Kubota B3300SU OR Kioti DS4510/CK35?

[Verticaltrx]

I've also looked at a Kubota B3300SU. What a neat little tractor. It's the only HST I've driven and I can see the benefits of it doing slashing and FEL work. I worry about longevity, and the price of fuel being run at full noise all the time. It's also very light compared to the Kioti's. It doesn't come with a cruise control, but they said they would fit one free of charge (mechanical). It comes with either Ag tyres or Turf's. I like the turfs, but worry about traction. I had a smile on my face all the time I was driving it. Even my wife thought it was kool!

We have 6 acres. We are converting it from paddocks into garden. I'm currently doing lots of rotary hoe and FEL work, but this will fall off as what get it planted. I also use a 6' rear blade a lot for contouring. The turf's will be great once it's a completed garden

For 6 acres I think a B3300 would be plenty, both of the other are much larger size/weight/class tractors.

Don't worry about longevity on the little Kubota, the drive train and many of the components are the same used on the Kubota B26, which is an industrial Tractor/Loader/Backhoe model made for everyday commercial use. Also, you'll find that for most tasks you really don't need to run it 'at full noise'. For 90% of loader work, grading, pulling, etc I run mine between 1800-2000rpms, it runs very smooth and nice at that speed with plenty of power.

I don't know much about the Kioti's except that the two models you are looking at larger machines than the Kubota. For loader work, the HST is very nice, and depending on the task, probably get more done with a slightly smaller HST machine vs a larger gear drive machine.

 

[KoolKiwi]

For 6 acres I think a B3300 would be plenty, both of the other are much larger size/weight/class tractors.

Don't worry about longevity on the little Kubota, the drive train and many of the components are the same used on the Kubota B26, which is an industrial Tractor/Loader/Backhoe model made for everyday commercial use. Also, you'll find that for most tasks you really don't need to run it 'at full noise'. For 90% of loader work, grading, pulling, etc I run mine between 1800-2000rpms, it runs very smooth and nice at that speed with plenty of power.

I don't know much about the Kioti's except that the two models you are looking at larger machines than the Kubota. For loader work, the HST is very nice, and depending on the task, probably get more done with a slightly smaller HST machine vs a larger gear drive machine.

Hey...are you reading my mind?? :cool2:

FEL work is the pain on my DF254. The high low lever is right down on the side of the trans, meaning you have to lean right down between your legs to work it. Makes FEL work tedious. I saw the HST as being really easy both for FEL and mowing.

Nice to hear you don't have to run it flat out. Must make fuel consumption higher at full noise. 1800-2000rpms is the same as I run on my DF254. I have to push it though for rotary hoe work - hence the HP upgrade.

What tyres do you run?

 

[Verticaltrx]

Hey...are you reading my mind?? :cool2:

FEL work is the pain on my DF254. The high low lever is right down on the side of the trans, meaning you have to lean right down between your legs to work it. Makes FEL work tedious. I saw the HST as being really easy both for FEL and mowing.

Nice to hear you don't have to run it flat out. Must make fuel consumption higher at full noise. 1800-2000rpms is the same as I run on my DF254. I have to push it though for rotary hoe work - hence the HP upgrade.

What tyres do you run?

I have both a set of the R1 ag tires and R4 industrial tires. I swap them out a couple times a year depending on the job. The tractor has far more pulling/pushing ability with the ag tires over the other options, but they are not quite as sturdy. That being said, we used to have a tractor with turf tires and it did fine for most jobs. Only problem came when it was wet and muddy. Also, in the B3300, the turf tires are a larger size (13.6-16 for turf vs 12.4-16 ag) which would give a little more weight if fluid filled.

As for fuel consumption, I can run it all day long, even at PTO speed on a tank of fuel. Running it at 1500-1800rpms it seems like it can go about 1.5-2 days on a tank.

 

[KoolKiwi]

I have both a set of the R1 ag tires and R4 industrial tires...

This would be the best option. I have wondered if the R4 and the Turf fit the same rim? That way I could swap out to Turfs when I finally need them. Maybe I should just put Industrials on from the start?? Another set of tyres on rims is an expensive option. For my DF254 I was quoted $4000k for tyres on rims. Later, I tracked someone down dealing in China that could do them for $1800. Not much point now with the upgrade. I'll have to buy everything off Kubota so everything falls under warranty.

As for fuel consumption, I can run it all day long, even at PTO speed on a tank of fuel. Running it at 1500-1800rpms it seems like it can go about 1.5-2 days on a tank.

Excellent. I've been using about 3x containers of 5.28 US Gals (20litres) per week running the rotary hoe - about $105 NZ total.

The sales rep for Kubota has been on annual leave - is back Monday. His in-tray will probably be full, but I hope we can connect Tues/Wed and get a final price. The Kubota didn't have a loader on when I saw it, but it's the first B3300SU the Kubota manager had seen, Hopefully when I go back for another test drive it'll be all ready to go. Like to have a play with the loader.

You Americans sure get some good deals - like 0% finance and 5 Years warranty. No 0% deals here and the warranty is only two years for both Kubota and Kioti. Kubtoa has only just added the extra year to match obviously, but i was told there is a mandatory 11 month service to check the machine before it goes into the 2nd year. Sounds like BS to me, and just another way of scoring some green. It's either two years or it's not!

 

[Gittyup]

The CK35 is not larger than the B3300, only heavier. Much heavier, which is what i want in a tractor with a loader on it. And I still loaded the tires. Size wise, it's actually a pretty small machine.

turfs are fine until it's even the slightest bit wet. Then they are useless. R4's are the better compromise. I have R4's; wish I had R1's. Turfs are for lawn mowers.

It sounds like you have your mind made up on the B3300. Go for it and enjoy. But, you aren't getting the best tractor.

 

[KoolKiwi]

The CK35 is not larger than the B3300, only heavier. Much heavier, which is what i want in a tractor with a loader on it. And I still loaded the tires. Size wise, it's actually a pretty small machine.

Haven't seen a CK35 for real, so I don't know how big it is. Images are deceiving.

turfs are fine until it's even the slightest bit wet. Then they are useless. R4's are the better compromise. I have R4's; wish I had R1's. Turfs are for lawn mowers.

I have to consider the eventual purpose of the machine as well. Traction isn't the deal breaker on a flat property. I don't often get out when it's wet - make more mess than it's worth. I like turfs also because they don't mark concrete areas and don't rip the gravel drive like Ag's. I'm sure an R4 is similar to the Ag's - just less. You're right, R4's are probably the best all-round one. B3300SU comes with either Ag's or Turfs at no extra cost. The R4's cost $600 more.

- It sounds like you have your mind made up on the B3300. Go for it and enjoy. But, you aren't getting the best tractor.

Not completely sold on the Kubota. A lot of the money goes toward brand recognition, not the quality of the tractor. Really dislike the idea of paying more for brand. Kubota has exceptional resale value here in NZ, but the spec's on it aren't anywhere near the Kioti.

Kioti is a reasonably new brand - haven't seen any 2nd hand ones for sale. Resale will be less than the Kubota. "Best tractor" is a real subjective term. The CK35 is the tractor I thought I wanted when I started looking, but the extra weight is not something I need and the extra cost of R4's on it ($3000k) make it the most expensive of the bunch. I'm not convinced I'm getting more for the money - well I would be, but difficult to justify given that the Kubota will do everything I want. Heck...my DF254 will do everything I want if I'm prepared to drive it into the ground. I'm not!

If the numbers don't line up, then the Kubota won't happen. They may decide they won't match the trade-in price of Kioti. I'm not going to make it all about the money though.

Best spec'd tractor for the money would be the TYM T353HST. Lots of goodies and comes stock on R4's. Not proven here though, and backup is uncertain - especially after the TYM drama in Aussie.

Hope I get this sorted next week. Thx for the comments. Appreciated.

 

[grampastractor]

Greetings my fine fellow tractor owners,

My first post here...so be gentle

Kioti is a fantastic ...

turfs or Industrials. Eek!!

The B3300SU is the only Kubota I've looked at - :thumbsup:

I bought the kioti after looking at many brands. It came down to the ck35hst and the b3300su, same price here. The guys on this forum were very helpful in showing the advantages of the kioti for the type of work I needed it for, much the same as you.
Compare the back of the tractors. The kioti is more like the L series kubota, axles and 3 pth much larger.
I loved the kubota but the kioti appeared to be so much more tractor value.
My tractors in the past have always had ag tires, this time I have industrial and I wouldn't go back. They don't rip the yard up like the ag tires but I am not having any traction issues and I have been doing mostly loader work since I got it.
I ended up buying the ct30 hst do to cost saving but it is much the same tractor as the ct35 hst, only a few pto hp less.
Search the posts from a few weeks ago in both the kioti and kubota buyers where I asked some of the same questions as you have. The guys here really know their stuff.
Enjoy the new tractor, either one should put a smile on your face.
Don va3any

 

[KoolKiwi]

grampastractor - actually I'm pretty sure I read your thread. I've done quite a lot of reading on the forum, but it's not until you have your own thread and knock ideas off everyone that you start to get a feel for the end result.

I sure wish they did the CK30HST here, but only the CK22/35HST are available. The 30HP would've been the ideal size and price, and I'm certain I would have gone in that direction.

I've even started to wonder if I shouldn't revisit the TYM brand, as they have a very well spec'd machine. Pity it's got so much plastic on it. I could only test drive the 23HP model, and it's much smaller than the 35HP. It didn't buzz me like the Kubota. I wasn't happy with the deal either. A lot more unknowns down this path.

Appreciate the reply. Thx

 

[Singlemalt]

I've had the DS 4110 HS since last August.

Same frame as the DS4510 w/FEL but 4 HP less. Unless you are doing some sustained high power project the 4 HP won't be missed although my dealer indicated $1000 difference in price.

Ag tires set at a wide stance. The stability is great.
Seldom run it above 1800 rpm and it has no issues with lifting gravel, skidding logs or pushing dirt or snow.

Lots of room behind the seat and on the sides for carrying the extras including the dog although for some reason he thinks the seat is his.

Had cruise control on my Kubota L 3710 but rarely used it. It might be handier if you are doing road travel or field work. I do miss the adjustable steering column but not enough to want to go back. I'm getting use to the shuttle shift but there are occasions (not many) when the HST would be nice although it did have some power draw backs as well. The foot feed throttle on the DS makes up for it.

 

[KoolKiwi]

I've had the DS 4110 HS since last August.

Same frame as the DS4510 w/FEL but 4 HP less. Unless you are doing some sustained high power project the 4 HP won't be missed although my dealer indicated $1000 difference in price.

Hey Singlemalt - we don't get the DS4110 (only DS4510 & DS3510). They also don't do the HS model. Full syncro would be nice.

The DS4510 is one heck-of-a tractor. This is probably the tractor I will buy if nothing else pans out. Storage would be problematic for size. Also the size will mean more fluids, etc so more cost to service. For example, The Kubota only has 14 litres of fluid in the trans. The Kioti's have over 30. Last service I had done, the cost of 1litre was $9 - almost $300 for a trans oil change on the Kioti's. :shocked: My current tractor takes 20litres. The size also doesn't really work for our garden design, which is too far down the track to change. The dealer suggests we buy this one, then in time down-grade to a smaller machine, but that will mean two depreciations -not ideal.

I want the cruise for rotary hoe work. It's all done in low/low and can be tedious. Often when mowing the block I like to stand up to take a break from sitting for many hours. I have a foot throttle on my current machine, but rarely use that. I prefer the hand throttle. My tractor rarely gets out of 1st gear (high).