John Deere is famous for manufacturing quality tractors that are reliable and last for years to come. Their tractors keep their value and often come with the ability to configure them to your specific needs.

Two of their most popular models are the John Deere 2305 and the John Deere 1025R. Before purchasing either, you should really do your research and compare each tractor.

Luckily for you, we’ve done just that here. We looked at every aspect of either tractor and put them against each other in an effort to determine which John Deere tractor is the best.

Quick Comparison Of John Deere 2305 VS John Deere 1025R Tractors

If you give each tractor’s specs a once over, you’ll notice that they’re fairly similar except for a few areas.

The John Deere 2305 has slightly more engine power, but a smaller fuel tank. The John Deere 1025R has a way better lift capacity but is more expensive than the 2305.

Main Differences In The John Deere 2305 VS 1025R

With that quick comparison out of the way, let’s see what’s under the hood of each tractor and highlight some differences between them.

1. Engine Model And Size (HP)

The John Deere 2305 features a Yanmar 3TNV76 3-cylinder diesel engine. It has 24hp and provides 41.7lb-ft of torque.

On the other hand, the John Deere 1025R has a slightly less powerful Yanmar engine. The 1025R has a Yanmar 3TNV80F-NCJT 3-cylinder engine with 23.9hp and 39.2lb-ft of torque.

It’s not a huge difference, but it is enough to matter in some situations.

2. RPM Rating

RPM Rating

Both models have similar engine RPM ratings. 2305 has 3000 torque RPMs while the 1025R has 3300 torque RPMs.

3. Rear PTO Power

Power take-off measures the ability of the tractor to transfer energy from the engine to attachments. When it comes to Power take-off, the 2305 beats the 1025R.

The John Deere 2305 has 18hp while the 1025R has 17.2hp

There’s only a .8hp difference between the two, but depending on the attachments you use, this can be a big enough difference to justify 2305 over the 1025R.

4. Lift Capacity

Lift capacity at 24 inches for the 2305 is 681.3lbs while the 1025R has a much greater 758lbs. Even though it has a slightly less powerful engine, it seems the 1025R is better at utilizing tools that lift such as a bucket.

5. 3PT Hitch

The John Deere 1025R tractor has a limited category 1 hitch while the John Deere 2035 has a regular category 1 hitch.

The difference between the two is that a limited category 1 hitch is slightly lower to the ground than a regular category 1 hitch. These hitches may not open as wide as their regular counterparts, something to consider when comparing these two.

6. Dry Weight

When it comes to weight, they’re almost the same. The John Deere 2305 is slightly heavier at 658kg compared to the John Deere 1025R at 654kg.

This 4kg is a drop in the bucket compared to the total weight of the tractor when it has attachments and everything hooked up to it.

7. Fuel Capacity

Surprisingly, the John Deere 1025R tractor has a larger fuel capacity compared to the 2305. The 1025R can hold 24L while the 2035 can only hold 20.8L.

8. Hydraulic System

The John Deere 1025R has an open-center hydraulic system with three remote control valves and the ability to move 13.2 liters of hydraulic fluid a minute.

The John Deere 2305 tractor on the other hand has a hydrostatic transmission system with only two remote control valves and can move only 12.8 liters of hydraulic fluid a minute.

9. Charging System

The 1025R and the 2305 have different charging systems and batteries. The 1025R has a 40 amp alternator while the 2305 has just half that at 20 amps.

10. Mower Deck

The 1025R tractor can use a 60″ mower deck to make cutting a breeze. The 2305 on the other hand can use a slightly larger 62″ mower deck.

The 60″ mower deck for the 1025R is a premium attachment and can be expensive. A slightly more affordable mower deck is the 54″ 54D mid-mount mower deck.

11. Price

Price

The John Deere 1025R brand new directly from the manufacturer’s website has a starting price of about $18,000. Meanwhile, a used John Deere 2305 can cost anywhere from $5,000-15,000 depending on the hours it’s been used.

You’ll have to pay extra money to get a tractor with low hours.

12. Parts And Service

Like all John Deere products, you can get your mower serviced or repaired fairly easily at any John Deere dealer.

Authorized repair shops can also take a look at your tractor and repair it for you.

13. Warranty

Most John Deere equipment comes with a warranty. You’ll have to read the fine print to determine exactly what your warranty covers and whether or not that warranty is transferrable when you buy your tractor second-hand in the case of the 2305.

Most John Deere warranties cover the engine for 2 years or 2,000 hours and other parts are covered for about a year if you purchased it directly from a John Deere dealer.

You can also get additional things like insurance or extended warranties from John Deere if that’s something you’d like to do.

14. Durability

Durability

John Deere is known for their durability and reliability. There’s a reason this company has stood the test of time and is still around today.

Take a look at any large farm in America and you’ll be sure to find John Deere machines on it.

15. Attachment Availability

Both tractors have a wide variety of attachments available for sale and use. You can find different attachments like pallet forks, buckets, a tiller, or even a snowblower.

16. Model Age

The 2305 is an older tractor, but not that old! It was manufactured between 2005 and 2010 as part of John Deere’s 2000 series of equipment.

The 1025R is still in production to this very day and can be purchased directly, brand new from any John Deere approved seller.

Final Look: Which John Deere Model Is Better Between The 2305 vs 1025R?

It’s honestly hard to say which model is better. If you are looking to replace an old tractor and are willing to expand your budget, a brand new 1025R is a great choice.

The 1025R is a great tractor that will last you years if not decades if taken care of properly.

While $18,000 might seem like a steep price, tractors are equipment that is an investment. They make your life so much easier and owning a well-made, quality machine is important.

But if money is a factor, you can’t go wrong with a 2305. They’re readily available on the second-hand market and if you can find one for a decent price the 2305 will be sure to handle any tasks you may have on your property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How much weight can a John Deere 2305 lift?

The John Deere 2305 has a 3-point hitch lift capacity at 24 inches of 681.3 pounds or about 309 kilograms.

What is the difference between John Deere 1023E and 1025R?

The 1023E can be thought of as a smaller version of the 1025R. The 1025R has more horsepower and features precise position control, unlike the 1023E's basic implement control lever.

What category is a John Deere 2305?

The John Deere 2305 is a 2000 series tractor that was manufactured between 2005 and 2010. It has a category 1 3-point hitch.

Brandon

I am very passionate about lawns and mowers and offer my unbiased review towards everything that goes on this site. I research several pages, specs, videos, forums and other reviews of each mower before I post about it so you don't have to.