Tractor comparisons (MF, Kubota, Kioti)

[IslandTractor]

I think you may have missed the point. Nobody is disputing that some tractors are heavier than others, the dispute is whether that affects durability. Jerry argues that heavier castings are more durable. He thinks lighter weight tractors have components with less durability or strength or both. Others argue advanced design and materials can allow lighter components to match the heavier ones in durability etc.

Unfortunately, opinions of TBN posters are not a great way to judge this issue. There is so much potential bias in what is or is not reported that you cannot piece together an accurate picture from a self selected group like the denizens of TBN. What matters is objective data on failures and we simply don't have it. Probably no one has the necessary comparative data. For example, Massey may know exactly its failure rates for axles, Kubota knows theirs, but neither publishes or shares the data. If there were an objective group like Consumer Reports doing annual surveys (as they do for cars) we might have a pretty good idea of the truth. As objective data doesn't exist, we are left with opinions and theoretical discussions.

Despite these problems, discussions like this one, though sometimes unnecessarily heated, are useful ways of sharing thoughts. They may not resolve debates but shared opinions and experiences are still useful in increasing everyone's understanding of the issues.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Jerry argues that heavier castings are more durable. He thinks lighter weight tractors have components with less durability or strength or both. </font>
I said that I wouldn't say anything else, but when someone starts saying that I said something that I didn't I will speak up. YOU need to go back and READ what I wrote. Besides, JUST because a casting is smaller doesn't mean that it is lighter duty. I would bet if I were a betting man, that you have never even seen a 400 series Massey. This is the same junk that the Kioti guys have to put up with all the time. If any manufacture over builds or makes something-heavier DUTY, you guys think that they have used 50-year-old steel to do it. I am sorry but some have no idea about what is going own. If it is Kubota it is the best, know matter what!!!!!!! Better even than sliced bread.

 

[IslandTractor]

Jerry, I am sorry if I misinterpreted your opinion. And I am a Kioti guy. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> And I am a Kioti guy. </font>
Then you should know where this has been coming from. Not to be mean to anyone, but you know that every time something is compared to K, it isn't better unless it is thinner. There are still some companies that over build just like they did in the 1940s and before with the newer steels we have now. There are also items that are built to be heavier duty. Over built and heavy duty is good. Some in this group, seem to think that thin is better. Sorry but it isn't always.
Must be the Twiggy thing. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
We aren't talking about some third world, leaking, porus casting, make do company with MF or even Kioti.

 

[RedDog]

<font color="blue">We aren't talking about some third world, leaking, porus casting, make do company with MF or even Kioti. </font>

Jerry, I think that sentence pretty much sums it up! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I'll take a stab at this light/heavy tractor. Kubota M6800 vs. Kioti DK65. I think most will agree they are fairly even with the Bota having more HP.

DK65 Rops weighs 6338lbs. no added weight
M6800 Rops weighs 5185 lbs with weights on the rear. Which tractor is going to pull ground engaging equipment better?

The weights that I used were from 2002. They could be different now for both tractors.

RedDog

 

[PacersDad]

That's the way I read it. Seems like most of the heated responses were from tractor dealers and didn't have any data either.

 

[IslandTractor]

DK65 vs M6800 with no added weight: DK65 wins the pull off due to (theoretical) better traction. However, if you bring the M6800 up to equivalent weight (loaded tires etc) they would be about even unless there is some new law of physics that I haven't heard of.

As I seem to be arguing the "light is just as good line" in this thread, I should point out that I own about the heaviest 20hp tractor made these days (CK20). My point is simply that weight and quality are not inextricably linked. I bought the CK20 because I got a better deal than on a lighter 7510. Otherwise I would be with the other orange brand because I thought both tractors were equally well designed and built.