John Deere 1M-25 vs Kubota BX23S
Both sit in the Sub-Compact class with similar engine horsepower (24 vs 21.6 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 1M-25 Profile →Kubota BX23S Profile →Fit checker →
How to choose
- John Deere 1M-25 lists higher engine horsepower (24 vs 21.6 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers.
- The gap vs Kubota BX23S is small (~2.4 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day.
- John Deere 1M-25 has more rear lift (758 vs 680 lb @ 24″) — more headroom for heavier three-point tools. Kubota BX23S needs lighter implements or stricter ballast discipline.
- 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 17.7 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 1M-25 when you need more rear lift (758 vs 680 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or higher verified PTO (18.2 vs 17.7 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers.
Choose Kubota BX23S when dealer package and local service tip the scale after a clear Fit check — screen hitch, PTO, and lift on your heaviest implement first.
Spec comparison
| Spec | John Deere 1M-25 | Kubota BX23S |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Sub-Compact | Sub-Compact |
| Engine horsepower | 24 HP | 21.6 HP |
| Operating weight | 1,556 lbs | 1,598 lbs |
| Rear hitch lift @ 24″ | 758 lbs @ 24″ | 680 lbs @ 24″ |
| Hitch category | Limited Category I | Limited Category I |
| PTO horsepower | 18.2 PTO HP | 17.7 PTO HP |
| PTO RPM | 540 RPM | 540 RPM |
Sources
FAQ
- Which is better — John Deere 1M-25 or Kubota BX23S?
- John Deere 1M-25 lists higher engine horsepower (24 vs 21.6 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. The gap vs Kubota BX23S is small (~2.4 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day. Choose John Deere 1M-25 when you need more rear lift (758 vs 680 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or higher verified PTO (18.2 vs 17.7 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers. Choose Kubota BX23S when dealer package and local service tip the scale after a clear Fit check — screen hitch, PTO, and lift on your heaviest implement first. 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 1M-25 or Kubota BX23S, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.