While I was open to Kioti from the start, I wasn't thinking that's the direction I'd go; I grew up with Kubota, and owned a Deere, so I presumed I'd go in that direction. I had so many local options though, so I game them all solid looks. Some I was impressed with, others not so much, and others still- bad dealers. It seems we had similar wants, preferences, and overall thoughts lol.
The build quality of the
L2501 was great, it felt good, but that treadle is so uncomfortable, and I was not sold on the steering setup. Plus, the dealers know they've got a good product, and they don't play around.
The LS/New Holland I mentioned is a solid machine, because it's simple. Very simple. It doesn't have all the electrical points to fail; the problem for me? The operator platform is tight, uncomfortably so for someone of my stature.
Branson? Great product, great dealer; the TYM dealer down the road? Not so great. One of those dealers will lose a brand, and I didn't want to depend on the existing TYM dealer. Still, a lot of respect for Kukje, RIP, one love, not forgotten.
Deere? I loved my 1025R, but wasn't about to buy new from Mama Deere given their right-to-repair opposition. Admittedly, they made my job easier by not offering the machine I wanted, but none the less. I don't like that the larger 2 series only have a two-range rear, the 3025E is built to a price point, and a 3025R doesn't exist. I'll give her credit though, Mama knows ergonomics.
My Mahindra dealer didn't want to sell me a tractor, wasn't interested; that's an odd way to make a sale.
I'm probably not as competent a wrench as you, so I like having the comfort of a solid dealer behind me. That said, I do my own maintenance and am appreciating the CK10's ease of service. It's physical size alone makes everything a little easier than it was on the subcompact Deere.
