Help me understand why such a difference in weight

[cobra grover]

If I am looking at a tractors online I look at the specific data and one of those is weight. Help me understand why there is such a difference in weight when horsepower is nearly the same. For instance a Kubota B3200 is a 32hp machine and weighs about 1800 lbs while a Kioti CK30 is a 30hp machine and weighs about 3000 lbs. Where is all that weight? Is the Kioti just a stronger machine? Am I putting too much "weight" in the weight?

 

[k0ua]

If I am looking at a tractors online I look at the specific data and one of those is weight. Help me understand why there is such a difference in weight when horsepower is nearly the same. For instance a Kubota B3200 is a 32hp machine and weighs about 1800 lbs while a Kioti CK30 is a 30hp machine and weighs about 3000 lbs. Where is all that weight? Is the Kioti just a stronger machine? Am I putting too much "weight" in the weight?

Did you ask this question just last week?.. similar question anyway.. Just different philosophy's on how to make a tractor.. Kubota makes light tractors on the theory that you can always add weight, but cannot take it off. Kioti and others notably Mahindra and LS make heavy tractors to start with, by putting more weight in the casting, because weight equals traction and pulling power. If you hooked the stock Kubota and the stock Kioti together via the drawbar with the same tires and the same dirt underfoot, the Kioti would pull the Kubota backwards. Many people prefer the lighter tractor because their prime task is mowing on possibly spongy ground.. The lighter tractor will be superior. If you primary intend to do loader work you would probably be happier with the Kioti. Both are good tractors, just differences in opinion.

James K0UA

 

[Redneck in training]

Heavier tractor (provided the weight is applied to proper parts such as axles and other stressed parts) can take more abuse. Added weights to light tractor don't make tractor stronger but increase the stress. Unless you have good reason buying lighter tractor the general wisdom is "heavier is better".

 

[TSO]

Kubota has been known to make a lighter tractor than some of the other brands. It doesn't necessarily mean it's good or bad, just depends on what work you'll be doing with it. It's generally accepted that a heavier tractor is better for loader work (more stable/ballast) and a lighter tractor is better for mowing/hogging (less damage to lawns).

I'm not sure where the added weight would be. Possibly in the front axle, frame, etc.

Kubota's have a good reputation. If you're interested in buying one, I wouldn't worry about it not being built strong just because it's lighter than the others.

 

[cobra grover]

No, I don't think I asked a question about weight. I was just wondering if the heavier tractor was built stronger all over. If weights were added to the Kubota then the difference between the 2 is nil? My personal inclination would be towards the heavier tractor.

K0UA,
I did mention weight in my question about the Bobcat CT-225 earlier today. Maybe that is where you remember it from.

 

[aczlan]

Heavier tractor (provided the weight is applied to proper parts such as axles and other stressed parts) can take more abuse. Added weights to light tractor don't make tractor stronger but increase the stress. Unless you have good reason buying lighter tractor the general wisdom is "heavier is better".

Unless one used weaker metal, but thicker castings to compensate... Thicker and heavier are not always better.

Aaron Z

 

[k0ua]

I know I am getting older, but I am NOT crazy yet.:laughing: Here is the other thread that asked the exact same thing.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-buying-pricing/295027-why-kioti-cks-so-heavy.html

James K0UA

 

[Bluegill2]

If I am looking at a tractors online I look at the specific data and one of those is weight. Help me understand why there is such a difference in weight when horsepower is nearly the same. For instance a Kubota B3200 is a 32hp machine and weighs about 1800 lbs while a Kioti CK30 is a 30hp machine and weighs about 3000 lbs. Where is all that weight? Is the Kioti just a stronger machine? Am I putting too much "weight" in the weight?

You need to compare the L series. Kubota makes too many models and ya need to study! I believe the B & BX have some cast aluminum in the chassis, where the L and larger are all cast iron. Kubota makes light weight and heavy tractors...

 

[Bluegill2]

Heavier doesn't always mean stronger, just heavier.

 

[DK35vince]

If I am looking at a tractors online I look at the specific data and one of those is weight. Help me understand why there is such a difference in weight when horsepower is nearly the same. For instance a Kubota B3200 is a 32hp machine and weighs about 1800 lbs while a Kioti CK30 is a 30hp machine and weighs about 3000 lbs. Where is all that weight? Is the Kioti just a stronger machine? Am I putting too much "weight" in the weight?

The B series are smaller/lighter tractors.
Kubota also has similar HP machines in the L and Grand L models that are larger and heavier than the B.

 

[LD1]

The tractors are physically different in size too. Built for different purposes.

The smaller machines like the b and bx have a lot of HP in a small package because mowers and such need lots of HP

Larger machines aren't intended to be mowers. And 30 HP is plenty to spin tires.

Heck, you can get a 30hp mower under 800#. Or a 30 HP tractor with backhoe that weighs 8000#. Different use of the HP.

You need to decide how you are going to use the HP to get the right machine.

 

[cobra grover]

Yeah, not me but that was basically my question. I did learn something from it. I think the heavier tractor is what I want but I don't want to lose a lot of my resale value if/when that day comes by buying something other that a green or orange tractor. I was really looking at that Bobcat but all they have is a CT225. I'm afraid it might be a little underpowered. The 330 or 335 would have been better.

 

[k0ua]

Yeah, not me but that was basically my question. I did learn something from it. I think the heavier tractor is what I want but I don't want to lose a lot of my resale value if/when that day comes by buying something other that a green or orange tractor. I was really looking at that Bobcat but all they have is a CT225. I'm afraid it might be a little underpowered. The 330 or 335 would have been better.

Well there is always the other "Orange" to consider. Kioti. DK40 with KL401 beastly loader with over 2700 lbs of lift is a good value in my opinion.. and they still make them!

 

[94BULLITT]

You need to compare the L series. Kubota makes too many models and ya need to study! I believe the B & BX have some cast aluminum in the chassis, where the L and larger are all cast iron. Kubota makes light weight and heavy tractors...

I agree, He needs to look at a L3200/3800.

Just because a tractor is heavier doesn't mean it will have better traction, it is also about how the weight is distributed.

 

[rmorey]

I bought my first Kioti because it was heavier and we needed a counterweight for the skidder winch. We bought the next one because the first one had almost 1200 hours and only had a starter switch go bad.

 

[crazyal]

The weight issue never bothered me at all. The way I look at it is more weight is only better if it's in the right locations. Since you don't read posts about tractors breaking due to metal being too thin or not structurally sound that means the heavier tractors in the same class are probably just heavier because the company didn't want to do extra machining on the parts. That doesn't mean they are better or worse, most likely just less expensive to make.

For doing loader work you need the weight behind the rear tires. Most people sacrifice a little and load the tires. For doing ground engagement type work, like pulling a plow through dirt you want the extra weight in the middle of the tractor so you can get extra traction. How ever most people do not buy ag tires so they already start off at a disadvantage for this type of work. For doing tasks where you will be operating on your lawn you want only enough weight as needed, any more could leave ruts. This leads to the big question, what are your plans? What type of work are you trying to do and then you can decide which models each brand has that will fit your needs. There's a lot more than HP when it comes to choosing. For me my plans were a snow blower, loader, a grapple, and a rototiller. Because of this I had a HP number I wanted to stay above and other features decided which was the right tractor for me.

 

[murphy1244]

As Al said you looking for a Tractor or a Lawn Mower.