Kubota BX2380 vs New Holland Workmaster 25S
Quick take: The New Holland Workmaster 25S has more engine power (24.7 vs 21.6 hp); the New Holland Workmaster 25S has more loader lift (1,005 vs 680 lbs).
| Spec | Kubota BX2380 | New Holland Workmaster 25S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (950) | 4.2★ (360) |
| Category | Sub-Compact | Sub-Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 21.6 hp | 24.7 hp |
| PTO HP | 17.7 hp | 17.2 hp |
| Loader Lift | 680 lbs | 1005 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 680 lbs | 728 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 6.2 GPM | 6.7 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Kubota | Yanmar |
| Weight | 1477 lbs | 2337 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 6.6 gal | 7.1 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
New Holland Workmaster 25S
- ✓Powered by a proven Yanmar diesel, so the core engine has an excellent reliability reputation despite the value pricing
- ✓The 100LC loader lifts over 1,000 lbs, beating the loaders on the Kubota BX2380 and Deere 1025R
- ✓It's genuinely heavy for a sub-compact at over 2,300 lbs, giving excellent stability and traction for loader work
- ✓New Holland frequently runs aggressive package deals and 0% financing that undercut the premium brands
- ✓Backed by CNH Industrial's dealer network, so it has real ag-equipment support behind it
- ✓Simple, rugged design with straightforward controls that first-time owners find approachable
- ✓The extra weight and solid axles make it feel more planted on slopes than the lighter BX
- ✓Good value for someone who wants Yanmar reliability without paying a premium badge price
- ✗PTO horsepower of just 17.2 is low, so it's underwhelming on wider mowers and PTO implements
- ✗It's actually built by LS Tractor and rebadged, which some buyers dislike paying a New Holland premium for
- ✗The compact-tractor side of New Holland dealers can be less focused than their big-ag operations, affecting support
- ✗Resale value trails Kubota and Deere in the sub-compact class
- ✗The 25S was phased out of production, so buyers face a shrinking new inventory and questions about long-term parts
- ✗No drive-over mower deck, making mid-mount mowing setup more of a chore
- ✗Fit and finish is a notch below the Japanese premium brands in places
- ✗Only 24.7 gross HP with the low PTO figure means it's best kept to light-duty work