Kubota L4400 or Kioti DK40Se

[Mike4282]

First post hope to contribute in the future..
About to buy my first tractor..
Got a quote from Kubota dealer L4400 with loader 20,830 otd
Quote from Kioti DK40se with 401 ldr 20,038 otd
I am located in southeast Michigan.. are these prices fair? What do you guys think is the better tractor? Kioti seams to have more options and the better warranty. but i'm a little scared of push button functions.

Seams like a huge decision at 20,000, I need help!! Thanks for any advice.

 

[Johnbro]

Ah, the old Brand X vs Brand Y debate. Better get some popcorn.

The Kubota guys like 'botas (I'm in that camp) and the Kioti guys like their brand. So do the JD, NH, Mahindra, etc guys. People like what they buy and rarely have a chance to own and operate two similar machines from different mfgs to really compare them.

If you can, rent them each for a week and do a project with each. You'll know a heck of a lot after you do that than a dealership will ever tell you.

I don't know anything about Kiotis--not sure I've even see one. Up here I see a TON of Kubotas, which is why I bought my first one. Now I'm on my second one after 20 years and very happy. They are well built, hold their value, and work well. the L4400 is a good tractor, but it's the "economy" line. Check out the Grand L line (like the L4240) for more bells and whistles, as well as a beefier/stronger tractor overall.

 

[Dmace]

The Kioti is a very strong and reliable machine and at those prices it's an easy decision choosing the Kioti over the Kubota. Sure you can get a better Kubota like the M or Grand L series that will match the spec of the Kioti and have a better layout like the Kioti but it will be no where near the price of the Kioti and easy thousands more. I wouldn't worry about push button electronics, I hear of more problems with people having a hard time getting 4wd levers to go in smoothly then I do of problems with the push button 4wd.

A few important specs on the two tractors in question:

Kubota L4400 // Kioti DK40SE
ENGINE: 43 HP // 41 HP
PTO: 37.5 HP // 34 HP
HYDRAULICS: 12.5 GPM // 16.8 GPM (large difference)
TRANNY GEARS: 8F/4R GEAR // 12F/12R SHUTTLE
3PT LIFT (24" behind lp): 2,310 lbs (position control) // 2,490 lbs (better draft control)
WEIGHT: 3,153 lbs // 3,924 lbs
LOADER LIFT (@ pivot pins): 1,818 lbs to 102.4" max // 2,761 lbs to 107.8" (943 lbs more than the Kubota)

Add in the standard features on the Kioti like standard hydraulic rear remotes, tilt steering, telescoping 3pt arms, rear mounted 3pt lift lever, 4yr full warranty even covering loader and backhoe, etc... and it's pretty clear the winner.

In the end, it's your money and either tractor will be a solid investment for many years. :thumbsup:

 

[Kyle241]

I have been comparing the same models. The DK40SE has more options and does have some better numbers especially with the loader lift. The prices you got on both are pretty good, are they gear or HST? I prefer Kubota because that is what I already have so I am bias however the Kioti are nice tractors and that is why I keep going back to look at them. For the monies you have stated, you will get more for your money with Kioti, bottom line. The L4400 is a 'base' model from Kubota and to obtain similar options, you would need to look at the Grand L's, e.g. L3940 (I believe that is the model) and the price will be something like $3500-4500 more than the L4400.

Have you sat on both and test driven them yet? You need to feel out each and determine which fits you best. Also what about the dealers? Do you find one or the other will give you better service? Have you spoken to any of the service techs as someday they may be your best friend.

 

[duanekeys]

A few important specs on the two tractors in question:

Kubota L4400 // Kioti DK40SE
ENGINE: 43 HP // 41 HP
PTO: 37.5 HP // 34 HP
HYDRAULICS: 12.5 GPM // 16.8 GPM (large difference)
TRANNY GEARS: 8F/4R GEAR // 12F/12R SHUTTLE
3PT LIFT (24" behind lp): 2,310 lbs (position control) // 2,490 lbs (better draft control)
WEIGHT: 3,153 lbs // 3,924 lbs
LOADER LIFT (@ pivot pins): 1,818 lbs to 102.4" max // 2,761 lbs to 107.8" (943 lbs more than the Kubota)

Add in the standard features on the Kioti like standard hydraulic rear remotes, tilt steering, telescoping 3pt arms, rear mounted 3pt lift lever, 4yr full warranty even covering loader and backhoe, etc... and it's pretty clear the winner.

This is the exact criteria I used in the last several weeks to eventually decided on a new Kioti (in addition to testing out both tractors). I've not regretted the decision. In the end the price, the heftiness, and the extra features of the Kioti won my money.

 

[bigbull338]

we can give you our opions of said tractors,but in the end it all comes down to wich 1 you choose.because your the 1 that has to drive it.

 

[TripleR]

Completely agree with bigbull338. My only caveat is go to the Kioti Forum and read the thread on Kioti dealerships being pulled as well as the corporate view. Dealers in my area come and go, so I don't seriously consider them when buying. As far as the tractor itself, Kioti makes very well equipped tractors for a good price.

We have a Kubota dealer I won't buy from, but there is another that has been in business for over 50 years.

 

[bigbull338]

Completely agree with bigbull338. My only caveat is go to the Kioti Forum and read the thread on Kioti dealerships being pulled as well as the corporate view. Dealers in my area come and go, so I don't seriously consider them when buying. As far as the tractor itself, Kioti makes very well equipped tractors for a good price.

We have a Kubota dealer I won't buy from, but there is another that has been in business for over 50 years.

i figured i was the only 1 that had a dealer they wouldnt buy from.but things like that happen.

 

[TripleR]

i figured i was the only 1 that had a dealer they wouldn't buy from.but things like that happen.

Nope, these people are horrible which is a shame as they handle Case and Kubota and we used to own a Case CX80 as well as Kubota and had to go to two different dealers.

 

[kco]

First post hope to contribute in the future..
About to buy my first tractor..
Got a quote from Kubota dealer L4400 with loader 20,830 otd
Quote from Kioti DK40se with 401 ldr 20,038 otd
I am located in southeast Michigan.. are these prices fair? What do you guys think is the better tractor? Kioti seams to have more options and the better warranty. but i'm a little scared of push button functions.

Seams like a huge decision at 20,000, I need help!! Thanks for any advice.

I'm a new DK35 HST owner and also believe the DK series has features more comparable to the L3940, etc Kubotas than the more basic L4400, etc.

You may also want to look at Bobcats CT 4xx series as they have a "free loader" event on now. Kioti also has a "free loader" event but only on its CK series and the DK35 (i.e. not bigger DK's). Even if you don't go with Bobcat it may help in negotiations for the DK40 if you choose to go with Kioti. I believe the Bobcats are mainly HST's but I think they have some shuttle shift models.