No nearby Kioti dealer, shop Kioti anyway?

[davrow]

I finally called my local (25 miles) Kubota dealer for a quote on a BX25D. Sticker shock!

I want between 20-34 horsepower in the smallest quality tractor I can find. Been considering BX25, Mahindra Max (158 miles), LS (none in California as far as I can tell) and Kioti. Probably a CK.

I want an FEL, a backhoe, and 2 additional hydraulic remotes (top&tilt rear, grapple front). Kubota wants 2200 to add 2 remotes!

I really wanted to do business locally, but 22,000 just for a new subcompact tlb isn't going to work for me.

Question is, keep looking for a local used tlb, or get a Kioti quote from a distant dealer I will never meet? And can I realistically expect better pricing for a comparable Kioti?

Thanks,

Dave in San Diego

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That's a tough call. I was interested in Kioti, but there weren't any dealers near me, so I had written them off. Then, late in my buying process (when I was deciding between a Kubota and a LS), my nearest dealer picked up Kioti (they are now a New Holland/Mahindra/Kioti dealer). That was a game changer for me.

But I would not have bought one from a distant dealer. I'm not a mechanic - don't have the skills or the time - and need local dealer support for any problems, issues or major service.

Have you looked at trying to find a used BX24 or BX23 to save some bucks? I just bought a BX23 with 225 hours on it for about 1/2 of retail price of a new BX25. I'd rather have a BX25, but not for the cost difference.

 

[davrow]

Pappy - I've been looking at used for months. The right one just isn't showing up!

But, I just found out there is a local Kioti dealer 40 miles away. I'll be calling them tomorrow.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Sounds like a plan! 40 miles is very do-able.

 

[Coyote machine]

Kioti comparable, YES! Better pricing, and way more standard features, and longer warranty. Let us know if you have any questions about which one best suits your needs.

 

[TripleR]

Agreed, forty miles is good, we have a Kubota dealer eighteen miles away, but use the one forty plus. My brother wanted a Kioti and went out of state to get it, he is an excellent mechanic and it will never see a dealer, so that worked for him.

 

[LindenBruce]

It looks like the closest LS dealer to the OP is in Bakersfield, sum 200 miles away. California has gotten aggressive in enforcing it's internet sales tax laws. But I don't know if they are going after out of state tractor buyers. I think someone posted recently on this forum, or hinted at, that this is happening. How they would know is beyond me. Unless the finance companies are sending notices of sale to the state. Which is a real bummer because buying out of state has been appealing due to the lower cost of the units. B.

 

[Gittyup]

I bought from a Kioti dealer over 250 miles away. Never saw him in person nor the tractor before delivery. Never gave it a second thought. Most tractors see the dealer once or twice, if that, in their entire lifetime. You do have to know about the dealer though and definitely drive the tractor model. A large part of not having to take it back is dealer prep. This is sooooo important. Second is knowing the dealer will stand by you if you have problems. I have closer dealers, but got a better price from afar (by a lot). Routine maintenance parts I buy by mail or locally at big box stores.

I've had my Kioti since 2006. Hasn't been to the dealer. Dealer did come to me twice and did field repairs in the first 18 months under warranty. I just had to pay for travel. I have a JD425 garden tractor. It's 20 years old. Been to the dealer once. I think too much importance is given to proximity of dealer. A quality dealer is the real metric.

And for about $20 - 22K you will getting way more tractor with the CK compared to a BX. But, I wouldn't dismiss the CK20. Some good deals on those now that the CK2510 is replacing it. The CK20 isn't the greatest mower, but it's one heck of a good dirt mover. It will outperform the BX easily. The Mahindra Max's are pretty nice too. Might want to consider Bobcat, if you there is a dealer close enough with some inventory. They are white Kioti's mostly and BC has been offering great incentives to move them as they are getting out of the tractor business. You can always get the BC serviced and parts com Kioti.

 

[davrow]

LindenBruce, "It looks like the closest LS dealer to the OP is in Bakersfield". Where did you find that? Who is it?

Bakersfield is also the nearest Mahindra dealer. May be same dealer. Looks like a three hour tour :laughing: is in my future!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

LindenBruce, "It looks like the closest LS dealer to the OP is in Bakersfield". Where did you find that? Who is it?

Bakersfield is also the nearest Mahindra dealer. May be same dealer. Looks like a three hour tour :laughing: is in my future!

LS dealer over in Benson Arizona. Has very good deals. If you can wait a few months, go up to Tulare 2nd week of Feb, Tue, Weds and Thurs and get a unit at the World AG Expo. Everything is there and you can check them all out before you buy. You can save big money, they don't have to haul the machine back, a win win for everyone. :thumbsup: Hard to go wrong if you look at them ALL.