Kubota vs Kioti, hydro vs gear trans.

[Tpholden]

The title pretty much sums up my question, I'm in the market for a 35-50hp w/fe loader tractor. I really no idea which way to go, and throwing in the transmission choice, I'm stuck. Is the hydro dependable, I know it's easier to manage/use. If this question has already been asked and answered, please redirect.

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome:

 

[Gittyup]

Huge spread on the HP thing. Suggest first you try to narrow that down based on your intended uses. HST is dependable. Gear is fine too, and there different kinds of gear: straight, shuttle, power shuttle. If you are not doing field work (plowing etc), HST is probably your best choice. There are many HST vs gear threads. Do a search and read away.

 

[TSO]

Neither.



Jk, they are both good tractor companies with good products. I would not hesitate to buy either one regardless of which way you were leaning. The best thing you can do however, is to spend time using both. You will get a better idea of which one you like if you spend some time in the seat.

 

[k0ua]

They are both good brands, Both transmissions are fine, Hydro is very dependable, Other brands are worth a look at evaluating also.

 

[jenkinsph]

You can use a hydro to plow with too but it is less efficient than a gear tractor. If you consider what jobs you are doing most of the time it makes it easier to decide which transmission is best for you. In the size tractor you are considering none of them cost very much to operate imo. On small acreages doing a variety of jobs I recommend the hydrostatic transmission. If you are plowing large acreages with larger tractors a gear transmission makes sense.

In a nutshell it seems all the current brands are making good tractors today with few problems. The gear transmissions as well as the hydrostatic transmissions all seem to be bullet proof. Today I really think you can shop and pick the one that has the best ergonomics for you with the color and features you wan't. I have a Deere 4520 cab tractor 60hp with hydro and I am very happy with it. If you think you might wan't up to 50 hp I recommend you go for it now, this is less costly than trading up in a few years.

 

[nybirdman]

I would think for the average user (home-owner/food plot/gardener) type the HST would be the way to go.I pull a two bottom plow for ten acres of food plots and the HST does a fine job.In fact with the amount of rock that I have the HST has probably saved me a few times.I don't have "trips" on my old Dearborn plow.For all my other uses;snow plowing,roto-tilling,cultivateing ect. it works great.We do have a smaller geared tractor but prefer the HST for most uses.The geared tractor is used mostly for woods work/log skidding.

 

[paulfun9]

Tuff choices out there as they are all good machines. I just went threw this myself. Started looking for something between 30 to 38 HP and ended up getting the Kioti DK40 as the overall best choice for my needs balanced out with the cost. Hydro -vs- gear is a choice only the end user can really make, for me it was simple to go with the hydro as I will be doing mostly loader and backhoe work in the warm weather and then snow plowing/blower in the winter.

For more advise on choice it might be best to list the exact model of tractor you are comparing.

When I started I didn't just look at compareable models on the standpoint of options and abilities but actually compared price wise across the board as close as possible within the power range I was after. I actually ended up lifting my initial price range just a little for the tractor/loader when the DK40 is concerned but in the end when the backhoe is added the savings with promotions brought it right back down with everything else I had considered. The exception being TYM as I could have saved a good bit by going with them but dealer network and parts availability is also of concern. One of my main concerns in all of this is spending considerable time on the machine means it must be comfortable for me as I do have some issues with my ankles and knees and can not be cramped in anyway.

 

[juddspaintballs]

I started off liking the L3200 and wound up buying a MX5100. I figured it was cheaper to upgrade now before I purchased than later down the road when I wanted more power.

 

[Bluegill2]

I like Kubota & gear drive. But you can't go wrong with either brand, or trans. Buy what ya like!