Trying To Decide Between CK 2610 HST or CK 3510 HST SE

[Freep]

I faced the same decision you did. I went into the tractor store looking for a no-frills tractor, liked the 2610, then started looking at options and doing math. It seemed to make more sense to get the 3510SE for a relatively small increased in price, so I did.

But then, it was the first tractor I had ever purchased. A lot of those options have not really been used much and I therefore occasionally think I over-bought. If I had to do it over again I might get a base 2610 with only the necessary options. One thing I would definitely do is not buy a backhoe. I've used it a few times, but I would prefer to have a bucket spade, a shovel, and $7k than the backhoe. My neighbor has a backhoe, and I can borrow hers as need be, but I somehow imagined myself using it constantly and that just hasn't been the case.

If money is no object, buy the SE. If you'd like to save a few bucks and don't need all the options, the 2610 is worth considering. I've been happy with the Kioti in general though.

 

[prof fate]

I use cruise control, but I mow a lot.
I rarely use link pedal.
mirror is great.
I use the horn to 'move' the horses out of the way.
floor mat i like.
arm rest I use all the time.
rear remotes - have yet to get a hydraulic top link...so have yet to use them.

tool box I added. tilt wheel...never had it so don't know what i'm missing. LOL

the PTO is different...again, haven't used the other (SE) kind to know what i'm missing. as i understand it the PTO shuts off when you lift the 3 point..safety but perhaps a PITA as well?

I also added LED lights to the ROPS, will be adding 12v access on the back for a sprayer this weekend - the wire is there, i tapped into it for ground for my rops lights.

I'd use a backhoe..7k worth? Unlikely. I have 2 friends with hoe's, and one has volunteered to come over this summer and do some work for me, the other guy is a contractor so I have to pay him - still cheaper for the 2 times last year (once to bury a horse and once to dig up water lines and replace some of it). In the past 20 years I've rented a small excavator twice.

So far in reality, the tractor is NOT a labor saver...since I can now do things I've not been able to do I'm working harder than ever! LOL

Over this past few days pulled 5 stumps, working on a 6th (really big one but it's 1/2 rotted), moving piles of treelimbs from downed trees, stirring fires (much better than a rake!) when I burn the trees and brush, moved a bunch of rocks, gonna clean up the fence line i've been avoiding for 20 years (hence more work!), and well, putting ruts in some of the yard, turfing up the grass...more work!! LOL

BUT it should make mowing easier in the end.

I faced the same decision you did. I went into the tractor store looking for a no-frills tractor, liked the 2610, then started looking at options and doing math. It seemed to make more sense to get the 3510SE for a relatively small increased in price, so I did.

But then, it was the first tractor I had ever purchased. A lot of those options have not really been used much and I therefore occasionally think I over-bought. If I had to do it over again I might get a base 2610 with only the necessary options. One thing I would definitely do is not buy a backhoe. I've used it a few times, but I would prefer to have a bucket spade, a shovel, and $7k than the backhoe. My neighbor has a backhoe, and I can borrow hers as need be, but I somehow imagined myself using it constantly and that just hasn't been the case.

If money is no object, buy the SE. If you'd like to save a few bucks and don't need all the options, the 2610 is worth considering. I've been happy with the Kioti in general though.

 

[Freep]

So far in reality, the tractor is NOT a labor saver...since I can now do things I've not been able to do I'm working harder than ever! LOL

Strongly agree!

Actually, rethinking my post above: I initially went to the tractor store to buy the cheapest lawn mower they had... things escalated quickly from there. Two more things that initially attracted me to the 2610: 1) Lack of emissions technology, of which I am leery of long-term maintenance and repair costs; and 2) it evidently has a larger engine that is detuned to fit the HP profile for the low-end tractor. In fact, it was the 2610 and these characteristics that attracted me to Kioti. For anyone on a budget, but needing/wanting a small new tractor, I felt after 6 months of investigation the 2610 was a very difficult machine to beat. The reasons I moved up to the 3510SE was that it had all the options available, and I didn't really know which ones I needed as a tractor newb, and my wife consented to cancel plans for a new car purchase in favor of a fleet of old Volvos. The tractor plus the fleet cost what a new car would have.

 

[Threepoint]

Milo, I'm late to this thread, so you may already have committed. If not, I'd go with the CK3510SE HST in your situation and not look back. You're moving from a Kubota B2650, a very nice tractor, so the CK2610HST is not going to be much of a change in terms of utility and features. And you've already decided to add options that come standard on the CK3510SE HST. The $21,200 you were quoted is very reasonable, and if you can get the new Kioti 3rd function included and installed for another $600, that's even better.

You might well be content with the CK2610HST in the end. But I have this sense that it'd be a case of wudda, cudda, shudda.

BTW, the DPF is a plus, IMO, and that's coming from someone who actually finds the smell of pre-DPF system diesel nostalgic. I have to disagree that the DPF exhaust is without odor, though. Not unpleasant at all, but definitely has an distinct smell.

 

[Milo]

No not too late and thanks for your sound advice, I'm still struggling with this decision and going back and forth between either a 3510 SE, or down to a 2610 or L2501 Kubota. The B2650 was a nice tractor and had ample power for me it's just that I wish it were a little wider and heavier for loader work. Also since I no longer mowed with it the expensive, dedicated, 72" mower deck just sat in the shed. So I thought if I could sell the package complete I'd do so, otherwise keep what I had and just buy wheel spacers and live with the B2650 which would work. Well the first looker bought it.
Whatever new tractor I get will be rough mowing a few small fields probably just once in the Fall (with either a RC or flail which I've yet to decide as well), probably a 60" for a 2610/L2501 or 72" on the 3510. A 72" would mow a little faster but I think I'd be fine taking a bit longer (more tractor time) with a 60". Other than not being able to run a larger RC or flail a 2610 should do everything else I need it to do about as well as a 3510 or 4010. The idea behind rear remotes is for a side shift flail and or hydraulic top link but they're not really necessary which has me leaning toward the simplicity of a light duty RC.

So power isn't a huge issue, weight and lift are the same. Having a more basic tractor doesn't bother me, actually I kind of enjoyed my old basic Kubota B7500 more than the nicer, larger B2650. The SE features are all nice but I could pick a few of the most important to be put on a 2610 and save some money. And I'll be honest, not having some of the electronics and a DPF is attractive to me.

The dealer checked Kioti in NC and was told it'd be 4 weeks for a new CK3510, he said better allow 6 then so it'd be early July, but it'd be a fresh unit not something sitting out on some lot. He has a CK4010 on the lot and said under the circumstance I could have it for just $900 over the 3510 quote. He also has a CK2610 in stock.

 

[N2DFire]

I would like having extendable ends on the lower arms

I'm sure these are included as party of the SE "package", but if not I would seriously consider not getting them but getting a Quick Hitch instead (Even the one from harbor Freight can be had for $80 or so) and to add at least the hydraulic top link if you don't do a full top & tilt.

Having those makes hooking up a TON easier than even the extending links, plus it's so much more useful for other tasks (blade / grading / rake work) that the links won't help with.

Sheldon and Chevy, I agree the extra power would be useful at times plus I want most of the stuff that comes the SE.

I have probably wished for a bigger tractor 100x more often that I have ever wished for a smaller one.
Price being that close and physical size not being that much different, and as long as the larger frame is still usable in your space, I would still recommend the larger tractor (35 or 40)

Now I find myself using the tractor for more loader and grapple tasks than I anticipated and let's face it on uneven hilly ground this is better suited for a tractor that's a little heavier with a wider track than a B Kubota. So rather than try to sell the mmm by itself and keep the B2650 and add wheel spacers and maybe R4 tires and wheels, I decided to sell everything complete and look for a slightly heavier, wider, tractor, whith maybe a bit more lift capacity but small enough to maneuver on my trails.

If you're doing even the most minimal ground engaging work I would highly suggest Ag (R1) instead of Industrial (R4) tires.
The first & most obvious reason is traction.
Secondly R1 tires come on different (two piece) wheels and have adjustable width / spacing built in based on how they are bolted together. R4 wheels are 1 piece and would need spacers to set your width wider than factory default.
We had ours fluid filled & set to the widest stance by the dealer during assembly.

I'm sure you'll be happy with which ever one you choose, just some free "food for thought" that's worth exactly what you paid for it. :laughing:

Best of luck & be sure to let us know what you end up with.

 

[Milo]

Good adviceN2DFire, and worth considerably more than I paid for it!

 

[Jacksonvly]

I purchased a Ck2610hst last summer. Have about 45hrs on it. Great machine. At the time of purchase I shied away from the 3510 due to emissions concerns.
Pulling hills at my place in upstate Pa I see the shortcomings of the 2610.
I’m giving serious thought to trading for a 3510.

 

[Milo]

My concern is having the same issue you're experiencing. What exactly are you doing up hills that leaves you lacking for power? I assume mowing of some kind?

I foresee much/ most of my use doing loader tasks moving gravel, dirt, grapple, and snow. Also bush hogging my three small fields once possibly twice a year. Two of which are flat with the third being a slight grade.

 

[redman135]

milo, you ALWAYS get "misson creep" as your skills improve, go bigger. AS you said, there is little price difference between them.