Comparing the 'orange' machines.

[IXLR8]

I just put my zipcode 03851 into the Kioti search and it came back with 11 dealers. Cheers

I punched in your zipcode... found that there is a Kioti dealership in New Hampshire on RT1 that is run by the Batchelder's. I know where I am going after work tomorrow night on my way back to Maine. I spent some time last night reviewing my notes on the B7800, decided it is just too small of a machine for me. It would do the work I need, I just don't fit it well, I would be too cramped. I will go back to the dealer and check out their larger machines, I suspect that one that fits me will be out of my price range. The CK series are looking better and better.

 

[canoetrpr]

I suspect that you will find that the L2800/L3400 and CK30/CK35 to be matched well in price and size.

The CKs do have some stuff that would be nice to have on the standard L series Kubotas - like telescopic 3PT etc. However with the addition of a Pats this might well be moot.

I found that the factory remote setup on the CKs was quite nice - hard lines - very neat. The L2800/L3400 has a very generic remote setup even from Kubota, that is used on B series machines, that bolts on to the ROPS. Not quite as neat.

I think that both these machines are quite well matched in size and they were in price when I purchased.

 

[art]

Actually, I believe it is 12 months parts OR labor bumper to bumper, 24 months driveline. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong; I'm shopping, too!)

The Kubota warrantee is probably least used, but other wise, it's one year on everything, tractor and attachments, two years on the tractor and the third on engine and drivetrain. They are the ones that wrote the book on initial build quality in this field so it's everyone else playing catch up in this field.

 

[HODAK]

I believe there are better warranties out there, so the catch-up period may have passed.

 

[bearhawk]

The Kubota warrantee is probably least used, but other wise, it's one year on everything, tractor and attachments, two years on the tractor and the third on engine and drivetrain. They are the ones that wrote the book on initial build quality in this field so it's everyone else playing catch up in this field.

In a previous life I might have taken exception to this. But in the interest of Orange harmony. I will let it go.

The Batchelders south location is right on the corner Rt 111 (Atlantic Ave) and Rt1 (Lafayette Rd).

 

[canoetrpr]

I would be interested to hear perceptions about quality from people who have owned both Kubota and Kioti.

They Japanese did really raise the bar on automotive quality but today I don't think that I'd hesitate to buy a Hyundai (I own two Hondas). I might have hesitated 5-6 years ago.

Very hard to tell about quality/reliability from forums because for the most part you get people that are very enthusiastic about the products they purchase and this clouds their perception and then on the other hand you get the odd person that has some problem and the internet is a great channel for problems to get amplified and sound bigger and more widespread than they are.

 

[IslandTractor]

I would be interested to hear perceptions about quality from people who have owned both Kubota and Kioti.

I have never owned a Kubota but have had two Kioti's. My CK20 was pretty much bullet proof and had a very fine level of finish. No service issues with the tractor (loader had the stress cracking issue). I now have a DK40se which has only 40hrs but has been strong and very well put together. Fit and finish on both Kioti's seem to be equivalent to the equivalent Kubota's I have visited in dealer lots.

I agree with the analogy to the Japanese and Korean car manufacturers. The Korean's have done a great job catching up and are pretty close to even now. I believe I am correct in recalling that Hyundai had better ratings than Toyota in either JDPowers or Consumer Reports this year. Same seems true for tractors.

 

[davitk]

I would be interested to hear perceptions about quality from people who have owned both Kubota and Kioti.

OK, if finally put my hands on a Kioti yesterday, a "brand new" CK30.

With all due respect, it is an ergonomic nightmare for a six foot American, the seat did not go back far enough, the platform was crowded, the controls small and obscure (the parking brake and cruise control levers are ankle height on the console; I had to bend over to read their labels). In addition to that, the rubber loader control boot was splitting after six months in the weather and the fit and finish in no way came close to the Kubota, especially when compared to a Grand L. The machine itself likely perfroms well, I drove it for two minutes total but was physically uncomfortable, add to that the 9.5' turning radius, and it was back to the Kubota dealer for me. The Kubota L3400 is about 1000.00 more, and worth every penny IMHO.

My sincere appologies, I hope this was not too ofensive, but I am calling it as I see it. The tractor was not any lesser than the CNH or Deere, both of which have their loyal followings and are very good tractors.

 

[IslandTractor]

OK, if finally put my hands on a Kioti yesterday, a "brand new" CK30.

With all due respect, it is an ergonomic nightmare for a six foot American.

Funny, I was perfectly comfortable, at 6'5" on the smaller CK20.

 

[davitk]

Among other things, my size 12 boot did not have "wiggle room" between the treddle peddle and the brake lever/peddles, and leg room just wasn't there, my knees were almost directly above the peddles instead of the "strectched out" postition I have gotten used to....... Maybe the CK20 and CK30 are arranged differently?