Head-to-Head Comparison
LS MT125 vs John Deere 1025R
Same 25 hp class, same jobs, very different sticker. The 1025R is the sub-compact everyone knows. The MT125 is the one that makes the loader argument.
Spec for spec
| Spec | LS MT125 What we sell | John Deere 1025R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Gross Horsepower | 24.7 hp (18.4 kW) Advantage | 24 hp (SAE J1995) |
| PTO Horsepower | 17.2 hp (12.8 kW) | 18 hp rated PTO power Advantage |
| Engine Model | Yanmar 3TNV80F (Tier 4) | Yanmar 3TNV80F-NCJT, 3-cyl naturally aspirated diesel, Final Tier 4 |
| Displacement | 77.3 in³ (1,267 cc) | 77 cu in. (1.267 L) |
| Rated RPM | 3,000 rpm | 3,200 rpm |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.6 gal (25.0 L) Advantage | 6.3 gal. |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic Drive, 2 Ranges | Two-range hydrostatic (HST) with Twin Touch foot pedals; cruise control standard |
| Drive | 4WD | Standard four-wheel drive with power steering |
| PTO | ||
| Rear PTO | Independent, 540 rpm (standard) | 540 rpm rear PTO, independent engagement, wet-disk clutch and brake |
| Mid PTO | Independent, 2,500 rpm (standard) | Mid PTO 2,100 rpm, standard |
| Hydraulics | ||
| Hydraulic Flow | 6.7 gpm total (4.6 gpm implement + 2.1 gpm steering) | 7.0 gpm total (3.5 gpm implement + 3.5 gpm steering), open center Advantage |
| 3-Point Hitch | ||
| Category | Category I, position control | Limited Category 1 (John Deere designation), iMatch Quick-Hitch compatible, position control |
| Lift Capacity | 992 lb at the link ends (728 lb at 24 in. behind the hitch) | 758 lb (344 kg) through full lift range, measured 24 in. (610 mm) behind the hitch point |
| Dimensions | ||
| Overall Length | 97 in incl. 3-pt hitch | Not published |
| Overall Width | 47 in (with tires) | 47.3 in. outside width over rear R4 tires (47.22 in. with R3 turf) |
| Overall Height | 87 in (to top of ROPS) | Not published |
| Wheelbase | 56 in | 57.1 in. (1,450 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | Not published | 7.7 in. front axle ground clearance |
| Operating Weight | 1,444 lb (without ballast) | 1,556 lb base machine weight (open station, no loader) |
| Attachments & Warranty | ||
| Warranty (as published) | 2-year bumper-to-bumper coverage on every LS with no deductible, plus a 6-year limited powertrain warranty including parts and labor on most models. No hour caps published. Implements: 1 year limited. | 6-year / 2,000-hour limited powertrain warranty, standard at no cost, covering residential and commercial use; PowerGard Protection Plans available beyond that |
| Loader quick-attach | Not published | John Deere proprietary Quick Connect system - Quik-Park loader mount, iMatch Quick-Hitch, Quik-Knect PTO connector; tool-free attach/detach |
| Factory loader | LL1001 | 120R front loader - 120R NSL (non-self-leveling) or 120R MSL (mechanical self-leveling) |
| Loader lift (as published) | 902 lbf, (@ pivot pin, max height) | 120R NSL: 517 lb (235 kg) at 72 in. (1,828 mm) max lift height; 120R MSL: 680 lb (309 kg) at 72 in. |
| Mower deck system | Not published | AutoConnect drive-over mid-mount mower deck - installs or removes in under 5 minutes |
Specs come straight from each manufacturer's own published literature. A blank marked "Not published" means that brand doesn't publish the figure for this model, not that it's zero.
Where the MT125 wins
- The engine story. Both tractors run Yanmar's 3TNV80F diesel. You're buying the same basic engine either way, so ask yourself what the premium is actually for.
- Loader. The LL1001 lifts 902 lb at the pivot pin. Deere publishes 517 lb for the standard non-self-leveling 120R.
- Gross power. 24.7 hp against 24.
- Fuel. 6.6 gallons against 6.3.
Where the 1025R wins
- Three-point lift. 758 lb against 728, both at 24 inches behind the hitch.
- PTO power. 18 hp against 17.2.
- AutoConnect drive-over deck, iMatch, and the biggest dealer network there is.
Our take
Deere's mowing package and dealer footprint are real advantages, and the 1025R is a good machine. But you're paying a premium for the same Yanmar engine and a weaker published loader number.
Price both as a package with loader and mower, then decide if the deck system is worth the difference. For most loader-first buyers around here, it isn't. Call us for the LS number and judge it yourself.
About the measurements
- Deere doesn't state the measurement point for the 120R loader's lift figure, so treat that comparison as published-number vs published-number.
- Lift-capacity winner isn't marked in the table because LS's headline figure is measured at the link ends. Both brands publish a 24-inch figure too, and that's the fair comparison quoted above.
Competitor specs come from each manufacturer's published spec sheets and product pages, pulled July 2026. Manufacturers change specs, so check the current sheet before you buy. Competitor brand and model names belong to their owners. We're a KIOTI and LS dealer, and this page says so up front.
Want our number on the MT125?
Call or text 503-325-2970 and we'll get you a real quote.