Help me decide, Kubota B2601 VS Mahindra VS Kioti

[ErnieR]

Help me decide, Kubota L2501 VS Mahindra VS Kioti

Hello all,

New member and first post here

I come from a hobby farming background ( 100ac in total, 63 ac workable and 27 of carolinean woodlot) and have been around mostly old Farmalls of course without a FEL, well the times come I need something to maintain ditchelines and keeping our woodlot clean (4-5 acres of keeping weeds knocked down) cleaning up dead trees their logs and firewood and tree tops, so a FEL, suitable rotary mower, and down the road a front grapple would be great. Also had thought a heavier frame tractor would allow to it I needed to cut the crown off the lawn to change the grade the smaller tractors wouldn稚 be heavy enough.

I hadn稚 even considered these smaller tractors and had started to go look at the Kubota L2501 right up to the Mahindra 1635 and the Kioti CK3510SE.

Then after stumbling across GP Outdoors channel on YT and watching what his little B2601 can do, well I�･ Very impressed I�･ not so sure now I need a larger framed similar to the L2501.

Sadly the different dealers we致e gone to view different tractor brands and model offerings they have little stock. Only dealer that did have side by side comparison was the Mahindra and Kioti dealer and where we got to at least test drive the 1635 and they Just got the Kioti dealership a few weeks ago and the CJ3510SE was still in its crate. So many mixed reviews on different brands it逞ｴ hard to know what to get.

just not sure how these smaller models compare in price to the larger frame models and after watching the vids on the B2601, Im not so sure the smaller models aren稚 Maybe the way for me to go.

I truly appreciate your knowledgeable opinions

Thank you from SW Ontario Canada

 

[jeff9366]

So many mixed reviews on different brands its hard to know what to get.

I am not sure how these smaller models compare in price to the larger frame models. Not sure if a lightl compact class tractor is the way for me to go.

I trust the compact tractor you are shopping for will join the stable of heavier tractors without loaders used for heavy work.

Ultimately you have to decide, but you can bounce ideas off the readership here as long as you wish.


The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to identify potential tractor applications first, then determine bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications.

The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

I need something to maintain ditches and keep our 27 acre woodlot clean (4-5 acres of keeping weeds knocked down) cleaning up dead trees their logs and firewood and tree tops, so a FEL, suitable rotary mower, and down the road a front grapple would be great. Also had thought a heavier frame tractor would allow to it I needed to cut the crown off the lawn to change the grade the smaller tractors wouldn’t be heavy enough.

As potential compact tractor is a supplement to your existing heavier tractors I think all of the machines you have listed would be adequate.

We have numerous contributors here who farm with utility class tractors and comment how much they enjoy jumping on their compact tractor for chores near home. Several recommend the B2650 over the B2501 as a slightly more capable better optioned tractor for not much more money.

VIDEO: Kubota B261 VS Kubota B265 - YouTube

PRICING: kubota b261 price - Google Search

kubota b265 price - Google Search

 

[ErnieR]

Re: Help me decide, Kubota L Series, VS similar Mahindra VS Kioti vs ?

First off I should mention we contract our workable land out so I have no need for any larger tractor than what I’m looking to currently purchase.

After regretfully practically giving away most all of my late fathers Immaculately restored Farmall collection, I only now house a full resto Super M that sits and only gets started twice a year, and then I have a working Super C that I use a on old set of 8 discs with to keep the front of our woodlot worked up a bit .

I’d certainly rather have more iron then less for a new tractor but a few hundred pounds won’t sway my decision either way considering I can build a ballast box plus load the rears.

Regarding PTO horses, moving up from one model to the next day roughly PTO 6hp, has s it that big of jump go warrant the extra roughly 5k.

After doing a bit more research since my first post I think Im not sure the B2601 style tractors arent a touch light duty for my requirements.

Using Kubota for example if say the L2501, L3301 and L3901 I think share the same chassis, the weights should be slightly different due to the engines and emission systems... The others I’ve been considering are the KIOTI CK2610, CK3510SE and the only the one Mahindra I seen, the 1635 which I love the look of, not that it matters. even tho many numbers between the 25/26 HP up to the 35ish have many similar numbers, lift/breakforce, pump output... just unsure if these 25ish (im slightly reluctant with the Tier 4 bc I plan on keeping it and know I’ll eventually have to replace the DPF amd maybe a bunch of other emission parts)

Id like to think I could get away with something like the L2501/CK2610/similar but not sure if they’ll have the grunt to do what I need. Or am I better to jump to the 35ish or 40hp offerings.

I won’t actually know until I get on one and put it to work. is the return on investment worth it going from 25/26-33/35HP?? I’d rather have a 35hp than get the 25 then wish it had a bit more power Yet I don’t need to waste money on more than is needed either.

I really like the numbers with both the Mahindra and KIOTI amd am confident the dealer that carries both lines would be great to deal with. The Kubota dealer I would rather deal with is owned by a buddy but he痴 2hrs from me and the local dealer, well I didn稚 fee anything special while we were there so not sure the type of after sales service.

 

[searcyfarms]

while i was shopping last year i didnt have a kioti dealer close to me and wish i could have looked at those but after i did more research i couldnt find one with a MMM that i wanted - i did not have a good experience with our local kubota dealer when renting equipment from them not to mention they do NOT negotiate on their prices they only honor manufacturer specials, i have issue with that, they did not seem interested in earning my business - i have heard a lot of that on here from the kubota shoulder chip - I have heard descent things about mahindra and ls on here - i ended up with a deere

 

[Croomrider]

I started out looking at the Kubota B2601 like you, but am ending up with an LS XR3135H TLB. Lot more tractor for very little more money. If you have an LS dealer close enough, you may want to give them a look!

 

[BRMyers]

I started looking at the Kubota L3301, but after looking and with the wife giving some wise advice, I ended up with the Kubota Grand L3560 HSTC.

 

[jeff9366]

Re: Help me decide, Kubota L Series, VS similar Mahindra VS Kioti vs ?

just unsure if these 25ish (im slightly reluctant with the Tier 4 bc I plan on keeping it and know I値l eventually have to replace the DPF amd maybe a bunch of other emission parts)

Tier IV emission controls and DPFs began to phase in ten years ago. Old news in 2019.

Consensus is DPF problems are 90% caused by operators who do not carefully read regeneration procedures in Operator's Manual or refuse to follow the procedures. Many small property users regenerate just once per year. This creates regeneration procedure uncertainty in itself. (Regeneraton occurs every ~~60 engine hours. Non-commercial users average 80 engine hours per year.) ((Honey, do you know where my tractor manual is???))

Operator Manuals for DPF equipped compact tractors do a poor job of explaining DPFs and a poor job of explaining regeneration cycles. Most manuals do not inform that filter soot accumulates faster during low weather temperatures, none inform time required for DPF to attain 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, the ignition temperature for diesel soot and none address faster soot accumulation at higher altitudes. It seems to me a DPF temperature readout on electronic instrument panels would address many DPF complaints, as would more descriptive technical writing.

Diesel Particulate Filter supersedes tractor muffler.
At some point in time DPF needs to be replaced.
At some point in time tractors with mufflers need the muffler replaced.

The average residential tractor user operates eighty engine hours per year, according to industry surveys. Ten years of industry experience indicates compact tractor DPF is good for at least 3,000 engine hours.
3,000 hours / 80 hours = 37.5 years of residential use prior to DPF replacement.

I speculate that DPFs in warm climate areas like Florida, may last longer than DPFs used in cold climate areas where tractors in winter may warm at idle for thirty minutes prior to use, and tractors are used for snow removal in freezing temperatures. The DPF will be colder between winter regenerations in the northern tier of states.

Tire wear and tire replacement will cause as many headaches and more expense than DPF for most long term compact tractor owners who read and comprehend their Operator's Manual.

 

[ErnieR]

while i was shopping last year i didnt have a kioti dealer close to me and wish i could have looked at those but after i did more research i couldnt find one with a MMM that i wanted - i did not have a good experience with our local kubota dealer when renting equipment from them not to mention they do NOT negotiate on their prices they only honor manufacturer specials, i have issue with that, they did not seem interested in earning my business - i have heard a lot of that on here from the kubota shoulder chip - I have heard descent things about mahindra and ls on here - i ended up with a deere

Hope you’re lovin the Deere, and I feel no matter how great any piece of equipment may be, we need a good relationship with our dealer for service, without it we’re stuck in an uncomfortable situation.

The young fella locally that has been selling Mahindras for some time and just picked up Kioti said that the vast majority of his customers seem to be swayed by price alone haha. I’d rather pay more for something I feel is the best bang for the buck with dependability first and foremost. Still a tough decision with so many tractor companies out there.

 

[ErnieR]

I started out looking at the Kubota B2601 like you, but am ending up with an LS XR3135H TLB. Lot more tractor for very little more money. If you have an LS dealer close enough, you may want to give them a look!

Hope you’re having great luck with the LS and after checking for local LS dealers in Canada, I’d have to travel only 3000 miles to see one, guess that rules that idea out.

 

[rScotty]

Hope you豎*e lovin the Deere, and I feel no matter how great any piece of equipment may be, we need a good relationship with our dealer for service, without it we豎*e stuck in an uncomfortable situation.

The young fella locally that has been selling Mahindras for some time and just picked up Kioti said that the vast majority of his customers seem to be swayed by price alone haha. I螢 rather pay more for something I feel is the best bang for the buck with dependability first and foremost. Still a tough decision with so many tractor companies out there.

That's exactly how we buy. Dependability matters more than anything else, with build quality and dealer history being the best indicators we know.
We've done better by buying top quality USED equipment that has been maintained, over brand new lesser or unknown quality. That goes for cars, tractors, trucks, and tools too.
Sometimes that means being willing to buy something used for more than other brands are selling for new.
If the hours are low & condition good, I now think of something used as being "proven" and tend to put that on equal footing to something else new with a warranty.

We weren't always that way and we bought low end mostly on price because we thought we couldn't afford to buy top of the line equipment. But experience has proven to us over and over that top quality is cheaper in the long run. But a big part of this is that we prefer to keep our same equipment. I'd guess we are sort of bad for the new economy, although in times past that was a value famiiar to a lot of rural people. Things change.

Somewhere in here is an expectation that if something is to last, it doesn't get abused and gets at least minimal routine maintenance.
rScotty
rScotty

 

[searcyfarms]

Hope you’re lovin the Deere, and I feel no matter how great any piece of equipment may be, we need a good relationship with our dealer for service, without it we’re stuck in an uncomfortable situation.

The young fella locally that has been selling Mahindras for some time and just picked up Kioti said that the vast majority of his customers seem to be swayed by price alone haha. I’d rather pay more for something I feel is the best bang for the buck with dependability first and foremost. Still a tough decision with so many tractor companies out there.

as a matter of fact i do really like the deere, as far as pricing goes i was pleasantly surprised at how deere came to bat and made every attempt to compete, once the dealing was done, the only people less than deere were kioti - but to be fair, no one has a tractor in the segment i was in looking at a lighter weight with a 72 inch MMM and 38/30 engine/pto hp. Big Difference in a lighter tractor for mowing. My daughter and wife like to mow and they love it as well. I have had a couple WTY items but my dealer has been great from dealing with them on my old deere and this new one. A great dealer is worth the $$. I was able to get a great deal with Deere - they came down considerably from the MSRP. I used the build your own feature on their website to perform my calculations.

I called another kubota dealer just because I wanted to know what i could get close to in their unit, studied Mahindra/LS ( they are a combined dealer here ) and have two other locations in the state. No Branson or Kioti close enough to really consider but i did call them just to feel them out. They both seemed negotiable over the phone. The CNH/CIH dealers in our area are BIG and have been around a long time. They were fairly negotiable but didnt have a tractor in my segment either with less weight. CIH seemed more interested in my business vs CNH but could have just been the dealer.

Kubota was by far the most $$$ and both dealers were similar in attitude/stuck on their prices. Mahindra was higher than LS but they had a ho hum kind of attitude when i went there and never pursued me, I called them back for more pricing/options info and still they never followed up. Kubota never called me back. The CIH salesman called me back 2 times and he said he understood my situation and wished he had something for me, he wanted to work with me.

They all knew i was serious and a cash paying customer. I had a trade if they wanted or if not i would buy their unit and sell mine on my own.

The deere salesman was young and dealt with me through email primarily, interesting how generational traits are predictable. He called when i asked but his follow up has been via email as well. Not that I mind just funny how times change. Im an old school in person handshake kinda guy.

My experience was fun, got to drive and see a lot of things. Different features/technology. Oh if i had the $$$$ the toys i would have HA!!!!

I liked the grand kubota, I liked the simple LS, I liked the beefy branson, ( saw those at the state fair ) never got to see a kioti maybe at that fair this year ?

I liked the looks of the massey 1734/1739 and i liked the CIH 35C vs 35A but you are getting up there in size/weight/price on those up into the 3 series Deere size

The LS/CNH and CIH are all going to be comparable due to them being made similar with just different specs.

LS was just slightly less for the same unit when you get out of the Economy units.

I love the quick connect mower deck for the girls and myself so i can get it off easier - that was a big selling point - enjoy your research, take your time, i dont plan to keep mine forever but for now its what i needed - one of these days i will likely trade it and get something else so i wanted good resale also.

 

[ErnieR]

I started looking at the Kubota L3301, but after looking and with the wife giving some wise advice, I ended up with the Kubota Grand L3560 HSTC.

They sure look like a deelux model and is say you need to buy your wife more flowers for her giving you advise like that. I’ll be using this tractor in the woodlot and a cab as nice as it would be to have especially for climate control, it won’t be my friend in the bush.

 

[BRMyers]

I'm very blessed with a very wise wife who helps me make the right decisions.

 

[rScotty]

I'm very blessed with a very wise wife who helps me make the right decisions.

I know the feeling. My wife decided that I had put in my time fixing up old tractors. She insisted that for once in our life we go down and buy a brand new tractor. And to, "be sure to get the one you've always wanted...."
rScotty

 

[BRMyers]

I know the feeling. My wife decided that I had put in my time fixing up old tractors. She insisted that for once in our life we go down and buy a brand new tractor. And to, "be sure to get the one you've always wanted...."
rScotty

Gotto love a good woman

 

[YLee Kioti]

Re: Help me decide, Kubota L Series, VS similar Mahindra VS Kioti vs ?

Tier IV emission controls and DPFs began to phase in ten years ago. Old news in 2019.

Consensus is DPF problems are 90% caused by operators who do not carefully read regeneration procedures in Operator's Manual or refuse to follow the procedures. Many small property users regenerate just once per year. This creates regeneration procedure uncertainty in itself. (Regeneraton occurs every ~~60 engine hours. Non-commercial users average 80 engine hours per year.) ((Honey, do you know where my tractor manual is???))

Operator Manuals for DPF equipped compact tractors do a poor job of explaining DPFs and a poor job of explaining regeneration cycles. Most manuals do not inform that filter soot accumulates faster during low weather temperatures, none inform time required for DPF to attain 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, the ignition temperature for diesel soot and none address faster soot accumulation at higher altitudes. It seems to me a DPF temperature readout on electronic instrument panels would address many DPF complaints, as would more descriptive technical writing.

Diesel Particulate Filter supersedes tractor muffler.
At some point in time DPF needs to be replaced.
At some point in time tractors with mufflers need the muffler replaced.

The average residential tractor user operates eighty engine hours per year, according to industry surveys. Ten years of industry experience indicates compact tractor DPF is good for at least 3,000 engine hours.
3,000 hours / 80 hours = 37.5 years of residential use prior to DPF replacement.

I speculate that DPFs in warm climate areas like Florida, may last longer than DPFs used in cold climate areas where tractors in winter may warm at idle for thirty minutes prior to use, and tractors are used for snow removal in freezing temperatures. The DPF will be colder between winter regenerations in the northern tier of states.

Tire wear and tire replacement will cause as many headaches and more expense than DPF for most long term compact tractor owners who read and comprehend their Operator's Manual.

Lots of good info, thanks for that.
Agree on the very poorly structured manuals. I worked as a tech writer for servicing and calibrating circuit breakers and protective relays. So these vendor manuals are a pet peeve of mine.
I've only had my NX for about 16 months and have 375 hours on it. Do not see any slowing down since an elderly relative has 10 acres that need serious clearing and shredding. So a busy summer...woo-hoo.....
When my machine goes into regen, I let her rip and just merely take my task at hand a bit slower and let the regen fully cycle.
The high temps do concern me though. I will have to get a fire extinguisher now I see.
We are very dry down here and his pasture is about 3 to 4 foot tall since he sold his cows.
A regen in that kind of grass and dry conditions can be a bad day with a regen.
So again thanks for the reminder about the temps.
When not cutting at rated PTO speed, but doing other work would also recommend to set RPMs above 2k at least to keep particulate from building up. I used to run at about 1500 until someone here posted the down side to running at that low of RPM.
Wealth of wisdom here....only need a few brain cells to recognize it when ah sees it...lol..hey the 70's were great so I'm told...

 

[ErnieR]

Re: Help me decide, Kubota L Series, VS similar Mahindra VS Kioti vs ?

Tier IV emission controls and DPFs began to phase in ten years ago. Old news in 2019.

Consensus is DPF problems are 90% caused by operators who do not carefully read regeneration procedures in Operator's Manual or refuse to follow the procedures. Many small property users regenerate just once per year. This creates regeneration procedure uncertainty in itself. (Regeneraton occurs every ~~60 engine hours. Non-commercial users average 80 engine hours per year.) ((Honey, do you know where my tractor manual is???))

Operator Manuals for DPF equipped compact tractors do a poor job of explaining DPFs and a poor job of explaining regeneration cycles. Most manuals do not inform that filter soot accumulates faster during low weather temperatures, none inform time required for DPF to attain 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, the ignition temperature for diesel soot and none address faster soot accumulation at higher altitudes. It seems to me a DPF temperature readout on electronic instrument panels would address many DPF complaints, as would more descriptive technical writing.

Diesel Particulate Filter supersedes tractor muffler.
At some point in time DPF needs to be replaced.
At some point in time tractors with mufflers need the muffler replaced.

The average residential tractor user operates eighty engine hours per year, according to industry surveys. Ten years of industry experience indicates compact tractor DPF is good for at least 3,000 engine hours.
3,000 hours / 80 hours = 37.5 years of residential use prior to DPF replacement.

I speculate that DPFs in warm climate areas like Florida, may last longer than DPFs used in cold climate areas where tractors in winter may warm at idle for thirty minutes prior to use, and tractors are used for snow removal in freezing temperatures. The DPF will be colder between winter regenerations in the northern tier of states.

Tire wear and tire replacement will cause as many headaches and more expense than DPF for most long term compact tractor owners who read and comprehend their Operator's Manual.

I might be one of the new owners who might not be delving too deep into my new owners manual especially looking for anything to do with the DPF. Who honestly driving any newer diesel truck can say they don稚 just keep fuel in it and go, then add DEF when the idiot light tells us weæ±*e getting low...

I do know my buddy who subcontracted some work to my small business showed up with his brand new shiny Massey Ferguson 1742 a few years ago on the job site. Luke has a pretty solid mechanical background and I知 confident he did his homework before purchasing that tractor. Well he recently told me that tractor has been in the shop more then he痴 worked it and he痴 some disappointed. Granted I知 not sure what type of System it uses but after hearing that I知 certainly nervous because I doubt I壇 put more than 40-60hrs per year on mine. Winter usage not as much depending on if the snows too deep to do bush work or not.

My cousin whoç—´ a hobby farmer, well I guess with me looking for a new tractor, itç—´ certainly got him thinking also. So we decided this afternoon to take the hour drive to the closest Kioti dealer where they had both an open station and cabbed version CK3510SE. We were both pretty impressed with the fit and finish and also with the included accessories this model offers compared to the regular CK3510. Best deal offered thus far on the SE and keep in mind this is in Canadian, 30K all in (thatç—´ including our lovely 13% tax here in Ontario) one thing I do Not like about the Kioti CK3510 is a single brake pedal and not independent like in my opinion they certainly should be for steering if need be.

As much as I love the bulldog pulling tractor stance of the Mahindra 1635, well you want rear remotes, ahh that痴 $1000-$1200 extra, which makes the Kioti even more attractive. One Kioti dealer that has their tractors sitting outside is 32K all in and the other dealer who carries mahindra and just recently taken on the Kioti line has many new KIOTI models mostly still sitting in shipping crates for 2K less. Maybe it痴 just me but my equipment Never sits outside and there痴 no way I値l joyously accept any tractor that痴 been sitting outside in the weather at a dealers without considerable discounting, even then I壇 still rather have a brand new fresh from the crate. Am I wrong in thinking this way ???

I like the idea of no DPF on the mahindra and yet some of the QC issues I致e been reading about them, and for pretty well the same money I can get the SE Kioti but no idea how their DPF system is. Both KIOTI dealers are roughly same distance apart. Not sure where Kubota would fit into this but I should find out.

Can someone please explain why I’m getting this %*€•¥£ in my posts ??? Sheesh

 

[jeff9366]

Re: Help me decide, Kubota L Series, VS similar Mahindra VS Kioti vs ?

I like the idea of no DPF on the Mahindra.

Beginning about thirty-three horsepower most tractors have Diesel Particulate Filters.
A few Tier IV compliant tractors between 26 and 75 hp use DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) conversion. Mahindra is one. Mahindra has DOC of similar construction to DPF. Both the DPF and the DOC are honeycomb ceramic filters which supercede the muffler.
The DOC forces engine exhaust over a honeycomb ceramic structure coated with platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These catalysts oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water at hot exhaust temperature.

Mahindra has a DOC oven hot all the time, DPF tractors have an oven hot intermittently.

There is no free lunch.

 

[searcyfarms]

my guess is because you are typing from a phone not a pc ?

 

[rScotty]

Re: Help me decide, Kubota L Series, VS similar Mahindra VS Kioti vs ?

Can someone please explain why I’m getting this %*€•¥£ in my posts ??? Sheesh

No sure. Maybe go to the top of the page: "My Home/my settings/misc. settings/editing" and try a different text editior setting.