Strongest Korean brand

[arnoldziffel]

I'm a big fan of Kioti and feel they are an excellent value. In my area they have solid dealer support.

I like the looks of Branson but in upstate New York there are only two dealers between Buffalo and Albany (a 6 hour drive time spread). One of the dealers is not far from me but his specialty is push lawn mowers and string trimmers. He became a Branson dealer at the first of the year. By my count, of the 4 new machines he started the year with in inventory, he has sold only one. I don't see how he can continue to justify any inventory floor plan costs and when I asked about parts and service I was told that most parts are not stocked but can be ordered in as needed. From what I've read, Branson corporate is not very quick about getting parts to dealers.

My bottom line: Don't buy a tractor without solid, healthy, plentiful, convenient dealer representation. There are plenty of viable brands and good dealers to serve the market.

 

[K man]

If I had more money I would try them all out (Korean tractors that is) lol. For years I saved to replace my older 1956 IH tractor and was hoping to get a Kubota but the dealer in my area did not give me a good impression on their salesmanship and customer relationship. As I was set on a Kubota this bothered me. I was driving along the country side and happen to see all these Black and Orange tractors and said to my YES another Kubota dealer and was eager to go in and look around and feel the place but it turned to be a Kioti dealer. Wow I was surprised by the color. Anyway went in told the salesman what I was looking for and bingo was so impressed with his knowledge and suggestions that I bought on the spot a CK30 HST with FEL, 66 front mount snow blower and back scraper blade. The delivery was fast 4 days as they had to wait for the mid mount PTO. It has been a year now and love my Kioti. Sorry about the long post lol

 

[travlitt]

I currently own 2 Branson tractors and am very pleased with them. Very well built tractors. Good dealer support.

 

[Grandad4]

It seems the first lesson about getting into the US tractor market is you have to have a solid, reliable product. Like most everyone else, the Korean manufacturers figured that out and seem to do that quite well. The other critical element is having a good means of reaching and supporting the market. Building a strong dealer network is hard and it takes time; even the big names make bad decisions about dealers occasionally. Every region is unique so you can't just do the same thing everywhere. That seems to be the thing that makes or breaks a tractor manufacturer, and the story is still playing out for some of the Korean brands.

If you're shopping for a tractor, most definitely look at the Korean brands along with everything else. If you're thinking of becoming a dealer, do your research. There will be winners and losers eventually, and it won't be because of product quality or the lack thereof.

 

[arnoldziffel]

I'm particularly interested in the Branson 2400H as a possible addition to our "fleet".

It appears to be a VERY GOOD machine.

I just can't get past the concern that if I buy it, the dealer may soon be gone. (The next closest dealer is 4.5 hours away).

 

[K man]

Yes, it is difficult to find a dealer that you can rely on for years of service and support. Buying a good reputable brand of tractor will not need as much service so it really doesn't matter how far your dealer is but it is nice to have one close if possible.

 

[rgr33]

I started out wanting Kubota, but couldn't get a decent price from local dealer. after a lot to research and test rides, it came down to Kioti and LS. got a great deal on a used g 3033h with low hours on it So far this LS has been fantastic, compared to my old JD 950. Still think the Kioti would have been an excellent choice too, but it was $3000 more No plastic body parts on either unit, Both dealers seemed customer oriented. both tractors very user friendly.

 

[biodegraded]

I would like to check out Kioti and LS, but the nearest dealers are 100 or more miles away. It would not take many trips to them to eat up any cost difference, not to mention my time, having to go that far. My choices are basically green, orange or red.

 

[murphy1244]

I would like to check out Kioti and LS, but the nearest dealers are 100 or more miles away. It would not take many trips to them to eat up any cost difference, not to mention my time, having to go that far. My choices are basically green, orange or red.

Well in the 3 years I've had my Kioti its been back to the dealer once- to add the second remote.

 

[K man]

I have had mine just under a year and it has gone back once to get a soft cab installed. I am getting close to my 50 hr service of which the Dealer will come out to the house and do it at no cost other than the fluids. I think that is great customer service.
Kubota dealer would of charged for the same service while Kioti included first 50hr maintenance for free. Now you know why I chose Kioti.