Kioti or Kubota

[gkh7890]

RSKY,
I just bought a Kioti DK 40SE HST in the beginning of May. Been shopping for a long time. WANTED a Kubota SOOOOOO bad. Here's where & why I went w/ Kioti.....
1. COST - With current incentives, there was basically a $4,000 to $6,500 difference here in SW Ohio. I got 2 quotes from 2 of my closest dealers and then even one from the central KY area. I spec'd a L3940 HST, 724FEL, R4 Tires.
2. HST functionality - I'm on flat land, FEL work, brush hogging, and finish mowing are primary work needs. The 2 range on the Kubota was really nice!!!! The Auto HST was even cooler! I asked the dealer other than the Auto HST being a really COOL feature, what was its real purpose....."it would help with fuel efficiency but other than that, it's just a really cool feature" was the response I got. Sorry - its not worth $4,000 to me.
3. Ergonomics - for me, the Kioti is so much more comfortable with the seat position, seat slide orientation (up and back vs. back only), and the dual pedals. The Kubota was very cramped and the pivot pedal was not easy to use.
4. Warranty - Kioti has the better warranty. Granted - Kubota has the legendary reliability but Kioti has been growing in this area too and has been in business here in the US for some time now (25yrs?). Hope I won't need to use the warranty but good to know it is there.

In the end, which one fits you the best - ergonomics, functionality, and your wallet? Go with the one that makes you the happiest!!! You won't regret either brand!!!!

 

[tulenutn2o]

I are smart too!:thumbsup::laughing:

 

[crazyal]

I know with Kubota location plays a large price as to price. It seams like New England usually gets hit with retail price or maybe a small percentage off. Other areas getting 15% or more off is not hard. Has anyone seen the same being true for Kioti or are the dealers much closer to each other?

 

[IslandTractor]

I know with Kubota location plays a large price as to price. It seams like New England usually gets hit with retail price or maybe a small percentage off. Other areas getting 15% or more off is not hard. Has anyone seen the same being true for Kioti or are the dealers much closer to each other?

Kioti dealers vary considerably. Some seem to think they can sell against Kubota without discounting (I don't know why) while others will discount as agressively as they can to maintain a clear price advantage over Kubota.

As a happy Kioti owner who bought after looking at both Kioti and Kubota, I would be surprised if any Kioti dealer could be successful unless they undercut Kubota by a good chunk of change. Same strategy that Hyundai takes selling against Toyota.

 

[dlbtenn]

I also looked at Kubota & Kioti.Could not choose between them so what to do?? Went out and bought a Bobcat CT 440 with free FEL for less money!

 

[dlbtenn]

Also found out Kioti made Kubota parts for years and then came out with on tractors.Some kioti models and
Kubota models are same tractor with different grill & hood. Bobcat is a Kioti painted white. FEL is Rhino .
Like some models of Case & New Holland are same tractor,one painted red & other blue.

 

[kosby]

I haven't looked at a Kioti in 20 years but back when I first saw one, I thought it was a Kubota until closer inspection. Back then, the quality was something to be desired compared to Kubota although things change, sort of like the early days of Honda and Toyota autos so I'm sure they are fine tractors. That said, I haven't been on a tractor in 15 years until buying a Kubota B2320 two weeks ago and when I got the itch to buy, I knew it would be a Kubota because for me, it's sort of like buying cars and I buy Honda because when I get ready to sell, it will sell quickly and for top dollar.

 

[IslandTractor]

Also found out Kioti made Kubota parts for years and then came out with on tractors.Some kioti models and
Kubota models are same tractor with different grill & hood. .

As far as I can tell these are urban legends. I've never seen proof that Kioti made parts for Kubota. As far as I can tell no Kioti is a clone of a Kubota either.

 

[Hawghauler]

I looked at Bobcat here in Idaho but they were much more expensive than Kioti and tried to use sales tactics that would make a Massachusetts used car dealer blush. Turned me off completely. My local Kioti dealer would not budge and was rude to my wife when questioned about the price. Acted insulted that we wanted to negotiate is first price offer. The dealer a few towns away was 3K cheaper, cheerful and polite. No sales pitch act, just honest pricing. Wasn't a hard choice. Many of the younger business people today have been brought up with a poor understanding of polite courtesy. I could handle tough negotiation, rudeness to the wife is an unforgiveable breach. The guy called a few days later and apologized after he realized the deal slipped through his fingers, but grovelling was 3K too little, and once the attitude left his lips, too late.

 

[dlbtenn]

Bought Bobcat CT 440 with FEL,4 wheel drive,Hydrostat NEW $15,716.21

 

[IslandTractor]

Bought Bobcat CT 440 with FEL,4 wheel drive,Hydrostat NEW $15,716.21

That is an amazing price even if it is a demo or leftover. I cannot imagine anyone making money on such a sale.

No way Kioti or Kubota could come close for a 40hp HST.

 

[MDM]

Also found out Kioti made Kubota parts for years and then came out with on tractors.Some kioti models and
Kubota models are same tractor with different grill & hood.

That's funny. Let me guess, a Kioti or Bobcat dealer told you that?

 

[Dargo]

As far as I can tell these are urban legends. I've never seen proof that Kioti made parts for Kubota. As far as I can tell no Kioti is a clone of a Kubota either.

Yes, saying such things were often the sales tactics of the little roadside Kioti dealers who worked out of a yard barn. To their credit, Kioti has eliminated most of those dealers. True, Kioti clearly copied Kubota and successfully has been following their path to success. The Koreans have been successful in doing the same with their export vehicles as well. At first, they were complete junk and very similar in quality to a Yugo. However, they kept at it and got better. Now their vehicles rate right with Honda and Subaru on quality and relibility; above Toyota currently. I'd have to say, based on what I've read, the same holds true with their tractors.

Still, a guy should never say that Kioti (Daedong) ever made Kubota tractors. That simply is not true and reflects rather poorly on their ability and desire to do any research on a tractor before purchasing one.

 

[lilranch2001]

When I started my search for a new tractor, I thought Kubota after all, everyone wants a Kubota..... I went and looked at them at 3 different dealers, I read posts on this forum, and then I went and test rode a few.
I started reading about other brands so I went and looked at JD, MF, NH, and Kioti. JD's looked "smallish" and expensive, the MF dealer was an old "friend" but he made a statement that infuriated me, NH and Kioti dealers were just to far away for my comfort level.
I saw an tv ad for Bobcat, and my dealer is 2 miles from my work, the Bobcat was so much more sturdy that the Kubota, from specs, fenders, controls and had a much better deal to boot.

To me the Bobcat was a no brainer, and since in the 3 months I have had it, I have put 100 hours on it, she has done more than she was asked, it is strong, and getting stronger with every hour I put oun it. Some of my neighbors just drool when they see what I can do with it.

All I can say is look at all of the ones you may want to buy, and go with an open mind, some tractors are much more favored in the marketplace, but it does not mean they are a better tractor or a better value.

So say I

 

[Mousefield]

Bought Bobcat CT 440 with FEL,4 wheel drive,Hydrostat NEW $15,716.21

Well you sure got a good deal then. Up this way all the major brands in a 40 HP range with FEL and HST would be around double that price. Hard to believe that the dealer paid less than $15,716.21 for it and then sold it to you for a profit. :shocked: Just looked up the quote I got from a Bobcat dealer in May 2008 for a CT235 with loader, 7B backhoe: $28,200.00 plus taxes. Even if you took off $8,200.00 for the backhoe it still leaves $20,000.00 for the tractor. You got a larger one for many thousands less. :confused2:

 

[Charlesaf3]

I have 2 kubotas - been really pleased with them, and I'd probably buy a kubota again.

That said, I've been favorably impressed with Kioti - they'd probably be my second choice after Kubota, and price could swing it.

I like the Hyundai comparison - started off kind of junky, but they are playing catchup hard, and I'd look at them seriously now.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either. I do think Kubota will have better resale in the near term. 15 years... probably won't make a difference

 

[dlbtenn]

YES Got it when they had the rebate sale going. The CT 440 & FEL is selling for $21,900 now. Have 212 hours on it, so far so good only problem was lift arm broke,call them said recall on certain serial # gave me two new lift arms

 

[dlbtenn]

That's funny. Let me guess, a Kioti or Bobcat dealer told you that?

YES Kioti dealer told me this. Maybe Sales pitch HaHa on me

 

[IslandTractor]

YES Kioti dealer told me this. Maybe Sales pitch HaHa on me

Actually, Kioti did make at least one part for Kubota: paint.:laughing:

 

[gkh7890]

My dealer earned the opportunity to go to the Daedong plants (assembly, castings, etc.) in Korea last year (Sept 2009). Like we've heard from Wallace and some other dealers, he was really impressed with the operations.

We started talking about 100% brand construction - Kioti/Daedong; Kubota, etc. making all their own stuff VS. JD has parts shipped to US and assembles here. He shared with me he saw front axle castings for M5040/6040/7040 series Kubotas at Daedong's casting plant. He used to be a Kubota dealer until around 8-9 yrs ago (not 100% sure on that time line??) so he should know what he's talking about....at this point, I don't see any reason to not take him for his word. Just thought I'd throw it out there.....must be the global economy/world market thing, huh?