The John Deere 35 P-Tier sits in one of the most competitive compact excavator classes. Oklahoma contractors shopping this machine often compare it against the Cat 303 CR, Kubota U35-4, and Bobcat E35 because all three are well-known machines in the compact excavation, trenching, utility, landscaping, and small-site construction market.
This overview is a starting point. It compares the John Deere 35 P-Tier against three major alternatives at a high level, then links into deeper model-by-model reviews for buyers who want a more detailed look at one competitor.
35 P-Tier vs. Cat 303 CR vs. Kubota U35-4 vs. Bobcat E35 Specs
The table below uses manufacturer-published values where available. Where the source label is not identical across manufacturers, the table calls that out instead of treating the numbers as perfectly apples-to-apples.
| Spec | John Deere 35 P-Tier | Cat 303 CR | Kubota U35-4 | Bobcat E35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 23.3 hp net | 23.6 hp net | 23.3 hp gross per Kubota USA | 24.8 hp; label/test standard may differ |
| Operating weight | 8,135 lb | 7,817 lb | 8,129 lb | 7,659 lb |
| Maximum digging depth | 10 ft. 0 in. | 116.1 in. long stick / 104.3 in. standard stick | 3,010 mm / 9 ft. 10.5 in. | 121.2 in. standard arm |
| Bucket digging force | 6,085 lbf | 6,385 lbf | 7,924 lbf | 7,284 lbf |
| Arm digging force / arm tearout | 4,277 lbf | 3,732 lbf standard / 3,327 lbf long | 4,451 lbf | 4,690 lbf standard arm |
| Hydraulic flow | 20.2 gpm main pump flow | 26 gpm pump flow at 2,400 rpm; label/rpm conditions differ | 15.8 gpm auxiliary flow; not same label as main pump flow | 16.9 gpm auxiliary standard flow; not same label as main pump flow |
| Ground bearing pressure | 4.8 psi | 4.7 psi at max weight | 4.89 psi with rubber tracks; up to 5.40 psi depending on track and blade configuration | n/a |
| High travel speed | 2.7 mph | 2.8 mph | 1.9 / 2.9 mph listed range; high-speed label varies by Kubota source | 2.9 mph |
| Fuel tank | 11.1 gal. | 11.9 gal. | 12.4 gal. | 13.7 gal. |
| Tail swing | 2 ft. 10 in. radius | compact-radius configuration | 900 mm / 35.4 in. tail turning radius | 0 in. overhang, standard arm |
Specs vary by configuration, arm or stick selection, cab/canopy package, blade, track type, bucket, counterweight, fluids, and attachments. Cat's 7,817-pound 303 CR figure is a manufacturer-published maximum-config weight, while lighter Cat configurations are also published. Bobcat also publishes alternate E35 configurations in some materials, including a 33-horsepower option, so confirm the exact machine configuration before making transport, lift, trenching, or attachment decisions.
How to read the comparison
The John Deere 35 P-Tier is not the strongest machine in every single spec row. Cat, Kubota, and Bobcat each have real advantages in certain categories. The Deere case is strongest when a buyer values CL Boyd support, Deere attachment compatibility, daily service access, standard mechanical quick coupler, quick-connect auxiliary couplers, standard blade, auto-idle, economy work mode, and a balanced compact excavator package for Oklahoma jobsites.
The Cat 303 CR is the strongest comparison for buyers focused on Cat support, compact-radius design, published Cat hydraulic-pressure information, and the 303 CR's bucket-force figure. The Kubota U35-4 is the strongest comparison for buyers focused on Kubota's tight-tail-swing, and strong digging-force. The Bobcat E35 is the strongest comparison for buyers focused on familiar Bobcat controls, zero-tail-swing base configuration, digging force, and Bobcat's compact equipment ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best competitors to compare against the John Deere 35 P-Tier?
The strongest comparison targets are the Cat 303 CR, Kubota U35-4, and Bobcat E35 because they are common compact excavator cross-shops in the same general size class.
Is the John Deere 35 P-Tier better than the Cat 303 CR, Kubota U35-4, or Bobcat E35?
Not in every spec row. The 35 P-Tier is strongest when Deere support, CL Boyd service, attachment compatibility, daily service access, and the Deere compact excavator package matter more than winning one isolated number.
Why are some values marked n/a?
Those values were not cleanly available from the manufacturer source used for that model, or were not published under a label that could be compared cleanly across all four machines. Leaving those cells as n/a is safer than filling a comparison table with unsourced third-party numbers.
Should I choose by specs alone?
No. Specs help narrow the field, but the best compact excavator depends on the jobsite, operator preference, attachment requirements, trailer capacity, dealer support, and total cost of ownership.