John Deere 1025R vs LS Tractor MT125
Both sit in the Sub-Compact class with similar engine horsepower (23.9 vs 24.7 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 1025R Profile →LS Tractor MT125 Profile →Fit checker →
How to choose
- LS Tractor MT125 lists higher engine horsepower (24.7 vs 23.9 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers.
- The gap vs John Deere 1025R is small (~0.8 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day.
- John Deere 1025R is heavier (1,556 vs 1,444 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; LS Tractor MT125 stays easier to maneuver in tight yards.
- Hitch differs: John Deere 1025R (Limited Category I) vs LS Tractor MT125 (Category I). Implement sheets must name the matching class — adapters do not add lift.
- Verified PTO horsepower is essentially even (17.2 PTO HP) — heavy PTO tools then hinge on lift and frame mass.
- 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 1025R when you need more frame mass (1,556 vs 1,444 lb) for traction and stability, or implement sheets that explicitly list Limited Category I.
Choose LS Tractor MT125 when you need lower operating weight (1,444 vs 1,556 lb) for tight yards, or implement sheets that explicitly list Category I.
Spec comparison
| Spec | John Deere 1025R | LS Tractor MT125 |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Sub-Compact | Sub-Compact |
| Engine horsepower | 23.9 HP | 24.7 HP |
| Operating weight | 1,556 lbs | 1,444 lbs |
| Rear hitch lift @ 24″ | 758 lbs @ 24″ | 728 lbs @ 24″ |
| Hitch category | Limited Category I | Category I |
| PTO horsepower | 17.2 PTO HP | 17.2 PTO HP |
| PTO RPM | 540 RPM | 540 RPM |
Sources
FAQ
- Which is better — John Deere 1025R or LS Tractor MT125?
- LS Tractor MT125 lists higher engine horsepower (24.7 vs 23.9 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. The gap vs John Deere 1025R is small (~0.8 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day. Choose John Deere 1025R when you need more frame mass (1,556 vs 1,444 lb) for traction and stability, or implement sheets that explicitly list Limited Category I. Choose LS Tractor MT125 when you need lower operating weight (1,444 vs 1,556 lb) for tight yards, or implement sheets that explicitly list Category I. 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 1025R or LS Tractor MT125, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.