CMV
Platinum Member
I was kind of opposite but looking at a hair bigger comparing L3301 head to head with CK3510. Speced both the same for apples:apples as much as possible. I was surprised at how competitive Kubota pricing was - at least around here - but was expecting some huuuuge discount for Kioti, LS, Mahinda, etc, but prices were so close, that wasn't what was separating them. Once you get into bigger ones or start adding bells & whistles there's a separation.
Be careful comparing Kioti & Kubota loaders based on spec sheets. I love my Kioti and it's loader does everything I ask. But I can remove my fanboy glasses and have no problem stating "Kubota loaders are better overall". a Kubota loader moves faster, operates more smoothly, and raise/uncurl or lower/curl function is much better on a Kubota loader. I'm not saying Kioti loaders are bad, just that in comparison to best in industry (my opinion from very small sample size of many competing brands) they aren't the same and definitely not "better" overall. Maybe 1-2 items on a spec sheet better, but not in real world use. KL4030 vs LA525 loaders - both are very capable and very similar. I also wonder why you couldn't put the KL4010 on the CK2610 and dealers were telling people it voided warranty or simply wouldn't do it, then all the sudden there's KL4030 with same specs and now its ok to put the CK3510's & CK4010's loader on the CK2610. What changed? Makes me wonder if there isn't a mismatch there & KL4030 is a bit too much for it?
Anyway, either way you're going to be in a good machine. So you're doing right thing going with what fits better. I share your opinion that operator station on a CK is better than an L - easier on/off machine, dual pedal vs treadle, better seat, etc. I might be forgetting something, but don't recall anything standard on the L that the CK didn't have but the CK did have things standard that were upcharges for the L. Choice of tire type, filled rears, mirror - little things like that weren't upcharges on Kioti. Kioti has longer warranty overall, but the +1 year loader warranty would be nice too - those are typically 1 year & that's it - for all brands.
Be careful comparing Kioti & Kubota loaders based on spec sheets. I love my Kioti and it's loader does everything I ask. But I can remove my fanboy glasses and have no problem stating "Kubota loaders are better overall". a Kubota loader moves faster, operates more smoothly, and raise/uncurl or lower/curl function is much better on a Kubota loader. I'm not saying Kioti loaders are bad, just that in comparison to best in industry (my opinion from very small sample size of many competing brands) they aren't the same and definitely not "better" overall. Maybe 1-2 items on a spec sheet better, but not in real world use. KL4030 vs LA525 loaders - both are very capable and very similar. I also wonder why you couldn't put the KL4010 on the CK2610 and dealers were telling people it voided warranty or simply wouldn't do it, then all the sudden there's KL4030 with same specs and now its ok to put the CK3510's & CK4010's loader on the CK2610. What changed? Makes me wonder if there isn't a mismatch there & KL4030 is a bit too much for it?
Anyway, either way you're going to be in a good machine. So you're doing right thing going with what fits better. I share your opinion that operator station on a CK is better than an L - easier on/off machine, dual pedal vs treadle, better seat, etc. I might be forgetting something, but don't recall anything standard on the L that the CK didn't have but the CK did have things standard that were upcharges for the L. Choice of tire type, filled rears, mirror - little things like that weren't upcharges on Kioti. Kioti has longer warranty overall, but the +1 year loader warranty would be nice too - those are typically 1 year & that's it - for all brands.