Kioti experts: Given the choice between an RX7320 with PowerShuttle and an NX6010HST, what would you suggest?
I have an choice between both at near the same price. Both have cabs, front-end loader, third-function on the front and at least two remotes on the back. My primary use would be skidding logs out of our woods, plus general maintenance of the same. Sometimes our logs are heavy or get drug up a hill, but usually I work for the easier trees. My 34-year old Deutz Allis died - it was about 30-ish HP and could usually drag them out with a chain on the FEL in creeper mode. I fall into hobby farmer/wood maintainer category and don't have wide open fields to worry about. Lots of trees and hills. We raised hogs for a while but do not do so anymore.
I like the idea of the heaver 7320, but have a few concerns: the RX warranty period is only 4 years instead of 6 for the NX line; the bigger RX would be tougher to move around the woods; and my kids and wife might prefer an HST over a Powershuttle.
Thoughts I am having:
I'm honestly tempted by the "more tractor is better" line of thought with the RX, but I think the NX operation might be more convenient. The NX will get used more because my wife can drive it (a good thing). It would also fit in the woods better. I think both are way more than what we had a few weeks ago and both would what we need.
Not having much Kioti experience (my brother is 600 miles away), I'd like to hear what you all think. Thanks in advance.
I have an choice between both at near the same price. Both have cabs, front-end loader, third-function on the front and at least two remotes on the back. My primary use would be skidding logs out of our woods, plus general maintenance of the same. Sometimes our logs are heavy or get drug up a hill, but usually I work for the easier trees. My 34-year old Deutz Allis died - it was about 30-ish HP and could usually drag them out with a chain on the FEL in creeper mode. I fall into hobby farmer/wood maintainer category and don't have wide open fields to worry about. Lots of trees and hills. We raised hogs for a while but do not do so anymore.
I like the idea of the heaver 7320, but have a few concerns: the RX warranty period is only 4 years instead of 6 for the NX line; the bigger RX would be tougher to move around the woods; and my kids and wife might prefer an HST over a Powershuttle.
Thoughts I am having:
- Our recently deceased tractor was an old-school manual with clutch and I had to feather it a lot for close-in work. The NX HST would absolutely own that kind of work. Not sure how much hassle a powershuttle is in the same circumstance because I've only ever worked with HST or manual tractors. If anyone with experience working a powershuttle can opine, I'd appreciate your thoughts.
- The weight of the RX would go a long way when dragging stuff out of the woods, and make a great base for a skidder/winch on the back. My brother has a Bobcat 45 HP (older one made by Daedong/Kioti, basically a DK I think) with the same setup and has not had problems. So I'm not sure I need the bigger unit.
- Price: is the RX a "better" value at about $38K delivered? I got prices on the NX and RX from multiple dealers and the NX prices are competitive with each other. Dealer wants the RX gone. It was not a demo unit - I'm told it was ordered for snow removal and never picked up; it is gathering dust in a suburban area where 25HP is a big tractor. Dealer openly says that it won't sell unless some municipality or whatever needs it next year for snow.
- I'm guessing our old tractor could only do about 1000 pounds before maxing out the hydraulics on the FEL. Both of these (on paper) crush that. If I threw a grapple on the front, or some pallet forks is the extra heft of the RX really going to help much?
- As a side note, my wife is tiny and had a hard time operating the clutch and gears of the old tractor. The RX is bigger and I think her legs would have a hard time there, too. The HST would be easier for her, for sure.
- My local Massey dealer said their compact unit frames are not for our kind of work (honesty is refreshing) and a Kubota Grand L or TLB seems spendy. I can get an LS but something about them seemed less refined than the Kioti. Deere makes Kubota look cheap. Those are about my only options around here, and the Kioti is the furthest drive from any dealers (three within 90 minutes).
I'm honestly tempted by the "more tractor is better" line of thought with the RX, but I think the NX operation might be more convenient. The NX will get used more because my wife can drive it (a good thing). It would also fit in the woods better. I think both are way more than what we had a few weeks ago and both would what we need.
Not having much Kioti experience (my brother is 600 miles away), I'd like to hear what you all think. Thanks in advance.
