Landscapers, utility crews, and small contractors shopping the John Deere 35 P-Tier often look at the Kubota U35-4 too. The Kubota makes its case with a tight-tail-swing design, slightly higher net horsepower, and strong published digging-force numbers. The Deere answers with a deeper listed dig depth at 10 feet, lower ground pressure at 4.8 psi, faster attachment changes, easier daily service, and CL Boyd support close to the job.
The top things to know when comparing the John Deere 35 P-Tier to the Kubota U35-4:
- Kubota's brochure lists the U35-4 at 24.8 hp gross under SAE J1995 and 23.9 hp net under SAE J1349. Deere lists the 35 P-Tier at 23.3 hp net power. Kubota has a small listed net-horsepower edge, but it is not large enough to decide the machine by itself.
- Deere lists 20.2 gpm main pump flow, while Kubota lists 15.8 gpm auxiliary hydraulic flow. Those are not the same measurement label, but Deere's published number gives buyers a strong starting point for attachment conversations.
- Deere publishes lower ground bearing pressure in this comparison at 4.8 psi, compared with Kubota's 4.89 psi with rubber tracks and up to 5.40 psi depending on track and blade configuration.
John Deere 35 P-Tier vs. Kubota U35-4 Specs
This table uses manufacturer-published values where available. When a value is not cleanly available from the official source used for this draft, it is marked n/a instead of filled from an unverified source.
| John Deere 35 P-Tier Name | John Deere 35 P-Tier Value | Kubota U35-4 Name | Kubota U35-4 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net power | 23.3 hp | Engine horsepower | 24.8 hp gross SAE J1995 / 23.9 hp net SAE J1349 |
| Operating weight | 8,135 lb | Operating weight | 8,129 lb |
| Maximum digging depth | 10 ft. 0 in. | Maximum digging depth | 2,970 mm / 9 ft. 8.9 in. |
| Bucket breakout | 6,085 lbf | Bucket breakout force | 7,924 lbf |
| Arm tearout | 4,277 lbf | Arm breakout force | 4,451 lbf |
| Main pump flow | 20.2 gpm; not same label as auxiliary flow | Auxiliary hydraulic flow | 15.8 gpm |
| Ground bearing pressure | 4.8 psi | Ground pressure | 4.89 psi with rubber tracks; up to 5.40 psi depending on track and blade configuration |
| Travel speed - high | 2.7 mph | Travel speed - high | 2.9 mph high per Kubota brochure |
| Fuel tank | 11.1 gal. | Fuel reservoir | 12.4 gal. |
| Tail swing radius | 2 ft. 10 in. | Tail turning radius | 901 mm / 2 ft. 11.5 in. |
Official Deere/CL Boyd 35 P-Tier specifications, Kubota U Series feature copy, and published Kubota U35-4 product specifications. Specs vary by configuration, arm or stick selection, cab/canopy package, blade, track type, bucket, counterweight, fluids, and attachments. Confirm exact machine configuration before making transport, lift, or attachment decisions.
Which machine is better for your work?
Choose the 35 P-Tier if you want Deere's listed 10-foot dig depth, quick-coupler attachment story, serviceability features, lower published ground bearing pressure in this comparison, and local support. The listed dig-depth edge over the U35-4 is about three inches, so confirm equivalent configurations before treating it as a major operational difference.
Choose the Kubota U35-4 if your decision is driven by Kubota control feel, tight-tail-swing preference, or stronger listed bucket breakout force.
For contractors, the right answer depends on trench depth, attachment needs, tail-swing requirements, trailer capacity, operator preference, service response, and parts support. Use the table as a starting point, then demo the machine in the work you actually do.
Serviceability, attachments, and daily use
John Deere describes the 35 P-Tier with a standard mechanical quick coupler, quick-connect auxiliary couplers, an auxiliary selector valve for one-way and two-way flows, a standard backfill blade, auto-idle, economy work mode, ground-level daily service access, and a cab that tilts forward for service access.
The Kubota U35-4 has its own strengths, so this comparison should stay practical: compare the official specs, sit in both machines, test the controls, and match the hydraulic package to the attachments you plan to run.
Frequently asked questions
Which has more horsepower, the John Deere 35 P-Tier or Kubota U35-4?
Kubota's brochure lists the U35-4 at 24.8 hp gross under SAE J1995 and 23.9 hp net under SAE J1349. Deere lists the 35 P-Tier at 23.3 hp net power. Kubota has a small listed net-power edge, but the right machine still depends on dig depth, ground pressure, attachment workflow, service access, and dealer support.
Which has more bucket breakout force?
Kubota lists higher bucket breakout force for the U35-4. Deere lists the 35 P-Tier at 6,085 lbf bucket breakout.
Should I pick the John Deere 35 P-Tier or the Kubota U35-4?
Pick the machine that fits the work and the support network. The 35 P-Tier is a strong option when CL Boyd support, Deere attachment compatibility, service access, and the listed Deere specs line up with your jobsites.
Which machine has lower published ground pressure?
Deere lists the 35 P-Tier at 4.8 psi ground bearing pressure. Kubota USA publishes the U35-4 at 4.89 psi with rubber tracks, ranging up to 5.40 psi depending on track and blade configuration. That gives Deere a slight published edge in this row.
What does the John Deere 35 P-Tier offer beyond digging-force numbers?
The 35 P-Tier has a strong practical ownership story with a standard mechanical quick coupler, quick-connect auxiliary couplers, an auxiliary selector valve for one-way and two-way flows, a standard backfill blade, auto-idle, economy work mode, ground-level daily service access, and CL Boyd support.
Does Kubota's tight-tail-swing design automatically make it the better choice?
No. Tight tail swing can matter in close quarters, but the better machine depends on trench depth, attachment needs, operator preference, service access, parts availability, and local dealer support. The Deere 35 P-Tier remains a strong option when the full ownership experience matters.
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