation without leaving the mower on to take damage is awesome. Yeah it doesn’t lift as high, and given all that linkage it’s an understandable tradeoff for time of donning or doffing the dang thing. When you get to loader operation, hands down I enjoy the kubota valve better. It allows for more fluid operation of multiple functions compared to the 1 series. Not enough however to make me want the kubota more.... for a few reasons: 1. position control 2. Quick park (also the quick attach bucket) 3. auto connect 4. Twin pedal hydrostatic. Yes the treadle pedal is aweful. Ergonomically makes your leg/knee hurt extended use or inclement weather use like plowing or snow blowing in the winter.... It allow crowds the operator station making getting on the tractor from the loader control side harder when you need to. That said, the kubota is a solid machine. I enjoyed owning it as it’s as productive as the Deere if your a knowledgeable operator. Deere just clearly spends more time investing in R&D for the small things that make the 1 series such an easy machine to own.... (see my list above again for reference). Tim having owned both I also understand your bias. And still feel your doing justice to both brands with this extended use review. Even if you brought in a red competitor I’m sure you’d see a similar like and dislike doe features and design that would keep you enjoying the 1 series as much. I’m also happy to see Neil from Messick’s poking fun as well. He’s good people and his videos and your videos make up the majority of my tractor video list lol. If nothing else you guys reinforce the things I teach my operators and also provide me for more variety into the capability and new products for the sub compact tractors. (I spend most of my fav time in commercial / military equipment) (also to be honest my father was a JD construction equipment mechanic, so I do bleed green a bit more than I should lol) Can’t wait for the next videos!

Great video, thank you for the time and energy you and your wife have spent on valuable, honest information

When my dear ‘ol’ Ford 640 finally required major work I looked at both Kubota and John Deere. I was looking for something comparable to a friend & neighbor’s early ‘90’s Kubota L2350DX that I like. What decided for me was the JD dealer six miles from home had a 2021 1025R with 59 hours, FEL and 54” deck and we dickered the price down a bit. When I got it home I found the deck was WAY out of adjustment. Connected/disconnected easy but was sloppy loose. I spent a day tweeking on my garage floor and got it set proper for tallest possible height control, leveled the blades, adjusted the drive-on auto connect, and later added the Load-n-Go/lift ramps so I can lift it and store it vertical.

Another great video. It is nice to see a unbiased video doing a fair comparison showing the advantages and disadvantages of each deck. I dislike the manufacture sales videos that rip into the other manufacture. Keep up the excellent work, and you will helping a lot of people make a more informative decision.

I’ve had a Kubota BX24 for 16 years and while it’s been a great machine, JD has leapfrogged Kubota in the subcompact and compact arena. I’m awaiting delivery of a JD2032 now. For my needs I wanted a full frame tractor that was mid mower compatible and that took Kubota completely out of the running. If you want a mid mount in Kubota you top out at sub 26hp and in a subcompact. To me, the JD2032 is the most versatile tractor around. Your videos did much to help with that choice. Thanks Tim!

Thanks for another unbiased comparison. As always, well done and very informative, you are a natural teacher/instructor guy.

Use the loader lift tractor will slide right out, and back in.

You can turn the scalp wheels and set them lower so you do not have clearance issues. I have not seen one in person but Kubota does make a drive over. Most dealers will try to talk you out of it.

Thanks Tim for your insight. I’m looking at both of those tractors right now. You’ve helped me make my decision. Thanks!

Hi Tim. Like I have said many times before, no matter what, I love my John Deere 1025R. I had looked at many other tractors and done my homework and for the money I highly recommend the John Deere over any other tractor. Now that's just my opinion alone.

Out of all the people doing this comparison you are the only one who truly does it. Everyone else either hates on one brand or the other an literally you can tell they choose one over there opinion not ove facts so good job at keeping it a fair comparison I have a 1025r an love it

I think we all knew how this episode was going to turn out. Good job Tim.

Great information Tim, I never would have have thought to put the 1025r in rear only when connecting the mower deck. Makes perfect sense. For my auto connect I never had any issues when connecting or disconnecting the mower deck until I had the Mauser cab installed. The visibility with the cab is somewhat obstructed and I didn’t realize I caught a guide wheel backing off. I bent some auto connect parts that had to be straightened. Now I look out the door to see that the front wheel is against the guide bar and back off the mower deck part way, get off and double check to see everything is right before backing completely off. I’m sure I’ll regain my confidence and be able to back right off again but for now I feel the extra few seconds it takes to visually look at where the bogey wheels are and insure I’m lined up properly to back straight off is time well spent.

I have owned my 1025r since February. I only recently took the mower deck off (last week to be precise). I was worried as the dealer showed me how to do it in the shop t dealership on concrete floor and he had a tough time. I had an issue taking it off until I found a more level spot in the stone dust basketball court. Once I did that it went off without problems. When I was done digging, I took off the backhoe, FEL and reinstalled the mower deck in under a half hour. I purchased the Deere for this reason, so wife could do this as well. Once I learned how to do each task properly, they have been super quick

What I did with my BX is, first, wish I had bought the drive over mower deck option that the dealer talked me out of (they said they had demo'd it on pavement and the deck would roll when they tried to drive over it... but they were on pavement with the deck wheels unretracted...) but second, since I had the standard deck like on your demo model, I removed or added the deck while having the FEL on, which I used to lift up the front of the tractor and roll the deck forward out from under the BX. Worked much better--no deck wheel turning, and no sliding the deck out sideways and hitting the frame with the height adjustment screws. The worst part then of the deck change was putting the PTO back ON--since you are trying to pull the collar while pushing the shaft.

Good Video Tim. The reason I purchased a 1025R was the change over capabilities. Going from mower to loader/hoe work is only about 15 minutes start to finish. Only about 5 minutes going from loader/hoe back to mower. I do a lot of loader work with the forks. And the backhoe makes excellent counter weight. The months of May and June I was moving a lot of lumber and materials for a construction project. Changing back and forth weekly made it an easy task. Let’s face facts, these sub compacts do a lot of different things very well. But they are not the greatest at at any 1 thing. John Deere IMHO, put a great deal of time and money into their design to help the operator get things done.

I own a BX. John Deere is the winner of the deck removal test. I put a small dolly caster under each wheel so I don't have to turn the wheels sideways. I also drive the rear wheels onto a scrap of 2x4 so I get the clearance to roll the deck out.

I'm one of those 1025r owners that cannot get the mowing deck to ever work correctly. Today, in fact, took 10 frustrating minutes to get the deck installed because the PTO wouldn't align (had to make my own leveling adjustment bolt - 'cmon Deere, go to Home Depot and get at least a nylock nut to use). The cam lock for the rear of the deck, on mine, can never be operated by hand like you show yours. Mine requires a breaker-bar to break it loose. And a 60 inch deck on this narrow of a tractor does not work well on anything other than a flat surface for mowing. My front yard is a little over 5 acres that has some gentle rolling, and near the creek, it gets a bit rough, but nothing my 40" zero turn couldn't handle. This 60 in deck scalps and dips. On a flat lawn, this deck does a respectable job cutting cleanly and quickly. However, if you want to cut heavy grass, like fescue, a bit higher than the lawn, the deck will not lift high enough to cut heavier grasses. Even with the mower turned off (deck still attached) and traveling over uneven ground (like down a gravel driveway!!), the deck will scrape and bounce as it hits the ground. No matter what adjustments I make, it will not lift all the way up. We own a 140 acre farm and the only reason I still own this sub-compact tractor is the utility - the other attachments for the work that needs to be done. My real workhorse is my t4.75 New Holland with a 12 ft batwing mower, loader, sprayer, etc. As a farm operator, this mowing deck is the most frustrating and time consuming implement we own. Ironically, I bought it because I thought it would be the quickest way to get utility out of a $17,000 piece of equipment. 18 months later, I am still wrong. Thanks for your work on the videos Tim.

I bought a 1025r for my landscaping business and it’s probably the best purchase so far. Only thing I don’t like about it is the hood latch release, it’s hard to get to with the loader installed.

The auto connect deck is the whole reason me and my wife went with the john deere

Thank you. Another solid informative video. We'll done.

Great video. I sometimes whine about taking my deck on and off the 1025. This video brings me to reality how easy I have it. 👍. I don’t take my deck off on concrete. Had the deck slip sideways a couple times. The deck wouldn’t click in and the two reasons were; the PTO needed to be in the rear setting and the other was a set screw backed out of the deck PTO spline. Other then that. Greatest invention JD made.

Positive attitude, mature, sensitivity for mechanical operations. Refreshing 👍👍 thank you Tim. Excellent Presentation. CD in New Hampshire

tim i too was talked out of ride over deck from the dealer . i was told that i would be walking the deck across the floor.i have found the collar on the shaft locks in the back position and will release when the collar is in place over the (pto )shaft,i just spray the splines with Wd40 to allow them to slide ,in my mind using grease would attract grit and debris easier , the big draw back to me with the kubota deck is the grease fittings walk out of the anti scarf wheels ,i have some thread lock and will try that. greeeze ,grease,.....leeeeever,...lever.....potaaato,..potato. your doing a great job

My 12 year old son asked what the “John Wayne” approach is, made me feel like I’m getting old.

Tractor Time with Tim - thanks for a great video! I watched this after I had to remove my MMM on my BX2660 Friday - I struggled like you did shifting the deck around to slide it out! Today I re-installed it turning the front wheels to the left - rolled in straight. The other thing was I replaced the key ring type to a clip to release the pins holding the anti scalp wheels in place

On the BX23S that we have. The PTO coupler on the mower deck that attaches to the mid PTO shaft locks back. Thus you pull the collar on the shaft back then line up the spline and shove the PTO shaft until it locks in place. If you put the PTO selector in the position to engage the rear PTO it puts the mid PTO in neutral so you can turn the mid PTO shaft by hand to help line up the mower deck PTO shaft. However, the auto attach deck is definitely a winner. My personal favorite; however, would be a three point hitch rear discharge grooming mower. Good entertaining video.

My 2020 JD 60D Auto Connect deck for my 2020 1025R the connecting brackets have changed significantly to prior models. As usual fantastic content. Thank you!

Great comparison again. I like that you are given an honest view of both brands. I’ve had Alice, John deer’s, Belarus, and a yanmar. All have pro and cons. The Belarus was junk in a pretty wrapping. The rest were great tractors.

Doing great with this series. Earned another like from me. I would love to see a video from you on how to setup the autoconnect deck properly.

Tim, you just solidified my reason for selling the GREEN machines! Ease of operation and simpleness.

Tim; I have a JD 3320 compact with a 72" 7-Iron deck with the auto connect. We've had very good service with it. We keep our poultry complex mowed which consist of about 7 acres and use the tractor in the houses when we sell the flock as well as in our garden. It's had the deck removed enough that I've actually worn one PTO connector out and had to replace it.

Tim nails it with all the difficulty. I have had my Bx for a year and numerous on and offs and it still sucks!

Probably a good place to throw in something I learned in my research on these tractors and their mower decks. I was thinking of the drive-over deck for the Kubota as I was shopping. However Kubota does have that vulnerable plastic cooling fan underneath. With the deck on it's reasonably protected but with the deck off a lot of people opt for a third party skid plate under the Kubota. One of the most popular 3rd party skid plates is BXpanded's 'Under Armor' unit. It goes on/off quite easily after first install by all intel I could gather. HOWEVER - it will not work with the subframe of the Kubota drive-over deck. Perhaps there are other solutions people have found which will work just fine there but I have no knowledge of them. The Under Armor not working unless the subassembly for the Kubota drive-over deck was also removed made the drive-over deck a no-go for me personally. In the end the comparison of mowing deck maintenance was a strong factor in pushing me over the Deere side of the fence. Only time will tell if that was a good decision or not for me. The 'cost' for that, in my book, are the maintenance grease points along the driveline of the Deere.

Tim, I have said this before and I’m gonna say it again. I absolutely love my BX. It is a fantastic little tractor. That being said, I can’t stand to take the deck on and off. Jon and Neil make it look effortless and you even made it look easy. I did figure out the one thing that all 3 of you have in common that I do not. I have a gravel drive and no concrete surface available to slide the deck on. Thank you for giving us a fair and unbiased comparison. Both tractors are capable and can get the job done. I think both tractors have good points and bad points. It just boils down to what the individual likes (or can afford). Frankly I am a FARMALL fanatic and if they made a modern CUB I would be telling everyone how great they would be. Signed The Other Tim with Tractors

Didn’t know you’d get a workout just doing a video did you Tim! Thanks for your hard work to produce a great vid!

The difference in pulley and belt size between the two is amazing

Kubota and John deere are both great products. I always hated removing and reinstalling belly mowers and kudos to JD for trying to improve the situation! I've had compact diesels in kubota, massey ferguson, new holland and decided years ago to have Ferris zero turn mowers for my lawn mowing needs. As far as tractors go, I've never owned a JD but have worked on many. I don't like there light duty stamped steel mower decks and all the plastic hoods and fenders they use. If you decide to own a JD, make sure you keep it garaged and out of the sunlight and severe cold or all those bits of plastic will start cracking and falling apart! I'll stick with my all steel Kubota! If you change the oil and filter as recommended the Kubota will last several lifetimes! That's why most rental yards use Kubota!

Hey, I have a 1025R and took off the mower deck then went to my dealer and bought a Zero Turn for mowing. Works great! Also if you have a Deere bagger for your deck the Load and Go don’t have any where for the drive belt to the turbo,so get out the Plasma cutter. I Like your videos keep em coming.

Purchased an older bx2370 this winter. While a drive over deck looks simpler my father and neighbor who both have the Deere version seem to spend some time in their backs as well with there decks. I won't argue it's a bit of a manual process on the BX. That said, Tim you made this look painful. My 14 year old son regularly take the loader and mower deck on and off. The deck in well under 5 minutes. This summer with one arm in a sling. I think your take is correct. The easier it comes of the more inclined you are too take it off. My property allowed me to leave it on a fair amount of the time but when needed I don't find it cumbersome. And as was mentioned I don't think grease on the splines is there best way to go. Graphite or a dry lube is my choice.

Have a JD 728 with auto connect for 9 years and still works every time.

Drive over deck was one of the reasons why I went with a 1025R going on 5 years ago over the Kubota. Haven't had an issue with the Driveover to date. I hope I didn't just jinx myself. LOL! I remove the deck a lot when not mowing and using the loader and backhoe. I did not dislike the BX. I thought it was comparable and overall seemed very user friendly. The features like the driveover and the finance options offered by JD at that time moved me to the Green side. Still very happy I did. Great video Tim!

Auto connect is what pushed me over the edge to the 1025R. Had mine on and off at least 4 times in 44 hrs. And I know I made the right decision

That kubota Lawn mower deck goes on the same as my 1975 John Deere 400. What a debacle

Excellent video as always. I have a BX. Yes, the deck is a pain to remove and install because of the PTO shaft. And yes, they make a drive over deck, but every dealer tries to talk you out of it. My dealer didn’t have one on site, and he probably had 50 tractors available for sale out on the lot. As others have noted, if you still have the FEL mounted, you can use it to lift the front wheels for more clearance. This is my first Kubota. I am still using my 15 year old JD GX325. I looked at both of these and ultimately decided on the BX. Time will tell if I made the right decision or not. I bought it as a retirement gift to myself. BTW, there are a lot of us Kubota lovers that subscribe to your channel and love your content. Keep up the good work!

Hi Tim, your technique is correct. I've owned two BX's and I am quite proficient with deck removal and installation. For me, doing it almost the same way as you did, it takes me about 2 minutes to remove and about 3 minutes to reinstall. The only thing I do different is attach the front connection before attaching the lift arms. That way I can line up the arms faster. However, the first time I ever did it, it took nearly 15 minutes. Its not a fun task. Not even comparable to JD auto-connect, however, if your physically able, its no big deal at all.

Tim, I admire your courage but. 'From the frying pan into the fire', fits here. A brave sole you are. As a long time John Deere owner I have never heard of any comparison to JD as positive. It seems to me that the only way a non John Deere owner finds justice in there purchase is to knock the any and all competition. As you pointed out if you bought a xyz a tractor it is obviously the best for you. A wise old friend once told me, "the higher up the tree you go the stronger the wind". A loyal subscriber!

Hello from Canada:) My husband and I jare shopping around for a tractor. haven't made the final decision yet:) Your channel is our fav! We have been binge watching every evening LOL Loads of helpful info, demonstrations, and laughs:) Thanks!

Good even handed review. Removing the deck is a pain but it's never gotten in my way while tilling or doing dirt work so I honestly don't know that I would remove it even if I did have an easier way to do it. I have heard of people driving up on boards to get more clearance height but if you have a loader that's the way to go. The PTO shaft on my mower seized up on me at the beginning of the mowing season this year but it was my own fault. We moved and I failed to winterize it before it sat outside all winter off the tractor. A couple of raps with a hammer and it was free and some grease kept it moving freely. It will be covered this year. The collar should lock back while installing the PTO but it doesn't take much of a bump for it to unlock. If I remember correctly, I find it easier to reach the shaft from the left side of the tractor. I have noticed that the gear box in the center seems to trap grass and you have to kneel down and pull it out rather than just blow it out or wash it out with the hose. Again, keep up the good work, Tim.

Before removing or installing the deck on the Kubota, drive it up on a 2 by 4 or 2 by 6. If you have a loader use it to raise the front of the tractor.

I have a 1025 R & love my quick disconnect deck. I have had to make a couple adjustments to the pto locator & front bar. I also found that it must be removed on a level surface to be able to connect it easily. Love it.

Tim, you forgot to mention one thing to the viewers about the drive over deck install. I'm sure you know this, but others watching may not. You should explain to them how the long guide bar on the mower deck is used in conjunction with the left tire for ease of alignment during the installation. I think if it wasn't for that guide bar, I would probably miss the connection more often. Also, as a side note, I am one happy, satisfied customer with the auto connect deck. It is genius and anyone who doesn't like it must not be using it right. It's probably my most liked quick attach feature on the Deere. Great video.

On the Deere, there are 2 slides located behind the left rear tire, if you loosen the bolt and slide them closer together, this will give you extra clearance, its not quite to 6" but its over 5", the dealer sets them at that height because it gives the most consistency on mowing and lift and lowering. That being said, doing that adjustment does not void your warranty, most dealers will do just such if you ask. All of ours have that slide adjusted and it makes the load n' go sit tight up against the floorboard. Just a little fyi. Both good machines for what they are.

Nice job Tim. The Kubota deck looks like a supersized version of my older Cub to remove. I would say the Deere box is much taller as to help with the auto connect lineup.

All the other videos were so biased. “This is why I hate JD. This is what I love about Kubota” or vise versa. I love that you just state the facts. Your videos have helped us make a decision as first time compact tractor buyers.

Love my JD 1025r drive-over deck simplicity !!!

Tim as you prepare to reinstall your mower deck even on your drive over deck, take a minute and clean especially the tractor PTO shaft as you could have collected trash between the splines. Also check the connection portion on the mower deck. Easier to clean it with out it under the tractor. And what a frustration to have to remove the deck again to clean one or the other. A light application of grease on the shaft may allow it to slide on easier. It only needs a light application as once locked in place they work there as one unit as you know.

Those load and go brackets are very nice. It would be so easy taking the deck off and putting it away till you need it again with the FEL. I have never installed the deck on my BX. When I bought my BX I got a 54" deck with it but it is in the garage covered up. I am still using my old Kubbota G1900 3 cyl diesel lawn tractor to cut the grass. The G1900 just keeps on going. Thanks for the videos, I am looking forward to the next one.

Love My Auto Connect 72" 7 Iron. Can not wait for the comprehensive Adjustment video. My local independent Dealer was just screwed over by Deere and now sells Yanmar !! so my new dealer is 40 miles away instead of 3 miles. I have 250 hrs on my 2014 1025R (just got the paid off note) and the deck is now out of adjustment somehow. It raises up in the rear fine but moves very little in the front height wise. While very mechanically inclined and do most of my own repair work I do like the visual of a repair prior to starting the Job. Sooner the better for the adjuatment video. Also the one thing I do notice with the auto connect. I use a rubber floor runner to prevent the deck from sliding when connecting ti and the rear locking arm sometimes is very hard to release the lever the deck must be very level and the tractor "pushing the deck forward while stopped to tske pressure off of the Release lever. Keep up the great videos.

thanks for the vid's tim, and thanks for the unbiased opinions, the proof speaks for its self in your vids

Hi Tim, couldn't see anyone mention it before. In regards to the height of the ROPs. Make a line from the top of the ROPs to the front of the bonnet. That's where it will rest on the ground if flipped on its head. John Deere has slanted their ROPs forward to bring this line higher over the operator, giving more leeway in case of roll over. Loving your videos keep it up!

Love both of these tractors, but when it came time to buy one, it was the auto connect that sold me on the John Deere , last thing I want to do is get down on the floor to disconnect the mower, also, loader and hoe go on so easily. Nice job Tim.

Very informative video. I think the rops are tilted forward over the seat to give more protection to the operator. Yes a video on leveling the mower deck would be nice.

The scriptures at the end are a nice touch ☺

Once again a great video just simply showing how they differ from each other. Very unbiased. These comparison videos really help to know what a person would want to get. Thanks for the great videos!!! I really appreciate and enjoy watching your videos. I mentioned your channel on one of my tractor videos. Looks like fun to show how they work so I'm doing a little bit but nothing like you have.

The drive over deck on mine works exactly as designed... It is simply AMAZING. If it doesn't work right.. adjust it.... Tim nailed it.. if it's in adjustment, and you install/remove on a reasonably level surface.. .it is 15-30 seconds max...on or off Complaints...3 of em 1) Lifted deck height.. not enough lift. Especially for such a tall machine. I mow grass at 2.5 inches.. my deck only lifts about 1.5 inches above that when "lifted all the way" (I've spen lots of time doing the adjustments.. both in the lift arm adjusters, and the arm that goes back to the 3pt) 2) I hate how inaccurate my deck height knob is on my 1023e, between the slop in the entirely plastic knob on the metal shaft (it's not gonna last.. but i have 2 years of warranty... ), and the loosy goosy universal joint thing in between the height cam and knob shaft, it can be in 2 or 3 different indicated height positions depending on if you turn it clockwise or counterclockwise...not great. 3) I also hate how the mower deck settles onto the adjustment on left side, then the right side drops another inchor more. The slop in the rock-shaft is ridiculous. (I have the mechanical linkage that moves with the 3 point). My 31 year old 318 had less slop in it... Deere needs a fix, and then a repair campaign... period.. When setting mower deck level.. you MUST do so with it hanging from a setting on the deck hieght (not just hanging off the lift arms..its gotta be "dropped") ... the problem I complain should not occur with the optional hydraulic lift, because it pulls the same spot the adjuster hangs the deck from. Again.. The autoconnect deck on and off .. could simply not be any easier than this.. it is flawless.. grass, gravel, or garage.. always works with almost zero effort... it is great.

DO NOT GREASE THE SPINES ON THE PTO SHAFT! Use oil only. Grease will cause dirt to get in there and then you can not slide the PTO shaft freely with your hand when you connect and disconnect. Don't ask me how I know...

This is a excellent video Tim b/c this is the most aggravating chore of using my tractor. Installing and removing the mower deck. I simply hate it! The drive-shaft in itself is a pure challenge much yet pulling or pushing the deck under the tractor. This will eventually be figured out in a decade or so and by that time, my knees and back will be so beaten, there will be no need to discuss cutting grass. I'll be focusing on my appointments with the chiropractor (ha). Enjoyed a full-watch and wish you and Christi a fine weekend. A very informative video.

Would definitely like you to do a video on adjusting mower deck

First of all, thank you for what I refer to as an exceptional unbiased and fair comparison video series. Secondly I was wondering if a bright yellow grease pencil marking around the wheel pegs on the Kabota mower deck could help those like me in remembering the position prior to turning them. Should be safe since it is greased based and bright yellow is easy to see.

Instead of turning the wheels on the deck and sliding it out of the side, I unhook the linkages and the PTO shaft. Then I curl my bucket to the dump position and lift the front wheels off of the ground by have big the loader push down on the ground. Then I roll the deck infront of the front wheels, let them down by lifting the loader, and lift the loader and back away. Easy.

Need you to make the video on adjusting the auto connect deck for easy install and removal.

Great comparison video Tim. I'm not surprised at the difference in taking the decks off as I believe JD has really made it simple. I took the deck off of my BX2680 for the first time last week and it was a little bit of a hassle but still only took me about 10 minutes. I did have to have my wife help me push it under as I only have gravel to work on and I'm getting old! But, as you showed, if I had a Deere, I would probably take it off more often then I most likely will. Can't wait for Round #3.

Score that round a Mike Tyson knockout win for John Deere. 😊 Great video Tim!

I mowed with a JD 430GT for years. Removing the deck was very similar to that of the Kubota BX2680. The anti-scalp wheels need to be adjusted so that the deck is almost on the ground. You actually raised the deck higher off the ground when you turned the wheels. Had you adjusted them to their lowest position, the bolts would not have interfered with the frame. Also turning the wheel increases the space between the front and rear wheels, thus making it easier to pull the deck out from under the tractor. That being said, the Deere still easily wins the install and removal contest.

I am really impressed with J,D's auto load belly mower. Wow! Have just bought the Kubota. I will adapt, and be like a INDY pit crewman on getting that belly mower off.

Good showing Tim and do enjoy your channel. I don't have a new JD sub-compact but I do have a few old garden tractors and love them. I do have a 2017 L series Kubota and like the options and the durability of the tractor. I can see both sides of the story and can relate. Keep up the great work.

As a BX25D owner who has had the deck on a off a few dozen times that was a real world demonstration of the effort required to remove and install the mower deck. There are times when getting the rear latches lined up is a bear. It's not the worst job in the world but you certainly don't look forward to it. You tend not to take it off for convenience but only when absolutely required for rough terrain work or maintenance. Others have mentioned using the lower 90 degree setting on the gauge wheels helps when sliding the mower out so that the bolts on top don't hang up on the mower arms. This doesn't work on mine as the mower body is touching the ground when the lowest wheel setting is used.

A really excellent review series you're doing. Thanks!

You missed the grease fittings! Kubota deck has grease fittings on the anti scalp wheels.. not sure if Deere does? Also it is MUCH easier to remove the bx deck when the tires are turned all the way one way or the other.. it really doesn’t matter which way you turn the wheels it’s more to just turn them to widen the gap between the front tires to the rear tires to allow the deck to slide in and out from under the tractor that much easier. Another great video Tim!

I just bought a 2008 BX2350 and the deck was easy to take off. Neil made it look easier than it is because he did it on a new tractor with no dirt build up. I also believe you would have had an easier time if you turned the wheels to give yourself room to move the deck forward to clear those bolts you hung up on. Either way the auto connect deck is easier.

I’m impressed with the John deer drive over deck. I had no idea it was that easy. I own a Kubota and I’m use to taking it off an on the hard way. I’ve had this machine since 2004 and I love it. I can’t begin to tell you how much time it saves me . I’m looking to upgrade to a 2380 because I don’t have a front loader on mine. Just not sure if I’m ready to trade it in . Thanks for your videos.