buickanddeere
Super Member
Check estate sales for low hour Tier I and Tier II equipment .
New member ...looking to buy 24 to 30 hp tractor
- Thread starter 747driver
- Start date
- Views: 15919
TomSeller
Super Member
Agree 100%
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
check the specs on the Mahindra and Kioti for equal hp engines. The Mahindra way out does the Kioti in all areas....especially the fel/3pt lift capacities.
Someone said he didn't like how difficult it is to remove/put on a Mahindra backhoe. There's nothing easier. Check the youtube videos. I can put mine on in about 2-3 minutes and off in a minute or less.
I had difficulty deciding between the kioti CK30 and the Mahindra 3016. Comparing EVERYTHING, I went with the 3016.. No regrets.
Someone said he didn't like how difficult it is to remove/put on a Mahindra backhoe. There's nothing easier. Check the youtube videos. I can put mine on in about 2-3 minutes and off in a minute or less.
I had difficulty deciding between the kioti CK30 and the Mahindra 3016. Comparing EVERYTHING, I went with the 3016.. No regrets.
javahjoe
Member
On your way down South, stop by and I'll show and tell my Kubota B 2920, 29HP with loader. Maybe not enough HP for you but after two years I like my tractor. Kokomo, IN. 46902. Right off HWY 31, at HWY 22. Stop by anytime, and just chat and coffee. Javahjoe, MIO, aka Don
trollingfever
Member
i would almost make the trip, just to chat with someone that has the experience with the kubota, and maybe the coffee. lol
varmint
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2003
- Messages
- 2,572
- Location
- Northern Maryland
- Tractor
- Kubota B8200, then a Kubota L3130 HST, now a Kubota L3400 HST
Don- good man! Offering to share knowledge is part of what makes this a great site! I have learned many useful (and many not so useful, but that's cool) things from other's posted experiences. My tractor is something I can play with, work on for useful mods, and not worry about hurting it or putting a scratch on it. What else will plow snow and scrape ice that's also a hobby toy?
OP
747driver
Veteran Member
Ok tractor drivers i did get some seat time on monday. Went to the Kioti dealer,Mahinhdra and Branson dealers. Impressed with the Kioti CK30. Solid tractor frame and controls. The Mahindra 3016 has plastic fenders. Drove the 26hp max. Didn't care for the HST foot pedals or the FEL control lever design...it sticks straight out and interferes with getting on and off the tractor. The Kioti has a nice joy stick FEL lever right at your waist on the right side fender, plus the HST has a rocker pedal which means no lifting your foot to change direction. Drove the Branson 24hp HST. Nice machine but FEL control lever same as the Mahindra and HST pedal is not a rocker type. True the Mahindra has more lifting FEL and 3pt hitch capacity than the Kioti. But the Kioti CK25 weighs 1300 more lbs than the Mahindra 26 Max and Branson 24HST. The Kioti CK25 quote was 14,350 ( free loader ). Mahindra 26Max was 18,000 ( no free loader ) and the Branson 24 HST was 13,600 ( free loader ). The Mahindra dealer ( 90 minute drive) was not real helpful, even though this is where they are assembled in Chattanooga. The Kioti dealer in Cleveland, TN( 60 minute drive ) was very helpful and a full service tractor dealer. The Branson dealer ( 90 minute drive ) in Chatsworth,GA is a family owned dealer and only been selling tractors for the last 2 years with no full time mechanic. As far as workmanship and quality the Kioti was the best then the Branson...thought Mahindra was lacking in craftsmanship and quality. I am still debating whether to go with the 30hp vs. the 27 hp. The 30 hp is definitely a bigger tractor. I have decided to not invest in a BH ( 5,000 add on ). I can rent one when i need to.
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
that's all you look at before you write it off?
Do not let that dissuade you from SERIOUSLY considering the 3016. It's an excellent machine, strong, well built, powerful and very dependable, being that it's a Mitsubishi. The driving/operating controls, are laid out nice, the tilt wheel and adjustable seat make it very comfortable, the fel controls are right where they should be. The Tier 3 engine is as tough and dependable/long lasting engine as there is available. It starts at below 0 like it's summer, every time.
Look at it closer and give it another chance. Don't throw it away for it's fenders.
BTW, when I was looking at the 3016 and that's the first/only complaint I had. I still bought it and am VERY pleased with mine.
OP
747driver
Veteran Member
You're right...plastic fenders shouldn't matter but then again why do they do such poor design ! Looks like after looking the 3016 has the FEL controls on the fender area with a joystick. That dealer didn't have a 3016 to look at. That model is no longer going to be built as it is going to be renamed due to the new Tier !V mandate. Does your 3016 have a rocker pedal for the HST or do you have to move your foot from fwd to rev ?
TJP89
Veteran Member
My comment here is if you get the Kioti, go with the CK35 instead of the CK30. The only difference is an extra 4 or 5 HP that brings the ability to easily run 60" implements, which are the proper width for the CK27/30/35. Size wise the 35 is the exact same dimensions as the 30 and 27, with identical hydraulics. The price difference was only about $700 so easily worth it.
From having climbed all over (and under) the Kioti, I am left with the feeling that this is a downsized farm tractor, not upsized lawn mower. The rear axles are hefty, the transmission and frame are real solid, and the fenders and such are all metal. All of the examples in the manual are farming ones. I think if you are looking for a lot of tractor in a small basic frame the Kioti is hard to beat. This is not to beat down Mahindra, they make good machines, but when I looked at the two, I came away much more impressed by the Kioti.