Need opinions on future tractor purchase.

[ViperDriver]

We just went through same exercise. Bought Kioti CK4010 HST. SO far it's been GREAT. I don't find the bucket crappy - been moving dirt and hauling rocks. Bought forks and lifted some huge spools of fiber optic cable. Used the mid duty bush hog and mowed my field in a few hours. Had some extra hydraulics installed for a grapple (future).

It's easy to drive - well built. Runs well and does not use a ton of diesel. it's done everything we've asked so far (Florence put a damper on the next 10 hours or so of seat time) but the 15 hours so far have been really great.

Dealer is awesome.

He said he didn't sell the SE's because he didn't want all the froofy stuff and you could add it all anyway (I think except the horn) We're close to the US national HQ and plant, so that's helpful - and this is closest dealer for the NA President (who lives about 10 miles from me, I found out)

I find the added weight and grunt of this is useful and I don't feel like I bought "too little". We had also shopped orange and green. Def feel like we got more for our money.

No feedback on BH yet - that digging project has been put off by weather = but taking it off was child's play.

 

[prof fate]

My toro has a fab deck with inexpensive serviceable spindles, rebuildable sealed roller bearing front casters, pressurized oiling on the engine, hour meter, etc. The big box store equivalent misses a few of these, I got mine at a dealership (300 more than big box, many more features).
For $500 more you can get the next model up with rebuildable transmissions if you so desire. Still under 4k.

Less weight on the yard - 550lb vs 4500 lbs. LOTS less likely to rut or tear up the yard.

Mine is 26hp..use is to mow 2.5 acres and some minor trailer towing for yard work - 4 years and almost 150 hours. Last mower (snapper) was a conventional, ran fine after 13 years but the Mrs gave me permission for a new z-turn. Maybe 500 hours on it. They will run a LOT longer than that.

One must choose carefully. The deere's I see at HD/lowes look cheap (small parts, etc). The toro doesn't.

Granted, spending twice as much likely gets you more something...not sure what.

I picked up a used toro z-turn, a 2004, for $500. No issues. It's as low end as they go - single splash oiled briggs, 15hp.

Maintenance...oil change every 50 hours..so annually. If I spend 50 hours mowing on it I'd spend that on something else, perhaps more time - and need to change that oil. Six of one, half dozen of another.
Maybe you could say more tires to check or an extra battery...belts/blades are a wash.

A nice benefit is I'll send my kids out on the zero turn..not sure I'd want them on my new $20,000 tractor...

Not sure if buying a low end zero turn is good advice. Price point lawn mowers are not known for longevity. If you research the folks that are truly knowledgeable with zero turn mowers, the going price range for quality is closer to $6k, and it requires storage space + one more machine to maintain. They utilize lower echelon hydro drive motors, often W/O proper cooling fans and basic minimal hp engines lacking cast iron cylinder sleeves and electronic fuel injection . The tires are a smaller scale and front yokes are not servicable. The mower decks are shallow and stamped type. Price point, indeed for a reason. Zero turns are one trick ponys, that now faster until they let you down. A bargain delivers that for which you we willing to pay.

 

[prof fate]

That would be something to test if you ever do some test drives with different brands.



It has also been talked about a lot on this forum
Dealer Dealer Dealer
If you have a bad Dealer what good is the tractor and have to Argue every time you need something done.

Find a Dealer that you like and that is possibly close.

I had a bad experience with the Local John Deere dealer and it was not
even about tractors. So when it came to me buying they were not even one for me to consider.

I walked in off the street with no knowledge to our local Kubota Dealer and after 2 hours of them answering my questions and them asking me questions I did not even look at Mahindra , Massy Case , Ford or any of the others.

I found my match.

Do some homework and find a Dealer that you click with.

I mention DEALER and the RK folks get up in arms...that i'm bashing them.

I've bought from dealerships and big box stores..there is no comparison to the expertise, assistance, customer care you get a real dealership.

And since i paid LESS for kioti that the comparable RK, and got better financing ...

 

[prof fate]

I bought the 35. The 40 was $2500 more at 'my' dealer..not worth it for 5 hp. I'm happy with what I got - the extra 5 would mean 1 foot bigger brush hog maybe..not sure i'd use it otherwise.

I got the 'base' tractor with loader, cruise, link pedal, arm rest, floor mat, mirror, filled tires, horn (it comes with a button..it should DO something!), 2 rear remotes, free delivery, free first warranty pickup should it need it. 22,451 out the door tax, 6 years insurance ($993), 0% financing( there is a fee for that i've been told but it wasn't detailed on the invoice).

I have 130 hours on it since June 6, did my own first service, have forks for it plus the bucket, 6' brush hog, disk, box blade - it's been perfection to date. Regen's every 35ish hours. I added LED lights on the ROPS (tied into tail/running lights so no switch needed).

The SE model adds all that stuff plus tilt wheel, push button PTO (independent vs live on a base model) and telescoping rear links. I was quoted 3500 more for the SE..the options were $600ish...

I've no issue with teh PTO - last tractor was a gear shift kubota and the HST is WAY better - I have no issue stopping to engage/dis engage the PTO - don't want to 'dump the clutch' at high RPM anyway. A benefit they say is you lift the 3pt and the pto shuts off, for say turning around with a brush hog...I never lift to turn, (never do on any mower...). Maybe a mower and auger/post hole digger aren't the benefciarys of an inde pto as much as some other implement?

Bucket..dealer said all his units come with teh HD bucket. The 3510/4010 have a heavier loader than the cs25/ck25, so maybe they come with lighter buckets?

Thanks for all the helpful info/opinions. I have broadened my search a little more now and came across a Kioti CK4010. This seems to be the best of both worlds that I was looking at. Kioti has the quick attach loader, SSQA loader, 3 range HST, weights in about 50 pounds less than the Kubota, options for backhoe and mid mount PTO (have about talked myself out of that option but it's good to know it's capable) and it has the dual pedals for forward / reverse. The biggest point is I can get "more" tractor for a little less than the other two brands. I still want to look at a few other brands but what is everyones opinion on the Kioti CK4010 or possibly the CK3510?

 

[joshua5438]

I bought the 35. The 40 was $2500 more at 'my' dealer..not worth it for 5 hp. I'm happy with what I got - the extra 5 would mean 1 foot bigger brush hog maybe..not sure i'd use it otherwise.

I got the 'base' tractor with loader, cruise, link pedal, arm rest, floor mat, mirror, filled tires, horn (it comes with a button..it should DO something!), 2 rear remotes, free delivery, free first warranty pickup should it need it. 22,451 out the door tax, 6 years insurance ($993), 0% financing( there is a fee for that i've been told but it wasn't detailed on the invoice).

I have 130 hours on it since June 6, did my own first service, have forks for it plus the bucket, 6' brush hog, disk, box blade - it's been perfection to date. Regen's every 35ish hours. I added LED lights on the ROPS (tied into tail/running lights so no switch needed).

The SE model adds all that stuff plus tilt wheel, push button PTO (independent vs live on a base model) and telescoping rear links. I was quoted 3500 more for the SE..the options were $600ish...

I've no issue with teh PTO - last tractor was a gear shift kubota and the HST is WAY better - I have no issue stopping to engage/dis engage the PTO - don't want to 'dump the clutch' at high RPM anyway. A benefit they say is you lift the 3pt and the pto shuts off, for say turning around with a brush hog...I never lift to turn, (never do on any mower...). Maybe a mower and auger/post hole digger aren't the benefciarys of an inde pto as much as some other implement?

Bucket..dealer said all his units come with teh HD bucket. The 3510/4010 have a heavier loader than the cs25/ck25, so maybe they come with lighter buckets?

Thanks for the info! I need to search the telescoping ends and the PTO more. I like the Auto PTO option on the SE that I just watched in a video. It's nice how it shuts off when you raise the 3 point hitch. The other options you added seem to be high on my list also.

 

[jeff9366]

MESSICKS AGAIN:

VIDEO: Kubota Standard L Series L843 Telescopic Stabilizer kit (overview and install) - YouTube

How close are your nearest two Kioti dealers?

 

[majorwager]

Dig , why no photos? What is LS defect?

 

[Diggin It]

Dig , why no photos? What is LS defect?

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...too-many-choices-post5204345.html#post5204345

 

[prof fate]

Thanks for the info! I need to search the telescoping ends and the PTO more. I like the Auto PTO option on the SE that I just watched in a video. It's nice how it shuts off when you raise the 3 point hitch. The other options you added seem to be high on my list also.

tele links..i like the nuts/regular kind. for most things it's not a big deal ( i added an ammo box tool box on the ROPS in the back to hold a cresent wrency, pliers, clips, etc). With an 850lb brush hog I like it tight, not close to tight. I assume a tele would never have the holes where i'd need them...

link pedal..kinda a waste for me. easier just to run the throttle up and leave it there.

cruise is great for mowing

floor mat nice, arm rest great and love the mirror! (it includes L and R shields by your feet as well)

 

[DK35vince]

Granted, spending twice as much likely gets you more something...not sure what.

Heavier duty decks, heavier duty transmissions, heavier duty frame, Etc,Etc.
My zero turn cost closer to $12,000 OTD. Certainly not cheap, but built very heavy duty.
35HP, 72" deck, suspension seat, flex forks, will mow at 14 MPH, weighs 1600 lbs vs your 550.
Likely nearly every part on it is heavier duty than the low end residential models.