k0ua
Epic Contributor
Well a couple of thoughts, keep in mind I am a Kubota kind of guy,
First I would do my own research on the specs of the two tractors you are looking at, I would not believe everything a salesguy says. As for the weight, I am not sure the heavier Kioti will help on slopes all that much, as the weight if up higher in the chassis of the tractor. Now that said, more weight in a tractor does allow you to push or pull more, all else being equal. Of course if you are worried about making impressions in a lawn, then weight is not so good. Now loaded tires with the weight down low mostly below the chassis will definately help with stability on slopes. I would think the extra weight in the chassis would help with the loader. I believe Kioti's machine of an equal size to Kubota have more powerful loaders, and would need to be ballasted on the 3 Point Hitch with something to counteract that lift ability, or else the rear tires lift off of the ground. (not a good thing) Another consideration is There are Kubota dealers everywhere you go, and there are not as many Kioti dealers, but Kioti has been around enough now to be pretty well established, and if you have a dealership near you that you trust, you should be good to go.
Now all that said, I have a Kubota, and I have some real slopes, down here in branson, and I am not having any trouble, I have a 750lb ballast on the back and loaded tires. I would be looking at other things between the models like features and resale value. You may find more features in the Kioti, depending on what models you are comparing, (you did not say) but they have traditionally sold for quite a bit less than Kubota, so I am a little confused as to why the Kioti is more money upfront. Also on resale the Kubota will generally bring a bit more. and is usually a little more up front. So I do not understand the pricing. Bottom line I think they are both great tractors, just compare specs, and if you come across something you don't understand, come back here, and we will try to help.
James K0UA
First I would do my own research on the specs of the two tractors you are looking at, I would not believe everything a salesguy says. As for the weight, I am not sure the heavier Kioti will help on slopes all that much, as the weight if up higher in the chassis of the tractor. Now that said, more weight in a tractor does allow you to push or pull more, all else being equal. Of course if you are worried about making impressions in a lawn, then weight is not so good. Now loaded tires with the weight down low mostly below the chassis will definately help with stability on slopes. I would think the extra weight in the chassis would help with the loader. I believe Kioti's machine of an equal size to Kubota have more powerful loaders, and would need to be ballasted on the 3 Point Hitch with something to counteract that lift ability, or else the rear tires lift off of the ground. (not a good thing) Another consideration is There are Kubota dealers everywhere you go, and there are not as many Kioti dealers, but Kioti has been around enough now to be pretty well established, and if you have a dealership near you that you trust, you should be good to go.
Now all that said, I have a Kubota, and I have some real slopes, down here in branson, and I am not having any trouble, I have a 750lb ballast on the back and loaded tires. I would be looking at other things between the models like features and resale value. You may find more features in the Kioti, depending on what models you are comparing, (you did not say) but they have traditionally sold for quite a bit less than Kubota, so I am a little confused as to why the Kioti is more money upfront. Also on resale the Kubota will generally bring a bit more. and is usually a little more up front. So I do not understand the pricing. Bottom line I think they are both great tractors, just compare specs, and if you come across something you don't understand, come back here, and we will try to help.
James K0UA