Hello, care to toss an opinion in here?

[tacticalturnip]

Hello folks,

Eventually, upon finding the right land, I'll be replacing my Deere 1025R; the tractor has been nothing but wonderful, but I'm expecting I'll need more ground clearance.

I'm thinking something just about 35 horsepower will put me in the right physical size. I absolutely love the Deere 3033R, but I'm finding it hard to stay green given the direction the company is moving. Mother Deere really doesn't seem to need me any more.

This has put me looking around, and Maine has many options available to me, from the Massey dealer down the street to an hour drive for LS. I've written Kubita off; despite being impressed with them, I absolutely hate the treadle design.

I have been impressed with Kioti and the advances they have made in the last decade; my biggest concern was dealer viability, but come to find out my nearby Kioti retailer is the 6th largest in the nation by sales- I don't think they're going anywhere.

So, I'm thinking CK351SE, and also looking at the Massey Ferguson 1835M, add to that equivalent McCormick and LS models whose model numbers escape me.

Looking at these options, and considering my purchase will be months out, what are your thoughts?

 

[k0ua]

You asked for thoughts, so here are mine. I am very happy with my Kioti DK35se with the twin pedal design, I have owned for nearly 10 years.
But I would offer this. I would not throw Kubota out just because of the single pedal design. I would ask how many 8 hour days of operation of one of these tractors have you completed with this design? You cannot just sit on a tractor and operate it around the dealers lot for a few minutes and make your decision. If you have operated it say 24 hours and just can't get used to it, I would say, well OK. It is what it is.

BUT if you have spend 15 minutes or less with it, and "hate it", then I would say, you haven't really tried. Having owned 3 hydro tractors two with single "treadle pedal" and one, my current Kioti with the twin pedal design, I would say this. It just doesn't make much difference, and in a couple of days or less, you "get used to" which ever operating system the tractor has. You might say, "well hurray for you", that I can go back and forth and not really care, Maybe I am a mutant, or just an uncaring person. BUT I really believe anyone can get used to and comfortable with either system given a little time and an open mind.

Think about the number of Kubota hydro users that are satisfied or even violently prefer the single pedal approach? What is wrong with them. Yes, I know the "trend" is away from this system, but if the tractor I really wanted was a single pedal design, I would buy it.

In my case the tractor I really wanted at the price point I really wanted happened to be a Kioti. And it had twin pedals, and I didn't give a flip that it did. I am perfectly happy with them.

So those are my immediate thoughts, and they are worth every penny you paid for them.

 

[jeff9366]

CK3510SE​

Engine

Engine Model	3H-TM4B
Engine Gross Power	34.9 hp (26 kW)
Rated Speed	2,600 rpm
No. of Cylinders	3
Fuel Type	Diesel
Displacement	111.4 cu. in. (1,826 cc)
Fuel Tank Capacity	9 gal. (34 L)

Transmission​

Transmission Type	Synchro Shuttle
No. of Travel Speeds - Forward / Reverse	12X12
Min. Travel Speed of Forward w/ Ag @ Engine rated speed	1.0 mph (1.7 km/h)
Max. Travel Speed of Forward w/ Ag @ Engine rated speed	15.0 mph (24.2 km/h)

Power Take-Off (PTO)​

PTO Type Transmission	Independent
PTO Power	30.8 hp (23 kW)
Rear PTO Speed	540 rpm
Mid PTO Speed	2,000 rpm (Optional)

Brakes and Clutch​

Brakes	Wet Multi Disc
Clutch	Dry Single Stage

Dimensions w/ AG Tire​

Length w/ 3-point hitch	120.9 in. (3,070 mm)
Width	54.5 in. (1,385 mm)
Height from Top of ROPs	99.2 in. (2,520 mm)
Wheelbase	65.7 in. (1,670 mm)
Ground Clearance	13.4 in. (340 mm)
Front Tread Ag Tires - Min	48.2 in (1,225 mm)
Rear Tread Ag Tires - Min	47.6 in. (1,210 mm)
Min. Turning Radius w/ Brake	8.0 ft. (2.4 m)

​

Total Pump Flow

11.3 gpm (42.9 L/min)

3-Point Hitch​

Standard Category	Category 1
	1,631 lbs. (740 kg)
Control Type	Position

Weight​

Weight w/ Ag Tires w/ ROPs

2,906 lbs. (1,318 kg)

Not one word concerning CK 3510 emission controls on the Kioti web site......

 

[jeff9366]

I have been impressed with Kioti and the advances they have made in the last decade; my biggest concern was dealer viability, but come to find out my nearby Kioti retailer is the 6th largest in the nation by sales.

I like the deluxe specs.

I like the simplicity of 3-cylinder diesels up to about 45-horsepower.

How close is the Kioti dealer? Will your new land be close to your current land?


Eventually, upon finding the right land, I'll be replacing my Deere 1025R subcompact.
Looking at these options, and considering my purchase will be months out, what are your thoughts?

Buy your land first. Then consider a tractor relative to your land.

 

[oldnslo]

Have you sat on the Massey or Kioti yet, talked to dealers, etc. Compared the specs for your use. I have never owned either brand but how I was treated by dealerships played a big role in deciding which tractors to look at. Yes price and location was also a consideration but how dealer treated me and how the tractor fit was two major considerations.

I owned a Kubota BX and agree the single treadle did not work well for me due having large feet and a stiff ankle from old injuries.

 

[Kioti Dave]

Had a Kubota b7800 for 15 years, 2000 hours. Good solid machine. But when shopping, I also wrote off kubota due to the treadle design. I do lots of back and forth, and that design sucks. Went with Kioti, and like the dual pedal design much better. It is a more natural move, for me. Good luck with the search.

 

[jyoutz]

My last tractor was gear, my current Kubota has a treadle pedal HST. I just enjoy having a HST over a clutch and gearshift. Yes, I have spent considerable time operating my neighbor’s twin peddle HST tractor, and both are easy to get used to.

 

[ruffdog]

Drive them all and buy the one that makes you smile the most.....life is too short.

 

[Jstpssng]

Drive them all and buy the one that makes you smile the most.....life is too short.

This is what I was going to say also... the OP is thinking months out so has plenty of time to look around and get to know the various tractors, as well as the guys who are selling them.
I'm a Kubota snob, and have never understood the treadle complaint. I don't even notice it... then again I've only put about 600 hours on it in the last 3 years. All of the tractors mentioned are good choices, although if I was to buy today my 3 choices, in order, would be Kubota, Kioti, LS. Had I known in 2018 what I know now I would probably have a geared Ck2610... and am still considering a downward swap once supply issues get back to normal.

 

[Threepoint]

Tacticalturnip, is the Kioti model you're considering the CK3510SE or the CK3510SE HST? Both are "deluxe" models, but as Jeff notes, the former is shuttle shift. Suggest you test drive both before deciding. If you'll be doing a fair amount of loader work, you may be happier with the HST. There's a trade-off in power due to the HST, but with the shuttle shift, you must come to a dead stop each time before shifting from forward to reverse, then from reverse back to forward. Unless something's changed since I bought my CK in 2018, it also means taking your left hand off the steering to do it. If you're trying to work quickly and steer at the same time, that can get old, IMO.

 

[DK35vince]

but with the shuttle shift, you must come to a dead stop each time before shifting from forward to reverse, then from reverse back to forward. Unless something's changed since I bought my CK in 2018, it also means taking your left hand off the steering to do it. If you're trying to work quickly and steer at the same time, that can get old, IMO.

It means taking your left hand off the steering wheel, but where are you steering to if your at a dead stop foward/reversing

 

[Jstpssng]

I preferred my old shuttle shift to my HST. Even now I stall more often when plowing or doing loader work than I did when I had a clutch.

 

[Threepoint]

It means taking your left hand off the steering wheel, but where are you steering to if your at a dead stop foward/reversing

Ha! I had to think about that for a moment! But the answer is, to change your direction of travel, to the right or to the left, before beginning to move again. With the power steering on these CUTS, it's easy to turn the front wheels right or left even at a dead stop. So if I'm backing out of the gravel pile with a full bucket, I can continuously steer to a new angle of departure even as I change from reverse to forward. If I do that a few dozen times in an hour of work, it's just easier for me.

 

[Threepoint]

I preferred my old shuttle shift to my HST. Even now I stall more often when plowing or doing loader work than I did when I had a clutch.

If I'm recalling correctly, with the synchro shuttle on the CK3510SE, you don't even need to clutch in order to shift between forward and reverse, so long as you come to a dead stop first. Pretty slick.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Just for clarification, after reading only the first reply; my disdain for the treadle design comes from having size 16 feet. I have plenty of experience with various machines, and find the twin pedal to be the best bet for my winter boots.

 

[workinonit]

16? Good grief!

 

[tacticalturnip]

Yeah, I'm a bit of a giant.

I've sat on all the machines, though haven't taken the time to operate them. My purchase is months out at best, however doing the research is enjoyable for me, and at best I'm an indecisive person lol.

I really like Kubota, having grown up with a GST L from the early 00's; before that we were an old IH family lol. My 1025R was the first hydrostatic 'real' tractor, and I quite like it, especially given the amount of loader work I do. The new shuttle shifts look nice, and I've talked to people who prefer them, so I'm keeping them on the back burner. One day I'll play around with a SS and HST side by side.

I've reached a point where I literally can not make a decision between Massey and Kioti, and then I keep looking at LS and McCormick. All these dealers are within an hour, distance is no problem, my only concern is dealership longevity- but with Massey and Kioti I feel that is a little less a problem.

I really like the canted left-right pedals on the Kioti; with big feet this minor thing makes a bigger difference than you'd think.

I'm on a rant.

 

[PuffyC]

This has put me looking around, and Maine has many options available to me, from the Massey dealer down the street to an hour drive for LS. I've written Kubita off; despite being impressed with them, I absolutely hate the treadle design.

I have been impressed with Kioti and the advances they have made in the last decade; my biggest concern was dealer viability, but come to find out my nearby Kioti retailer is the 6th largest in the nation by sales- I don't think they're going anywhere.

You sound a lot like me. Unfortunately the Kubota treadle was a total deal breaker so that wasn't an option. I tried hard to like it too. The Deere 3033R was ideal but more than I wanted to spend. I looked at the Kioti and really liked it too, and actually had a deal to buy a CK3510 but the dealer gave me such bad vibes I walked away. They had a great reputation but dropping $30k plus at what was really a glorified lawnmower shop (among many other concerns) killed it for me. I went back and got a 3032E and to be honest I'm glad I did. All that extra stuff I thought I needed? Turns out I don't miss any of it, and if the day comes that I need to buy another I'll have a much better idea of what's really useful and what's just bells and whistles. And if you read this forum long enough and one thing becomes very clear - dealer support can be critical.

With all that said, focusing on price is the wrong way to go IMO. A tractor is something you'll likely keep for 20 years or more so an extra $6000 is maybe lunch a McDonalds twice a month - something you'll never notice. And if you sell, the market for a used Deere or Kubota is so much better it would probably be a wash. Some dealers won't even take anything not Deere or Kubota as a trade-in.

I guess the short version of my opinion is to buy the tractor you really want from a dealer you trust to always have your back and don't get too caught up on price. In the long run you'll be glad you did.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I guess the short version of my opinion is to buy the tractor you really want from a dealer you trust to always have your back and don't get too caught up on price. In the long run you'll be glad you did.

Unfortunately, the dealer I trusted ceased to be; a few years back they were absorbed into United Ag & Turf, and it hasn't been the same since.

This is not the position I wanted to be in.

 

[k0ua]

If the Kubota don't fit, the Kubota don't fit!. The fit of a tractor is very important, after all you spend a significant amount of time on them. And comfort and fit can make a significant difference. I know this, if you spend 8 hours a day doing loader work on a tractor a Hydro tractor will leave you a lot less tired than a gear tractor that includes thousands of clutching operations. I have proved that to myself countless times when switching from gear tractors to my Hydro tractors.