John Deere VS Bobcat - Real World Tractor Comparison

John Deere 2038R vs Bobcat 2035 vs John Deere 3038e
This tractor is actually about $5000 cheaper than I mentioned in the video. I was quoting Msrp instead of sale price
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[@RockhillfarmYT]

This tractor is actually about $5000 cheaper than I mention in the video. I was quoting Msrp instead of sale price Bobcat is offering special rebate to viewers of my channel. Here are the rebate amounts and the participating dealerships: $2,000 rebate on 4 and 5 series tractors $1,000 rebate on 2 and 1 series tractors $500 rebate on any lawn mower Store Locations: Midwest Bobcat of Oklahoma City, OK Bobcat of Goldsby, OK Bobcat of Albuquerque, NM Bobcat of El Paso, TX Mountain West Intermountain Bobcat of Salt Lake City, UT Intermountain Bobcat of Orem, UT Intermountain Bobcat of Ogden, UT High Desert Bobcat of Nampa, ID High Desert Bobcat of Idaho Falls, ID High Desert Bobcat of Twin Falls, ID High Desert Bobcat of Burley, ID Bay Area Bobcat Bobcat of the Bay Fremont, CA Bobcat of the Bay Contra Costa, CA Bobcat of the Bay Santa Rosa, CA Bobcat of the Bay Gilroy, CA

[@kurtd1796]

Thanks again, Brock. These real use videos go beyond the specs and help a buyer to get a better idea of which tractor (or other equipment you review) will meet their actual day to day. You covered a lot of the little things that are in the category of "I wish I'd known that before I bought this". The comparisons of the strengths and weaknesses of each machine really help match them to what a guy might be planning on using them for. The videos are just plain fun to watch, too. You're a natural at this, keep up the good work!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks a lot

[@frankwrogg2515]

Wow, great review. As a bobcat owner, you nailed it. I see all these same issues in mine, from the mechanical shifters to the lifting limits.

[@toddcaskey9984]

Morning , I hate my lift capacity of my CT 2040. That is the biggest disappointment I have with mine .i was moving stuff this morning with my forks and I am happy with the clutch , easier to pull into pallets u can really feather it & when the hydro sticks u need the clutch. I was like holly cow I wish Brock was here. Lol

[@billberry3669]

Awesome video. I own a newer kioti ck 3510. Have 180 hrs on it. I absolutely love it and have had zero issues.

[@puddlejumper3534]

Great comparison really enjoying the series. I just sold my little tractor and bought a new one. I stayed with Kabota and a big selling feature for me with Kubota was of course the dealer and where it’s located but also the insurance that I was able to get through Kabota, save my butt last year. I had a repair that was $7600 and the insurance covered it they paid me $7800 to rent a machine and have my machine taken and brought back from the dealership that is wicked. That was a reason why I stuck with Kabota. Kabota might be more money but around here it doesn’t seem to make a lot of difference in price, when I price my smaller tractor there wasn’t a big difference that is justified buying a cheaper tractor.

[@calisubs6509]

Great side by side comparison. Like you noted, that range selector on the Bobcat (Kioti) is a bear. After some break in period, it really smoothes out.

[@jeremyj612]

Thanks Brock, I really like these down to business comparisons. Very informative and well done!

[@MikeGetsItDone]

Excellent point on the lack of CURL strength on the Bobcat. I think you're 100% right, CURL should always exceed LIFT.

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Brock, great comparisons. I was suprised the curling capacity was not as much as the lift capacity. That is dangerous. I waa suprised to see you have to push the clutch in to start the machine.

[@timothydeshaies]

Bobcat is the same tractor as the Kioti "right now, but I heard Bobcat will be making their own shortly" but they use different loaders and backhoes. Kioti loaders are stronger, but loose in the backhoe. Kioti also uses 15" front tires.

[@willhutchinson3242]

I’ve owned 3 Kiotis in the last ten years. Great tractors, only sold the first two to get a bigger, newer one with a cab. I’d buy the Bobcat equivalent tomorrow if I could find the similar options to the Kioti CK SE, cab models. Can’t find one under 55 hp. I’d buy the Bobcat because the dealer is 8 miles away. The Kioti dealer in my town closed about 7 years ago. Now the closest dealer is 2 1/2 hours away. Something to be said about the dealer being closer even though the FEL lift capacity on the Bobcat is 400 lbs less.

[@sewerman911]

I turn my ct230 hydro up under he drive pedals a half a turn. Made a huge difference. Lifting before that was terrible.

[@miatch085]

Okay I'm not done watching the video yet but wow. I was feeling slightly impressed with the rock pile test pushing in but the ibc totes with firewood was real disappointing. I own a Massey Ferguson 1835M, 35hp (M is the deluxe model not economy). I can easily pickup a full ibc tote of firewood. I also have some Northern Woodsmen Firewood tote bags which are a face cord and it picks those up as well. My loader lift capacity is 1800lbs ish. And lastly, love your channel Brock! You're killing it on KZbin for me. So many of your videos have been relevant to the work I'm doing. Stay honest and authentic!

[@miatch085]

One point I also feel is noteworthy- your JD to me is a true 2 series tractor with great capability for the size. That Bobcat's overall size- weight, length, width to me is a 3 series but only with 2 series capabilities.

[@matthewjones9331]

Hey Brock! Great video, I love how you've shown so many different brands recently. I know it is significantly more expensive, but mechabicaly speaking I think the 3039r is the most equivalent. John Deere. It was my dream tractor but way out of my price range haha.

[@patrickcorbett8361]

watching this comparison series has verified to me that my 2016 John Deere 3033R is the perfect tractor for me Thanks Brock ! pc

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I think the three series John Deere is great

[@Pat2317]

The tote lifting test surprised me. I have the ck2610 (Kioti) and I was like, he’ll lift that no problem, then the forks kept dropping. I couldn’t believe it. I lift them all the time with mine. I’m surprised Bobcat uses that loader instead of just using Kioti’s loader. I wonder why that is? It also appears more herky jerky than mine. Very interesting.

[@davidhackworth2011]

Good video. Hats off to the Bobcat. But I’ve always had Green JD.

[@waynejones5239]

Thanks for helping Chad

[@ProductiveRecreation]

I’ve seen the curl not outlift the lift before on my machine. It depends on where the load is. If the load is in the bucket, curl beats lift. If the load is out farther forward (forks for example), lift beats curl. I think it has to do with loader and load geometry. These tractors aren’t forklifts, and the loaders seem to be designed around the bucket. If I were lifting firewood totes and round bales, I’d go to the next frame size up in a tractor. It’s like using a half ton truck to tow 11,000lb. Sure, the manufacturer specs say you can do it… but I wouldn’t recommend it if that’s the purpose of the truck. A 3/4 or 1 ton truck will do it comfortably. Same with tractors and lift capacity. In general, the lift capacity of these machines exceeds what the machine should be safely doing on an everyday basis. You can get in a lot of trouble fast. My Ford 1700 tractor is the size of the Bobcat and only lifts 800lb at the pin to full height. Generally, it’s very stable given its weight, but you can still get in trouble with it… and I have rear wheel weights and loaded tires. I can’t imagine having 2x my lift capacity on the same size machine. That’s a recipe that could spell trouble.

[@mikepici5553]

Personally id rather own the bobcat than the over priced deere

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Tough call to me, they are almost the same price and the Deere has a lot more features

[@nickc7320]

You have to look at it this way. With the john deere, you are paying for the name, but also America wages. Anything built in America is going to be more expensive because American wages. Korean made tractors (bobcat) will reflect lower wages.

[@markziegler3551]

I've always said that a 3 range hydro is going to be "better" for a lot of things that I do with my tractor. I really think that Deere messed up when they made the 2R and 3E series when they used a 2 speed transmission. I really think that the 3R is where it's at. Now I will take my New Holland TC29D as it's paid for and will do everything I need it to do.

[@cynthiarayl8568]

What a good neighbor, you are!!!

[@tommywise1702]

Looks like the Bobcat is a fair tractor - not a toy. Good video.

[@Browneyemafia]

Just bought a 3043D and was pleasantly surprised by the power…

[@merrittroseberry3523]

You need to test the Badboy 4025 or 4035. Both tractors are in the same price range and run cicles around what your testing. We easily move full sized round bales front and rear on our 4024H. Lift capacity of 2200lbs at full height

[@oakiewoodsman]

I have never seen a machine where the curl circuit wasn’t the strongest 😮. That is pretty weird. That could certainly get ya in trouble I do believe

[@tomahawkjo8574]

I will say my CT2025 felt unstable in the beginning. I recently added beat juice and 3 inch wide bro-tek spacers. Made a world of difference (of course that added around $1,000 also). My CT1021 i sold was low on hydraulic flow from factory and i increased it which helped my lifting. I have yet to test my 2025 to see if it is low from factory. It would be interesting if you could test that one to see what it is at?

[@shanebradley8316]

Morning Brock. Could you also include the owner accessibility to repair resources besides dealers (i.e. service manuals, electrical & hydraulic schematics, OEM & and after-market commonly replaced parts, and usefull social media resources - advice & vodeos, to include if or how each manufacturer addresses right to repair? Eventually, all machines will need need to repair out of warranty and some repairs could be accomplished by DIY with helpfull resources. A couple uears ago there was a big deal about right to repair with JD and farmers trying to save money by repairing themselves but no access to OEM resources. Thanks.

[@hughhead9079]

Great job on this one and the series!

[@shep6123]

Yeah, I’d say same thing but then both of them did a good job. I think yeah I think they were doing a good job on it. Your first test.

[@6Lforever]

Can you do one with the bobcat against the comparable bad boy tractor? I’m torn between the two and haven’t found anyone really comparing them against each other just the established colors.

[@calebthompson9631]

It's a common misuse of the word, but "wheelbase" is the distance between the front and rear axles. "Tread width" refers to the overall tire-to-tire width on an axle. I enjoy your videos, so sorry to be nit-picking!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I was measuring wheelbase when I parked the rear wheels even with each other and then checked the front front wheels. The tractors are the same length axle to axle The bobcat is 5 inches wider

[@calebthompson9631]

@@RockhillfarmYT Somewhere between 10 and 11 minutes, you attributed the Bobcat's stability to its "wider wheelbase," and that is what I was commenting on. I don't make videos because I would accidentally be using wrong terminology more often than right!

[@tinkering123]

Good review. I need one of those.

[@BrandyJupiter]

I greatly enjoyed my 4320 and NX6010. My RK55 has been a disaster for us in terms of lost time and finances, and I would never recommend one.

[@militarygradegear4004]

I am planning on trading or selling my Bobcat CT2025 and getting a Kioti NS4710

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

Does the BOBCAT roll the bucket and lift at the same time with any amount of efficiency?OR does one operation prioritize in the Hyd system?How does the DEERE roll and lift at the same time?

[@lailer1975]

Good question, my Kubota does both seamlessly.

[@kurtlewis6543]

I own a 2022 John Deere 3038 e tractor it only has High and Low range for the Hydrostatic drive.

[@machineryworking4589]

[@beekone28]

I also heard the mistake. a 3039r has a 3 range e hydro. But that's a whole different tractor although it's name doesn't suspect that.

[@richardbritton5280]

Ty Brock 🏆

[@jamessilver3229]

is the brush cutter still for sale?

[@sejinpark9312]

Bobcat is reasonable

[@helmuthschultes9243]

Looking forward for the "Brush clearing" at Chad's property. Just finished watching Chad and yourself get to using your machine, after several disappointing sessions with the hired equipment not fulfilling the purpose it was hired to do. Thank you helping Chad, and looking forward to more of your equipment 'reviews' or summary of experiences, improved use of equipment, maintenance or precautions. You seem to cover so much of interest.👍👍👍👍😃

[@timcrosby6820]

What’s that little red car in the background? Target practice for your 50 caliber? 😂😊

[@mikeduhm5325]

I believe the ls tractors have the highest lift capacity per class of tractor. I was surprised at how light in comparison other brands are in the same class. A mt232 ls for example lifts 2500 lbs at the pins.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

The kioti version of this tractor is above average on lift capacity, but Bobcat uses their own loader. It’s towards the bottom of lift capacity Only John Deere and Kabota would be less The L S Tractor you talked about and the TYM 2515 or dramatically more.

[@mikegraziano1562]

Looks like the Deere had a tooth bar and the Bobcat didn't, I can tell you that gives the Deere a huge advantage esp. going into a pile of stone or stripping off a layer of dirt. I know you did a video on this topic that was very good, just an oversight/ You should have either taken off the tooth bar or added one to the Bobcat.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Didn’t think of it

[@randallquiring9525]

Kioti loaders do have the same problem with the curl function not being as strong as its lift capacity. Maybe better than bobcat but not as good as it should be.

[@JCWren]

Can you hand suitcase weights on the front of your JD and lower the FEL all the way? It looks like that's possible. On my L4701, there is a place weights can be hung, but I don't think that it is it's intended purpose, and if you do, you can't lower the FEL. Front weight can be nice when you want to run something heavy on the back end (like a Woodland Mills WC88, toeing it an 900 lbs) and want to help balance that. I can set weights in the bucket, of course, but then they're not secured.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

No, there is not enough clearance between that front weight bracket and the loader You can only put them there with the loader off

[@markpontes4457]

Is the John Deere price with the Cab?

[@midwayfarms]

Great video

[@pcl598]

Perfect we know the verdict, Bobcat done and over

[@projectswithjw]

Howdy

[@NYTROeast]

But the cab would also make it feel or seem differnt

[@dansmith8933]

I got rid of my bobcat and got a Mahindra. I as well was disappointed in the bobcat lift capacity.

[@charlesperry1051]

The inability to tilt more than it can lift is NOT a good situation. Plenty of accidents waiting to happen. Otherwise, a nice tractor.

[@stephenmcatee2104]

from what i saw in the video i would say the bobcat did much better, i dont own either of these brands so i do not lean towards one or the other.

[@1yehny]

Put the box blade on the Deere. You will be much more stable. You’ve stacked the deck against the Deere on the rock test. Rear counter weight is very important for stability.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I’ve got 900 hours on the Deere so I’m comparing to my total experience Having 1400 pounds added to the rear axle is probably at least equivalent to having 400 pounds behind it. I would say the deer was more balled than the bobcat

[@peterkoster5053]

John deere 3038e is a 2 speed the 3039R is a three speed I believe

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Correct. I didn’t say it that way

[@nahnisjourney1406]

👍🏽

[@rcguymike]

3038e is 2 range. 3039R is 3 range and also at least 5-8k more than an e series

[@Rhodesian_FAL]

I’m not going to be surprised if the new tractor winds up being a 4075R…

[@towerjokeytower8484]

See if you can get a Comp. to let you let you demo. a jaw crusher you have so many rocks.

[@wesbell419]

Is it just me or do the hydraulics on the bobcat seem really fast or snappy in its motions?

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I think it’s too fast or jerky on the loader and on the movement of the tractor itself

[@Larry-hi1ri]

I have a John Deere 1025r I would rather have to big of a tractor than to small of a tractor just saying

[@user-vd4bk1ll9m]

First of all both tractors need to be at 2,500 rpm’s. You killed the JD becuase the rpm were so dang low. The pumps GPMS don’t fully operate unless the rpm’s are high. Also you won’t even get 540 on the PTO with less than 2k rpm’s.

[@S_and_S_Farms]

But with all the upgrades you’ve done to your John Deere, this isn’t a fair comparison since the Bobcat is a stock tractor.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Like what? The hydraulic upgrades wouldn’t affect any of the test done in the video. That’s why I didn’t do a lift test as it is. I instead compared the lift that it had when I bought it. My tractor has extra weight on it, which is why I was running it without a ballast. The bobcat had ballast.

[@kenshaum3994]

The Bobcats hydrostatic has more torque

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I think you might be right. Also the John Deere has more a lot more weight it’s carrying

[@Spruce_ridge_farm]

Spinning ain't winning

[@RockhillfarmYT]

When my tractor struggled to pull a plow, I got 1000 comments saying that so-and-so tractor would spin all the tires before it ran out of power. I said that’s why I’ve added 1500 pounds to the back of my tractor plus the ballast. I’m not trying to spin

[@Aussie_gamer.]

First

[@toddcaskey9984]

Beat me by 12 seconds lol

[@Aussie_gamer.]

@@toddcaskey9984😂

[@musicgroopie1]

Why not just buy a tractor with the weight built-in to the chassis? TYM/ Branson and Mahindra build heavy tractors with awesome fel capacity. If your just doing landscaping then a light tractor will suffice but if you are pushing, pulling or digging, then you'll need lots of weight.

[@toddcaskey9984]

@@Aussie_gamer. right at 07:59 I was feeding my dogs part of a banana lol & I said to myself I'm going be late . I grabbed a banana to go into the living room to watch the video and of course all my dogs wanted a piece lol .

[@toddcaskey9984]

@@musicgroopie1 if I was doing it over again I would buy a cheaper tractor , but I liked the salesman and the service department. That is the reason and the 2 petal hydraulic system.

[@FormulaXFD]

Bobcat? So Kioti? XD

[@drew4769]

They have different loaders

[@RockhillfarmYT]

They do have different loaders and different backhoes and bobcat built a production facility so that they can move back the machine themselves using the kioti design and engineering I would expect the evolution to be that you’ll start to see more and more differences

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

If it's not too much work I'd like to know when something is an option. Like is auto-throttle an option if you ordered the bobcat. If so, roughly how much does the option cost so we can get closer to an apples.ro.aplles price comparison

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I don’t think that’s going to be an option. It’s either going to be on there or not.

[@jeffreymann1646]

I have the linked pedal option on my ct2025. It can be added.

[@oefveteran09]

It absolutely is an option, and one you can even add yourself after purchase. It's a mechanical linkage; the same is true of cruise control. This applies both to the Bobcat CT and the Kioti CK lines. As mentioned before, it's called linked-pedal, but a quick search will find the parts kits for sale. Hope that helps!