Kubota or Kioti - Which Model

[randyrowley]

I have two options close to me; Kubota and Kioti. Would prefer between the two for servicing.

I have 20 acres.

I want a tractor with a front loader to help around the property;

- Maintain a pond I have by scooping out soil/rocks/debris
- Maintain a wet water creek, same as the pond
- Move soil, rocks and brush around
- Drag limbs and other heavy objects
- Do some base grading

I would prefer a 4x4 as a lot of areas get pretty muddy.

So I would really like to hear advice on Kubota vs. Kioti, as well as which model is suggested.

Appreciate the help in advance!!!

 

[McREBEL]

A Kubota L3301 or L3901, maybe, depending on the size of those rocks. Sounds like a grapple would be very useful to you. Scooping soil out of a pond does sound more like a job for a backhoe, but maybe not if I knew exactly what you had in mind.

I am not slighting Kioti, I just don't know as much about the Kioti models. I think Kubota and Kioti are both great brands.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Im not going to suggest a size, but will say that if you get a kubota, a great machine, btw, you will pay a lot more for it than a koti, which is also a great machine.

Ive seen both, close up, and kn ow people who have both, and I'd get the kioti and never look back.

If you werent limited in your dealership, id get a Mahindra...and I did.

 

[roadhunter]

I'd recommend something close to 50 HP or more for doing any real dirt work. Those smaller tractors are nice but struggle moving dirt, rocks, digging ponds, etc.. I like mine (45 hp) but after working on construction sites it's nothing but a toy compared to real dirt moving equipment. I need my box blade on back just to scoop up a bucket full of moist soil.



You can probably get a Kioti with attachments for about what you would pay for a Kubota by itself.

 

[jeff9366]

The Kubota "Grand L" series and "MX" series both offer the horsepower options and weight you need. They share HEAVY frames. They have very open, comfortable operating stations.

"Grand L" has has every option, less FEL, standard. You pay for them all. I own a "Grand L" and feel fortunate every day.

"MX" is produced to hit a competitive price point. No bells, few whistles; good weight.

When people try to scoop out ponds, too frequently the tractors slip into the water with the operator shouting "whoa, WHOA!! === Don't try it. === Hire a pond specialist who will use a tracked mini-excavator with extended boom.

KUBOTA LINKS: Compact Tractors | Grand L60 | Kubota Tractor Corporation

Mid-Size Tractors | MX4800 MX5200 MX5800 | Kubota Tractor Corporation

A Grand L3560, smallest of the tier, which is what I own, would be ample for the tasks you have listed, but bigger/heavier is almost always better in tractors and you reside in TEXAS.

How much of your twenty acres will the tractor actually work??

Have you prior experience operating tractors and mounting 3-Pt. implements??


Once you decide on a tractor, start a new thread on what options to order specifically for your tractor model.

For The Recond: There is nothing wrong with a Kioti either.

 

[k0ua]

I have owned 2 Kubota's and 1 Kioti. I presently have the Kioti DK35se. With loaded tires, Loader and home made rear ballast. I have a grapple, and pallet forks, and two buckets. I am not going to go down the Kubota/Kioti , who is best road, as they are both good. Pick the one you like the best and which one your wallet likes the best. I believe my tractor would do all that you may need to do. With my ballast on the back. I am around 6000 lbs. More weight means more push, pull and "grunt" in dirt work. I don't know about pond work, unless it is really dried up. Keep tractors away from water.

Some of the reasons I prefer my tractor is because of heavy construction, more weight than some, and many deluxe features. If you can afford a grapple, like is on the front of mine in the avatar photo, get it. They are great to move logs, brush, and stones. A couple of other good brands to consider is Mahindra, and LS. As for working a tractor in the creek, just make sure it has a rock bottom and not a mud bottom.. I have worked tractors in creeks, and if the bottom is rock, it is OK, and the water is not too deep, but if the bottom is mud.. look out. Good luck in your search.

 

[jeff9366]

Photo #1: Nice to know what you look like, James.

Did you get the Balacava as a 'freebie' at time of purchase?

 

[k0ua]

Photo #1: Nice to know what you look like, James.

That is not a very flattering photo is it? I was pretty darn cold after a couple of hours on that open station machine.

how about this one?

 

[TripleR]

Man, I'm afraid this is going to be a can of worms. I have a Kubota Grand L, so I really like them, but my brother has a Kioti that he really likes. I agree with jeff9366 about the GL and MX are really good tractors and even the smaller Ms are well worth considering. I also agree you will in general pay more for a Kubota than Kioti and in the economy models the Kioti offers more features than Kubota and in general the Kioti is heavier than Kubota.

As to size, I'd want 35HP and up, tractors tend to shrink when you get them on site. I remember thinking mine was too big now it seems midsize.

I don't think you will wind up with a bad tractor either way, just get what fits your needs and bank account best if there is a good dealer around. Go drive as many as much as you can and take your time. My brother had to buy out of state and is a mechanic, so a close dealership is not an issue for him.

 

[jeff9366]

Oh, all right, I will post my photo too.

 

[k0ua]

Oh, all right, I will post my photo too.

Well, I,ll be doggone.. you are just a big ole puttytat!:laughing:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Oh, all right, I will post my photo too.

Gotta love those polydactyls.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Buy one of each, I did! Seriously I have had a kubota grand L for about ten years now and have to say it's been a great tractor, how ever I did go out and buy a brand new kioti a few months ago. I bought the kioti because of a few reasons, but one was the fact that a couple of friends of mine have kiotis and one is very hard on his stuff, does hardly any maintenance, treats it like crap and the only issues are things that have broke due to that fact. But as far as transmission, engine, drivetrain ect he has had no issues. I still find my self using the good ole kubota though.

 

[TSO]

Neither ... Get a Massey!

 

[paulfun9]

Like others have said they are both good machines. I spent a lot of time last year back and forth between dealers and in the long run went with the Kioti. I was just much more comfortable on it and the extras that came standard as well as being able to step up in size for the same money as well as a longer warranty made it a no brainer for me. I was also not a fan of the rocker pedal for the HYDRO that Kubota insists on using.

 

[Piston]

I was also not a fan of the rocker pedal for the HYDRO that Kubota insists on using.

+1

Although at least they FINALLY realized they've been putting the brakes on the wrong side after all these years.

 

[k0ua]

I would not be afraid of the single hydro pedal or the dual pedal setup for that matter. I only took me a short time to transition from the single pedal system I was used to on the Kubota to the dual pedal system on my present Kioti. Maybe I am more forgiving than most, but I can get along just fine with either system.

As for the brakes on the left side, I will admit they are far far more useful on the left as set up on my Kioti than a hydro tractor with brakes on the right.. With a gear tractor they belong on the right, but with a hydro tractor, they belong on the left. I use them all the time when plowing snow to maintain a straight line when on a slope. They are very useful to touch up your line when scooping/shaving dirt when up against a building foundation etc. They are just much more useful when you can operate the hydro pedal and the brakes at the same time.

But as said, Kubota has now switched over to brakes on the left on the premium models with Hydrostatic transmissions. About time.

 

[phiferpharm]

I have 20 acres, a lake, a pond, a 45hp DK45 HST, and saved enough money on the Kioti versus the other really nice Orange machine to get a fiberglass roof, a grapple, and the tires I wanted. With that said, if you drive the Kubota and it really makes you a happy camper, get it...

 

[Looking4new]

IF you are going to be messing around with ponds then IMO you need an excavator. Something that will keep the machine on high and dry ground and a long enough reach to make it into the pond.

 

[KYDan]

Dealer reputation and service after the sale are critical, also parts availability, stock on hand, etc. Horsepower is your friend, CUTs are great machines, but more power is a good thing. Sit on them drive them around the lot and speak with people that already have them if you can. This forum is a great place to learn, but take it all with a large grain of salt. I cleaned out the edges of a large pond with my MX, but only the very edges. I managed to get the tractor stuck while doing so, luckily my wife was able to pull me out with a 4WD truck and a very long tow cable. The excavator for pond work is a good idea.