Looked at First Kioti today......

[12Bravo]

Went to a dealership about 65 miles from me, so happened they had Kioti and LS tractors there.

Looked at an LS G3038 Shuttle, quoted $24,500 with FEL and BH out the door price. Not sure if that's any good.

But I also looked at a CK2510 Shuttle with FEL and BH at $19,246 delivered.

What say you?

 

[k0ua]

Went to a dealership about 65 miles from me, so happened they had Kioti and LS tractors there.

Looked at an LS G3038 Shuttle, quoted $24,500 with FEL and BH out the door price. Not sure if that's any good.

But I also looked at a CK2510 Shuttle with FEL and BH at $19,246 delivered.

What say you?

Arent they two different sizes of tractors? Which size do you need the most? In other words, can you do all the things you need to do in the time it will take to do them with the smaller Kioti? Or do you need the extra "grunt" the LS will deliver? What about things like rear remotes, and SSQA for grapples etc. Doesn't the LS come standard with SSQA?.. I would not own a tractor without that. I love my Kioti, and it sounds like I am talking up the LS, but I think you are comparing oranges to blueberries Sure you can compare them, but you have to take all of their strengths and weakness's into consideration.

 

[12Bravo]

Arent they two different sizes of tractors? Which size do you need the most? In other words, can you do all the things you need to do in the time it will take to do them with the smaller Kioti? Or do you need the extra "grunt" the LS will deliver? What about things like rear remotes, and SSQA for grapples etc. Doesn't the LS come standard with SSQA?.. I would not own a tractor without that. I love my Kioti, and it sounds like I am talking up the LS, but I think you are comparing oranges to blueberries Sure you can compare them, but you have to take all of their strengths and weakness's into consideration.

Right now I am in the market for a Tractor with a Backhoe. That's about as much as I can say, I am still learning about remotes and other items. While I have an idea of what I need and what I want, I actually won't know for sure until I have a tractor and have experience around the property. I know this sounds funny, but learning from experience is important too. I don't see myself in the future adding anything like a snowblower or hydraulic thumb on the BH. Mechanical will be fine and FEl grapples, while it sounds nice, I just don't a huge need for it. That would be a luxury if and when I could afford one.

Looking at the LS it does come with SSQA and it has 600#'s more lifting force available. Larger foot print which is not really a plus, woods and some tight trails I will be working on.

Honestly the Kioti is a good size for what I need to do around the property, except move logs. Which is why I was looking at the LS, larger size about the same price point.

 

[k0ua]

Right now I am in the market for a Tractor with a Backhoe. That's about as much as I can say, I am still learning about remotes and other items. While I have an idea of what I need and what I want, I actually won't know for sure until I have a tractor and have experience around the property. I know this sounds funny, but learning from experience is important too. I don't see myself in the future adding anything like a snowblower or hydraulic thumb on the BH. Mechanical will be fine and FEl grapples, while it sounds nice, I just don't a huge need for it. That would be a luxury if and when I could afford one.

Looking at the LS it does come with SSQA and it has 600#'s more lifting force available. Larger foot print which is not really a plus, woods and some tight trails I will be working on.

Honestly the Kioti is a good size for what I need to do around the property, except move logs. Which is why I was looking at the LS, larger size about the same price point.

If you are satisfied that the Kioti will do the things you need done in the time you have to do them. Then by all means get the Kioti. It just would not be be enough for me in some of the things I do. I had a tractor about that size here, a Kubota B7500, for 8 years. It would do most things but some things it just didn't have enough. Also having learned about SSQA. and how useful grapples and forks are, I could not go back. The ability to grab a big old log that is in your way and just drive off with it in a few seconds is worth something to me. I use it a lot for moving big rocks too.

 

[rgr33]

You are looking at the same two brands that I came down to when I bought my last tractor. Either way, I think you will end up with a good product. I agree with James though, you need to determine the size and features you need, then comparison shop for that choice.
I will say though, that one lesson I learned the hard way, always get a bigger tractor and a bigger barn than you think you need, and sooner or later you'll be glad you did.

 

[murphy1244]

Get some seat time and the right machine will come out.

 

[12Bravo]

Arent they two different sizes of tractors? Which size do you need the most? In other words, can you do all the things you need to do in the time it will take to do them with the smaller Kioti? Or do you need the extra "grunt" the LS will deliver? What about things like rear remotes, and SSQA for grapples etc. Doesn't the LS come standard with SSQA?.. I would not own a tractor without that. I love my Kioti, and it sounds like I am talking up the LS, but I think you are comparing oranges to blueberries Sure you can compare them, but you have to take all of their strengths and weakness's into consideration.

Right now I am in the market for a Tractor with a Backhoe. That's about as much as I can say, I am still learning about remotes and other items. While I have an idea of what I need and what I want, I actually won't know for sure until I have a tractor and have experience around the property. I know this sounds funny, but learning from experience is important too. I don't see myself in the future adding anything like a snowblower or hydraulic thumb on the BH. Mechanical will be fine and FEl grapples, while it sounds nice, I just don't a huge need for it. That would be a luxury if and when I could afford one.

Looking at the LS it does come with SSQA and it has 600#'s more lifting force available. Larger foot print which is not really a plus, woods and some tight trails I will be working on.

Honestly the Kioti is a good size for what I need to do around the property, except move logs. Which is why I was looking at the LS, larger size about the same price point.

 

[NC419N]

"Honestly the Kioti is a good size for what I need to do around the property, except move logs. Which is why I was looking at the LS, larger size about the same price point."

The way I figure $ there is a 5,254 price difference the Kioti and the LS
I think that you can get a larger Kioti than the CK2510 with that money
Compare Apples to Apples in size first
Both LS and Kioti are quality machines I would buy from the best Local Dealer that you feel comfortable with an comparable price.
But that is just my .02

 

[JFoy]

Don't know if this is relevant or not to you but if you want a mid mount mower (MMM), the CK2510 is supposed to have one coming out in March. However, as I understand it from the local Kioti mechanic, you can't use the MMM with the back hoe (BH) attached because the BH sub-frame is in the way of the MMM. You'd have to add / remove that sub-frame and it's a couple hundred pounds. That's why I ended up getting the Kubota BX25D - can have both, no problem.

 

[handtools]

" You'd have to add / remove that sub-frame and it's a couple hundred pounds"

The backhoe and subframe come off as one unit. I can remove/install mine in 5 minutes or so.


"The way I figure $ there is a 5,254 price difference the Kioti and the LS
I think that you can get a larger Kioti than the CK2510 with that money"

I agree with this, should be able to get a CK3510 or maybe a leftover CK30 for about the same as the LS.

 

[VictorW]

Whether a LS or Kioti, I don't think you can go wrong with either brand. There never seems to be the perfect sized tractor for everything you want to do. My CK30hst does well the majority of the work I do. There has been times I would like something bigger for certain jobs but I can still get most of them done. It just takes longer but then there are times that I just can't lift or haul what I would like to. A good way is the pro and con list for both. You pretty much know what you want to do with the tractor including it's weight, size, strength, and price difference. List these and then check off which tractor can fit the jobs. Each will have their plus and minus traits. Figure out which traits you're willing to compromise on and which you are not, along with; is the extra money worth this. If you tell the dealer what your going to do with the tractor, he should be able to advise. Also as mentioned, maybe check out a larger Kioti and see where the price point is compared to the LS. Good luck.

 

[GPintheMitten]

What are you going to do with it? What size logs, how often? How many acres, mowing with it or not?

I would look for SSQA, and 2 rear remotes regardless of size and brand. Match the implements to your use and get a tractor that is the best compromise for needs and budget.

Once you get it down to a particular size and capability then shop brands.

 

[Gittyup]

Weight is king with backhoes. Get the bigger tractor. And, I agree, you should at least look at and compare the LS to a CK30 or CK35. These are more comparable in performance and price. If you go small you will wish for more.

 

[12Bravo]

Weight is king with backhoes. Get the bigger tractor. And, I agree, you should at least look at and compare the LS to a CK30 or CK35. These are more comparable in performance and price. If you go small you will wish for more.

One of the biggest issues with the larger machines is getting into and around in the woods. I don't want to cut "Roads" in for my tractor to fit. I would rather have the trails be just a bit larger than ATV size. So the larger tractors would be limited to on trail and around the house, which is only .5 acres, rest of the 7 acres is wooded.

What are you going to do with it? What size logs, how often? How many acres, mowing with it or not?

I would look for SSQA, and 2 rear remotes regardless of size and brand. Match the implements to your use and get a tractor that is the best compromise for needs and budget.

Once you get it down to a particular size and capability then shop brands.

Plans for the tractor, digging out stumps, digging foundations for cabin and home addition, grading driveway, trenching new water and electric lines, ATV trail maintenance and cutting new trails (7 Acres).

Logs will vary but most logs will be smaller than 18" diameter and around 10' long. I was figuring most will weight less than 1000#'s, but some will be a bit more. The larger ones I was hoping to just hook to 3PT and lift front end and drag out. I have a sled I made from some logs as a skidder, works great behind the ATV. But not sure how much the tractors can drag compared to my ATV. I've pulled some pretty large logs behind the Honda Rancher!

 

[VictorW]

My CK30hst can out pull my Honda Rancher easily so don't worry about that. The bigger logs on the fel with forks will be tough and you'll be dragging. My CK has a five foot fel bucket and is 63 inches wide with R4 tires so I guess a minimum six foot trail. Sounds like the smaller size is an overall better fit. The foundations will just take you a little more time but still do-able.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I agree that the smaller would be a better fit for you.

 

[12Bravo]

I agree that the smaller would be a better fit for you.

That's kind of what I have been thinking, but the little voice that keeps saying.....GO BIGGER! But bigger is not always better...

 

[k0ua]

That's kind of what I have been thinking, but the little voice that keeps saying.....GO BIGGER! But bigger is not always better...

It isn't always better, but it often is. Again it just depends on your application. As for the up to 1000 lb logs, I think the Kioti will drag them just fine. Now if you wanted to lift them with forks or a grapple.. THAT is a different story. You mentioned you don't need forks or a grapple.. All well and good, as long as your needs don't change. IF they do... Well you will rue the day you did not get the larger tractor with SSQA.

Here you can see my struggle getting a tractor without SSQA and wanting a set of forks later on by clicking here.

 

[TSO]

Tractors shrink very quickly once you get a few hours on them.

Really, the overall size isn't gonna be all that much bigger on that LS. It may seem like it right now, but once you get some hours obj them you'll see that it isn't really much different. I'm not sure, but isn't that LS also about 5' wide?

Also, what are the operational differences between the two backhoes? $5k is alot of money, sure... But if this is a tractor you'll keep, you'll appreciate the extra power for the life of ownership.

 

[TSO]

I'll also add... I have owned both of these brands and they're both good, both here to stay. The LS machines I owned had a better reliability record than the Kioti I owned, but I wouldn't recommend against either one.