Kubota, Bobcat, Cat, etc...

[BoneDigger]

Of the major brands, is there any appreciable difference in quality or longevity? I am currently considering a Kubota KX series, but others are in the same price range.

 

[Paystar]

The three you listed are all very good machines. I would pick your best dealership. But me, I'm a Kubota guy. And Cat was using Kubota engines painted yellow in theirs. (not positive about the most current models, but I was told they are still Kubota engines.)

Bobcat and Cat are the first to feature a lot of extra features and niceties though. Kubota is simple but very reliable.

 

[Roadworthy]

I'm not sure how many major brands there really are as many supposedly competing tractors roll out of the same factory. Rather than brand you may wish to look for a dealer who can and will support you after the sale coupled with parts availability. I've found my forty or fifty year old Mitsubishi quite reliable but parts are becoming scarce which was a driver for the new Kubota.

 

[Jchonline]

I almost bought a KX040-2 but ended up with a TLB instead. Looked at CAT, Bobcat, Kubota. Liked the Kubota the most and because they are trying to get into the market it had a better price.

 

[HappyOne]

I opted to get a KX040 with the 6 way blade instead of putting a backhoe on my L5740. No regrets. I am not a pro, just have lots of projects I plan to do someday. I looked at all three and went Kubota since I like the dealer close to me. Also with it being the only one offering a 6 way blade, it was an easy choice.

 

[Mikefromcny]

The three you listed are all very good machines. I would pick your best dealership. But me, I'm a Kubota guy. And Cat was using Kubota engines painted yellow in theirs. (not positive about the most current models, but I was told they are still Kubota engines.)

Bobcat and Cat are the first to feature a lot of extra features and niceties though. Kubota is simple but very reliable.

This is true with the E, and E2 machines. Anything prior is a caterpillar/Perkins.

 

[Todd727]

Yanmar is a solid choice too.

 

[Takman]

What weight/size? I demoed all the machines I could(Deere, Takeuchi, cat and Kubota) in the 3800ish lb class. The Cat and Takeuchi were the only two "to me" that seemed like proper machines, the Deere and Kubota seemed like toys.
The Cat was powerful and the skid steer joystick driving was cool. BUT the electronic/hydraulic control system had a noticeable lag/delay that I didn't like and I don't think the looong term reliability of the system will be as good as direct hydraulic controls.
I went with the Tak because hydraulicly it was the smoothest(by far) and fastest. It also had the best blade set up "in my opinion".

I wanted to check out a yanmar but couldnt find a dealer close enough.

 

[Paystar]

Yes, I have heard really good things about Tak and Yanmar also. I know people that have them. I don't think there is really a bad machine when it comes to mini-ex's.

Like I said, pick your best dealer and the machine that feels comfortable to you.

 

[Takman]

Good advice but I wouldn't buy a crap machine for great service and I wouldn't buy a great machine with crap service either. I did have all four machines at my place at the same time to test em out and stand by what I said earlier. Of course it only applies to 17g vs u17 vs 301.8 vs Tb216 comparison. The other sizes could be different. If buying new don't buy anything you can't demo/test first.

 

[topstoy]

I just love my KX121 It is so smooth and really does nice work. I haven't ran any others to compare. I mostly saw Kubota's KX121 or 161 used for misc work at the refinery that I was employed and figured they must be well liked by the contractors that used them. Pricey but I have no regrets.

 

[PLanger]

I believe the newer Yanmar, Gehl and Mustang minis are basically the same machines made by Yanmar all running the Yanmar engines - highly regarded. Takeuchi is another excellent choice.