I need help, FAST!!!!! Ready to buy, but...

[Droid]

I am in the market for a new tractor. I want 30-35 hp, loader and box scraper. I have 1 mile of road to maintain and all kinds of work around my 12 acre yard. My dilema is this: I have no local Kioti dealer, but Kioti is making the new Cub Cadet 8354 (same as a DK 35). I am assuming that all of the features on the Cub are standard to the DK 35 such as: quick attach bucket (60"), rear remotes, synchro-shuttle transmission, etc.. This tractor is sold by a long standing dealer that attends the same church that I do. However, they are new to the CUT market.

My other choice is the L3130 Kubota (GST or FST transmission) with the L513 loader. No quick attatch bucket or rear remotes. Sold by a local dealer that sells a very high volume of tractors and has tons of experiance with the CUT market.

Both tractors are the same price, basically. The Cub is 17,100 and the Kubota is 17,200 (GST).

Please provide any feedback that you may have in helping make this decision. Comments on reliability, re-sale, etc. will all be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Droid

 

[B2400]

I'm some what biased as I've had 2 Kubota's, But my experience is the Kubota reliability is legendary. I'm sure the Kioti is a good tractor also,as there seems to be quite a few out there. Research the different TBN forums and you'll discover a wealth of information. The knowledge base is impressive here!

 

[grandad]

You probably couldn't go wrong with either one as far as the basic tractor. You will have to weigh the dealers and it sounds like you could argue that one in either direction. The Kubota may have a little more going for it on resale value, but if you don't plan to sell it, why would that matter? The Cub has quick attach and remotes that add value, but only if you have use for them. Sounds about even to me. Which one do you really LIKE the best?

 

[Moon]

I agree with the previous posters, both tractors would do a fine job for you. I think the best thing you could do is sit in both seats and give em a good try out. Manuver around the dealers lot, get used to the controls. This way you'll get to know the ergonomics of each machine and I bet one will feel better to you than the other. ....if, however, you've aready done this and now seeking TBN wisdom to help sway you one way or the other, I'd have to say go with the dealer you feel best with, all other things being equal.
Hope this helps,
Moon of Ohio

 

[ljh2]

droid,
I can't speak as to the Cub/Kioti as I havn't operated any Kioti's - though they look great (spec's and pics). I have had the pleasure of operating the Kubota L3010-GST (predecessor to the L3130). It is a very nice machine. I've heard that Kubota tractors have excellent value retention for resale, but I doubt you will want to get rid of it any time soon. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You've got a tough choice ahead. Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Jamesbo]

Greetings,

I guess I am a little tilted to the Kubota to. I own a L3430 DT and think it is a great tractor for the money. I believe for the same money the Kubota is gonna hold more value. I also think the Cub is over priced to begin with. Hope that helps, I know the joy/agony of making a tractor decision. Good Luck!

Jamesbo

 

[5030]

I'd go with the Kubota, just for the resale value. Kubotas traditionally hold their resale value exceptionally well and that's something to think about as most likely you will trade in or trade up at sometime in the future.

My personal experience is that in the last 5 Kubotas I have owned and traded in, only one has brought me less than I actually paid for it originally. I do maintain my units, keep them inside in a heated/air conditioned garage and take the best care of them that I can. Don't get me wrong, I use them and I use them hard but I maintain religiously.

I have never had a major mechanical problem either. Any problems I did encounter was taken care of promptly by my dealer.