iMatch vs quick hitch

[rush389]

I am looking at 3 tractors for some gravel driveway maintenance, light bush hogging, and loader work:

CK2610
L2501
3025E

I expect to switch between the box blade and bush hog frequently. Is the JD iMatch that much better than a standard quick hitch you could get on the Kubota or Kioti?

 

[chevy]

I have only used iMatch.
iMatch is just another brand of quick hitch. It depends on the brand of the quick hitches from Kubota or Kioti. As long as they are not the cheep made in China versions, any of them would be fine.

 

[dusty3030]

I've got an older Imatch (before the adjustable top hook) and a Harbor Freight one.

I haven't broken either using them on 45 plus / minus HP tractors. They both work fine and in my case the Harbor Freight one is a little more versatile since it has the adjustable top hook. A moot point for you since the John Deere one has that now where older one doesn't.

 

[rush389]

Ok, maybe I can ask a more general question - is there a specific advantage to the Deere product here over the other two listed alternatives? I am aware of JD's reputation, resale, and expectation that parts will be available for a *long* time, but does the 3025E have any specific features that give it an edge over its competitors?

 

[Jonker87]

I just looked at the 3025E and it actually lacks a lot of features that the Kioti comes with. I think with that model the reason they are selling is because the green paint has a good reputation.

 

[rush389]

I just looked at the 3025E and it actually lacks a lot of features that the Kioti comes with. I think with that model the reason they are selling is because the green paint has a good reputation.

Thanks for the comment.

Are we all pretty confident Kioti is here to stay? It looks to me like they are. I probably sound stupid because I say it like "coyote" but maybe it's "keeyotee." Who knows.

 

[dusty3030]

Coyote.

And yes I'd say they are here to stay.

 

[chevy]

Thanks for the comment.

Are we all pretty confident Kioti is here to stay? It looks to me like they are.

I had the same concerns a year ago when I purchased my first Kioti. I had owned nothing but John Deere for twenty years. I discovered through research that I did not have anything to worry about. The better specs on the Kioti made the choice easy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The trouble with the quick hitches is more about having or getting implements that don't fit. With Deere, it's a given that their hitch will fit their line of specified implements.

I bought a really junky hitch at a Richie auction, cheap, had to widen it to fit my Harley Rake, but have not managed to destroy it, despite it's light construction. It's CAT II and already heavy enough to move by hand.

IMO, the quick hitch is the best thing that ever happened to the horrible cumbersome (Really needs 3 people) 3PH!

 

[KennyG]

I have only used iMatch.
iMatch is just another brand of quick hitch. It depends on the brand of the quick hitches from Kubota or Kioti. As long as they are not the cheep made in China versions, any of them would be fine.

Actually, there's not a lot wrong with the cheap ones. Other than potentially doing a little grinding to make the fit a little smoother, they are very generic. I don't recall ever hearing of a QH that didn't work or broke.