Kioti vs LS buying advice

[rademamj1]

Interestingly, many of the Kioti tractor dealers around my region, also carry the LS line of tractors. But certainly, what ever you choose as your first tractor ownership, recommend HST.

 

[GSVette]

I own an LS and am very happy with- that said, I wouldn’t advise against a Kioti . During my long, arduous and agonizing years long tractor research project I had it finally narrowed down to Yanmar, LS and Kioti. LS won out because I got a really good deal on one after Yanmar deal fell out of contention because he would not drop below 40k ( which was my pain point)-LS dealer had an XR4155HC fully optioned from factory ( w/ TNT, third function and filled tires added in)- out the door for less than $34k.

 

[shooterdon]

You will not regret either machine. I like HST but you need to decide what is best for the majority of your tasks....BTW worrying about the minimal difference in fuel consumption is foolish. i doubt you will save $50/year.

Kioti was on my list but lack of a dealer killed them for me. Happy with the LS so far.

Tire selection is important too!

 

[rbstern]

I suspect you will be happy with any of those. Both brands make good tractors, and the size and HP range you are focused on seem appropriate for the tasks you describe. For me, what sealed the deal is the cost of the factory backhoe bundle. LS was substantially less, out-the-door with frame mounted backhoe, than I could find on any competing tractor.

You might want to look at small details the dealer can demo for you for those models, like ease of mounting/dismounting the backhoe. Probably similar for both brands, but sometimes a small detail can make it more difficult. Or fuel tank position/ease of refueling. It's that kind of stuff that makes daily living with a tractor more or less satisfying.

 

[carl_lopezIs]

I own an LS and am very happy with- that said, I wouldn’t advise against a Kioti . During my long, arduous and agonizing years long tractor research project I had it finally narrowed down to Yanmar, LS and Kioti. LS won out because I got a really good deal on one after Yanmar deal fell out of contention because he would not drop below 40k ( which was my pain point)-LS dealer had an XR4155HC fully optioned from factory ( w/ TNT, third function and filled tires added in)- out the door for less than $34k.

With FEL and backhoe the CK4010se HST is roughly quoted at $30k. And the MT240 HE is at $28k. Not a huge difference, but that $2k represents some decent money for implements! But at that price point the Kioti includes an additional set of rear remotes, a third function for the FEL, cruise control, etc. I'll have to check on whether the LS includes cruise control and what else may or may not come at that price point.

You will not regret either machine. I like HST but you need to decide what is best for the majority of your tasks....BTW worrying about the minimal difference in fuel consumption is foolish. i doubt you will save $50/year.

Kioti was on my list but lack of a dealer killed them for me. Happy with the LS so far.

Tire selection is important too!

I think HST is probably the better call. The dealer said that the Kioti in particular is a pretty fuel efficient HST. I doubt the LS is much worse. And I don't see myself spending much time at all with heavy ground engaging implements where a geared tractor really shines.
I think industrial tires are a no brainer for me. The ag tires would tear up my gravel drive, and I won't have a "lawn" so I don't need the more gentle turf tires. I like the thicker sidewalls of the industrial tires too.

I suspect you will be happy with any of those. Both brands make good tractors, and the size and HP range you are focused on seem appropriate for the tasks you describe. For me, what sealed the deal is the cost of the factory backhoe bundle. LS was substantially less, out-the-door with frame mounted backhoe, than I could find on any competing tractor.

You might want to look at small details the dealer can demo for you for those models, like ease of mounting/dismounting the backhoe. Probably similar for both brands, but sometimes a small detail can make it more difficult. Or fuel tank position/ease of refueling. It's that kind of stuff that makes daily living with a tractor more or less satisfying.

Backhoe mount and dismount is super similar for both brands. They both have a subframe that lives on the backhoe and hooks onto a couple brackets on the tractor. Just put the bucket and outriggers down, adjust to loosen a couple pins. disconnect the hydraulics, and pull the tractor forward. And you can leave the 3pt hitch in place on both.

 

[carl_lopezIs]

In response to many of the earlier posts - it sounds like Kioti and LS are both reliable machines, even if LS is a newer brand - they come with experience making equipment. Good to know that I can be confident in the quality of the machine with either manufacturer.

 

[GSVette]

I’m not sure what the MT series has standard but my XR came standard with cruise and 3 rear remotes-the 3 rear remotes were a huge selling point as I absolutely wanted TnT but still wanted a set of ports available for some other function ( side shift, wing lift etc.) should I ever need it. 3rd function was not standard but I negotiated it and the TnT into the purchase price.

What I wish my XR had is linked pedal functionality ( which I think some of the new MTs do) and a telescopic steering wheel. They are both nice to haves that weren’t available.

 

[Username Taken]

I’m not sure what the MT series has standard but my XR came standard with cruise and 3 rear remotes-the 3 rear remotes were a huge selling point as I absolutely wanted TnT but still wanted a set of ports available for some other function ( side shift, wing lift etc.) should I ever need it. 3rd function was not standard but I negotiated it and the TnT into the purchase price.

What I wish my XR had is linked pedal functionality ( which I think some of the new MTs do) and a telescopic steering wheel. They are both nice to haves that weren’t available.

The XR is the LS Premium series, It is a nice, well-equipped tractor, IMO

 

[GSVette]

The XR is the LS Premium series, It is a nice, well-equipped tractor, IMO

I agree-just wished they’d had linked pedal and a telescopic steering wheel-my only real gripes, frankly.

 

[carl_lopezIs]

Well - I heard back from the dealer now that he had heard from LS and Kioti re: the next couple months of expected deliveries and my choices have been significantly reduced. It's now one of the 3 options below:


Including a backhoe and FEL:

CK4010 hst $28499
CK4010se hst $29799
MT345E (synchro shuttle) $29999



Thoughts?


Just so we are all on the same page, as far as I can tell, here is what the SE has that the non-SE doesn't:

2 rear remotes
Extendable link arms with quick adjust sway control
Rubber floor mat
Cruise control
Linked Pedals
Nicer seat
Tilt wheel
rear view mirrors
no clutch

The price is only $1200 different because with the backhoe, the dealer will have to add rear remotes anyway. But probably only 1 set, not 2.


The MT345E is a synchro shuttle with 8F and 8R I believe. 5 more HP. More loader capacity, more digging power and a longer reach with the backhoe.
The biggest issue with this is that I could have a pretty significant wait for the backhoe.. Dealer doesn't know when he'll get one in.



It's not really a fair comparison between LS and Kioti anymore, so this isn't as much about the brand. It's more about the features and size of the tractor.