Looking at two very similar tractors - Mahindra 2638 vs Kioti CK 3510.
2638 is 20% heavier for 10% more money and with my hills, that's needed weight.
I revisited dealers today and am happy with both. Slight nod to Mahindra on service.
Any suggestions / advice on what and how to compare would be appreciated!
Just this week I tried out Mahindra 2638 and Kioti CK3510. Not owning and using either I can't speak to longevity or actually performing in a way that matches their spec sheets. However, these were my observations and reason why I would take the Kioti over the Mahindra for those two specific models:
2638 seat is very comfortable but doesn't move back far enough. Note the angle of your leg on the HST pedals and then imagine operating that way for a few hours. Unless you have fairly short legs, probably awkward body position. The 3510 seat is nowhere near as plush but still has adjustable suspension and moves back far enough for average to longer legs.
2638 moved the loader joystick to a better position vs 2538 and is similar to 3510 placement. However look at both and note how the hyd lines are run on each from the joystick. Kioti are straight and routed high up under the frame. Mahindra looked very poorly done with sagging low hanging lines with almost full loops toward the rear. The Mahindra hyd lines to the joystick look like they are begging to get snagged/ripped off/cut/damaged.
2638 HST brakes in low were a very abrupt stop when you let off the pedal. Too harsh of a stop. Kioti grabbed pretty well, but was a little gentler and didn't feel harsh. Yet wasn't an exaggerated rolling stop either. This is personal preference in how you want the HST to stop and probably varies a bit machine to machine. Just noted on my sample size of one each.
The 2638 loader was smoother than the kioti but I couldn't hit a spot to raise and curl simultaneously. Kioti loader felt like it was moving faster, but was also a bit "twitchy" feeling and would bounce the tractor a little more with "twitchy" movements. I was able to raise/curl simultaneously on the Kioti, but not nearly as easily/smoothly as a Kubota.
2638 had 4 ply tires, Kioti had 6 ply (although others parked around it had 4 ply - apparently come with either). Only looked at ind tread - ag/turf maybe same.
Kioti was priced lower. To the point if financing you would walk away with CK3010 SE with all those upgrades for less than 2638 base model.
PTO guard on the Kioti flipped up a little more than Mahindra. Both seemed to have good access for hooking up a bush hog or whatever there so maybe not a big deal, but Kioti guard gets a little farther out of the way.
In general they both came with the same standard features. Mahindra included rubber floormat, 12v accy plug, flatter floor, and extra year of powertrain warranty, engine 2.5HP more (but PTO HP same for both).
From just initial and short "test drives" for both I would choose the Kioti, but overall very similar machines. If the Mahindra seat moved back a little more or the HST pedals were further forward would be closer call, but since it didn't fit me well, quickly scratched off list. However, if for some other reason like the extra year warranty or added weight or better dealer etc, I was going to choose Mahindra I would get the 2538 vs the 2638. Lose the comfy seat, but it moved enough to fit me. Lose the fender loader joystick, but the column-mounted 2538 had the hyd lines routed much better.
