Kubota or Kioti - Which Model

[randyrowley]

I have two options close to me; Kubota and Kioti. Would prefer between the two for servicing.

I have 20 acres.

I want a tractor with a front loader to help around the property;

- Maintain a pond I have by scooping out soil/rocks/debris
- Maintain a wet water creek, same as the pond
- Move soil, rocks and brush around
- Drag limbs and other heavy objects
- Do some base grading

I would prefer a 4x4 as a lot of areas get pretty muddy.

So I would really like to hear advice on Kubota vs. Kioti, as well as which model is suggested.

Appreciate the help in advance!!!

 

[McREBEL]

A Kubota L3301 or L3901, maybe, depending on the size of those rocks. Sounds like a grapple would be very useful to you. Scooping soil out of a pond does sound more like a job for a backhoe, but maybe not if I knew exactly what you had in mind.

I am not slighting Kioti, I just don't know as much about the Kioti models. I think Kubota and Kioti are both great brands.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Im not going to suggest a size, but will say that if you get a kubota, a great machine, btw, you will pay a lot more for it than a koti, which is also a great machine.

Ive seen both, close up, and kn ow people who have both, and I'd get the kioti and never look back.

If you werent limited in your dealership, id get a Mahindra...and I did.

 

[roadhunter]

I'd recommend something close to 50 HP or more for doing any real dirt work. Those smaller tractors are nice but struggle moving dirt, rocks, digging ponds, etc.. I like mine (45 hp) but after working on construction sites it's nothing but a toy compared to real dirt moving equipment. I need my box blade on back just to scoop up a bucket full of moist soil.



You can probably get a Kioti with attachments for about what you would pay for a Kubota by itself.

 

[jeff9366]

The Kubota "Grand L" series and "MX" series both offer the horsepower options and weight you need. They share HEAVY frames. They have very open, comfortable operating stations.

"Grand L" has has every option, less FEL, standard. You pay for them all. I own a "Grand L" and feel fortunate every day.

"MX" is produced to hit a competitive price point. No bells, few whistles; good weight.

When people try to scoop out ponds, too frequently the tractors slip into the water with the operator shouting "whoa, WHOA!! === Don't try it. === Hire a pond specialist who will use a tracked mini-excavator with extended boom.

KUBOTA LINKS: Compact Tractors | Grand L60 | Kubota Tractor Corporation

Mid-Size Tractors | MX4800 MX5200 MX5800 | Kubota Tractor Corporation

A Grand L3560, smallest of the tier, which is what I own, would be ample for the tasks you have listed, but bigger/heavier is almost always better in tractors and you reside in TEXAS.

How much of your twenty acres will the tractor actually work??

Have you prior experience operating tractors and mounting 3-Pt. implements??


Once you decide on a tractor, start a new thread on what options to order specifically for your tractor model.

For The Recond: There is nothing wrong with a Kioti either.

 

[k0ua]

I have owned 2 Kubota's and 1 Kioti. I presently have the Kioti DK35se. With loaded tires, Loader and home made rear ballast. I have a grapple, and pallet forks, and two buckets. I am not going to go down the Kubota/Kioti , who is best road, as they are both good. Pick the one you like the best and which one your wallet likes the best. I believe my tractor would do all that you may need to do. With my ballast on the back. I am around 6000 lbs. More weight means more push, pull and "grunt" in dirt work. I don't know about pond work, unless it is really dried up. Keep tractors away from water.

Some of the reasons I prefer my tractor is because of heavy construction, more weight than some, and many deluxe features. If you can afford a grapple, like is on the front of mine in the avatar photo, get it. They are great to move logs, brush, and stones. A couple of other good brands to consider is Mahindra, and LS. As for working a tractor in the creek, just make sure it has a rock bottom and not a mud bottom.. I have worked tractors in creeks, and if the bottom is rock, it is OK, and the water is not too deep, but if the bottom is mud.. look out. Good luck in your search.

 

[jeff9366]

Photo #1: Nice to know what you look like, James.

Did you get the Balacava as a 'freebie' at time of purchase?

 

[k0ua]

Photo #1: Nice to know what you look like, James.

That is not a very flattering photo is it? I was pretty darn cold after a couple of hours on that open station machine.

how about this one?

 

[TripleR]

Man, I'm afraid this is going to be a can of worms. I have a Kubota Grand L, so I really like them, but my brother has a Kioti that he really likes. I agree with jeff9366 about the GL and MX are really good tractors and even the smaller Ms are well worth considering. I also agree you will in general pay more for a Kubota than Kioti and in the economy models the Kioti offers more features than Kubota and in general the Kioti is heavier than Kubota.

As to size, I'd want 35HP and up, tractors tend to shrink when you get them on site. I remember thinking mine was too big now it seems midsize.

I don't think you will wind up with a bad tractor either way, just get what fits your needs and bank account best if there is a good dealer around. Go drive as many as much as you can and take your time. My brother had to buy out of state and is a mechanic, so a close dealership is not an issue for him.

 

[jeff9366]

Oh, all right, I will post my photo too.