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.