If you’re looking for an affordable, simple and versatile sub-compact tractor, two of the most popular choices out there are the John Deere 1 Family and the Kubota BX. We know how tough these decisions can be, especially if you don’t have much experience with either brand. That’s why our team here at Belkorp Ag decided to do a little research to make your decision easier. We found that the John Deere 1 Family and the Kubota BX Series sub-compact tractors have similar dimensions, horsepower ranges, and open station configurations. But when you dive a little deeper, there are a few things that set John Deere apart.

The John Deere 1 Family features an innovate Quik-Park Loader that lets you attach a loader without even leaving the tractor seat. It has a rugged, composite hood that resists dents and won’t rust. It also has the iMatch Quick Hitch, which lets you effortlessly attach implements in seconds. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the industry-exclusive AutoConnect Drive-Over Mower Deck.

AutoConnect technology has been proven on thousands of John Deere 1 Family tractors. To attach, all you have to do is line up the tractor and simply drive over using the guide rail. Once you hear the click of the PTO connect, just set the gauge wheels and you’re ready to mow. When you want to take the mower off, simply unlock the gauge wheels, release the mower deck from the tractor, and back up. It’s that easy!

Now, let’s take a closer look at Kubota’s drive-over mower technology. On the Kubota BX, you’ll need to get down off the tractor and unfold the drive-over ramps before driving over them. Don’t try it with the loader on, though. You’ll need to remove it before you can install the mower. Once you do that, you can get started changing all four gauge wheels to their lowest height settings. Then you will have to unpin, release and position the ramps. When you drive over the deck, you’ll have to be careful to stay on the narrow ramps needed to clear the mower deck. There’s no sound to indicate that you’ve correctly attached the deck, but you also can’t check by lifting the mower deck like you can on the 1 Family. Once you clear the deck, you have several levers to remember to latch.

Needless to say, the Kubota BX driver-over mower technology is not quite as simple as the John Deere AutoConnect. It typically takes about 1 minute to install the mid-mount mower with John Deere AutoConnect, but it takes nearly 5 minutes for the Kubota BX2670. Take a look at the video below:

If you want to experience the John Deere difference for yourself, stop by one of our 7 Belkorp Ag locations or give us a call at (866) 709-4733. We would love to make you part of the Belkorp Ag family.