Re: Kioti Isn\'t Worth the Risk
Alan L. -
Hmmm... /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif A few comments - in my usual verbose format unfortunately...
<font color=blue>After 5 years the Kubuta would probably still be worth 12,000, but I'll bet the Kioti wouldn't bring more than 11,000</font color=blue>
I can't say that this is wrong, but I'm curious what you are basing your "bet" on. Is there some "blue book" info, "trader" rags, etc. you have access to or is this just a "gut" reaction?
<font color=blue>Its hard to say what the reliability of the Kioti is, because theres no data available...</font color=blue>
Although I'd agree with that statement regarding long-term operations with the DK series (since they have only been out for a year or two), I think that overall that isn't a fair statement - after all, Kioti has been in the states for 17 years (and Daedong, who manufactures Kioti has been around for about 55 years). I'd say that there should be plenty of data out there - perhaps a few of the Kioti owners here on TBN could speak up regarding "real world" +'s & -'s.
<font color=blue>...unless I save 25% or more, I'm going with the Kubota</font color=blue>
That's cool - after all, it is your money and everybody's "pain point" is different when it comes to $$$.
<font color=blue>As for the 3-point lift capacities, there are any number of ways and positions that can be measured. I'd like to see an objective test between the two to see if the Kioti's is really stronger. You know what they say about figures and liars. </font color=blue>
A "real world" test would definitely be interesting, but until someone (who is non-biased) actually has a "tractor shootout", we'll have to rely on the mfgs. The data I've seen from both mfgs. (Kubota & Kioti) measures 3 point lift capacity as "Lift Capacity at Lift Point". (same verbiage from both mfgs.) While the old adage of "statistics are the best way to lie" is well known, I find it interesting that your implication is that Kioti is somehow "fudging the numbers." Could be - but - could be the same for Kubota as well. I just don't care for the implied dig.
I have noticed an interesting (and unfortunate) pattern on TBN with regards to "evaluating" tractors. Often those who are critical of "Brand X" have little to no first-hand knowledge of the brand they are being critical of. This behavior isn't necessarily limited to any particular brand/group, and not everyone does it, but it seems that "Owner Pride" often takes over in place of real data.
To a certain extent, this is a natural behavior - after all, nobody likes to say "I made a mistake" when it comes to a purchase - but putting down another brand (whatever brand it is) lacking empirical evidence just seems "wrong" to me.
I'm just tired of hearing the whiney "Mine's better than yours!" comments that are based on a whole lot of pride and no evidence. For some reason, Kioti seems to be "picked on" quite a bit - not sure why, but it seems like pretty poor "sportsmanship."
If you own a Kubota (or JD, or NH, or...) and you love it - Great!! But why put down some other brand without real information? (I call it the "Venetian blind" mentality - e.g. somehow you "raise" the "status" of you/your purchase by "pulling down" someone else's.) And, on top of that, NO tractor (regardless of whoever makes it) is "perfect."
If someone owned a tractor (whatever brand) and had mechanical problems - fine - let us know!!! If you visited a couple of dealerships and rode around & had some opinions on handling/ergonomics/etc. - fine - let us know!!! If you had a buddy who owned one and you saw some of the issues on a day-to-day basis - fine - let us know!!! However if you haven't driven one, seen one close up, have "hard" statistical info, or other "real" information, please - spare the implications that "Brand X stinks" type comments - it's not fair and poor form.
