Both compact · John Deere against Yanmar

John Deere 3025E vs Yanmar YM225

John Deere 3025E

John Deere

John Deere 3025E

~$22,790

24.4 hp engine · 18.5 PTO−24% to the shaft
Yanmar YM225

Yanmar

Yanmar YM225

~$22,199

24.4 hp engine · 18.5 PTO−24% to the shaft

The Yanmar YM225 lists about $591 lower; the Yanmar YM225 lifts 1,500 lbs on the loader against 1,186; the Yanmar YM225 buys more PTO horsepower per dollar, 0.83 per $1,000 against 0.81.

John Deere 3025E and Yanmar YM225 compared row by row. A highlighted cell takes that row on the stated rule: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price.
SpecJohn Deere 3025EYanmar YM225
Price~$22,790~$22,199
What that price isMSRP, base builddealer list, not MSRP
Size classCompactCompact
TransmissionHydrostaticShuttle
Engine hp24.4 hp24.4 hp
PTO hp18.5 hp18.5 hp
Loader lift1,186 lbsat the pivot pin1,500 lbsat the pivot pin
Three-point lift1,356 lbs24 in behind the lift points2,205 lbsat the ball ends
Hydraulic flow7.9 GPM10.0 GPM
Drive4WD4WD
EngineYanmarYanmar
Weight2,354 lbs2,800 lbs
Fuel tank8.2 gal10.5 gal
4WDYesYes
Front loaderYesYes
Cab availableNoNo
HydrostaticYesNo
Power steeringYesYes
Cruise controlNoNo
Warranty6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain10 yr / 3000 hr powertrain

A highlighted cell wins its row on the rule named above the table: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price. A lift row is left unwon whenever the two makers measured in different places, or where either of them did not say — a figure quoted at the pivot pin and one quoted 500 mm ahead of it describe the same loader and differ by roughly a third, so ranking them against each other would invent a result. Prices are typical list and move with dealer packages.

From owner discussion and long-term write-ups

What owners of each one say

John Deere 3025E

What they like

  • You get a full-size 3-series frame, axles, and lift capacity at a price barely above the sub-compact 2025R - it's the value sweet spot in the Deere lineup
  • The 1,356 lb 3-point lift and 300E loader make it far more capable with real implements than any sub-compact
  • The bigger frame and heavier weight make it stable and confident on slopes and with a loaded bucket
  • Yanmar diesel power with Deere's massive dealer network and outstanding resale value
  • Standard Category 1 3-point hitch and larger PTO make it compatible with a huge range of full-size implements
  • The larger 8.2-gallon fuel tank means far fewer refuels than the 1 and 2 series

What they complain about

  • It's the stripped-down E model, so it lacks the deluxe features, hydraulic outlets, and refinement of the pricier 3R models
  • Only 24.4 HP - the same power band as a sub-compact - so it's not fast and can bog in heavy tillage or a big rotary cutter
  • No mid-PTO or drive-over mower deck option, so it's not the tractor for finish mowing large lawns
  • You pay a Deere premium versus a comparably specced Kubota L2501 or Kioti CK, which often cost less
  • Some owners wish they'd stepped up to the 3038E for the extra 13 HP that costs relatively little more
  • Base tires and lack of a loader self-leveling feature are common upgrade complaints

Yanmar YM225

What they like

  • 1,500 lb loader lift at the pivot pin clears the sub-compact SA425 by 300 lb for roughly $800 more on the sticker
  • 24.4 hp keeps it a whisker under the 25 hp line, so no diesel particulate filter and no regeneration cycles
  • 10.5-gallon tank is nearly double the SA series' 6.1 gallons, which is the difference between a full working day and a fuel stop
  • Column-mounted synchronized reverser puts direction changes at hand height rather than on a floor lever, which counts on repetitive loader cycles
  • 2,205 lb 3-point capacity at the ball ends is well ahead of what 24 hp would suggest, so Category 1 implements are not the limiting factor
  • 10-year / 3,000-hour powertrain warranty carries across the whole Yanmar line, including this entry model

What they complain about

  • No hydrostatic option anywhere on the YM2 platform, so fine inching in tight spaces is harder than on an SA425 or a Kubota BX
  • 18.5 PTO hp from 24.4 gross is about a 24% drivetrain loss, leaving thin headroom for a 60-inch rotary cutter in heavy grass
  • The PTO is transmission-driven through an overrunning clutch rather than independent, so declutching stops the implement
  • Yanmar lists no cab for the YM2 series - a canopy kit is the extent of the weather protection
  • 2,800 lb bare weight is light against 1,500 lb of loader lift, making rear ballast effectively compulsory rather than optional
John Deere 3025E spec sheetYanmar YM225 spec sheet