Asssment of Korean Tractor Manufacturers

[GManBart]

LS doesn't offer a large frame HST machine. Looks like they have an incomplete range.

The XR4046H is within 2-300lbs of an NX series with HST. I think the NX is a couple of inches longer in wheelbase and overall length, but in the same ballpark.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Sure, but that pretty clearly isn't their target audience because they're trying to be a value brand, not a luxury brand. A nicer cab interior is great, but it doesn't help you do the work better, and raises the price.

It appears the Korean tractor companies are doing the exact same thing that Hyundai and KIA have done in the car world. Start out with basic, solid, machines that drastically undercut their competitors from Japan (Honda, Toyota, and Acura) to build a loyal following, brand recognition, and revenue stream. As they go along, the offer nicer, and nicer machines, and I'm betting eventually their top models will be right there with Kubota, Massey/Iseki, Etc.

From my perspective what hinders Kioti is the lack of options. Ford messed around withholding content from their F-series for decades. Then, when they finally started loading certain trim levels up with content, 30% of the trucks sales went to high content, high-profit trucks and the entire industry took notice and started loading trucks up like they were well equipped E-class sedans. Cab-on tractors are purchased by the same demographic. I literally purchased every option, and wished I could have purchased a factory top and tilt kit, a factory 3rd function, factory defrosters on the glass, and so on.

So why didn't I get a Deere which more or less offers the options? Base price: I could not justify paying 20K more for the base tractor while getting treated like an as shole by the a sshats trying to sell me their machine, which they knew nothing about. The Kioti guy, on the other hand, was into his product, eager to get me into his product and interested when I said I can make accessories.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

The XR4046H is within 2-300lbs of an NX series with HST. I think the NX is a couple of inches longer in wheelbase and overall length, but in the same ballpark.

i didn't see a cab as an option, but it looks like that tractor is comparable with the smallest open station NX, but the 55 and 60hp NX series adds heavier CAT2 kit. Moreover, Kioti offers cab-on gear, power shuttle, and HST versions too at 45p, 50hp, 55hp, and 60hp.

 

[Deerherd]

LS USA has dropped the ball on their larger utility tractors for sure. Talked with the regional rep and NOTHING new for 2015, they are still selling the same tractors that they did 4 years ago, only fewer models. Now they only sell ONE tractor in the P series with power shuttle, the 7040. No tractors between 65 and 95 hp with power shuttle.

Now they only have the 77 hp 7010 that comes with manual transmission or the 7040 with 95 hp.

What's a real kick in the teeth is if you look at their global site they have a great selection of tractors with lots of nice options that you can't buy here. Whomever's making the decisions on what's imported should be fired. They obviously don't have a clue what people want.

What's doubly aggravating is to see the options in your owner's manual and not be able to get them. My tractor has cutouts in the fenders for control of the 3pt hitch, the space for the switch is THERE. I have tried for over two years to get the parts to make that a reality but no luck.

It's been a real dependable tractor but if you want options, look somewhere else.

 

[TrentonMaple]

I have nothing intelligent to add about the dealer networks or overall rankings, but as an owner of an LS tractor, when I was doing my shopping I heard nothing but good things about them. Kioti as well. I had a very hard time deciding between comparably equipped LS and Kioti models. I think they are both great tractors and you can't go wrong with either one. I ultimately settled on the LS because it had a few more options (rear remotes) for a little less money.

Kubota and John Deere are great, but too expensive for me. I just couldn't justify the cost difference.

I lived in South Korea for a year while I was in the Army. I took every opportunity to get out and explore the country. Koreans have a fantastic work ethic and commitment to quality and precision. I had zero issues or hesitations buying a Korean tractor. To me they are in the same league as German or Japanese engineering. I was confident I was getting a top-quality machine - unlike another Asian country that has a well deserved reputation for cheap junk made by slave labor.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I was shopping the 60hp ish range all HST drives which adds to the cost, and so a Deere 4066R, Kubota L6060, Massey MF1758, Kioti NX6010, and Mahindra 6010. The Mahindra started hard in 30 degree weather and a vent fell off in my hand in the cab so it was out in the first minute of experiencing it.

I gotcha. Were you dead set with the hst? Did you look at the 5 series. What you've done with yours is impressive and wish you had bought a deere so you'd be my template!

Brett

Edit. Just read about a less than favorable experience with your local deere dealer.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I gotcha. Were you dead set with the hst? Did you look at the 5 series. What you've done with yours is impressive and wish you had bought a deere so you'd be my template!

Brett

Edit. Just read about a less than favorable experience with your local deere dealer.

Thanks to the folks in the Massey forum, I was quickly guided away from gear machines to HST machines, and boy where those guys spot on with their suggestions. FWIW, it did not escape me that larger framed gear tractors cost less money. When I traveled to Iowa to look at Masseys, I also looked at their 4600 series and decided it was far too large for the type of work I had in mind. Writing off the 4600s, I also wrote off the less expensive Deere 5083e machines as well.

 

[rgr33]

Agreed. Frankly, I couldn't care less about the name. As long as the tractor, value, and after sales support stack up then they could paint the darn thing fluro pink and call it Shirley for all I care.

ha Ha! Don't see myself getting a pink tractor, anybody out there have one?

 

[GManBart]

i didn't see a cab as an option, but it looks like that tractor is comparable with the smallest open station NX, but the 55 and 60hp NX series adds heavier CAT2 kit. Moreover, Kioti offers cab-on gear, power shuttle, and HST versions too at 45p, 50hp, 55hp, and 60hp.

The XR series actually started out as only cab models, then added the open station later.

The NX series all have the same frame, dimensions, and weights. The 55 and 60hp versions just have larger wheels/tires, and Cat 2 lift arms/pins, but no increase in 3pt lift capacity (same pump, cylinders, etc). Essentially, they're the same machine with different wheels/tires, and lift arms.

The NX series are 218lbs heavier and a few inches longer/wider than the XR, but they're still similar size machines. The XR comes in HST or synch shuttle (no power shuttle) versions....not sure why anybody would offer straight gear right now, but an extra choice never hurt.

 

[DavesTractor]

Maka, if you are thinking about a line to sell, consider Mahindra as well. Some models are standouts, some probably are not, but the product line-up is pretty good, parts are good, financing is good, etc. And they are growing like mad at the wholesale level and also consistently gaining market share at the retail level. I think LS and Kioti are also good brands to consider, I'm not taking anything away from that argument. But in 2006 Mahindra told me they would be #1 in the world (single brand, by tractor count, under 80 HP....lot's of disclaimers) by 2008. By 2009 they achieved that. Then they set their sights on #3 in the USA and achieved that. They aren't a perfect company, but there are some impressive aspects to doing business with them. I've retailed over 1000 in my local market and distributed many times that to other dealers. By comparison, Mahindra did a little more than triple LS retail sales this year in the USA.

The draw to LS might be that they could be the next Mahindra in the USA, and it is always exciting to be part of a rapidly growing brand. And the president of LS in the USA is a great guy, one of my favorites.
Believe me, I'm not knocking LS or Kioti, I have a lot of respect for both brands. I do wonder why Kioti's market share has been fairly stagnant and they have been in the USA for a lot longer than most Korean brands (and longer than Mahindra) and they build a good product.

Just contributing my thoughts. If a guy were opening a tractor sales business, he would surely need to consider Mahindra.