Thanks for the replies and comments above. I know there are MANY Kubota vs Kioti threads on this forum. My original post was not meant to fuel that...it was merely to say that I open-mindedly set out to compare these two makes and models. At the end of my journey, I went Kubota. I'm not at all worried about resale value. I keep my toys for a very long time. I just traded my 1999 Ford Expedition (purchased brand new) for some excavator work since the Ford was sitting unused. I could give other examples but suffice it to say that resale value is probably not in my top 5 reasons for purchasing any item.
Most importantly for me was a quality product (I believe both Kioti and Kubota meet this criteria) with GOOD local dealer support. The dealer was the absolute factor that sealed the decision for me, and it wasn't even close. As I mentioned in my original post, one Kioti dealer NEVER even called me back when I expressed interest in visiting his lot. I didn't even ask him for a price quote; I merely asked if he had/could get an NX model.
Long and short of it...in case anyone else is contemplating these two 50+ hp models, I would be perfectly happy with either. That said, I am very glad I went with the 70+ hp model as it gives me more application than I would have with the 50+ hp Kioti. The huge bonus for me is local dealer support. Others have stated this in numerous other tractor threads, and I believe it cannot be emphasized enough the importance of considering this factor.
P.S. I took delivery yesterday and will post pics in the Kubota sub-forum assuming I can figure out how to load pictures.
I think your going to be very pleased with your choice. I personally have never longed for less when stepping up in HP.
I have read over and over again stories on here about potential sales being lost due to incompetent sales people from all brands.
We don’t put much stock in the dealer being close but if they want me to jump threw hoops to buy from them or have mechanics that can’t answer simple questions correctly, I will run as fast as I can to the next dealership. I don’t however let them brand steere me unless the pattern was to start showing signs of it being a deeper problem.
The biggest issue I had last time out was some dealers trying to charge more than others by a long shot, and one other dealer trying to deny rebates that were being offered even existed. It seemed everyone wanted to sell me a tractor and even the one I purchased from later told me he got the feeling like I had already decided against his machine but he still called me back with the information I requested. In the long run he earned my business and in return has earned my respect and recommendation on several purchases from acquaintances.
Again enjoy the new tractor!