Newbie shopping 1st tractor

[bthom70]

I'm in CT and have Kioti, Bobcat and Kubota closest to me. Started pricing Kioti CK2610 and Bobcat CT2025. Bobcat was swinging my vote until I started reading about the FL7 loader issues and less lift # compared to Kioti. Bobcat has a better dealer network and more staff vs. Kioti. This Kioti dealer is primarily power equipment and also sells tractors for 25+yrs but only has 1 dedicated tractor employee.

Kioti CK2610 is about $1,000 more than Bobcat CT2025 both with 3rd function. I did get pricing from a Kioti dealer in Katonah NY, only 10-15min further travel and he was $2,000 less than CT. I need to call Bobcat and have them quote a CT2035 next. I'm going to Katonah this weekend to work out more numbers for CK2610 and CK3510. This dealer is 1/2 tractor, 1/2 power equipment and has more tractor employees.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I'd personally pay close attention to the dealer, and the feeling you get from them; I can't imagine you'd go wrong with either, so long as all the dealer prep was done properly.

I love my CK2610, it's been great.

 

[Thomas]

If you can ask the dealer if you can take test spin in there yard.
Have the tractor controls come to you and comfortable seat operations.
Also check the service department.

 

[bthom70]

I'd personally pay close attention to the dealer, and the feeling you get from them; I can't imagine you'd go wrong with either, so long as all the dealer prep was done properly.

I love my CK2610, it's been great.

Should I even consider the CK3510? I'd rather not regret later. Cleaning up 3acres of downed trees and brush.. Took down 12 standing dead oaks and have 24-30"+ logs to cut and split. There will be plenty more in future years.

 

[Bobcat Tractor Mac]

Check the lift specification a little closer. The Bobcat is measured at the lift point to the highest lift point, 1369 LBS @ 95". The KL2610 Kioti loader is 1252 LBS @98.2". Please understand that is at the lift point. When you put a pallet fork on the loader and lift at the middle of the fork it will pick up less, that is true with all loaders.

 

[Bobcat Tractor Mac]

Get a Quote on a CT2040 it is only $600 more.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Should I even consider the CK3510? I'd rather not regret later. Cleaning up 3acres of downed trees and brush.. Took down 12 standing dead oaks and have 24-30"+ logs to cut and split. There will be plenty more in future years.

There is one question to ask; do you mind working a little slower?

The 2610 will do everything the 3510 can do, it's just going to do it a little slower, and that's guaranteed. In return you get a little more simplicity, and that's what sold me over the higher horsepower machines. I already work pretty slow, so it's not a thing for me.

With that said, I refer to the actual working speed of the machine, not the hydraulic speed, the hydraulics are great.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Check the lift specification a little closer. The Bobcat is measured at the lift point to the highest lift point, 1369 LBS @ 95". The KL2610 Kioti loader is 1252 LBS @98.2". Please understand that is at the lift point. When you put a pallet fork on the loader and lift at the middle of the fork it will pick up less, that is true with all loaders.

Are you still seeing KL2610's? I'm seeing the KL4030 and KL4030C on all the CK series these days.

I wouldn't bother with any of the other loader options, assuming they're still available. The KL3040 should have been on them from the start.

[EDIT]: Whoops.

 

[bthom70]

Are you still seeing KL2610's? I'm seeing the KL3040 and KL3040C on all the CK series these days.

I wouldn't bother with any of the other loader options, assuming they're still available. The KL3040 should have been on them from the start.

I usually see KL4030 on all CK2610

 

[tacticalturnip]

I usually see KL4030 on all CK2610

I meant 4030, lol, not 3040.

 

[MiniDonkey22]

I am very happy with my 2025 at 103 hours. When i was shopping during summer 2021 there was a substantial price jump to the 35 and 40. Tried them both, for my use totally satisfied with the 25hp. I have 2 long time dealers within 20 miles and service has been excellent.

 

[Bobcat Tractor Mac]

as more tractor employees.

Are you still seeing KL2610's? I'm seeing the KL4030 and KL4030C on all the CK series these days.

I wouldn't bother with any of the other loader options, assuming they're still available. The KL3040 should have been on them from the start.

[EDIT]: Whoops.

Can you tell me what the lift capacity is to the highest point? Kioti is a little tricky with the lift capacity on the KL4030? All other tractor MFG's give the capacity to the highest point, 98.4".
We not not comparing apples to apples.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Here is one to flip your lid.



That's the KL4030C manual.

 

[Bobcat Tractor Mac]

Here is one to flip your lid.

View attachment 784375

That's the KL4030C manual.

I wonder what the truth is? The geometry does not work that way.

 

[Bobcat Tractor Mac]

I wonder what the truth is? The geometry does not work that way.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I wonder what the truth is? The geometry does not work that way.

Typically the weight drops as the height increases, so I'm pretty excited about my Kioti's ability to defy physics.

I've not lifted anything heavier than a half-pallet of shingles and my father-in-law, and I don't rightly know how much that was.

I do know that man doesn't weigh more than 200.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Thinking about it, I don't rightly know if I'd want to move almost 2k pounds at full height. Even well ballasted I can't help but feel that's asking for trouble.

 

[RjCorazza]

Thinking about it, I don't rightly know if I'd want to move almost 2k pounds at full height. Even well ballasted I can't help but feel that's asking for trouble.

Ain't that the truth. Even an empty bucket at full height can be a liability!

 

[tacticalturnip]

All it takes is one root or hole, and you can find yourself quite surprised.

 

[9973720wb19]

it'd help to describe a bit of what you intend to be doing with the tractor...the tasks...how large is your property. I'm a John Deere guy so not familiar with models you're looking at but it seems other are and I'd say would be able to help you better by understanding what you're using the tractor for.