Comparison How do the Kubota 7510 HSD and the Kioti CK 20 HST compare (both w/ backhoe & loader?

[Oleozz]

Re: How do the Kubota 7510 HSD and the Kioti CK 20 HST compare (both w/ backhoe & loader?

I would never feel uneasy about mowing my lawn with a CK 20. For years I mowed with a JD that is much bigger than the 20 with absolutely no ground compaction or marks. Kioti has been manufacturing the smaller tractors for quite awhile so I don't think reliability will be an issue, 4 yr warranty, but resale will be less than a comparable JD or Kubota.

 

[8561]

Re: How do the Kubota 7510 HSD and the Kioti CK 20 HST compare (both w/ backhoe & loader?

I looked carefully at both and eventually bought the Kioti. I now have about 160hrs on my CK20. It has been a great tractor and I would do it again. However, that is not to say the Kubota is not also a fine machine.

The major differences are: Kioti is heavier (better for ground engaging, worse for lawn mowing), the Kioti has a significantly stronger loader (a plus), the Kioti has a curved loader (a plus for visibility), the Kioti has position control rather than quarter inching valve (a plus), the Kubota has a much bigger dealer network (a plus), Kioti has a longer warranty (presumably a plus), Kioti has a nice suspension seat which the Kubota does not. Kioti is typically a bit less expensive but that will vary considerably according to the dealership's willingness to deal. The backhoes are almost identical in performance as I recall. Resale is probably better on the Kubota due to it's greater name brand recognition but then again the Kubota B7510 is an outdated model and it's resale value will presumably drop once Kubota gets around to a long overdue facelift. I could easily sell my Kioti today for what I paid for it (list price has gone up since I bought mine and I got a great discount from the dealer as it has 28hrs on it).

If I wanted primarily a lawn mowing machine I would get the Kubota B7510 turf special and add the BH. If using a rotary cutter and ground engaging tools are important or if loader capability is high on the list of needs then the Kioti is better.

The Kioti is a more recent design and the Kubota is a bit long in the tooth if that means anything.

I agree with everything Island said here. Assuming dealers are equal distance from you and equal quality, to me you need to ask yourself what your priorities are. For loader and three point work, I think the Kioti is clearly better. Better loader, more lift height, position control hitch. If yardword and property maintenance are primary, I would go Kubota between these two. Remember, both will do everything the other will do, it's just that each is a little better suited to a set of tasks than the other, you have to decide which set of tasks is more important to you. If you're thinking in terms of re-sale, in general I believe it's accepted that Kubota is a little better there. The one mitigating factor would be a good, strong, visible Kioti dealer in your area. That will make the brand a little better known in your neighborhood, and probably will make it a little easier to sell if that day comes.

 

[kcook]

Re: How do the Kubota 7510 HSD and the Kioti CK 20 HST compare (both w/ backhoe & loader?

Well one thing that I see is that many people simply compare horsepower when they compare tractors. That to me, is a huge mistake.

The better way to shop for tractors, in my humble opinion, is to lay out the tasks you will be doing LONG TERM with the tractor. Then find the tractor that is most suitable for the life of the tractor. Many people also look at the first couple years of work, or the short term use. When you move to a new property you have to build your landscaping (SHORT TERM USE). After it is built, then you maintain your landscaping (LONG TERM USE).

Focusing on the SHORT TERM uses leads people to often buy bigger tractors than they need because a bigger capacity tractor is often the best choice for building landscaping. It does shorten the time it takes to dig a hole or move a lot of earth. But then you may end up with a tractor that doesn't fit your long term needs because it may not fit through your garden gates, between your wife's prized rose bush beds, or mow up close to your structures, birdbath, etc. It may also force you to alter your landscape plans to suit your tractor choice, adding bigger (more expensive) gates, wider mowing paths that and actually end up making your projects bigger than originally planned.

Focusing on LONG TERM use, you project out your needs to AFTER the landscaping is built. You realize that you may end up taking a bit longer to build your landscape, or maybe your best choice is to occasionally rent a larger piece of equipment for a major weekend project, but you end up with a tractor that will suit your needs for a decade or two. Your smaller tractor will turn tighter, fit into places that others might now, probably won't rut your lawn, and may actually save you time on your mowing tasks every weekend. What would you rather do, save 2 or 3 hours of labor moving rocks the first year, or save 15 minutes every summer weekend for 10 years?

Decide what your real tasks are, find the tractor designed for that task list, buy that tractor.

Well said Bob, and a good piece of advice!!

Thanks

KC