Looked at First Kioti today......

[VictorW]

Whether a LS or Kioti, I don't think you can go wrong with either brand. There never seems to be the perfect sized tractor for everything you want to do. My CK30hst does well the majority of the work I do. There has been times I would like something bigger for certain jobs but I can still get most of them done. It just takes longer but then there are times that I just can't lift or haul what I would like to. A good way is the pro and con list for both. You pretty much know what you want to do with the tractor including it's weight, size, strength, and price difference. List these and then check off which tractor can fit the jobs. Each will have their plus and minus traits. Figure out which traits you're willing to compromise on and which you are not, along with; is the extra money worth this. If you tell the dealer what your going to do with the tractor, he should be able to advise. Also as mentioned, maybe check out a larger Kioti and see where the price point is compared to the LS. Good luck.

 

[GPintheMitten]

What are you going to do with it? What size logs, how often? How many acres, mowing with it or not?

I would look for SSQA, and 2 rear remotes regardless of size and brand. Match the implements to your use and get a tractor that is the best compromise for needs and budget.

Once you get it down to a particular size and capability then shop brands.

 

[Gittyup]

Weight is king with backhoes. Get the bigger tractor. And, I agree, you should at least look at and compare the LS to a CK30 or CK35. These are more comparable in performance and price. If you go small you will wish for more.

 

[12Bravo]

Weight is king with backhoes. Get the bigger tractor. And, I agree, you should at least look at and compare the LS to a CK30 or CK35. These are more comparable in performance and price. If you go small you will wish for more.

One of the biggest issues with the larger machines is getting into and around in the woods. I don't want to cut "Roads" in for my tractor to fit. I would rather have the trails be just a bit larger than ATV size. So the larger tractors would be limited to on trail and around the house, which is only .5 acres, rest of the 7 acres is wooded.

What are you going to do with it? What size logs, how often? How many acres, mowing with it or not?

I would look for SSQA, and 2 rear remotes regardless of size and brand. Match the implements to your use and get a tractor that is the best compromise for needs and budget.

Once you get it down to a particular size and capability then shop brands.

Plans for the tractor, digging out stumps, digging foundations for cabin and home addition, grading driveway, trenching new water and electric lines, ATV trail maintenance and cutting new trails (7 Acres).

Logs will vary but most logs will be smaller than 18" diameter and around 10' long. I was figuring most will weight less than 1000#'s, but some will be a bit more. The larger ones I was hoping to just hook to 3PT and lift front end and drag out. I have a sled I made from some logs as a skidder, works great behind the ATV. But not sure how much the tractors can drag compared to my ATV. I've pulled some pretty large logs behind the Honda Rancher!

 

[VictorW]

My CK30hst can out pull my Honda Rancher easily so don't worry about that. The bigger logs on the fel with forks will be tough and you'll be dragging. My CK has a five foot fel bucket and is 63 inches wide with R4 tires so I guess a minimum six foot trail. Sounds like the smaller size is an overall better fit. The foundations will just take you a little more time but still do-able.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I agree that the smaller would be a better fit for you.

 

[12Bravo]

I agree that the smaller would be a better fit for you.

That's kind of what I have been thinking, but the little voice that keeps saying.....GO BIGGER! But bigger is not always better...

 

[k0ua]

That's kind of what I have been thinking, but the little voice that keeps saying.....GO BIGGER! But bigger is not always better...

It isn't always better, but it often is. Again it just depends on your application. As for the up to 1000 lb logs, I think the Kioti will drag them just fine. Now if you wanted to lift them with forks or a grapple.. THAT is a different story. You mentioned you don't need forks or a grapple.. All well and good, as long as your needs don't change. IF they do... Well you will rue the day you did not get the larger tractor with SSQA.

Here you can see my struggle getting a tractor without SSQA and wanting a set of forks later on by clicking here.

 

[TSO]

Tractors shrink very quickly once you get a few hours on them.

Really, the overall size isn't gonna be all that much bigger on that LS. It may seem like it right now, but once you get some hours obj them you'll see that it isn't really much different. I'm not sure, but isn't that LS also about 5' wide?

Also, what are the operational differences between the two backhoes? $5k is alot of money, sure... But if this is a tractor you'll keep, you'll appreciate the extra power for the life of ownership.

 

[TSO]

I'll also add... I have owned both of these brands and they're both good, both here to stay. The LS machines I owned had a better reliability record than the Kioti I owned, but I wouldn't recommend against either one.