How long until considered established?

[Highsmith]

I was surprised to read Kioti has been in the US for 20 years. I know that is not long compared to the name brands, but shouldn't they be removed from the category of newcomers?

I had them in the same category as Montana, Lenar, Mahindra, etc.

I understand all these companies have made engines and tractors for a long time in whatever country of origin they are from, but first-time tractor buyers are concerned about future parts supply in the US.

Maybe this is just a personal issue for me and everyone else already had this figured out. Or do the Kioti dealers deal with this misperception daily?

 

[Oleozz]

They are becoming better known in this area because the local Kioti dealer doesn't mess around when it comes to getting the word out. He puts half page color ads in the local Saturday paper and you can't help noticing them.
He has probably 25 tractors sitting on his lot and has a big full service shop, everything is clean and neat and quite impressive.
I believe Kioti is noted for making the first water cooled diesel back in 1949. Daedong USA Inc was established in 1993 and the Kioti DK series tractors were introduced in May of 1999. They are South Korea's largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment.

 

[MikePA]

I was surprised to read Kioti has been in the US for 20 years.

How long a brand has been in a country nor how long they've been making tractors (or any other item) nor how aggressive a particular dealer is, is really relevant. Just look at Renault. Big, worldwide car company, but they never made much of a dent and eventually left the US market.

I'm not implying that's what's going to happen with Kioti. Rather, it's all about how much money the parent company wants to spend to get market share and establish a dealer network. Yes, the dealer is a part of the equation, but it takes lots of $$$$ and persistence to establish a brand.

Back in the early 70s, my dad forced me to look at a bunch of foreign brands when we were looking at a second car for my sister and I to drive. The Datsun (now Nissan) dealer was a converted repair garage. The Toyota dealer was a 25 mile drive and was in a converted furniture store. The 'showroom' could hold 1 car and the 'garage' was in the walk out basement. If I remember right, the Renault dealer was also a Jeep dealer or maybe American Motors.

Oh, we ended up buying a Toyota.

 

[shvl73]

Just look at Renault. Big, worldwide car company, but they never made much of a dent and eventually left the US market.

Yes but, the Renaults also were terrible cars. We used to have a R8 and then an R10. When they came out with the LeCar, well their fate was sealed in this country. Somehow they held on to market the Alliance with AMC, before going back across the Atlantic. I believe the French Government is helping Renault out with subsidies and I also think Renault is in with Mack on a fair amount of mid-range trucks.

 

[albmn10]

Hello Highsmith, Kioti has been in the US since 1986, my dealer (Rodicks ,Schroon Lake Ny. )has been selling them that long as well.. Ive known about Kioti for about 15 years, always heard they were good tractors but back then I wondered then how long this new comer would be around..That was a long time ago..When shopping for tractors a few years ago, i almost didnt go to the Kioti line because the "they might not be around stories" . Im sure glad i did..They have a nationwide network of dealers now and from what im seeing they are growing rapidly.. I have 10 Kioti dealers within 100 miles of me in Albany Ny. Today thier machines are of excellent quality and continue to improve..

 

[rmahlert]

How long did it take Kubota?

When I was looking for a tractor it took me about a year looking at all the brands. Having Deere's in the family I wasn't happy with the issues. For me it came down to over paying for a Kubota (local dealer is HIGH, I have a MUCH larger Ck25 HST for $2k more than the BX 24 price!) or going with the Kioti with the 4 year warranty. After reading on TBN I became a Kioti owner due to all the owners having no big issues that worried me. (if KiotiJohn was still on I'd say thanks!)

Are they established?? Close for me. I think a few more years with the quality machines and great dealers they will be considered one of the best by all, not just us Kioti owners. Anyone looking at a new tractor.. take a Deere, Kubota and Kioti. Compare the features and workmanship.. then the price of the Kioti will make you go with it. To steal an old computer ad line.. power(and features) without the price.

 

[Oleozz]

Yesterday I was at a equipment company that sells skid steers, excavators, etc. and they saw I had my Kioti cap on. I was talking to a regional sales rep and one of the owners of the equipment co. and neither man had any financial interest in Kioti. They commented on how they had heard many good things about Kioti tractors both from people who were buying them and also the folks who were selling them. I was pleasantly surprised that they had heard of the company but also how they compared them favorably to the Big 3.