25 HP vs 35 HP

[Geotech]

The weights are:

Kioti CK3510 3,307 lbs tractor plus 840 lbs loader = 4,147 lbs
LS XG3135 2,881 lbs tractor plus 728 lbs loader = 3,609 lbs
Kubota L2501 2,623 lbs tractor plus 845? lbs loader = 3,468 lbs

Add another 600? lbs for rim guard to any of these. Add a box blade for ballast, too.

Going up a frame size for more weight is not an option for my budget. Plus I'd also like to be able to tow the tractor with my Tundra in a pinch. The Kioti seems to win out on paper in pretty much all categories. I have more confidence in the Kubota dealerships, but not $3,000 more confidence for a L3301 vs the Kioti or LS equivalent (actually the Kioti and LS spec above the L3301, too). And if the L2501 is going to be under-powered, which it sounds like it could be, I don't want to go that route either. I am a tractor neophyte, but I expect to do my own maintenance and possibly simple repairs. I don't really enjoy working on mechanical stuff, but I can figure out basic things either on my own or by asking questions.

If I can't use the tractor to move the biggest, baddest logs around, I'll cut something smaller. It's only 24 acres and I'm not logging the place. Maybe just a few logs here and there *if* I get a portable sawmill.

The CK3510 was where I landed initially and sort of where I am headed back to. Of course, the next question will be: Is it worth $1,200 to upgrade to the CK4010?...

 

[searcyfarms]

absolutely not, u are in the same frame size tractor - same weight - same lift capacity - only difference is a couple hp - you need weight/lift cap more than hp in my opinion - you can compensate a couple hp with a gear -

 

[The Fred]

Moving a shipping container with a tractor that small? 24" logs? No way.

I have a both Kioti CK2610 gear and Kubota L3940 HST cab. I would want a larger frame machine for what you are asking of it.

Regards, Fred

 

[shooterdon]

I will soon take delivery of my first tractor. This has been a good read.

My advice.....be very critical of your needs. Then, decide how much your time is worth and if operating a tractor will be fun or a chore. It is amazing what I have seen the smaller machines do IF you are careful and take your time. And if in doubt, buy the next size up. Even if you need to wait and save a bit more.

There are two issues to look at when advice is rendered. Does that person use a tractor for a living where efficiency matters and/or are they recommending something that confirms the choices they have made....even if they were not the best choices?

 

[ratpie]

The CK3510 was where I landed initially and sort of where I am headed back to. Of course, the next question will be: Is it worth $1,200 to upgrade to the CK4010?...

stay with the ck3510 and use the $1200.00 for remotes or 3rd function addons

 

[prichard]

The weights are:

Kioti CK3510 3,307 lbs tractor plus 840 lbs loader = 4,147 lbs
LS XG3135 2,881 lbs tractor plus 728 lbs loader = 3,609 lbs
Kubota L2501 2,623 lbs tractor plus 845? lbs loader = 3,468 lbs

That right there would point me at the Kioti. I own Kubota and they are local to me - I like supporting the jobs in this area. But, when it comes down to it the decision has to be what suits your needs.

Provided you have confidence in the local dealers, parts availability, etc. I wouldn't put too much stock in the Kubota name. If you keep 10+ years I doubt you'll see a significant difference in depreciation.

 

[searcyfarms]

not sure where oyu got that weight on the kioti but per their website it says Weight w/ Ag Tires w/ ROPS 2,734 lbs. (1,240 kg) I don't think R4 tires if that is what you are getting are going to be 573lbs, do you weight 573 lbs LOL!!!!

 

[searcyfarms]

2018 KIOTI CK3510 HST Tractor

Price: $19,300.00 is what I am showing with loader - not sure how much they are getting for the HST vs Gear - there are a couple used units in our area, DK45 and 55 they would be more on the lines of what I am thinking for you

21 KIOTI DK 45 Tractor with KL249 Loader - farm & garden - by dealer - sale

3792 to 3924 pounds plus 1000 ish for loader im guessing

 

[searcyfarms]

if you are looking in the 20K range I would be looking at a branson from big red or maybe there is somewhere else around since you are going to be under wty for quite a while and do a lot of self maint. if needed. this tractor comes in a 4K lbs. 218 BRANSON 352R | TractorHouse.com of course u don't need this package deal so minus all that stuff with it............

your tundra would pull it fine!!!

 

[Hdoilcan]

I’m on my second Kioti ck3510. Originally I purchased an open station and after two years decided I wanted a cab. So I went with the same tractor but with a cab. Couldn’t be happier.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

So now we get to the part where 10 people try to convince you to buy bigger, and 10 people say smaller is fine.

A pic of your property would help a LOT.

 

[YLee Kioti]

So now we get to the part where 10 people try to convince you to buy bigger, and 10 people say smaller is fine.

A pic of your property would help a LOT.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^:laughing:^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yipper......:thumbsup:

 

[crashz]

I absolutely love my L2501. But, I have tested its limits. And can confidently tell you that it would be over-worked with your planned activities. I doubt highly that it would pull a shipping container around. I agree with the rest of the group here, the CK sounds like a better fit.

One thing that surprised me when jumping from a 24 HP geared tractor (JD 770) to the 25 HP HST tractor is the loss of PTO horsepower. I read it here a hundred times, but to feel the difference was staggering. I've used the same 5ft brush cutter on both and the JD will cut through everything. But I've run flat out of power in the Kubota.

In all other ways the Kubota is just more tractor though. Bigger chassis, loader and more weight. Its usually just right for me. And I wouldn't want anything larger on my lawn.

 

[Geotech]

Searcy, you're right, I got the wrong weight for the Kioti. My number came from the top end of the range on Tractordata.com. That extra 573 lbs is probably for a cab option which I will not get. So on the whole, they all have the same weight. I'm hesitant on Branson for a couple reasons. First reason is that the average reviews on this website for Bransons are the least positive compared to the other brands I am looking at. This is a very small sample size, though. The second reason is that when I went to Big Red's, which is the opposite direction from my property than from my house by an hour, they were selling me hard on Massey Ferguson and told me that they had a hard time getting parts in for Branson and were generally just not easy to work with. Either they are being truthful about the tractor, or they were trying to convince me to drop more coin on they much more expensive Massey. They represent themselves primarily as a Branson dealer and then try to sell something else on the lot when you go there. The other Branson dealer, Big Tex, is closer to my property. I have yet to visit them. I want to like Branson, but they seem to have the highest risk of having issues compared to Kioti or LS. I'd rather have a lighter weight tractor that runs than a heavy one sitting around needing some repair. I could be wrong about the brand - just going off what I am reading and whatnot. Big Tex has nothing but 5 star reviews online. I'd actually like to see some negative reviews as that would seem more realistic and not like some web admin was puffing it up.

 

[Texasmark]

Searcy, you're right, I got the wrong weight for the Kioti. My number came from the top end of the range on Tractordata.com. That extra 573 lbs is probably for a cab option which I will not get. So on the whole, they all have the same weight. I'm hesitant on Branson for a couple reasons. First reason is that the average reviews on this website for Bransons are the least positive compared to the other brands I am looking at. This is a very small sample size, though. The second reason is that when I went to Big Red's, which is the opposite direction from my property than from my house by an hour, they were selling me hard on Massey Ferguson and told me that they had a hard time getting parts in for Branson and were generally just not easy to work with. Either they are being truthful about the tractor, or they were trying to convince me to drop more coin on they much more expensive Massey. They represent themselves primarily as a Branson dealer and then try to sell something else on the lot when you go there. The other Branson dealer, Big Tex, is closer to my property. I have yet to visit them. I want to like Branson, but they seem to have the highest risk of having issues compared to Kioti or LS. I'd rather have a lighter weight tractor that runs than a heavy one sitting around needing some repair. I could be wrong about the brand - just going off what I am reading and whatnot. Big Tex has nothing but 5 star reviews online. I'd actually like to see some negative reviews as that would seem more realistic and not like some web admin was puffing it up.

If you are talking about Big Tex on I 30 I bought my 2400 from them, super deal. On Big Reds (other side of town for me too), I have ordered parts from them and had no problems. As I said before, Branson was (may have changed with TYM purchase) dealer based. Sulphur Springs and Emory have a dealer (same company) from whom I have bought parts and eager to please. Buster Jenkins in the Plainview, Tx. warehouse/assy area/field rep trouble shooter, whatever all they do there has been most helpful. I have gone directly to them for cab door glass (delivered in 3 days) and other things, most helpful.

Weight matters....if not why are there so many tractor weights available for ag equipment?

You didn't list what I said about size matters. If you are going to do a lot of 3 pt work you had better look at ground clearances with the 3 pt full up and and PTO location with respect to the ground on the two frames (25 or 35), whomever's frame that might be!

 

[Geotech]

Lets see if these pics work...

 

[Geotech]

Texasmark, I'm not seeing where the 3ph lift height is listed.

 

[Texasmark]

Lets see if these pics work...


View attachment 562478View attachment 562479View attachment 562480View attachment 562481

Yepper, looks like E. Tx. I see a post hole digger in the required implements. Check out the auger tip to ground clearances of that sucker with your 25 hp 3 pt full up.

 

[newbury]

<snip>

If I can't use the tractor to move the biggest, baddest logs around, I'll cut something smaller. It's only 24 acres and I'm not logging the place. Maybe just a few logs here and there *if* I get a portable sawmill.

The CK3510 was where I landed initially and sort of where I am headed back to. Of course, the next question will be: Is it worth $1,200 to upgrade to the CK4010?...

You were the one that mentioned moving logs of a certain size.

From this thread kl4010-loader-lift-capacity.html, which you probably read,

calculate that you're going to be barely able to lift the 1200#

.

Which if your lifting post oak would mean something about 18" x 10'.

Like I wrote, been there, done that, went up a size.

 

[Geotech]

Not arguing that I didn't mention logs of a certain size. As you can see from my pictures, but a few trees are larger than 18" in diameter. I was able to move those partial logs in the last picture rolling by hand. Hard to imagine a tractor from my list couldn't lift and/or drag two or three of those at a time. I can live without cutting down the biggest trees on my land. Just trying to keep this conversation grounded and not scope creep into an 100 hp logging tractor because I mentioned moving logs. Because the conversation becomes irrelevant to me once the tractor of discussion is out of my budget. My life will not revolve around the tractor, but I do want to make the best selection given my budget.