Kioti vs Ls xr4145HC

[bigcut]

Hi All,
My son-in-law is planning on buying a home with 7 acres. He will want to add a large addition (foundation, moving of dirt, gravel, etc.) to the house and need to make some changes for drainage and brush hogging the property.

I was thinking about buying him a tractor as a surprise gift, with the LS XR4145HC in mind. It's a 45 hp. hydro with cab. One of the other posters who is 6', on the LS forum, sat in the LS tractor and felt it had some ergonomic issues. For example, he felt cramped in the cab. The tilt steering wheel didn't come up high enough (no telescoping), seat was uncomfortable to reach needed controls. My son-in-law is 6'-4" tall. Assuming the other poster's comments were valid, I can see my SIL, having an even more difficult time.

My question is: Does Kioti offer a unit that would be a better fit ? If so, what would that model be and how much more expensive would it be than the LS ?

I really like the LS tractors, but, if it isn't comfortable, I wouldn't want to purchase it for him.

Please give me your thoughts, comments.
John

 

[Sawworcs]

I thought that the LS was a little tight in the cab area also. The Kioti NX models are very roomy.

 

[bigcut]

Thanks Sawworcs.....Any idea how the equivalent NX goes for with hydro and cab ??

 

[finn1]

A used skid steer is a much better dirt moving tool than a tractor, and better in a construction environment. Much more robust.

I traded in my Deere skid steer for a Kioti ck4010 with a snowblower, cab, loader, and bucket. It excels at comfortably clearing snow, but dirt moving capabilities pale compared to that old skid steer.

 

[CMV]

You have any other daughters needing married off?

 

[bigcut]

Sorry, All 3 are married off. And I don't have any sons, only son-in-laws.

 

[PA hayseed]

I would say the Kioti with cab, loader & bucket, HST, with remotes and filled rears, and bucket hooks on the bucket should run you high 30's low 40's. NX5010 hst cab. THis is a guess only, see a dealer for better prices, but having just priced the two out not too long ago (kioti and Kubota) it is a litttle cheaper to buy the Kioti. There are some distinctions like telescoping rears and a remote 3pt lever, but Kubota does offer some things that Kioti doesn't. Their insurance is decent.

I think both are nice tractors, but for the same money I agree with finn1 buy him a skidsteer. This is a tractor site, and people get all riled up about this fact, but a skidsteer will run circles around a tractor doing loader work. I have used my tractor to excavate for more than just my house, and the guy that had a skidsteer next to me could load, go and dump, and be back loading again before I could load and dump. For cutting grass/fields, the occassional ditch, and combinations of other work, a tractor is best. Just my .02.

If any of your daughters should get divorced....I can get rid of SWMBO for a new tractor.