More tractor buying advice.

MikeFromVA · Jun 30, 2004

The Kioti site is finally back up. I found the number of a local dealer and I got some prices. Here's what I learned.

CK20HST w/ FEL $13K add 60"MMM for $2700 or 60"Rear Mower for $1000 (says it has a nicer cut then MMM)

He said that that CK20 is smaller (but heavier) then the JD 2210 and told me that the comparable Kioti would be a LB1914 ($12K w/ FEL + same mower options). He really didn't even want to give me a price on the CK20 w/o HST - seems he really doesn't like not even having the shuttle shift.

He also explained that he expect a good size price increase in the very near future due to the increase in steel prices.

bandit67 · Jun 30, 2004

I spent the last 2 months researching all the Sub CUTs, and the 2 Kioti CUT models previously mentioned. After a lot of thinking, I ruled out the Kioti simply because of the weight for mowing - I will be doing a lot of dirt work the first 2 years, but will always be mowing with it.

Take a look at the pictures in my link below for the machine I settled on - The Case DX24E. Two things that really sold me on the Case New Holland machines were the true Cat 1 3ph (not so for the 2210 & BX series) and the curved loader arms (Kioti CK20 also has those) - visibility during loader work is very impressive (I've had the old dog-leg style loader arms in the past on a Sub). MF 2300 series looked good on paper, but the local dealer didn't seem interested in selling them (they kept pushing the JD).

My neighbor was looking my new machine over the other day, and was impressed with some of the features and build quality & sturdiness compared to his Kubota BX22 TLB. It seems to be a well designed machine (thanks to Kubota paving the way for the Subs). I got into the Case for $400 less than the NH TZ24DA because of the different paint scheme and headlights/grille.

I'm sure all the machines are good for years of reliable work. You just need to list all the pros & cons (features, price, and dealer support) for each one and then you should be able to narrow down the field to 1 or 2 models.

MikeFromVA · Jun 30, 2004

Bandit67 -

Awesome Pics of a nice tractor - how much did it run you?

dkb1215 · Jun 30, 2004

NoTractorYet,

Actually the most bang and quality of tractor for the buck is a Branson 3510. I looked at all the brands you mention here and the Branson was a notch above the others when you compare features and girth/craftmenship dollar for dollar. Check them out!!!!!!!!!! My 2 cents. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

db

Yankee · Jun 30, 2004

I think Branson's got a great story to tell. I wish they made a smaller tractor or two. The gentleman is looking at much smaller tractors than Branson makes, however.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 30, 2004

Yankee, I agree with you. We are talking about someone looking for a small tractor. I'm not sure that Branson has anything under 30, or maybe 35hp. Way out of the range of this discussion.

bandit67 · Jun 30, 2004

( Bandit67 -

Awesome Pics of a nice tractor - how much did it run you? )

Check out this thread for my reply to another guy that asked that same question:
What I paid...

familyman · Jun 30, 2004

Be sure to research the Kubota L2800/L3400.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 30, 2004

( Be sure to research the Kubota L2800/L3400. )

Familyman, the original post talks about having 7 acres, 2 of which is woods, 1 is swamp, that leaves about 4 acres he plans on working. He is looking at Sub-CUTS. Why would a L2800/L3400 be the right size tractor for him to look at?

familyman · Jul 1, 2004

Hi Bob!
The L2800/3400 tractors are in the price range of some of the other machines offered here, but offer a larger machine with a full cat.-1 hitch and Kubota qulality. I don't know if he wants hst or anything else that the other tractors might offer (live PTO, air conditioning, dancing girls, etc.) but I think that these Kubotas go largely unnoticed. Whether this is due to the fact that they are new for this year or because the dealers don't push them (had a dealer actually tell me they weren't made anymore...Sheesh!) 'cause they don't make enough on them isn't clear to me. Being practical, I'll often choose a stripped 1-ton truck over a 1/2 ton with cruise control and a 6 cd changer for the same money. Plus, it sounds like he has the room for a slightly larger machine.