Kubota BX2380 vs Mahindra eMax 20S
Quick take: The Mahindra eMax 20S costs $2,000 less; the Kubota BX2380 has more engine power (21.6 vs 19.4 hp); the Kubota BX2380 has more loader lift (680 vs 617 lbs).
| Spec | Kubota BX2380 | Mahindra eMax 20S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17,500 | $15,500 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (950) | 4.2★ (480) |
| Category | Sub-Compact | Sub-Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 21.6 hp | 19.4 hp |
| PTO HP | 17.7 hp | 14.2 hp |
| Loader Lift | 680 lbs | 617 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 680 lbs | 680 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 6.2 GPM | 6.3 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Kubota | Mitsubishi |
| Weight | 1477 lbs | 1499 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 6.6 gal | 6.6 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain | 5 yr powertrain |
Pros & cons
Kubota BX2380
- ✓Priced several thousand less than a comparably equipped John Deere 1025R, it's the value pick that started the BX-vs-Deere debate on every forum
- ✓Kubota's in-house D902 diesel is renowned for reliability and easy starting, with owners reporting thousands of trouble-free hours
- ✓The RCK60 drive-over mower deck lets you position and connect the deck without crawling under the tractor - close to the Deere AutoConnect experience
- ✓The LA344 loader quick-attaches without tools and pairs well for a machine of this size and price
- ✓Kubota's dealer and parts network is deep, so service and support are rarely a problem
- ✓Cross-drilled independent rear brakes give a tight turning circle that owners love in tight yards
- ✓Excellent resale value - used BX2380s hold their price nearly as well as Deeres
- ✓Simple, no-nonsense controls make it one of the friendliest tractors for a first-time owner
- ✗21.6 HP is on the low end, so heavy loader loads or thick grass will slow it down noticeably
- ✗No cruise control on the HST, which the competing Deere 1025R includes standard and owners miss on long mows
- ✗The 680 lb loader lift and 680 lb 3-point capacity are modest, limiting heavier implements
- ✗Fitting and removing the mid-mount mower deck is still more involved than Deere's fully automatic AutoConnect system
- ✗Small 6.6-gallon tank means you're refueling often on big jobs
- ✗The tie-rod ends and steering components sit low and exposed, and some owners report bending them on stumps or rocks
- ✗Ground clearance is limited, so it's not happy on rough, rocky, or steeply sloped ground
- ✗Options and packages add up fast, and a fully loaded BX2380 narrows the price gap with a base 1025R
Mahindra eMax 20S
- ✓Significantly cheaper than a Deere 1025R or Kubota BX - often the lowest-priced legitimate sub-compact with a loader you can buy new
- ✓The Mitsubishi-built diesel is a genuinely respected engine, not a bargain-bin powerplant, and owners report it runs strong
- ✓Mahindra is the world's largest tractor maker by volume, so the company isn't going anywhere and parts are available
- ✓Longer bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 5-year powertrain warranty give budget buyers peace of mind
- ✓For the price it comes well-equipped - 4WD, power steering, and a loader are all included in the package
- ✓Heavier cast-iron construction in places gives it a solid, planted feel that belies the price
- ✓Twin-pedal HST is easy to operate and comparable to the premium brands for basic chore work
- ✓Great fit for someone who wants a beater work tractor and doesn't care about resale or badge prestige
- ✗The dealer network is thin compared to Deere and Kubota, so service and warranty work can mean a long drive in many areas
- ✗At 19.4 engine HP and only 14.2 PTO HP it's the weakest of the popular sub-compacts, and it shows on the PTO and loader
- ✗Resale value lags well behind Deere and Kubota - you take a bigger depreciation hit if you sell
- ✗Fit and finish is a step below the Japanese brands - some owners note cheaper plastics, decals, and hydraulic fittings
- ✗The 617 lb loader lift is the lowest in this group, limiting how much material you can move
- ✗Parts availability, while improving, still frustrates some owners who wait longer than they would with Kubota
- ✗Forum sentiment is more mixed than the premium brands, with more scattered reports of hydraulic and electrical quirks
- ✗No drive-over mower deck system, so mid-mount mowing is more of a chore to set up