Comparison Kioti CK30 Versus Kubota L3130 - Not much diff.???

[widmn]

Went to several dealers and this is what I got.
Both with FEL.
Kioti CK30 HST = $16,300
versus
Kubota L3130 HST = $17,400 - gear $16,300

This seems to be very close in price. I thought Kioti was supposed to be a lot cheaper!!!!

 

[Bob_Skurka]

The CK30 has a better view forward on the FEL making some work easier. I strongly prefer the CK30's loader style for visibility. The L3130 has significantly more capacity on the FEL, the L3130 has a published 1870# lift versus the CK30's published 1155# lift. The L3130 has breakout force of 2615# versus the CK30's 2046#. Lift height on the L3130 is 8'6" versus 7'9" for the CK30. These are all based on the L3130 using a LA723 and the CK30 using the 130 loader. The L3130 is a 32hp (gross) tractor, the CK30 is a 30hp (gross) tractor.

All that said, the prices are close, if you find that you like one of them better, and don't need the extra capacity, then I would buy the one I like better. If you could use the greater capacity, then the choice is pretty simple. In this case, the roughly $1000 higher price is paying for the superior strength of the Kubota loader and 2 additional HP (but with HST, both have about the same PTO HP). I would also factor in the dealer, all brands have good and bad dealerships. I want a dealer with trained service guys and a well stocked parts department.

I think pricing is very regional. In some places Kioti seems to be priced very agressively. In other places, the big 3 dealerships will price agressively. In any case, buy what you won't regret buying because the machine you are happy with is the one that is the better value.

 

[rtimgray]

Both tractors are quality machines - the only reason Kioti should be cheaper is because of trying to gain market share, not because it is a lower quality unit.

Of course, the difference in HST units is $1,100. I must admit that I haven't reached the station in life that $1,100 "isn't much". That's a box blade and bushhog, or 3 pt mower and boom pole, or carryall/rear blade/sunshade or a 16' utility trailer with ramps and tie downs, etc.

If you don't need the $1,100, I could use it. It isn't much, after all.

 

[widmn]

I guess I'm just so surprised that the Kioti wasn't a lot cheaper than the "big three". I would think that the big three would have higher resale and certainly name, so I figured the Kioti would be A LOT cheaper. I mean, everybody's heard of John Deere and Kubota, but Kioti???? Wrong again.

 

[rtimgray]

Again, if $1,100 is not alot of money, then it's not a big deal..but there have been many recent posts about folks trying to get out of paying sales tax; the difference off $1,100 in $17,400 is about 6% which is almost like sales tax (in some places) - why do people try to avoid sales tax - it must be so they can stick it to the man, not because its alot of money.

I've heard of Kioti for about 15 years, and they were around before that. They certainly do not have the name noteriety of a JD/Kubota/NH, but you lose nothing to them in quality. As Bob mentioned, dealership support should be a big factor in a decision. If you are looking for strictly a cheap quality tractor, go for a grey market Yanmar. There are many, many top notch Yanmars available at quite affordable prices, although you may have to sacrifice local dealer support.

 

[KiotiJohn]

The CK30 also has more weight than the 3130, which allows you to utilize more of the available HP without adding weights. Really well laid out platform operator's station is very nice. Telescoping hitch arms and sway bars, Joystick and Loader valve included, extra on the Kubota. Are you sure about the difference in price taking into account all the standard features on the Kioti compared to what you may have to pay extra for on the 3130? To me, $1100 is a significant difference to begin with. You also don't mention which tires are included in the price. Ag tires are generally standard, but you'll probably get Ind tires included in the CK30 price? Also, the alternator on the CK30 is 50 amps, I believe the Kubota's is 40 amps or less.
There are many differences that must be accounted for when pricing tractor to tractor. Make sure you find them all. The CK30 is a well built, heavier tractor with a lot of attractive standard features. John
EDIT: I must correct my statement about the Kioti being heavier. The Kubota is slightly heavier. I had another model in mind when I wrote that. Sorry for the confusion, and thanks to shoppintractors for catching it for me. John

 

[Bob_Skurka]

John, you might want to double check the specs. I think you might be confused on what the L3130 Kubota is.

The L3130 is the heavier of the two tractors, it also comes standard with things like a deluxe seat, tilt steering, adjustable lower links, etc. As for the Joystick & Loader Valve, they do not come with the tractor, they are part of the loader and built into the loader price. I can't speak to the dealers that the original poster visited regarding the L3130's tires, but when I bought my B2910 I was offered my choice of tires (turf, ag, industrial) all for the same price. The L3130 also has substantially greater 3 pt lift capacity with 2650# at 24" behind the 3pt versus 1764# at 24" on the CK30. You are correct that the L3130 has a 40amp alternator.

The CK30 is a great tractor, but the L3130 is simply the biggest baddest beefiest of the machine in that class range. The CK30 is bigger and stronger than the Kubota B7800/B3030 class. I think it would be safe to say that a CK30 and a NH TC29 would be a closer match, but neither of those tractors can stand up against an L3130 in capabilities. With only a $1100 price difference, the L3130 is a realtive bargain if the dealer is good and if the tractor is comfortable for the operator.


EDIT: John, I was writing as you were editing your post about weight, I see you updated your post.

 

[CajunRider]

I think the CK30 is between the L2800HST and the L3400HST. The prices for these Kubotas are much closer to the CK30 as well.

 

[CurtC]

What is surprising is the low price on the 3130.

Here in MI, 15,500 Kioti, 18,600 Kubota 3130 with the 723 loader.

 

[KiotiJohn]

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That's my thought as well. I suspect there are some things that have not been included in the pricing yet. If not, it's not a bad price. Of course we don't know which loader is included, or whether that includes the valve and joystick as well. John