TSO
Elite Member
Currently own a Kioti CK20S HST w/loader. I've had it for a year and 210 hours. It's worked very well for me. It performed excellent within it's capabilities and only had two minor problems: 1) Steering-Stem gasket leaked, dealer could not fix the gasket as Kioti sent a complete replacement steering-assembly to swap in. Fixed by the dealer in under 2 weeks. 2) Small O-Ring gasket in the Front Hydraulic connections leaked, fixed by the dealer in 5 minutes. Other than that, I have no complaints.
However, I'm needing more power, both from my PTO and from my loader. I've only had it for a year, so before I pay too much more into this machine, now's a good time to upgrade if I'm going to do it. I'm looking in the 40-50 HP range. I've basically narrowed it down to Kioti & LS. Kubota, JD, NH, Massey... they're all way overpriced. TYM seem unrefined and sketchy, Branson seems a little outclassed too. Kioti & LS offer excellent value & features. GManBart recently inspired me with his new R4047H, which is a gorgeous tractor! He actually doesn't live too far from me, so I'll probably even use the same dealer, who coincidentally sells both Kioti & LS machines. I'll be looking between the LS R4041H & 4047H, and the Kioti DK40/45/50 Hydros. They're all close in price, with a minor edge going to LS. Like GManBart already discovered, the Kioti loader is slightly more powerful. Otherwise they're very similar rigs.
I'm going to do as he did, and get seat time and prices on both before I buy.
I'm just wondering, do any of you LS owners regret your purchase, or have issues that I should address before I buy one? What are the things you've had problems with, and did you have any issues with the dealer fixing them in a timely manner? Any other helpful info would be appreciated.
And not that color matters but I've always been partial to Ford Blue tractors. I was shopping for a NH when I bought the Kioti last year, but the same class NH tractor was easily several thousand more than the Kioti, and I couldn't justify it.
Thanks in advance :thumbsup:
However, I'm needing more power, both from my PTO and from my loader. I've only had it for a year, so before I pay too much more into this machine, now's a good time to upgrade if I'm going to do it. I'm looking in the 40-50 HP range. I've basically narrowed it down to Kioti & LS. Kubota, JD, NH, Massey... they're all way overpriced. TYM seem unrefined and sketchy, Branson seems a little outclassed too. Kioti & LS offer excellent value & features. GManBart recently inspired me with his new R4047H, which is a gorgeous tractor! He actually doesn't live too far from me, so I'll probably even use the same dealer, who coincidentally sells both Kioti & LS machines. I'll be looking between the LS R4041H & 4047H, and the Kioti DK40/45/50 Hydros. They're all close in price, with a minor edge going to LS. Like GManBart already discovered, the Kioti loader is slightly more powerful. Otherwise they're very similar rigs.
I'm going to do as he did, and get seat time and prices on both before I buy.
I'm just wondering, do any of you LS owners regret your purchase, or have issues that I should address before I buy one? What are the things you've had problems with, and did you have any issues with the dealer fixing them in a timely manner? Any other helpful info would be appreciated.
And not that color matters but I've always been partial to Ford Blue tractors. I was shopping for a NH when I bought the Kioti last year, but the same class NH tractor was easily several thousand more than the Kioti, and I couldn't justify it.
Thanks in advance :thumbsup: