kubota vs. Kioti?

[TSO]

I can't believe they charged more just for using the Kubota name. Jk lol

LOL... that's funny

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I completely agree that the HST+ is great tech.. and if I could have it for + $1200 (like the jump I paid from shuttle to HST) Then I'd definitely have a hard time NOT seriously considering the upgrade. Especially after seeing how it works on Ken's L3540. I think it's a great mix, adding the convenience of HST and the rpm throttle benefits of gear. Do I need it? Nope, my HST does just fine. But it is definitely nice, to be sure.

Now BULLITT - besides a transmission upgrade, what features or other considerations are you talking about that somehow makes the Grand L series so much better than the DK... that it makes them NOT comparable? Don't forget that the DK comes with a standard remote, which was a $700 option as quoted to me by my local Kubota dealer. Also, I believe the DK also comes standard with draft control - and not so on the Kubota. (Disclaimer on that... I THINK it's standard on the Kioti... it is on my LS and I want to say the feature set was nearly identical when I was shopping).

Regarding the loaders... Kubota has more loader options to offer than Kioti, so you have to make sure you compare them fairly. If shopping between the DK50/L4740 for example --- the Kioti 401 loader is very closely spec'd to the Kubota LA854 loader.

MAX LIFT AT PINS, full height: Kub=2443 Kioti=2761. BREAKOUT AT PINS: Kub=3774 Kioti=3727. So it's very close indeed. Would the extra 318# of loader lift matter to anyone? Well, it's a big factor for me. My LS lifts 2638#, and I use every bit of that at times. For other guys, that may never be an issue.

SO - WHEN IT ALL COMES DOWN TO IT... if the point of this thread is just "Kioti vs Kubota" then I think we can all say they're very close, with minor spec details favoring each one in different ways, for certain tractors. The "quality" argument is nearly moot, as they are both great tractors with excellent build & support quality. It's a whole different agrument when it comes down to what each specific person needs when shopping. I personally know that Ken shopped Kioti too, and compared the cab models of the DK vs GrandL... so his reviews are very qualified. I think he found them to be very comparable, but he liked the ergonomics of the Kubota better, and felt it had better fit & finish. While I might not agree on the "fit & finish" part, we also like different auto manufacturers products than each other too, so it ends up being just as much a "Ford vs Chevy" type argument (or in our case GM vs Toyota) than anything else... which we all know doesn't really matter because people buy whatever they want to buy anyhow!

lol... there, I just woke up and finished my 2nd cup of coffee too

 

[crazyal]

I say buy the tractor that you like. I looked at Kioti but the dealer closed before I was ready to buy and prices weren't different than the Kubota tractors. As stated above the DK is in between the standard L and Grand L so it makes it hard for a direct dollar for dollar comparison. At the time Kioti's website sucked and the dealer had no clue if I could get a front mount snow blower. Since then two other Kioti dealers popped up then dropped the line. Now it seams like the dealers are much more stable. But once I had the HST+ explained to me so I understood it's value I lost interest in Kioti (and other brands). It's too bad that the EPA has bumped up the price of the Grand L tractors with the tier V requirements. Has Kioti started using tier V engines in their CUTs yet?

 

[TripleR]

I agree, but I don't see this as ending bad. YET!!! Lol. Yes money is a GREAT feature. No two ways about that. Can't dispute nor ague that. Ok, maybe a little.

It's just comparing apples to apples. Company to company I agree they compare. But you truly have to select tractor to tractor not brand to brand. I need XYZ option and can forgo option ABC. If I needed more power, lift, etc maybe a M series would fit my needs. We have to purchase what makes sense to us and individual uses. If money and space weren't an option we may all have 3 or 4 tractors, 3 mower sizes for each with 8 different bucket attachments.

Conditionally agree though I would not go "company for company" rather "machinery for machinery" as I have seen a lot of dealer/distribution problems over the years which have been chronicled in the Kioti forums; Kubota has been much more stable. There were about ten tractors including mowers at the Kioti dealership when I was looking for a new tractor several years ago and my brother had to travel out of state to get what he wanted for the price he wanted.

Agree totally on model for model as there are Kubota and Kioti models about which I am underwhelmed and would not buy no matter the price.

Someone mentioned the HST+. I was an HST+ skeptic and very happy with my L5030 HSTC, it did everything I asked, but with the coming of the L60 with Tier IV and left foot brakes, I decided to buy my last new tractor and got one with the HST+ and am now a convert. You can live a long happy life without it but if you ever use it for any length of time, you will probably be very happy you paid the extra bucks for it.

 

[grm61]

I wanted a cab tractor, huge difference in price between the Kioti and Kubota.

They are both really good tractors, if they were priced the same, I may have bought a Kubota if a tier 3 was available that hadn't been stored outside.

Simplicity...I was able to get a manufactured in 2013, tier 3 DK45SE Cab... mechanical injection, and a muffler... no electronic injection and emissions controls or dpf filter, regen, or any of that stuff, I bought it to keep, if I ever need to I can work on it I can.

The Hydrostat + on the Kubota is very cool, but not a necessity, the regular hydrostat on the DK series Kioti works very well...less to go wrong IMO.

I don't like being at the mercy of a dealer for repairs if needed.

So for me it was cost of purchase, and simplicity of design...

Good Luck, they are both great machines.

 

[k0ua]

However you have my curiosity, what one "GREAT" feature does the DK have the Kubota doesn't? If your seat give you a back rub I may be trading mine in!!

I knew someone would "bite" on that! The one "great feature" that is standard on the Kioti DK series and Not available on the Kubota, is a rear 3pt lever. It IS handy when you are hooking up. And yes Kioti has Draft control standard. Like I said, I am not brand loyal. I like all tractors.

James K0UA

 

[TSO]

I knew someone would "bite" on that! The one "great feature" that is standard on the Kioti DK series and Not available on the Kubota, is a rear 3pt lever. It IS handy when you are hooking up. And yes Kioti has Draft control standard. Like I said, I am not brand loyal. I like all tractors.

James K0UA

This actually is a great feature... It almost swayed me to Kioti again over my LS!

It does for 3 point mounting adjustment what HST + does for HST

 

[TripleR]

I knew someone would "bite" on that! The one "great feature" that is standard on the Kioti DK series and Not available on the Kubota, is a rear 3pt lever. It IS handy when you are hooking up. And yes Kioti has Draft control standard. Like I said, I am not brand loyal. I like all tractors.

James K0UA

James when I first saw that feature on a video I was really impressed. After I thought about it for a while I began to have second thoughts with all the brush I work in and errant limbs. I don't know if it would be all that great for me or really any better than a piece of notched PVC pipe with which I can do the same thing on my Kubota. One of those things that might be great for some and so so for others.

I do like the standard draft control though, I didn't get it on my 5740, but wish I had.

 

[TSO]

James when I first saw that feature on a video I was really impressed. After I thought about it for a while I began to have second thoughts with all the brush I work in and errant limbs. I don't know if it would be all that great for me or really any better than a piece of notched PVC pipe with which I can do the same thing on my Kubota. One of those things that might be great for some and so so for others.

I do like the standard draft control though, I didn't get it on my 5740, but wish I had.

Have you actually even seen the location of that lever on the Kioti? What you're talking about, brush & limbs... well that would be extremely unlikely to happen.

While it might not be a game changer, it's a fantastic idea that I think, eventually, every manufacturer will adapt.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I do like the standard draft control though, I didn't get it on my 5740, but wish I had.

It can always be added.

I think just to keep this going, throw out the HST comparisons and compare gear only. Now what are the differences? Doesn't that get the DK and the Grand L pretty darn close? :confused3:

 

[lilranch2001]

My biggest complaint about the Kubotas when I looked for a new tractor 4 years ago was quality of minor parts (levers, shifters n so on) and fit and finish.
I visited every Bota dealer in the area and all their stock was the same

 

[coobie]

We are not brand loyal in this house. But of course. My son loves kubota ... This is his cake my wife just brought home

View attachment 327277

Of course my 3 year old has a completely independent mind and not influenced by dad at all.

Very cool cake but to bad it doesn,t say Kioti.Just kidding,I own a kioti DK40 hst cab but have a Kubota RTV 900 and recently sold Kubota pro 326 diesel ZTR.IMHO both make very fine products.Happy birthday to your son.coobie

 

[murphy1244]

I will soon have a Kubota engine in my Ventrac.4500 series

 

[TripleR]

Have you actually even seen the location of that lever on the Kioti? What you're talking about, brush & limbs... well that would be extremely unlikely to happen.

While it might not be a game changer, it's a fantastic idea that I think, eventually, every manufacturer will adapt.

Nope sure haven't, I just commented on the video and concept in general and would certainly be open to it given more information. For me personally it is a moot point as I can't drive with left foot brakes, one of the reasons I bought before the L60 came out. I don't think I have ever said it was not a good idea in general, "maybe" just not for me.

EDIT: This is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45j9uBK2IwY

It can always be added.

I think just to keep this going, throw out the HST comparisons and compare gear only. Now what are the differences? Doesn't that get the DK and the Grand L pretty darn close? :confused3:

I may check on adding draft control, but I am in the middle of an expensive seat installation and I can always just grab another tractor.

I don't think gear is an option on the Grand L cab models, but taking HST+ out of the equation would really make it a bear to decide as the price difference would be less and as I have previously state quality in my opinion is the same.

 

[crazyal]

It can always be added.

I think just to keep this going, throw out the HST comparisons and compare gear only. Now what are the differences? Doesn't that get the DK and the Grand L pretty darn close? :confused3:

That's kind of like buying a Ferrari and not getting the twin clutch direct shift gearbox that can shift gears in milliseconds.

 

[murphy1244]

That's kind of like buying a Ferrari and not getting the twin clutch direct shift gearbox that can shift gears in milliseconds.

Now that's funny!

 

[KenB2920]

No, the L only comes with HST+.


What a fabulous concept. If all was equal accept I had to pick HST+ or rear 3pt lever, I'd still pick HST+ hands down everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. With that being said, that would be an awesome add on. Obviously stock on your machine but adding it on would be a dream. With having a cab, I literally have to walk around the machine to the one side just to grab the lever to adjust. Now granite it's only once per hook up, but a great option to have. Some people may say, well its just one more thing to break. Well if I got it, I broke it, I'd definitely fix this one. Now just curious, and I am not preaching safety by any stretch. Is it possible to lower an implement on yourself by using this lever? I haven't looked into it to see any photos or videos.

Draft control. I can't speak on something I've never used. As it was stated, HST+ is not needed, agreed. It's just nice to have. I can say I have never needed draft control as I've never used it. With that said, I'd bet if I had it I'd love it. I may look into getting that one too. A nice standard option. I'd rather have an option and not need it, than need it and not have it.

PS, the cake tasted great for all concerned most importantly the boy loved it.

 

[murphy1244]

Sure its possible, its also possible to drive over ones self. Glad your Boy liked his cake. Probally would of asked for seconds if it was a Kioti Cake.

 

[k0ua]

Now just curious, and I am not preaching safety by any stretch. Is it possible to lower an implement on yourself by using this lever? I haven't looked into it to see any photos or videos.

You could definitely do it if you wanted to. Keep in mind that all tractor operation is inherently dangerous, and hookups are the most dangerous times. Think smashed fingers and PTO hazards, and heck guys have even complained about hooking up and then straightening up and bashing their heads on a folded back ROPS. The lever is up high, and on the extreme right, next to the inner side of the fender, but make no mistake, you could easily hurt yourself if you were careless. That said, it is still a really handy feature, because you can see exactly where the lift arm is and make precise adjustments.

James K0UA

 

[murphy1244]

You could definitely do it if you wanted to. Keep in mind that all tractor operation is inherently dangerous, and hookups are the most dangerous times. Think smashed fingers and PTO hazards, and heck guys have even complained about hooking up and then straightening up and bashing their heads on a folded back ROPS. The lever is up high, and on the extreme right, next to the inner side of the fender, but make no mistake, you could easily hurt yourself if you were careless. That said, it is still a really handy feature, because you can see exactly where the lift arm is and make precise adjustments.

James K0UA

I use it with my QH and all my implements save Brush hog are on wheels. So just wheel them to the machine lift up, lock down, connect PTO if used and go!

 

[TripleR]

No, the L only comes with HST+.


What a fabulous concept. If all was equal accept I had to pick HST+ or rear 3pt lever, I'd still pick HST+ hands down everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. With that being said, that would be an awesome add on. Obviously stock on your machine but adding it on would be a dream. With having a cab, I literally have to walk around the machine to the one side just to grab the lever to adjust. Now granite it's only once per hook up, but a great option to have. Some people may say, well its just one more thing to break. Well if I got it, I broke it, I'd definitely fix this one. Now just curious, and I am not preaching safety by any stretch. Is it possible to lower an implement on yourself by using this lever? I haven't looked into it to see any photos or videos.

Draft control. I can't speak on something I've never used. As it was stated, HST+ is not needed, agreed. It's just nice to have. I can say I have never needed draft control as I've never used it. With that said, I'd bet if I had it I'd love it. I may look into getting that one too. A nice standard option. I'd rather have an option and not need it, than need it and not have it.

PS, the cake tasted great for all concerned most importantly the boy loved it.

Another TBN member described to me how he uses a slotted piece of PVC pipe through his back glass to adjust the 3PH to help him hook up and save a trip around the side. I am use to improvising and regularly use canes, crutches, grabbers, sticks etc. to accomplish things so since Kubota doesn't offer the lever, there is a way around it. Agreed it could be handy for some and a great option, I just don't see me using one.

Post #73 contains a pretty good explanation, but it may not count as I have never "seen" one in person, apparently a significant point to some.

I have always thought the perfect tractor for me would be something along the lines of a JoKuoti hybrid or something like it.

In regards to draft control, I like it and my son doesn't, we have it on our M8540, cost will determine if I get it.