Kubota or Kioti

[RSKY]

I have narrowed my search to two models, the Kioti DK20S and the Kubota 2320 HSD. Both appear to be excellent machines but are different answers to the same question. I like the three range hydro on the Kubota but the Kioti seems to be a heavier more substantial machine.

Kubota owners, convince me to buy your shade of orange!

Packages include front loader, tiller, box blade, and an 18' trailer for the Kubota, 16' for the Kioti. I may add a rough cut mower if the discount is enough.

Same message in the Kioti area.

RSKY

 

[JoelD]

Hi,
I struggled with the same question

I've ownEd two kubotas prior to my kioti

I purchased kioti for one primary reason that was I could get more capacity for the money

I have no regrets

with that said if money were no object I would've honestly purchased another kubota as the quality has proven to be excelent and they are bullet proof

when is the last time you heard about a kubota motor failing

However as money for most of us is a key factor it comes into play

I saved somewhere around 4000.

My kioti has been excellent so far, time will tell how she holds up.

Joel

 

[Monster5601]

Like Joel, I just finished walking down this road of choice too.

The advice here is drive them and see what feels best for you. They say you can't go wrong with any of the known tractor names. I went Kubota because Kubota has a better dealer presents in my area that Kioti. The Kioti came in at two thousand less than the Kubota (B3200 against the CK27) but money wasn't my deciding factor since the tractor will be mine for many years to come.

In the end, I ordered the B3030 with FEL with 60" bucket, backhoe with thumb and 16" bucket, 72" rear blade for 26,554.00 plus tax.

Just a note, Kubota offered 300 cash back and 0% interest for 60 months. Kioti offered a free FEL or 0% interest. The price compare was with the free FEL from Kioti.

 

[TripleR]

When I went to buy my last tractor, I looked at all of them and came home with a Kubota. When looking at the top five or so manufacturers, I don't think you can buy a bad tractor; get what fits you, your needs/budget and good luck.

 

[brain55]

I think the dealer support issue should be considered heavily. Last I checked, you could become a Kioti dealer by purchasing two machines. In my area that meant you could not depend on the dealer that was here today to be here tomorrow. This may have improved over the last several years. At that time parts were an issue and so was support to the dealer from Kioti. I would certainly go with a multi-line dealer or one that has been well establihed in the area. I would stay away from the Mom & Pop start-up Kioti dealer regardless of how good of a deal you might get. All of that was probably me just stating the obvious.

I am heavily biased toward Kubota. I have worked on many brands of equipment over the last 20+ years. In my opinion you can't do better than Kubota. There is a reason that almost every OEM with a diesel engine uses Kubota.

brian

 

[Dargo]

The last time I bought I had to look hard to find a Kioti dealer. When I did, he sold everything from flea market stuff to tractors. That didn't bother me as much as the parts department being so small that it only stocked filters etc. and the dealer was the mechanic. I did drive one and it just didn't have the polished feel to it like the Kubota. I would have paid several thousand more for the same size in Kubota, but the Kubota ended up costing me less money. Turned out to be a no-brainer for me. I may look at Kioti again next time. I figure that in another 10 years or so they will have smoothed things out or they will be gone. Hopefully the former.

 

[Loren49]

My dealer is many miles away though with a little luck all I will need for many years are filters. If you need a dealer for even minor maintenance and service then the proximity of your dealer should be high on the list. I have assumed over the years that my new tractors were reliable, well built machines and so far have not needed the dealers service bay. Many repairs on any of these tractors can be done by any good mechanic. If you really feel the need for a close dealer maybe you feel that it is likely that your tractor will breakdown.

Remember that Kubota got its start in the US because some decided to take the risk. :licking:

Loren

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with the main points here. Kioti is generally more bang for the buck while Kubota has a sterling reputation and a much better dealer network. I think it is a bit of a Hyundai/Toyota thing and the real question is whether we are talking Hyundai 1999 or 2011. Hyundai in 1999 was a disappointment while in 2011 they are on solid ground. So far my experience is that Kioti is much closer to the 2011 Hyundai comparison where Toyota (Kubota) still has a solid lead but Hyundai (Kioti) is nipping at their heels as a serious competitor. I think the quality is comparable but the dealer network is the one area that really still sets these two apart.

I've had two Kioti's and bought each after comparing to equivalent Kubotas. For me the difference in price was the deciding factor as I intended to do almost all of my own servicing anyway and I was able to find a remote Kioti dealer who met my needs in phone and parts backup. Saving $6000 on a 40hp tractor purchase enabled me to stretch and get the backhoe too. No regrets and both Kioti machines have been solid with only relatively simple issues I could manage myself with phone backup from the dealer and supplies/parts via UPS.

 

[Loren49]

The other difference I found was that the Kioti CK27 was considerably heavier than a comparable hp Kubota (or most other brands.) This was what I was looking for as in most all of my uses I run out of traction before I run out of power. For many the extra weight may be a liability.

Loren

 

[art]

There are some that seem to like the security of the Kubota reputation which they have earned by being here with a dealer organization across the country and the back up of a company that has been here since the late 60's. After all they are the most copied compact tractor company in the US and earned world wide repect for the quality of there products.

They build more models to suit the uses of most all individuals in varied types of uses. For those that feel digging is important they offer the B-26 and several larger models up to the M-59. For home owners they offer the most complete line-up of full featured tractors of varied horsepower and weight to cover many uses.

There are also some that don't mind trying to take care of the things that might happen to a tractor and not need dealer support as they enjoy doing the repairs that are needed to keep the tractor they bought going.

Take the time to do some reading here, it's vary interesting as to the life cycles of some of the makes and for what some call a normal, is abolutely revolting to others.

 

[Dargo]

I think it is a bit of a Hyundai/Toyota thing and the real question is whether we are talking Hyundai 1999 or 2011. Hyundai in 1999 was a disappointment while in 2011 they are on solid ground.

I'm sure you've heard me also mention that sort of comparison. Here's something you may find interesting. When my oldest daughter got her first report card, she got all A's. I told her that if she did that every time and graduated valedictorian of her high school class, I'd buy her a brand new car of her choice. (really stepping out there on that promise, huh?) Well, she did it! She never got one single B, ever! Well, on one test in one class, she got a B, but never on a report card and she just graduated as the valedictorian of her HS class.

Do you know what car she picked after doing months of research? A 2011 Kia Sorento. Of course, it had to be ordered since she didn't miss a single option, but it got here and she loves it! If you told me 5 years ago I'd buy a Kia with a sticker price close to 40k I'd have told you that you're nuts. I honestly am more impressed with that Sorento than my sister's 2010 Lexus mid sized SUV.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Take the time to do some reading here, it's vary interesting as to the life cycles of some of the makes and for what some call a normal, is abolutely revolting to others.

I replaced my 1950 8N with a 2009 Kubota L3940. That 8N is over 60 years old and was given to me by my Dad. I can still get any part I need for it, and still use the old girl for odd tasks. I expect my 5 year old son to take this tractor someday (25 years from now) and do something with it (maybe sell it!?).

I wanted a new tractor with all the fancy things a new tractor has, 4WD, diesel, independant PTO, FEL, powerful 3 point, HST, etc., to make my work easier, which it has. I expect 3000+ hours out of this tractor and expect it to last until I die. That is why I bought Kubota with it's great dealer and part support. Will it last as long as the 8N and still be able to get parts for it, I doubt it. I am sure the 8N will outlast the L3940.

Good luck with your decision. The only person you have to satisfy is yourself, because I will not loose any sleep over it.

Philip

 

[TBDonnelly]

I'm sure you've heard me also mention that sort of comparison. Here's something you may find interesting. When my oldest daughter got her first report card, she got all A's. I told her that if she did that every time and graduated valedictorian of her high school class, I'd buy her a brand new car of her choice. (really stepping out there on that promise, huh?) Well, she did it! She never got one single B, ever! Well, on one test in one class, she got a B, but never on a report card and she just graduated as the valedictorian of her HS class.

Do you know what car she picked after doing months of research? A 2011 Kia Sorento. Of course, it had to be ordered since she didn't miss a single option, but it got here and she loves it! If you told me 5 years ago I'd buy a Kia with a sticker price close to 40k I'd have told you that you're nuts. I honestly am more impressed with that Sorento than my sister's 2010 Lexus mid sized SUV.

Wow, that's quite a story! Not only about Kia, but, for you also. Who would have thunk it? Now if Kioti could strike up a relationship with Kia. Assemble their tractors next to the Kia Sorento plant in Georgia/USA. Sell the tractors through the Kia dealership network. Offer a 10 year/100,000 hour warranty (although Kioti offers a very good warranty already). That would be the ticket. :thumbsup:

Don

 

[IslandTractor]

I honestly am more impressed with that Sorento than my sister's 2010 Lexus mid sized SUV.

Well, I'm more impressed with your daughter than either car or any brand of orange tractor. That is quite an accomplishment. And kudos to dad for remembering and carrying through on his promise.

 

[kuboman]

The Kioti look very impressive and I would not be afraid to own one. The problem I have is, is the closest dealer is 200 miles away. Just a little far and few between. I have 3 Kubota dealers with in 30 miles so I have no choice.

 

[bbse]

The Kioti look very impressive and I would not be afraid to own one. The problem I have is, is the closest dealer is 200 miles away. Just a little far and few between. I have 3 Kubota dealers with in 30 miles so I have no choice.

Just a FYI for those who don't know, Bobcat now carries basically the same tractor as Kioti with good incentives. I bought a CT225 last year and I am pleased with the build quality. I have owned a Kubota L3010 GST (sold it because I hated that glide shift on my hills, would be fine on flatter ground). Then a Kioti LK3054 and it was a little tank, tougher than woodpecker lips. Got that one rough and rebuilt it myself. A simple rugged tractor that is really easy to work on. Now the Bobcat...only complaint, the HST relief valve lets go to soon limiting how much of the 27 HP I can get to the tires. I like the Bobcat/Kioti lines for the money but if you have big hills I would recommend the gear over the HST. Of course the Bobcat weighs 1000+ pounds more than the B series Kubotas so if mowing is your primary concern then you might want the lighter tractor. If I had bought the B2910 instead of the L framed L3010 back in 2001, I would probably still have it.

 

[Dargo]

Well, I'm more impressed with your daughter than either car or any brand of orange tractor. That is quite an accomplishment. And kudos to dad for remembering and carrying through on his promise.

Thanks for the kind comments. She most certainly earned it! Oh well, I have 2 more daughters coming up with the same deal and same grade point averages. I figured I may as well work until I'm 80 anyway. And, you know, I'll gladly do it for my kids.

 

[Dargo]

Wow, that's quite a story! Not only about Kia, but, for you also. Who would have thunk it? Now if Kioti could strike up a relationship with Kia. Assemble their tractors next to the Kia Sorento plant in Georgia/USA. Sell the tractors through the Kia dealership network. Offer a 10 year/100,000 hour warranty (although Kioti offers a very good warranty already). That would be the ticket. :thumbsup:

Don

Thanks Don. I honestly look at quality as a fluid thing. I don't think any company can just be stamped with "always quality". Look at Toyota. They are in deep doo doo right now. They rate somewhere towards the bottom of the top 10 manufacturers in customer satisfaction right now.

 

[Steve_Miller]

I'm sure you've heard me also mention that sort of comparison. Here's something you may find interesting. When my oldest daughter got her first report card, she got all A's. I told her that if she did that every time and graduated valedictorian of her high school class, I'd buy her a brand new car of her choice. (really stepping out there on that promise, huh?) Well, she did it! She never got one single B, ever! Well, on one test in one class, she got a B, but never on a report card and she just graduated as the valedictorian of her HS class.

Do you know what car she picked after doing months of research? A 2011 Kia Sorento. Of course, it had to be ordered since she didn't miss a single option, but it got here and she loves it! If you told me 5 years ago I'd buy a Kia with a sticker price close to 40k I'd have told you that you're nuts. I honestly am more impressed with that Sorento than my sister's 2010 Lexus mid sized SUV.

Congratulations to you and your daughter. I suspect you have been a guiding light for her to be able to acheive this honor.

Steve

 

[IslandTractor]

Congratulations to you and your daughter. I suspect you have been a guiding light for her .....

Let's hope not. She sounds like a lovely talented kid. Wouldn't want her to be too influenced by an argumentative, cantankerous HF basher. Of course Dad is rightfully proud but I'm giving full credit to Mrs Dargo and I'm sure an impartial investigation will prove me right. :thumbsup: