RSKY,
I just bought a Kioti DK 40SE HST in the beginning of May. Been shopping for a long time. WANTED a Kubota SOOOOOO bad. Here's where & why I went w/ Kioti.....
1. COST - With current incentives, there was basically a $4,000 to $6,500 difference here in SW Ohio. I got 2 quotes from 2 of my closest dealers and then even one from the central KY area. I spec'd a L3940 HST, 724FEL, R4 Tires.
2. HST functionality - I'm on flat land, FEL work, brush hogging, and finish mowing are primary work needs. The 2 range on the Kubota was really nice!!!! The Auto HST was even cooler! I asked the dealer other than the Auto HST being a really COOL feature, what was its real purpose....."it would help with fuel efficiency but other than that, it's just a really cool feature" was the response I got. Sorry - its not worth $4,000 to me.
3. Ergonomics - for me, the Kioti is so much more comfortable with the seat position, seat slide orientation (up and back vs. back only), and the dual pedals. The Kubota was very cramped and the pivot pedal was not easy to use.
4. Warranty - Kioti has the better warranty. Granted - Kubota has the legendary reliability but Kioti has been growing in this area too and has been in business here in the US for some time now (25yrs?). Hope I won't need to use the warranty but good to know it is there.
In the end, which one fits you the best - ergonomics, functionality, and your wallet? Go with the one that makes you the happiest!!! You won't regret either brand!!!!
I just bought a Kioti DK 40SE HST in the beginning of May. Been shopping for a long time. WANTED a Kubota SOOOOOO bad. Here's where & why I went w/ Kioti.....
1. COST - With current incentives, there was basically a $4,000 to $6,500 difference here in SW Ohio. I got 2 quotes from 2 of my closest dealers and then even one from the central KY area. I spec'd a L3940 HST, 724FEL, R4 Tires.
2. HST functionality - I'm on flat land, FEL work, brush hogging, and finish mowing are primary work needs. The 2 range on the Kubota was really nice!!!! The Auto HST was even cooler! I asked the dealer other than the Auto HST being a really COOL feature, what was its real purpose....."it would help with fuel efficiency but other than that, it's just a really cool feature" was the response I got. Sorry - its not worth $4,000 to me.
3. Ergonomics - for me, the Kioti is so much more comfortable with the seat position, seat slide orientation (up and back vs. back only), and the dual pedals. The Kubota was very cramped and the pivot pedal was not easy to use.
4. Warranty - Kioti has the better warranty. Granted - Kubota has the legendary reliability but Kioti has been growing in this area too and has been in business here in the US for some time now (25yrs?). Hope I won't need to use the warranty but good to know it is there.
In the end, which one fits you the best - ergonomics, functionality, and your wallet? Go with the one that makes you the happiest!!! You won't regret either brand!!!!