I had no prior "tractoring" experience before buying this tractor. I researched A LOT before making my purchase. In fact, I had a Jinma on order from Rural King and cancelled it because I wanted to upgrade to the Kioti CK20 Gear. I purchased the Tractor, FEL, RFM, and Boxblade for $12,500 delivered. I felt I got a great deal from Outdoor Power Store in Greenfield, IN. I bought the tractor to work on my 5 acre piece of former farm ground and to assist my contractor in the construction of my new home. I have used the tractor for the following purposes since its purchase: mowing, bush hogging (borrowed the bush hog), various FEL applications (rocks, moving piles of gravel, backfilling around the house, leveling, etc...), landscape raking (borrowed the rake), seeding 3 of five acres, and other assorted tasks. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. As I said, I knew nothing (and still don't know a lot) about tractors before my purchase and would probably be considered a "suburban" user as I have 5 acres in a subdivision of large lotted homes. I figure I saved myself somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-5 thousand dollars in bobcat and other machine rentals in the past six months as I gave my contractor (a good friend of mine) free access to the machine as he was working on my home. He used it a lot...and I was more than happy to let him as ultimately it saved me money. I have had no problem with the tractor itself and currently have 65 hours on it and am preparing to send it back to the dealer for its overdue 50 hour service.
The Kioti 60 " RFM has worked great for me and I can mow my 5 acres in approximately 3 hours. No problems whatsoever with the mower.

The Kioti 4' Box Blade has performed flawlessly. The only issue with it is the holes on frame of the box where they are welded together don't match up exactly and it is somewhat difficult to slide the pin through the 3 pt. arms and then through the frame to secure the box blade to the lifting arms...I will buy a file and try to "true" up the holes.

The KL120 FEL has been invaluable. When I originally purchased the tractor I wasn't going to get a FEL as I was trying to save money (I had already gone from a 5 thousand dollar Jinma up to this 10 thousand dollar Kioti). However, the sales guy (Jeremy) said do it now, or you'll be back and it will be more expensive when you come back. Well, I went ahead and bought the FEL and I've probably used it more than any other implement....I use it ALL the time for stuff I never thought I would. If you're buying a compact tractor, don't buy one without a FEL. Take it from a guy who never thought he'd use one...

I did skimp a little and purchase the gear model over the HST and I'll tell you why...First of all it was another 1000 dollars for the HST and I was already way over budget. Secondly, the sales guy spoke to the "slight" loss of power by going with the HST. Well, I wanted all the power I could get, don't mind shifting gears, and wanted to save the 1K dollars so I went with the gear model. Is it cumbersome sometimes to switch gears? Yes. However, it hasn't bothered me one bit and I've grown used to it. If money weren't and option, I probably would buy the HST just for convenience and ease of operation. But, I'm very happy with the gear model.

Final impressions...I love this little tractor. It has handled EVERY task I've asked of it. I've been surprised at its power and the fact that it hasn't balked at some of the moving of dirt and gravel I've asked it to do. I have yet to move snow, but a storm's coming and I'm excited to give it a shot. I would definitely recommend this tractor to someone who has a lack of tractoring experience (I'm a school principal), needs a small and versatile tractor, and is on a somewhat limited budget.

If you have any questions or comments regarding my review you can PM me.

Chaskimbrough
Indiana

Date Purchased: 6/2004
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$12500
Pros: Power, open floor-board, Tough FEL, Location of hand controls
Cons: No storage area, no cup holder
Rating: