The John Deere 26 P-Tier carries the lightest published operating weight of these five compact excavators, and it travels faster in high range than three of the four rivals. The Bobcat E26, Kubota U27-4 and Yanmar ViO25-6B dig deeper, and the Cat 302.7 CR brings more horsepower and auxiliary flow. Here is how the five line up, with a short read on each rival and a link to its full review.
Where the John Deere 26 P-Tier leads
- Lightest published operating weight. The 26 P-Tier lists 5,508 lb against 5,645 to 6,489 lb for the rest. Makers count different items in that figure, and the Cat's minimum weight leaves out the bucket that Deere's figure includes.
- Bigger fuel tank than three of the four. It holds 10.4 gal against 8 to 9.1 gal for the Bobcat, Kubota and Yanmar. Only the Cat carries more.
- Faster high-range travel than the Kubota, Cat and Yanmar. The 26 P-Tier runs 3.04 mph against 2.7 to 2.8 mph.
- Low ground pressure. At 3.5 psi it matches the Cat, sits close to the Kubota's 3.321 psi, and is lower than the Bobcat's 4.1 psi and the Yanmar's 4.4 psi.
John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. the field: specs
| Spec | John Deere 26 P-Tier | Bobcat E26 | Kubota U27-4 | Cat 302.7 CR | Yanmar ViO25-6B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 5,508 lb | 6,489 lb | 5,688 lb | 5,645 lb | 5,908 lb |
| Engine | Yanmar 3TNV80F-NPWN | D1305-E4B-BCZ-1 | Kubota D1105-BH | C1.1 Turbo | 3TNV80F-SXNBV |
| Engine power | 18.52 hp | 24.8 hp | 20.0 hp | 23.6 hp | 20.4 hp |
| Max digging depth | 8 ft 7 in | 9 ft 6.4 in | 9 ft 5 in | 8 ft 2.8 in | 10 ft |
| Max dump height | 9 ft 1 in | 10 ft 8.8 in | 10 ft 0 in | 9 ft 8.1 in | 9 ft 2 in |
| Bucket breakout force | 5,398 lbf | 5,652 lbf | 7,014 lbf | 5,238 lbf | 4,788 lbf |
| Arm digging force | 3,464 lbf | 3,547 lbf | 2,777 lbf | 3,102 lbf | 2,833 lbf |
| Auxiliary hydraulic flow | 11.9 gpm | Not published | 12.7 gpm | 17 gpm | 14 gpm |
| Undercarriage width | 5 ft 1 in | 5 ft 1 in | 4 ft 11 in | 5 ft 1.8 in | 4 ft 11 in |
| Overall length | 13 ft 9 in | 14 ft 2.4 in | 13 ft 6 in | 13 ft 10.9 in | 13 ft 5 in |
| Ground pressure | 3.5 psi | 4.1 psi | 3.321 psi | 3.5 psi | 4.4 psi |
| Fuel tank | 10.4 gal | 9.1 gal | 8.7 gal | 11.9 gal | 8 gal |
| Travel speed (low) | 1.74 mph | 1.8 mph | 1.6 mph | 1.6 mph | 1.7 mph |
| Travel speed (high) | 3.04 mph | 3.2 mph | 2.7 mph | 2.8 mph | 2.8 mph |
Competitor figures are converted into the units John Deere states. Each maker measures some rows differently: horsepower is rated to different standards, operating weight includes different items, and some digging forces are taken with a quick coupler rather than a pinned-on bucket. Rows measured on different bases are listed without a winner. Each linked review spells out the configuration behind every figure.
How the 26 P-Tier compares with each machine
Bobcat E26. Even Deere's heaviest published 26 P-Tier build weighs less than the E26, and the 26 P-Tier sits at lower ground pressure and carries a bigger tank. Deere also publishes its auxiliary flow; Bobcat gives no figure. The E26 digs deeper, dumps higher and is faster in high range. Read the full John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. Bobcat E26 review
Kubota U27-4. The 26 P-Tier has the stronger arm, the bigger tank and faster travel. The Kubota has more bucket breakout force, a deeper dig and a higher dump height. Read the full John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. Kubota U27-4 review
Cat 302.7 CR. The 26 P-Tier digs a little deeper with its standard arm and travels faster in high range. The Cat has more horsepower on the same rating standard, more auxiliary flow, a taller dump height and a bigger tank. Read the full John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. Cat 302.7 CR review
Yanmar ViO25-6B. Even Deere's heaviest published build weighs less than the ViO25-6B, and the 26 P-Tier has lower ground pressure, a bigger tank and faster high-range travel. The Yanmar digs 17 in deeper, and Yanmar describes it as a true zero tail swing machine. Read the full John Deere 26 P-Tier vs. Yanmar ViO25-6B review
Serviceability, visibility, and daily use
On the 26 P-Tier, a hinged door and battery location open up additional access to service components, and the primary display lets you track service intervals and job times. A debris-resistant cooler system and extended service intervals round out the service package.
The standard backfill blade has float, so the 26 P-Tier can both backfill and grade. To match an attachment, the operator selects the auxiliary circuit with the AUX button, sees it on the monitor, and raises or lowers its flow rate.
The optional four-season cab has standard heat and A/C and a multi-position front window designed to optimize visibility. JDLink connectivity comes standard from the factory with no subscription, and it connects to John Deere Connected Support through the Operations Center.
Oklahoma owners get support from CL Boyd in Oklahoma City, Lawton and Ardmore.
More from CL Boyd
For the rest of the lineup, see the John Deere 17 P-Tier comparison guide, our look at the John Deere 17 & 26 P-Tier Compact Excavators and the full range of John Deere P-Tier Excavators.
Frequently asked questions
The John Deere 26 P-Tier, at a published 5,508 lb. Makers include different items in operating weight, so each review lists the configuration.
The 26 P-Tier has more arm digging force, a bigger tank and faster travel. The Kubota has more bucket breakout force, digs deeper and dumps higher.
The Yanmar ViO25-6B, at 10 ft. The Bobcat and Kubota also dig deeper than the 26 P-Tier's 8 ft 7 in, while the Cat digs less deep.
The Bobcat E26 lists the highest figure, but makers rate horsepower to different standards. On the same ISO 9249 net basis, the Cat 302.7 CR is ahead of the 26 P-Tier.
The Bobcat E26, at 3.2 mph. The 26 P-Tier is next, faster than the Kubota, Cat and Yanmar.
Yes, as an option. The four-season cab has standard heat and A/C.