Buying Advice Narrowing it down: Kioti DK5310SE HC versus LS XR4150HC versus

[Dr Gas]

It's time to make a choice. We have 17 acres, small pasture, large pond and 1000' of steep gravel driveway, 2 parking areas, adjoining the BLM in very snowy Alta WY at 6600' elevation. Primary job is snow blowing and snow pushing in the winter and bush hogging, pond deepening, firewood gathering, driveway maintenance and harrowing in the other seasons. Both tractors are to be equipped with a cab, HST and: loader, backhoe, rotary cutter, rear PTO snowblower and pallet forks. Kioti dealer is 75 miles away and LS is 100 miles away. Kioti dealer is long established with a good reputation and the LS dealer has been around for four years as LS dealer and also has a good reputation. I have called references for both. Both quotes are within a few dollars of each other! I am giving a slight edge to the LS tractor because it is 400 lbs heavier, better hydraulics layout, cruise control, 2" longer wheelbase, 3 remotes. The Kioti is **** similar and is perhaps more well known. TYM dealer is on a shoestring and will not last. Deere, Kubota and Massey Ferguson are 20%+ more expensive so I'm going to go Korean I think. Both engines are 3 cylinder turbo's around 1850 cc displacement. The Kioti has more hydraulic gpm, greater loader height but the cab is not quite as comfortable or well laid out. I'm able to pay cash so financing is not a factor. Going with R1 Ag tires with beet juice on either tractor. Probably chains for the front tires as well.

So, tell me what you think fellas!

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[NBHAracer]

I just purchased a DK4710SE HC about a month and a half ago, and couldn't be happier. And this is coming from someone who just switched from John Deere. [Disclaimer: I loved the JD. I would have stayed with them if they were more affordable. I just got a lot more value for my dollar with Kioti than the Deere.] I have 16 acres, and use the tractor for much of the same tasks you do. So far it has exceeded my expectations. You won't notice a 400lbs difference when both tractors are roughly 4000 pounds. A two inch longer wheel base doesn't really add much to the equation, but does make the turning radius slightly longer. (The Kioti has an amazing turning radius!) And the Kioti dealer is able to install cruise control on your DK10 tractor if you want it. I had it installed in mine. So that's no longer an advantage the LS holds. To me, I'd go with the Kioti. When I was in the buying process, I narrowed my options down to the Kioti and the RK (TYM) tractor. I went with the Kioti even though it was $1K - $2K more than the RK. And so far, I'm glad I did. This tractor is a beast. In fact the only "con" I have with the tractor is that it has such a high hydraulic gpm (compared to other tractors), that it flings the lid of my grapple open and shut. I can only depress the third function button for about a half second before I have to let up.

 

[Rebeldad1]

Since you are posting this on the Kioti forum you must be leaning towards the Kioti.
I really like mine.

 

[LouNY]

They both seem to be decent tractors, the LS has a third SCV which is handy, hard to have too many.
I'd say to go with the one that has the best fitting layout and most comfortable cab for you.

 

[SmallTimin]

Just purchased a Kioti 7320, and I was between it and the 74 horse LS. I liked all the standard features the LS came with like three remotes and self leveling bucket. Well the kioti has the self leveler and ended up being cheaper with a couple attachments than the LS. My main reason to go with Kioti was the dealer is only 15-20 minutes away versus LS being an hour+, plus the cab was a little bigger in the Kioti. I致e only put 11 hours on the Kioti since receiving it last week, but I致e really enjoyed it. I say whichever has the best dealer support and whichever tractor you fit in the best. No point in spending money on a tractor that youæ±*e not comfortable in. Just my 2 cents.

 

[PA hayseed]

A couple of other variables to consider, since you have a long way to go to get to a dealer. Will either dealer send a mechanic on site? 150 miles-200 miles is gas, wear and tear, and time. Which dealer will pick up and drop off if needed, and what is the charge for that service, as well as their service/hr charges? I have a truck and trailer, but have been in a bind where I had no time to take it to the shop. Under warranty does the dealer pick up/drop off for you?

When you sit in them, and use the controls, which one is more comfortable? If you spend hours in the seat, the difference will be substantial over time. When getting in and out of the operators station/cab, do you bump into anything? do all the windows open on both? AC is nice, but on a cool day I want open windows (depending on dust I am kicking up). What about visibility? Can you see forks/plow, do the headlights get blocked by the loader? Does it come with standard telescoping links or other features that make the machine easier to use? Does it come standard with extra lights, if not whats the cost (back lights, top work lights, are they adjustable)? How much is the maintenance (hydraulic fluids, oil, filters, gear oil). It adds up over time.

I was torn when I bought my last tractor, to either go with kioti again or to go with another brand (difference in price was minimal - well minimal for that price of tractor). In the end it really came down to the dealer for me. I call him with questions sometimes and he will take the time to talk to me about things that he isn't selling me. That was worth it to me. The only thing I really don't like on my tractor is that I kind of have to get in on one side of the cab, the other is just too tight/annoying to get in. When you jumping in and out of the tractor, changing equipment, doing the hand work that that the tractor can't do, it gets old.

Good luck on your search, hope it turns out well for you. These are expensive items.