Buying Advice First CUT: Sizing and Used Options

[varmint]

The Kioti's I have looked at impressed me. I would consider buying one, but they have been very rare used in this part of the country- there just aren't a lot of them. Same for dealers. That doens't mean they aren't good, of course. As for CUT's hydraulic pressure, that isn't the issue with a 3 pt. splitter- it is the flow rate. So look at that when you decide. A BX25 would power a splitter, given enough of your patience.

 

[FreedomFamilyFarms]

11.7 GPM... How does that stack up?

 

[jeff9366]

I checked into Kioti dealers. There is one about 90 minutes from my place.

I called this weekend just for fun (thinking I'd rule them out) and priced a CK3510HST with R4s, loader, and 2 rear remotes over the phone. 34.9 HP (28 at PTO), HST, 11.7 gpm hydraulics, weighs in at 2,734 pounds without the loader. I was quoted $18,675 plus tax for the whole shebang new with warranty. I'm thinking I couldn't touch a Kubota, Deere, or Mahindra with those specs for anything near that price.

Off a small base, Korean tractors are the fastest growing tractor brands, with Kioti and LS leading, Branson and TYM trailing. In thin markets, can individual dealers move enough volume to survive? Tractor buyers are so conservative!

I have shopped LS at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia. I was impressed. But my excellent Kubota dealer is just six miles from me. The nearest LS dealer is eighty miles from me. (I do not wrench.) Distance aside, I feel LS is excellent competition to Kubota.

When you need the Kioti to go in for service bear in mind it will have to travel 60 X 4 = 240 miles / two round trips.
Whether you transport the tractor or the dealer fetches it, this is a good bit of time and expense.

Have you discovered the dedicated Kioti and LS forums on T-B-N?

 

[motownbrowne]

The ck2610 is the same tractor with less HP, just so you know. It's even cheaper. Like maybe 15%. Yes, it's got fewer ponies, but for loader work, driveway work, skidding firewood, etc. it'll perform exactly the same as the 3510. Also, it doesn't have the emissions equipment.

And yes, I do think you can touch a Kubota or Mahindra for that price. Like I said, check out the L2501. If you're paying cash, the Kioti is cheaper. If your financing, probably the Kubota. Also, price out the implements you want to buy right away too. Get quotes from wherever you'd get them, then have them added to your Kubota quote. Seriously they're giving guys incentives on tractor/implement deals currently. Also, something to consider is the used market. People don't seem to have any problem selling used HST Kioti tractors. Kubotas seem to get snatched up really quickly. Faster than any of the Korean brands, that's for sure.

Edited to add: Also, glad to know another x27 user. I split about 10-15 cords/year with my Fiskars and my Gransfors Bruks splitting maul. Have you seen the new Fiskars 8lb isocore maul? I'm gonna have to try one eventually.

 

[FreedomFamilyFarms]

I have an LS dealer a few miles from me. They're very much on the top of the list of possibilities. Thanks for the quick math on the round trips, puts things into perspective. I will make sure to broaden my used search to that area of the state in case a used Kioti comes up. With the new prices being significantly lower than the other brands, a used one might work really well for me. Wouldn't mind a Tier 3 with a few hours on it. There's a TYM dealer in the same town as the Kioti so I might just have to stop there too.

Another question: With a 2 year full warranty plus 2 year drive train, what are the odds I'd need to have the tractor serviced at the dealership? Just trying to be practical. A warranty is great, but I've rarely had the need to use one on any purchase I've made. Once the warranty is up, how hard would it be for my local shop to obtain parts for a Kioti? Has anyone tried ordering parts for them?

Will check out the Kioti forum. I've been on the LS forum a number of times. Last I checked, it seems their once bargain prices have risen to match the other manufacturers.

Haven't seen the 8 lb Fiskars. Wish I had. I just got the Council Tool maul a couple months ago. Its a sweet tool. Axe eye hickory handle feels great and the wide body of the axe profile makes it far easier to aim than a roundish sledge handle. Would not hesitate to order another Council Tool product. Drop forged American made high quality stuff.

 

[DK35vince]

Another question: With a 2 year full warranty plus 2 year drive train, what are the odds I'd need to have the tractor serviced at the dealership? Just trying to be practical. A warranty is great, but I've rarely had the need to use one on any purchase I've made. Once the warranty is up, how hard would it be for my local shop to obtain parts for a Kioti? Has anyone tried ordering parts for them?

I have owned my Kioti for 15 years.
I never go to the dealer for parts, I order them over the phone or online and they come to my door.

 

[FreedomFamilyFarms]

I have owned my Kioti for 15 years.
I never go to the dealer for parts, I order them over the phone or online and they come to my door.

Exactly the advice I was looking for, thanks Vince.

 

[FreedomFamilyFarms]

Just learned that the Bobcat dealer in Fort Wayne that sells LS tractors opened another dealership in Grabill... 12 miles from home. I think I'll start my search there and see where things go. Off to the LS forums again...

 

[motownbrowne]

I have owned my Kioti for 15 years.
I never go to the dealer for parts, I order them over the phone or online and they come to my door.

These days the Kubota dealer I go to (where I bought my tractor) wants to charge shipping on parts delivered to them. I figure if I'm gonna pay shipping, they'd darn will better ship to my house. If your dealer or another dealer will ship you parts and not charge shipping twice, that's as good or better than driving to the actual dealership.

I've never had my Kubota in for service, and barring a major failure, I would not see any need to take a new tractor in.

 

[DieselBound]

These days the Kubota dealer I go to (where I bought my tractor) wants to charge shipping on parts delivered to them. I figure if I'm gonna pay shipping, they'd darn will better ship to my house. If your dealer or another dealer will ship you parts and not charge shipping twice, that's as good or better than driving to the actual dealership.

I've never had my Kubota in for service, and barring a major failure, I would not see any need to take a new tractor in.

My Kubota dealer always mentions shipping costs. I usually just have them piggyback my order on some other order. I think that you get dinged shipping charges if you look to expedite parts.