Comparison Kubota vs Bobcat/Kioti

[Carl Bert]

I just ordered a new Kubota B26. Still shopping around as I wait patiently for my new tractor to be delivered, I looked a little closer at the Bobcat. To my surprise the Bobcat CT335, which is comparable in price to the B26, weighs in at 3600 lbs without the loader or backhoe. Add about 2000 lbs for the backhoe and loader and you've got a 5600 lb machine. Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't more weight mean a more solid built tractor. I don't get it, I always thought of Kubota as one of the better built machines, thats what justifies the premium price tag. Now I am starting to think I may have made a mistake. Any advice?

Thanks
Carl B

 

[DiezNutz]

...doesn't more weight mean a more solid built tractor...

Not necessarily. More mass does not always equal greater strength. Third World tractors are usually alot heavier also. Any rube can throw more metal at something, but it takes more skill to design the lightweight version that's just as strong.

I went through similar reasoning as you did before I bought my B, which was lighter than anything else in its class. I came to the above conclusion, plus Kubotas continue to have a good reputation for being tough and dependable. You must have realized this or you wouldn't have ordered one.

Consider the advantages: Less weight on soft ground, less weight to haul.

 

[Gittyup]

The BC you reference is a good quality machine and makes for a great digger. I have the Kioti equivalent in the slightly smaller CK25 and, yes 5600 lbs is about right. Probably a little heavier for the 335. I like it. It works great. Hard to beat for digging, especially for the price. But, it's not the industrial machine that the B26 is. They are really slightly different machines, where the BC/Kioti is more a general purpose tractor that allows for easy change over of functionality, and the B26 is a commercial grade (though small) mainly TLB.

If you need the commerical grade qualities and have the dough (apparently at least the latter is the case), then you made the right choice. The BC/Kioti is great for small farms and estates, and for maybe a landscaper. But, I think the loader/backhoe on the B26 will hold up to continuous use on the level of a day-to-day contractor that does a lot of intensive heavy digging better than would the BC/Kioti attachments. The BC/Kioti would be a bit better if you had to constantly change out, say the backhoe for a boxblade, mower, or tiller, and the loader for a snowblower or broom. But, for straight out digging the B26 is hard to beat in its HP class. I wanted one. Just couldn't affort it nor justify it. My CK25 has been more than enough for my personal use. Outside of the B-series Kubota TLB's like the B26, BC/Kioti is the best digger/loader for the money IMHO.

 

[Dmace]

Keep in mind that the Bobcat CT335 / Kioti DK35SE is a MUCH larger machine with more power and capabilities. That is the reason for the extra weight, it is NOT because some magical engineering at Kubota that makes their steel stronger than others even though it probably comes from the same plant.

Quick Comparison:
Kioti DK35SE / Kubota B26
Weight (with FEL&BH): ~5,500lbs (without cab) / 4,001lbs
Length: 129.1" / No length given for Kubota so compare wheelbase
Wheelbase: 69.5" / 62.2"
Width:61.6" / 53.7"
Engine HP: 38 HP 114 cu.in / 26 HP 68.5 cu.in
Pump Capacity: 15.2 gpm / 11.2 gpm
3pt Hitch Lift: 2,383 lbs / 1,676 lbs
FEL Lift @ pins: 1,412lbs to 102.4" / 1,300lbs to 94.5"
FEL Breakout Force @ pins: 2,640lbs / 2,344lbs
Backhoe digging depth: 94.4" / 99.8"
Digging Force: 2,205lbs / 2,123lbs

So the Kioti/Bobcat tractor is overall a larger machine with a much larger engine, much larger footprint and typically higher capacities. That is the reason for the extra weight, NOT inferior metal nor design.

 

[DiezNutz]

That's a good comparison, shows they really aren't a fair comparison. Maybe they're considered to be the same class, I wouldn't though based on these specs.

All I really said was that Kubotas tend to be among the lightest machines in their class, and there are techniques for achieving strength with less material. I certainly didn't say Kubota had "magic steel", or that everyone else's materials and design were inferior. That's what the Kioti-goggles wanted to see.

 

[beppington]

Apples vs Oranges on this one

 

[Carl Bert]

I never said the two machines were in the same class. The reason for my comparison was the price. It just seems to me that dollar for dollar the Bobcat is giving you a much beefier machine. Now that I see the two specs side by side I realize the two weren't a fair comparison. The CT235 would have been a better choice. But I still sit here thinking that I could get so much more for my money with the CT335. The 335 is actually a few grand less then the B26. Hey they say you get what you pay for, right? I guess I can only hope so.

Thanks
Carl B

 

[Dmace]

I certainly didn't say Kubota had "magic steel", or that everyone else's materials and design were inferior. That's what the Kioti-goggles wanted to see.

Third World tractors are usually alot heavier also. Any rube can throw more metal at something, but it takes more skill to design the lightweight version that's just as strong.

Yeah, that sure sounds like your not calling the other inferior.
Maybe those more expensive, lower performing Kubota glasses don't see that. :laughing:

It just seems to me that dollar for dollar the Bobcat is giving you a much beefier machine. Now that I see the two specs side by side I realize the two weren't a fair comparison. The CT235 would have been a better choice.

That really depends on your needs, the B26 is a TLB which means you typically can't remove the backhoe and don't have a 3pt hitch for attachments like a box-blade, york rake, etc...
Now if you were to use this tractor for commercial digging and ground engaging work, the Kubota would probably hold up better and perform very well for it's size. It's designed solely for ground engaging work.
Also, don't compare the warranties between the two. It won't make you any happier.

 

[crazyal]

It seams to me the B26 is designed for a landscaper type work. The DK would be a terrible choice for that type of work unless you feel the need to do lawn repair work afterwards. Kioti has been running ads on the radio around here lately. The ad is saying that their tractors are not for mowing lawns or the serious farmer. They are targeted towards the gentleman farmer.

 

[TripleR]

Man, some people sure take this stuff too seriously.