Decision time.

swampvol · Apr 10, 2007

Tomorrow the Kioti dealer will have the ck30 tractor in for me to sit on. It's the only tractor that I have not had the chance to look at in my long search for a 30-35 hp tractor with fel.

Even without seeing the Kioti, I have narrowed my choices to it and the kubota l3400. The 'bota has more hp and pto power and has the hydro tranny (kioti syncro), but the kioti fel and pto have higher lift capacities as well as being 400lbs heavier. The l3400 is $1000.00 more.

I really am worn out with the searching, and will make up my mind tomorrow.

I really want this tractor to last me 20 years, if possible.

Which one would you buy?

RoyJackson · Apr 10, 2007

I'm not going to suggest one over the other...

How much lifting capacity do you need? Do you need the extra capacity of the Kioti...really? Most non-ag and non-commercial users aren't really going to lift that much as the implements we use just aren't that heavy. As far as the loader...are you planning on filling dump trucks?

Both tractors would have the PTO power to run the implement (5 or 6' mower and cutter, or a tiller of the same size) with little problem.

Do you want the convenience of the hydro, or the lower cost and durability of the gear?

Are the dealers both close or the same distance from you, approximately?

All that said, once you plant your butt in the Kioti (since you hven't been on one yet), at least you'll know which tractor is the better fit for you, physically. I'd wager that's how you'll choose.

Dmace · Apr 10, 2007

I was making the same choice over 1 -1/2 years ago between a Kubota and a Kioti. My price difference was about $2500 between the B2630 (I think that was the model) and the Kioti CK20HST. The kubota had 5 more engine hp but the layout was uncomfortable and the FEL joystick on the loader arm instead the fender like the Kioti was a turnoff too! Plus the dealer was farther away and not as willing to talk to a 23 year old looking at a $20k plus tractor. Little did he know I planned on paying cash and that is exactly what I did with my Kioti.

I justified the cab and heater as the difference in price between the two. So by going with the Kioti, I got a more comfortable tractor for me, a heated cab and a better dealer, which they have proven to be over and over again.

You won't be dissappointed in the Kioti, it's a great machine.

Z-Michigan · Apr 10, 2007

RoyJackson said:
Do you want the convenience of the hydro, or the lower cost and durability of the gear?

Are the dealers both close or the same distance from you, approximately?

All that said, once you plant your butt in the Kioti, at least you'll know which tractor is the better fit for you, physically. I'd wager that's how you'll choose.

I would focus on these factors. If you anticipate doing a lot of FEL work, you definitely want HST. I thought gear-synchro shuttle would be fine for some FEL work and after doing an hour of moving manure today, I was wishing for HST big time. I also would put a lot of thought into how good the dealer is and how convenient they are.

swampvol · Apr 10, 2007

Both dealers are of equal distances, but one is established, and the other is enthusiastic and just starting out...he just bought 11 acres to expand his business.

RedDog · Apr 10, 2007

swampvol said:
The 'bota has more hp and pto power and has the hydro tranny (kioti syncro)

I'm sure you know that the Kioti CK30 is available with hydro.

Thomas · Apr 11, 2007

Let the tractor come to you,by that I mean be comfortable when operating....go w/your gut feeling,and the best in your quest today.

kwolfe · Apr 11, 2007

As Roy said, maxing out your lift capacity is not a frequent occurance, so unless the difference is really siginificanct, I would not worry. Same goes for the PTO HP. The $1000 price difference is probably due to the hydro versus syncro. There have been many threads in the past that attest to the hydro's durability, so I would not take that into condideration. However which tranny do you really want? If you are going to be doing a lot of plowing and long hours bush hogging, maybe the synchro is better, however if you are going to be doing a lot of loader work, the hyro might be for you. Comfort in the operator seat will be the final kicker.

BTI · Apr 11, 2007

Kioti also avail as a CK35 hst.

BTI

swampvol · Apr 11, 2007

Well I sat on the Kioti today and was very impressed, it truly seems to be a great tractor. Solid construction, and nice lay-out.

But I decided to go with the l3400. It is being delivered Friday.

The fact that the kubota dealer has been around for ever, and they are closer was truly the deciding factor. Hydro transmission, and the extra hp for only $900.00 more helped as well.