Comparison Kioti CK2610HST vs Kubota L2501HST : what am I missing?

[mangler]

Pretty much decided on a full frame, and dealer availability has narrowed it down to the 2 machines above.

On paper it seems like the Kioti holds the advantage everywhere, except maybe rated engine speed (2200rpm vs 2600rpm for Kioti).

Are there intangibles I am missing? Higher torque at x rpm on the Kubota?

Is the loader smoother on the Kubota? Can the Kioti loader lift and curl at the same time? (I know the L2501 can). I will likely be doing a demo of both, but "a fell" for the differences would be helpful.

Resale value will obviously be higher on the Kubota, but Kioti is way more generous with the options, for the same price (my Kioti quote includes rubber floor mat, 2 rear remotes, block heater, horn and grill guard).

Dealer location/quality is a wash, both around 35 miles from my house.

Right now really leaning towards the Kioti, but would like to hear from the Kubota L2501 owners that went through the same process.

PS Also looked at the LS MT225HE, but it comes in at higher price than the Kioti for similar equipment, and dealer is almost twice as far.

 

[jeff9366]

There are several threads in the T-B-N ARCHIVE comparing these two popular models.

Kioti CK261 vs Kubota L251 site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search

VIDEOS: kioti ck261 vs kubota l251 - Google Search

 

[K5lwq]

Either choice will probably serve you well. My suggestion is spend some time on both. Also, being comfortable with the dealer goes a long way. Good luck with your search!

 

[mangler]

There are several threads in the T-B-N ARCHIVE comparing these two popular models.

Kioti CK261 vs Kubota L251 site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search

VIDEOS: kioti ck261 vs kubota l251 - Google Search

Thanks Jeff,

I had read most of those, but did find a good recent thread on page 2. I did not find much on the loader specific questions, except in that one thread. I tried the LS MT225HE loader, and thought it was a bit jerky, although that might have been accentuated by the pallet forks.

Also looking at long term smaller/less obvious discriminators, like location/cost of filters, ease of service etc. Things people love/hate after 50-100hrs on both tractors, that may not be obvious in a 5min demo.

 

[MAD777]

I had the same two options based on nearby location of two long-time dealerships. I chose Kioti because it was much more comfortable and more ergonomic for me. Plus it was $3,000 cheaper. I've been thrilled with it. Everything operates smoothly.

 

[mangler]

I had the same two options based on nearby location of two long-time dealerships. I chose Kioti because it was much more comfortable and more ergonomic for me. Plus it was $3,000 cheaper. I've been thrilled with it. Everything operates smoothly.

What model year do you have? Do you have a shielded MFWD driveshaft? There are some reports of Kioti selling 2016 CK2610 with unshielded driveshafts, and it becoming a problem with long grass. Grass would warp around the driveshaft, and even blow out the oil seal. Wondering if Kioti fixed this on the 2020 model.

 

[tradosaurus]

I think you need to sit in each tractor. Run the RPM to max and see which one is "quieter".
Also don't fall for the lift capacity numbers. If the hydraulic cylinders on the FEL are the same diameter and length on both then the lift capacity is the same.
I never considered a Kioti just because the nearest dealer at the time was 2-3 hrs from me.
Any reason you wouldn't go to a larger frame/HP?

 

[mangler]

I want to stay away from any active Tier4 mitigation, and I likely don't need anything bigger than 25hp anyway (7 acre, half bush/ravine). Honestly I could likely get by with a scut, but I did not like the feel of them when I demoed the MT125 and XJ2025 (too much vibration for me, and the ground clearance on the smaller scuts would likely be an issue). Also I have a (good) 54" mower, so I don't need the mid pto or to spend the 3k on a MMM.

I'd consider a 30-40HP pre 2016, as I hear they were also exempt at the time. But used Kubotas (and even Kiotis) around here, in the hour range I would consider (250 or less) make absolutely no sense financially, with the 72 month 0% offers on new tractors.

 

[tradosaurus]

I want to stay away from any active Tier4 mitigation, and I likely don't need anything bigger than 25hp anyway (7 acre, half bush/ravine). Honestly I could likely get by with a scut, but I did not like the feel of them when I demoed the MT125 and XJ2025 (too much vibration for me, and the ground clearance on the smaller scuts would likely be an issue). Also I have a (good) 54" mower, so I don't need the mid pto or to spend the 3k on a MMM.

I'd consider a 30-40HP pre 2016, as I hear they were also exempt at the time. But used Kubotas (and even Kiotis) around here, in the hour range I would consider (250 or less) make absolutely no sense financially, with the 72 month 0% offers on new tractors.

Famous last words. :laughing:

Is there any PTO equipment you could see yourself buying in the next few years that would require minimum 30 hp at PTO?

 

[mangler]

Famous last words. :laughing:

Is there any PTO equipment you could see yourself buying in the next few years that would require minimum 30 hp at PTO?

The only thing I could think of would be a chipper, but I am ok with having a bonfire with stuff over 3" once a year. I currently have a "homeowner" gas chipper that allegedly chips stuff up to 2". I can just imagine a pto chipper rated for 20hp would destroy the one I have with regards to capacity (my chipper is likely around 6.5hp), so I would likely be impressed by what I could run on there. So far I have not been impressed with the cost of those pto chippers though, and a lot of what is available used at a good discount is for 40/60hp machines.

Maybe a tiller? I have a small gas tiller right now (around 5hp), that could likely do whatever vegetable planting I want to do, with a few more hours invested. Also has the advantage of being compact, so it can help with weeding. If I get real lazy I can gerry rig it to the sleeve hitch of the garden tractor, and get the walking out of the equation...