Are these numbers invented?

No. Engine HP, weight, and rear lift come from catalog Facts; PTO/hitch only from verified overlays. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.

How do I check attachments?

Open the Fit checker with John Deere 1023E or John Deere 1M-25, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.

John Deere 1023E vs John Deere 1M-25

Both sit in the Sub-Compact class with similar engine horsepower (21.5 vs 24 HP). Below: catalog Facts for engine horsepower, weight, and rear lift; PTO and hitch only when verified. The decision points call out who leads on each Fact — engine HP is not a substitute for PTO HP.

Engine horsepower is not PTO horsepower. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.

John Deere 1023E Profile →John Deere 1M-25 Profile →Fit checker →

How to choose

John Deere 1M-25 lists higher engine horsepower (24 vs 21.5 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers.
The gap vs John Deere 1023E is small (~2.5 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day.
John Deere 1M-25 is heavier (1,556 vs 1,446 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; John Deere 1023E stays easier to maneuver in tight yards.
Both list Limited Category I — hitch class alone does not settle the matchup; lift and PTO still decide implement fit.
John Deere 1M-25 has the higher verified PTO rating (18.2 vs 16.2 PTO HP) — that is the Fact for cutters, tillers, and snow blowers, not engine HP.
Next step: open the Fit checker with the tractor that wins on your heaviest implement, and screen hitch, PTO, and lift against that attachment.

When to pick each

Choose John Deere 1023E when you need lower operating weight (1,446 vs 1,556 lb) for tight yards.

Choose John Deere 1M-25 when you need higher verified PTO (18.2 vs 16.2 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers, or more frame mass (1,556 vs 1,446 lb) for traction and stability.

Spec comparison

Spec	John Deere 1023E	John Deere 1M-25
Size class	Sub-Compact	Sub-Compact
Engine horsepower	21.5 HP	24 HP
Operating weight	1,446 lbs	1,556 lbs
Rear hitch lift @ 24″	758 lbs @ 24″	758 lbs @ 24″
Hitch category	Limited Category I	Limited Category I
PTO horsepower	16.2 PTO HP	18.2 PTO HP
PTO RPM	540 RPM	540 RPM

Sources

FAQ

Which is better — John Deere 1023E or John Deere 1M-25?: John Deere 1M-25 lists higher engine horsepower (24 vs 21.5 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. The gap vs John Deere 1023E is small (~2.5 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day. Choose John Deere 1023E when you need lower operating weight (1,446 vs 1,556 lb) for tight yards. Choose John Deere 1M-25 when you need higher verified PTO (18.2 vs 16.2 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers, or more frame mass (1,556 vs 1,446 lb) for traction and stability. Use the Fit checker for your heaviest attachment instead of comparing engine HP alone.
Are these numbers invented?: No. Engine HP, weight, and rear lift come from catalog Facts; PTO/hitch only from verified overlays. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.
How do I check attachments?: Open the Fit checker with John Deere 1023E or John Deere 1M-25, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.