Comparison Looking for opinions - new tractor purchase

[oldpilgrim]

But as a disclaimer, I like my Glock

there ya go.

 

[bumperm]

My personal opinion is that the dual pedal vs. rocker pedal thing is the most to-do about nothing that's ever been. For me, it's a non-issue and I have both types. I suspect that which ever kind you get, you will get used to and won't think about it again.

That's just my opinion - I'm not stating it as fact. Others here seem to be really dug in to the position that 2 is better than one.

If you've ever ridden a BMW motorcycle that has blinker switches on both sides vs. the single blinker switch that other motorcycles use, it's the same issue. Paper or plastic, vanilla or chocolate, etc.

Agreed.

But I much prefer a Sig over a Glock, and most anything with two wheels more'n a Hardly Ableson, thank you very much. Now if that Harley had a rocker pedal with a porcupine for traction . . .

bumper

 

[TJP89]

Well I have a follow-up to my original post. I looked at another Kubota dealers inventory and they had none of the 3200/3800's left nor did they have any of the new 3xxxR series on the lot. I looked at Branson 3520H and man, is that a LOT of tractor. Dealer was closed so I didn't get a price, but I did a through walk-around and sat on it, wiggled and pushed and generally tried to imagine driving the beast. It is a beautiful machine and ergonomics, as well as fit and finish, were pretty darn good. Only worries I have is the extreme "newness" of the dealer and the line in general, and the incredible weight of the machine. It truly has impressive lift capacity but it's over 4k lb - almost twice what some of the other machines weigh. Not sure I need that much "beef". I am also really concerned about buying a machine that may or may not have any support for parts and service in a few years.

Also looked at Massey Ferguson. Did not realize how huge the 1736 machines are. Almost comically oversized rear tires and tiny front tires. Way bigger than I expected - seems like a machine that big would not have only a 36-hp engine in it. I was also very disappointed in the location of the main fuse box/panel on all of the MF machines. Right above the floorboards, under the steering wheel. Guess they don't expect anyone to have rain splash up on that open fuse panel, or have it covered in snow, or kick it right off the tractor from an errant flying boot. No thanks, MF, and I think from the price they were trying to sell me a gold-plated turd. Other than those glaring faults - well, I suppose someone else can be happy with a MF but it won't be me.

I also priced out a new JD 3033R and a 3032E at a bigger JD dealer today - all options being equal, 3033R was $31k and change, 3032E was $23k, but the 3032E is a weak machine compared to all the others I've looked at, and I can get into that loaded 3520 at my local soon-to-be-gone JD dealer for a few bucks more. Still on the fence over that one.

My next trip is the Kioti dealership, where I hope he's got a CK35HST for me to look at. My biggest hangup with the Kioti may be the rocker-style foot pedal for forward and reverse. If I can get used to that, we may have a winner.

Jon, I'll just take the Kiotis since that's what I have. If you're looking at the CK30, go up to the CK35. The 5 extra HP come at almost no additional cost (abt +$700 for me) from the 30. As the weight is barely increased and the size is the same, there is no reason to go with the 30 IMO. You can easily go into 5ft implements which is what covers both the 30 and the 35. I looked at the 30, but the dealer made the above argument and I agreed and glad I did.

In terms of use, at less than 50 hrs I almost don't count around here, but I'm very pleased. What strikes me now is it seems to be a downsized ag tractor, instead of upsized garden tractor. The controls are basic and simple, but have a nice feel and the ergonomics are great. I started on the twin pedal side, but the rocker has grown on me, if the brakes and clutch were switched I'd be converted. I don't the think the rocker will bother you, and with power steering and HST, no steering brakes in practicality won't bother you. Maneuverability is good, and I've had none of the occasional problems you read about on here. Traction is fantastic. I was mowing in the woods and was going up a steep hill (abt 40 degrees) I had trouble getting up it and eventually had to use the diff lock. Thinking there was a problem with the 4WD, got off when I got to the top and checked the tractor out. Nothing. Checked the 4WD. Disengaged. The tractor had gone up the hill in MED 2WD with my 600#+ brush hog only needing the diff lock. I was pretty impressed (although I did put the 4WD back on) The loader has done every I want with no trouble except pop stumps when the bucket is jammed underneath, but you would need a really big tractor to do that. I can lift a full bucket of rocks or logs to full height with no trouble at all. I don't know how the weak loader thing started (probably Kubota) but so far it seems groundless.

On the con side, the hazard light lever and ignition are positioned just right to be hit by your knees. Several times now I have unintentionally killed the tractor by bumping the key with my knee. The 3PT adjustment controls are stiff and hard to move with the implement on. If you put a rear light on behind the tool box you will have to do something with the SMV sign as it gets in the way ( I flipped mine upside down). I'll post a complete review after my 50 hour service, but that's pretty much it.

Overall I'm very happy with my CK35 HST and plan to have it for quite a while

I think I replied to the wrong post, but you'll get the idea.

 

[paulfun9]

For me the rocker pedal is a matter of being comfortable. With bad knees and one hip operation, almost all of them seemed to put me into one position with one leg locked into one position that actually had me hurting just test rideing on the dealer lot. Now figure being on it for hours at a time! I think it comes down to the individual and the comfort they expect.
I also can see how the rocker would have me really in a twist when it comes time for snow blowing with the rear mount blower. With the dual pedal set up its just a slight look over the shoulder with a somewhat sideways way of sitting that would be next to impossible with a rocker pedal.

I am also wondering about the fit of the machine based on the size of the person as being a factor as it seems that most of my friends who don't like the rocker are tall 5'9" or taller and those that don't seem to mind it or the one rare one in the bunch who actually like it are all much shorter.

With Bumper on the sig over a glock and out of 8 bikes in my garage there are no hardly ableson

 

[oldpilgrim]

I am also wondering about the fit of the machine based on the size of the person as being a factor as it seems that most of my friends who don't like the rocker are tall 5'9" or taller and those that don't seem to mind it or the one rare one in the bunch who actually like it are all much shorter.

I'm 6'3"+ and have no issue with a rocker...at least on my Mahindra and my Cub. I haven't driven a Kioti, but I'd be surprised if it would be a issue as my brother is my size and has no problems with his Kioti ck20...and that's small.

I think it's pure preference.

 

[BAP]

Jon E, I would take serious consideration in how the tractor fits you in control layout and ease of use. Then consider how it will be a few years from now if you plan on keeping it a long time. Also, look closely at the dealers reputation and whether they are a long time dealer or on that has just popped up and will be gone next year. That is more important if they are the only one around, for that brand, for a long ways. I know around here, there was several dealers of these lesser known brands that popped up, opened several stores, offered unbeatable deals, and now are out of business there is now no support for the people who own them without a long drive to another dealer.

 

[Jon E]

To reply to several posts:
1. I'm 6' tall and the Kioti feels cramped. Wish it didn't, I like the tractor otherwise.
2. Dealer support is a concern, but a lot of these dealers have cropped up and are no older than the product line they carry. Case in point is the nearby Branson dealer - he's only been around a couple of years. How do I know he will be there when my tractor needs parts or service?
3. The dual pedal control is actually pretty important to me. I'm used to sitting a bit sideways as I do a lot of backing up and it's just instinct to move my toes over a few inches to reverse. Yes, I know I'd have to get used to a different style but I am not sure I even want to. That limits my options.

There's an auction nearby coming up with a TYM T353HST in it. 2014 model with a loader and a couple of attachments. I'm going to go look at it and maybe I can get a deal of a lifetime.

 

[TJP89]

To reply to several posts:
1. I'm 6' tall and the Kioti feels cramped. Wish it didn't, I like the tractor otherwise.
2. Dealer support is a concern, but a lot of these dealers have cropped up and are no older than the product line they carry. Case in point is the nearby Branson dealer - he's only been around a couple of years. How do I know he will be there when my tractor needs parts or service?
3. The dual pedal control is actually pretty important to me. I'm used to sitting a bit sideways as I do a lot of backing up and it's just instinct to move my toes over a few inches to reverse. Yes, I know I'd have to get used to a different style but I am not sure I even want to. That limits my options.

There's an auction nearby coming up with a TYM T353HST in it. 2014 model with a loader and a couple of attachments. I'm going to go look at it and maybe I can get a deal of a lifetime.

Hopefully you'll never need dealer support, and the TYM would have the same issue. The seat moves back pretty far on the Kioti, so that may solve the size problem. Can't help on the rocker. I don't mind it and may even now prefer it. I actually think the dual pedal would be harder with reverse with the way you have to turn, whereas with the rocker, the reverse is closer to your foot. You'll have to get used to the tractor anyway, so unless you are genuinely uncomfortable with the rocker, you'll get used to it.

I really like TYM. There is no dealer apparently anywhere near me, at least who will answer the phone or email. I did look at the Cabela's tractors, which are the same, after buying the Kioti. I was down there for something else and took a look. I'm not sure of the specs but ergonomically and in terms of features, they were better than any other tractor I had seen, which was most. I'm always careful of auctions, but with a brand new one (2014) you can't go to far wrong and you have a good chance of the deal of a lifetime. Keep at it and enjoy shopping.

 

[freewookie]

I have the Kioti DK40 which is a little bigger than your looking. It does everything I ask it to. My gripes with it are the HST pedals and seat. I'm height challenged so anytime I'm at full speed my leg is really stretched. I could adjust the seat down to help with that but then I lose the spring ride ability of the seat. In addition, the pedals are quite close so there are times I'm hitting one instead of the other, which could be very bad.

I looked at the new Kubota Grand L a couple weeks ago and would have probably bought one of those if I were choosing now. The redesigned cockpit rocks. Also, Kubota put the gas cap down where it's useful.

 

[Jon E]

After finding out that the auction I mentioned in my last post to this thread, was canceled, well, I decided to take the afternoon off and drive 40 miles to the TYM dealer. Boy am I glad I did. What a nice machine. Not perfect fit and finish like the Kioti, Kubota and JD seem to be, but it was really not bad. Dealer had a demo T353HST with 8 hours on the meter, and a T354HST right next to it. He explained the differences, primarily being the Mitsubishi 4-cyl Tier III engine in the 353 vs. the Yanmar Tier IV engine in the 354. All other features nearly identical. The hood was a bit different. I drove the 353 around the lot for fifteen minutes, turned, backed up, worked all the controls, took the bucket off and put it back on, etc. It was instinctive to use, which was the best selling point, and it was very comfortable. Best view of the bucket out of all the machines I drove, seat was comfortable, pedals were all in just the right places, levers and knobs the same, gas tank behind the seat is a nice touch as it keeps me from dumping diesel all over the hood. Also liked the ease of getting on and off the machine. It came with two options that were extra cost on many of the other machines I tried - SSQA bucket and hydraulic remotes.

The biggest issues I had with it (and this is nitpicking) was that I felt the loader control joystick was a little too high, the fenders were both plastic and steel and a little "bendy", and there was some rust on a few parts including the engine manifold. No engine kill switch if you get off the seat while it's in gear - I'm not sure I actually like that. Also had kind of strange tires - like a cross between ag tires and industrial tires. Not the typical Titan industrial tires that I would expect. Again - nitpicking. I really liked this machine.

The dealer offered it to me for a better price than everything else I have seen so far, including the Mahindra, if you add all the "optional" stuff in. He threw in loaded rears (set wide for stability) and a set of Erskine HD pallet forks for another $500, and free delivery to my house.

This dealer also sold McCormick, but did not have a machine in that same size range as the T353. Their closest size in stock (an X1.40H) looked suspiciously like a Kioti DK40HST. After I commented on that, he said the larger McCormicks are indeed Kioti-made and the smaller ones are Bransons.