Kubota-Kioti (the burning question...)

[Dargo]

I would have to say "it depends". That "depends" isn't adult diapers either. There are too many variables, at least for me, to give any steadfast answer. Some want to bang the drum of price, weight and hp. If that is what you want, go by Rural King and buy one of their Tractor King tractors. They will have more weight, a Perkins designed diesel engine and a lower price than either. I have to admit that I've been impressed with what you get for the money from Montana, Zetor and Mahindra as well.

In my particular area all of the above mentioned tractors, like Kioti, share the same issue; no dealers or dealer network even remotely close. With that being a fact, you better have a spare tractor to use when you haul your (insert name) tractor a few hundred miles to the dealer if it has any problems. That's not to say that they are bad tractors though. I wouldn't be afraid to own a Montana, Kioti, Zetor, Branson, Tractor King or Mahindra tractor. It just wouldn't be that convenient for me in my area and, in my case, when I go to trade tractors I'd take a bloodbath on resale. For some, none of these issues are a factor.

Having operated and at least test driven all the above along with having owned JD, NH, and Kubota tractors over the last couple of decades, I will say that, in my personal opinion, the premium brand tractors do have more of a polished feel to operating them, have plenty of local representation for parts/service and I've always enjoyed supreme resale value. I've actually made money when selling some after buying them new. The fit, finish and overall feel of those tractors have spoiled me a bit as well. Still, if I had local dealers and the price was right, I guarantee you that I'd own any one of what I listed above for my next tractor. If you have a good Kioti dealership close to you, if the price is right and if resale isn't a factor for you, I think I'd have to suggest the Kioti if you have a need for a tractor that packs around more weight for certain chores. And, in case you are wondering, yes, there are some brand tractors that I think are just plain junk. I see no need to inject my opinion about them here because they have nothing to do with the tractors being discussed or even the brand names I injected into the conversation. I say this just so you don't think I'm one of those guys who say that "all new tractors are good tractors". I rather strongly disagree with that statement.

 

[greenmule]

There are two kioti dealers within less than an hours drive of my house,that I know of. There are two more within 1 1/2 hours drive,that I know of.

Maybe a southern w.v. thing,don't know. would say there are probably as many kioti dealers or more than deere or kubota,nearest mahindra dealer was about 2 hours away last year anyways.

 

[Dargo]

There are two kioti dealers within less than an hours drive of my house,that I know of. There are two more within 1 1/2 hours drive,that I know of.

Maybe a southern w.v. thing,don't know. would say there are probably as many kioti dealers or more than deere or kubota,nearest mahindra dealer was about 2 hours away last year anyways.

They ought to be something you can consider then. I think they took off too soon in my area and were just small places that went under. My thought is that hurt them in this area worse than if they'd never been here.

 

[Dmace]

Personally, I wouldn't rule out Kioti for 65 miles, that's barely an hours drive on highways. My tractor has been to the dealer once in almost 4 years and that was for the scheduled 50-hour service which was included in the sale. As long as you can change oil, operate a grease gun and turn a large socket wrench, you will not need a dealer often with any of the big name tractors. I can't say as much for the Cub since many have been having problems with them since MTD took over.

For me more standard features, stronger attachments, longer warranty, heavier weight, smoother 3pt, and a higher pump capacity are all well worth a 65 mile drive. 65 miles is nothing compared to what some do for the right tractor, some members have purchased their tractors from dealers hundreds of miles away without problems.

It would benefit you greatly to at least get a quote on a Kioti and make sure you compare apples to apples including all the features like suspension seat, mid PTO, rear remotes (if needed), etc...

If you are looking at a 20hp machine, the CK20 is a great machine in that class. You will not find another manufacturer that can come close to the FEL capacity and BH strength in a sub-25hp machine.

For a quick comparison:
Kubota BX2660: 25.5hp, FEL lifts 745lbs at pins to 71.3" high and 670lbs of lift 24" behind 3pt hitch.
JD 2305: 24.1hp, FEL lifts 562lbs at pins to 73.4" and 681lbs of lift 24" behind 3pt hitch.
Kioti CK20: 22hp, FEL lifts 1074lbs at pins to 88" and 1,305lbs of lift 24" behind 3pt hitch.

 

[rioravioli]

I can't say as much for the Cub since many have been having problems with them since MTD took over

You must be referring to the Cub-Cadets purchased at the big box stores re: Lawn tractors -

as the SC2400 is a new (last year venture) between Yanmar and Cub Cadet (made by Yanmar) at least that's what I was told. Again, I am no expert don't claim to be I am a proffesed newbie and only know what i read and have been told by dealers and owners on these type of forums, i don't own anything yet.

As far as the 65 miles - when the snow fly's it might as well be 365 miles I don't want to deal with lugging tractors to and fro just in case i get a lemon, you have heard of lemons haven't you?

 

[froggy]

Like many here, local service is a big deal. I don't have a large HD truck and trailer to haul with and that is the reason I would only look at dealers within 30 miles of the farm.

This eliminates everyone except Case, JD, Kubota (3), MF and NH (2). Only the Case and JD have mobile service trucks. The two of the Kubota dealers, MFand NH will come and pickup the tractor is needed.

Will be purchasing a new tractor this Fall and you can bet it will only one of these four brands regardless of how good the other brands are because of the local service convenience.

 

[LD1]

For a quick comparison:
Kubota BX2660: 25.5hp, FEL lifts 745lbs at pins to 71.3" high and 670lbs of lift 24" behind 3pt hitch.
JD 2305: 24.1hp, FEL lifts 562lbs at pins to 73.4" and 681lbs of lift 24" behind 3pt hitch.
Kioti CK20: 22hp, FEL lifts 1074lbs at pins to 88" and 1,305lbs of lift 24" behind 3pt hitch.

I for one believe that either kubota is way underrated or kioti is way over-rated on the loader specs. Let me back it up with facts pulled off both their websites.

Kioti lift cylinder = 1.18" Max PSI = 2682
Kubota Lift Cyl = 1.57" Max PSI = 1778

Kioti cylinder = 2933lbs of force
kubota cyl = 3442 lbs of force (even at much lower pressure)

times 2 cyls. The kubota is mutting out over 1000lbs more force where the cylinder attaches to the boom. How is it possible that the kioti can lift almost 300lbs more at the pins I know the geometry and angles may be just a little different but get real.

 

[LD1]

I'll even give a few more example to let everyone ponder. All of these # were taken directly off mfg. websites.

L3400 - lift cap = 1142 combined cylinder force 11548 lbs
Bx2660 - lift cap = 745 " " " " 6884 lbs
KL120 - lift cap = 1074 " " " 5986 lbs
KL130 - lift cap = 1155 " " " 9621 lbs


Even between the two kioti loaders their is confusion. the kl130 cylinders ar pushing on the loader arms with 60% more force than the kl120, so why can it only lift about 9% more?????

And the big one is...The 3400 has almost double the force at the cylinder as the kl120, but can only lift 68 lbs more

 

[Dmace]

I know the geometry and angles may be just a little different but get real.

The right geometry is all your need, I saw a 150lb man move a 3,000lb rock with fulcrums and levers.

Kubota may be underrating but I know Kioti is not overrating. I had a 500 gallon propane tank delivered for my standby generator and the delivery guy could not get up the hill to my backyard. I hooked a chain over the pins and to the two hooks and lifted it easily about 2ft off the ground. I was able to drive it uphill about 200ft to the backyard too! The delivery driver was impressed and said the tank is a hair under 1,000lbs total.

As far as the 65 miles - when the snow fly's it might as well be 365 miles I don't want to deal with lugging tractors to and fro just in case i get a lemon, you have heard of lemons haven't you?

When the snow flies, you not going to be moving any tractor easily. You won't go wrong with either tractor but it is still ridiculous to pay more money for less tractor just because it's closer. In my opinion anyways...
I've heard of lemons, but I stopped buying Ford's a long time ago.

 

[LD1]

Geometry does make a difference but not that much.

And their is not a discrepency (sp) with all of their loader either. The 351 loader I thin is right on at 1412 lbs. It has 50mm cylinders. My 3400 has 45mm cylinders. The 351 are a little larger so I would expect it to lift slightly more. And it does, to the tune of 270lbs.

I think if the kl120 loader can ACTUALLY lift 1074 lbs at the pins with the tiny 1.18" cylinders and 2682psi, Then I think all the other loaders mentioned are WAY underrated. The only other posibility is maybe it is a typo on the website, b/c 1.18" cylinders are tiny. The rod on my cylinders is that big, so now I am wondering if they gave the rod dia. instead of cyl diameter. If that is the case, it all makes sense now.

And to be fair to JD you quoted the loader on a 2305 which rins a much lower psi. Same loader on the 2320 will do 800lbs at the pins.