DK35vince
Super Member
So am I, my DK never gives me problems.
Comparison Kubota L3301 vs Mahindra 1533/2538
- Thread starter Blackgreyhounds
- Start date
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- kubota l3301
murphy1244
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2011
- Messages
- 16,335
- Location
- Ohio
- Tractor
- Kubota 1120 RTV Kioti DK-40, MF-135, Ventrac 4500Y
And we have a position control that works.
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
Paul Short, who has owned three Kubotas, knows machinery quite deeply, and whose opinions carry some weight with a lot of us, has basically said in one of his videos that he would have no problem owning a Kioti. He has Kubotas because the Kioti he was attempting to buy wasn't available in time.
That said, as a happy Kubota owner, I might be saying the same thing about Kiotis- the ones I have looked at, always new, appeared pretty interesting, but each time I have purchased a tractor, always used, there were many more Kubotas available, virtually no Kiotis to chose from (in a reasonable radius). If you take a look at used tractor listings, there are often 10 Kubotas for sale for every one Kioti. The dealership situation seems to mirror that ratio...
That said, as a happy Kubota owner, I might be saying the same thing about Kiotis- the ones I have looked at, always new, appeared pretty interesting, but each time I have purchased a tractor, always used, there were many more Kubotas available, virtually no Kiotis to chose from (in a reasonable radius). If you take a look at used tractor listings, there are often 10 Kubotas for sale for every one Kioti. The dealership situation seems to mirror that ratio...
Snowback
Platinum Member
Welcome Blackgreyhounds!
Exciting time for you. I'll add my 2 cents to the great feedback above. In my opinion the dealer, (both sales and service experience), should be a big part of your decision. After a very similar recent process looking for a new tractor, we decided on the Mahindra 2538 for our 17 partially wooded acres. We had a Max 25 that was great on 2 acres and bullet proof, but needed more capacity for this tract. So far I am very pleased with this heavy mid sized machine. The Kioti, Kubota, Branson and JD comparables all were reviewed and some tested as well. All very nice and comparable tractors. For me personally the Mahindra was the most bang for the buck and had all the features I needed save for Cruise and a Suspension seat, so I ordered those and they were installed before pick up. It is not a Cadillac, but it IS a tractor, so there is that...
A few factors that I found personally important were a beefy front end and tires for lots of loader work, good lift capacity, sufficient built in weight, a tier 4 final engine with NO DPF or DEF, and the five year powertrain warranty. (Among other things...)
Whatever brand you end up with, I would recommend a grapple with third function kit. Really makes working with brush and trees so much more pleasant. That is what I mainly use mine for along with cutting using a 6' cutter, and moving some dirt with 6' box blade. The tractor handles these implements with ease. Another nice thing is that it is big enough to get things done, but still sized to work well in slightly tighter areas. It's not a 50HP utility tractor, but pretends to be from time to time.
You'll also find good threads on the 2538 over at the Mahindra specific forum where others have shared additional thoughts a well. Most all reputable brands are good, and all have their minor pros and cons. I think you will be happy with any color tractor assuming you get into the right size/weight/capacity range you need. Good luck with your decision.
As for possible hauling - the 2538 with a 6' cutter, 6' box blade, grapple and original bucket all fit on a 20' trailer, and can still be hauled by a half ton, but just barely...
Exciting time for you. I'll add my 2 cents to the great feedback above. In my opinion the dealer, (both sales and service experience), should be a big part of your decision. After a very similar recent process looking for a new tractor, we decided on the Mahindra 2538 for our 17 partially wooded acres. We had a Max 25 that was great on 2 acres and bullet proof, but needed more capacity for this tract. So far I am very pleased with this heavy mid sized machine. The Kioti, Kubota, Branson and JD comparables all were reviewed and some tested as well. All very nice and comparable tractors. For me personally the Mahindra was the most bang for the buck and had all the features I needed save for Cruise and a Suspension seat, so I ordered those and they were installed before pick up. It is not a Cadillac, but it IS a tractor, so there is that...
A few factors that I found personally important were a beefy front end and tires for lots of loader work, good lift capacity, sufficient built in weight, a tier 4 final engine with NO DPF or DEF, and the five year powertrain warranty. (Among other things...)
Whatever brand you end up with, I would recommend a grapple with third function kit. Really makes working with brush and trees so much more pleasant. That is what I mainly use mine for along with cutting using a 6' cutter, and moving some dirt with 6' box blade. The tractor handles these implements with ease. Another nice thing is that it is big enough to get things done, but still sized to work well in slightly tighter areas. It's not a 50HP utility tractor, but pretends to be from time to time.
You'll also find good threads on the 2538 over at the Mahindra specific forum where others have shared additional thoughts a well. Most all reputable brands are good, and all have their minor pros and cons. I think you will be happy with any color tractor assuming you get into the right size/weight/capacity range you need. Good luck with your decision.
As for possible hauling - the 2538 with a 6' cutter, 6' box blade, grapple and original bucket all fit on a 20' trailer, and can still be hauled by a half ton, but just barely...
mike69440
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2005
- Messages
- 3,300
- Location
- Central NH (God's Country)
- Tractor
- 2005 L39 Kubota, 2020 Polaris 570 Sportsman, 2006 RTV 900, 2019 RTV1100C, 1997 Komatsu PC75UU2E w/ Thumb & Blade, 2013 Mahindra Max28XL Shuttle plus many attachments
In general I respect Kubota engineers their tractors, and their fit and fish are the Honda of tractors. Like Hondas they are not the heaviest machine and like Honda, their mid 90's cars have better quality than some of the current crop. Kubata is really greedy with spare parts pricing, as they have to make it worth it to the dealers to have fancy showrooms somehow.
An Economy series Kubota has a lot of cost reduction, so don't be afraid at looking at other brands
PS the L3901 roughly compares to the 30XX and 15XX Mahindra, the TYM built 25XX are larger machines.
OP
Blackgreyhounds
Bronze Member
I was saving that until I get it delivered this weekend, but here's a pict. of it at the Dealership
Details L3710, 860 hrs, immaculately maintained, LA861 FEL w/ tooth bar, canopy, remote hydro in back, Rim Guard in wheels. Dealer is going to do a full service including filters and fluids. I also ordered new 84" box blade. I'm thinking this is going to be plenty of tractor for my needs and WAY less expensive than a new one and no Tier4 DFP. I think the Mahindra 2538 would have been my second choice if I hadn't run into this gem.
Snowback
Platinum Member
Nice tractor! Congrats!
OP
Blackgreyhounds
Bronze Member
P.S. It's an HST transmission. Big thanks to @paulfun9 for suggesting that I look at the Kioti's at BHM. I have to say the Kioti's were nice tractors, but, this used one was WAY more tractor for less money. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.
OP
Blackgreyhounds
Bronze Member
Holey Mackeral! RimGuard should be an extra 1250#. That puts it well over 2 tons not including the loader.
