Comparison Kioti vs Bobcat vs Kubota

[JoelD]

I agree first data point is what is it you'll be doing?
Took me a couple tractor purchases to find the right sized machine.
I've owned kioti and kubota and both good well built machines
I've Deere dozer also well built machine

You need to be sure you are getting the correct sized machine and you are comparing machines with very different capacities

Depending on your use pto horsepower may also be very important

Good luck
Joel

 

[Loren49]

I have handled both round bales and large square bales - I go very slow and have adequate weight on the 3 pt. I wouldn't recommend it for a commercial operation but to move a few bales on a small place it can work. I also have times when I'm glad the tractor is no larger than it is. At about 4000lbs with the loader plus the ballast weight it can handle a good sized bale.

Loren

 

[bota7800]

Kubota and Bobcat are highly respected machines, but as others have said...........you need to compare apples to apples when looking at machines and prices.

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought Bobcat was a rebadged Kioti.

As to size, as others have said, it depends on the applications. My B7800 was a little small on our 35 acre property in CO but is about right on 5 acres in WA for most of the tasks we do (we do not handle large bales though).

 

[Loren49]

Daedong manufactures the Kioti line and compacts for Bobcat.

Loren

 

[newhouse5148la]

I think they are all reputable tractors, I just sold my kubota last Spring and opted for the BC ct235, got a dealer that wasn't responsive to some of my questions, so recently traded for a differnt BC (went up one size)at a differnt dealer. The reason I went BC was operator features, tilt wheel, deluxe seat etc. at really no extra charge. I did get quotes from my Kubota dealer(because I am loyal kubota and have other kubota equipment) but BC looked like the best value for my cash-I'm happy so far, just make sure you get a good dealer to take care of you after the sale.


newhouse

 

[Agrantina]

I agree with the weight and size comparisons. The grand L series have the extra size and weight that I feel makes the difference. I know I am going to catch it for this comment. Sometimes weight and size is needed more than HP :confused2: The smaller tractors you have mentioned are great and easy to move around in smaller places, but lack the weight to really move-pull heavy things...With what I use my grand for its is great-has the weight/HP combo I wanted... NOW-I did look around at others BUT I was sold on that tractor well before I bought it...

AndyG

 

[vaskeet]

looked at all three and went with a Kubota L3700su ind. tires rear remote, quick attach loader and bucket and cruise for 20000.00 72 month 0% intrest with insurance and taxes included the finacing was the deal maker for me. Randy

 

[newhouse5148la]

All great comments, I know and understand the weight situation, I own a construction and repair business, We have many larger machines-- up to 40,000 lbs for excavating, I just know the value of the smaller tractor for what I call a yard tractor for various chores like snow removal in the my business yards and personal home yard, and I can have a set of forks if I have to unload something heavy and don't have a boom truck in the yard. Just a handy little tractor for lots of things, can take on the task of a power rake, 5 or 6 foot tiller, pto for generator at a job location if we work into the night, etc. I've always had a 25-35 hp tractor with a loader for this type of duty. I know that myself and my employees all miss it whenever my wife takes it to set out her flower pots. She uses it like a wheelbarrow.

newhouse

 

[art]

Get the wife a BX25 and get an L-45 for the boys at the shop!

 

[themellos]

Thanks for all the advice. Ended up with the Kioti Ck35hst TLB and a snow blade w/hydraulic angle. It was the biggest, most HP in my price range and it can drive in the barn center isle (6" to spare). Land locked at 5 acres. I really don't move around hay. We get it delivered straight to the loft. Will be used for manure, a few pine tree stumps, snow removal, road maintenance and brush cutter. Mechanical thumb and extra valve being installed. Delivery expected on Thursday or Friday. Local dealer was very helpful and does free pick up and delivery on all warranty work. 4 year warranty. Up here in Maine everybody wants their money back on used tractors! Had to go new. Looks like some good deals on used in the heartland, but not in Maine.