So, I’m down to two tractor choices that wii give me the features I need. One is a Kubota MX5400. The other is a Kioti DK 5310SE. After trade in, the Kubota is about $10K more expensive. The Kubota has about 7.5 HP more and looks sturdier built. Features on both are very similar. I’ve driven the neighbors Kioti, and it’s very nice. I could live with the Kioti, but if it gives me trouble, there’s a shortage of dealerships close to me. Kubota has dealers all over the place. I’m a Kubota fan, but trying to be open to Kioti.

And, just in case you ask, here are the features I want: HST, 40 hp min at PTO, extendable lower arms on the 3 point, FEL and grapple, and an air ride seat. Foldable ROPS too.

Kioti has a 3 cylinder diesel. Kubota has a 4 cylinder turbo diesel. Kubota has higher resale, but I’ll prob be dead when the resale happens.

I need comparisons from you guys, whom I trust to give real data.

Without question Kubota

I have owed 3 Kubota's, know folks with Kioti,,spend the extra money.

No data, just opinion.

All day long. The dealer and support structure alone is enough to steer me away from the smaller brands.

You seem to be set on Kubota and they do make a good tractor but have you considered Mahindra? I have have the 5145 and love it. Not sure if they have anything with a hydrostatic that meets the specs you are after though.

They're both good tractors and apples to apples.

With that said - 100% Kubota based upon dealer availability alone in your area.

That's coming from a very pleased Kioti owner.

I have owned two Kubota's and work the heck out of both of them. Big Kubota fan.

BUT... I look at your decision like comparing a Toyota or Honda to a Hyundai. If it's a daily driver then spend the extra $$ on the more dependable higher resale vehicle. If it's only used on occasions and I don't care about resale... I'd keep the extra $10K in my pocket for another day.

Based on these statements, I don't know why you would ever even consider Kioti.

What is even that?

Just remember the grapple will add some weight depending on size you get. Just be aware of your total lift capacity and be sure to factor the implements weight in to it. Lots of guys will get a large heavy one only to find out they can only lift 500lbs. If you're digging up trees and wanting to carry the whole thing off, just keep that in mind. You can do light brush work with either, but you'll want a heavier duty grapple if you want to do any digging. So just depends on what you will be using your tractor for the most.

I have a 1200lb MTL on my skid steer. It is a heavy duty grapple. But I can still lift 4400 lbs with it. You'll have to find a balance if you want a grapple and do ag work as well with your machine.

I feel you answered your own question by stating the Kioti dealerships are far and few between in your area, a solid dealership close by in times of need are invaluable. My other issue is what’s the resale value going to be on that off brand in 10 years and will parts be readily available down the road when you need them? I bet you more than make up for the 10k up front cost during ownership and on the back end for sure.

Kubota all day long. Most people are happy with whatever they choose. Pocket the difference and enjoy the Kioti.

Kubota you've already answered your question.
I've had 2 of them and won't look for anything else.

Kubota all day. Don't cheap out on a tractor.

Ok, the decision is made. I looked at the Kioti today and as we discussed the various add-ons and such, the price increased to about $3k under the Kubota. And the dealership was more of a junk yard than a tractor sales and service place. So, the Kubota MX5400 is what I will buy.

And a question…my present Kubota has water in the rear tires. It came like that. Any thoughts on that being necessary or not. I do shred some on angled ground, and I wonder if filled tires are good for lowering the center of gravity.

You made a good decision. Orphan tractors are never a good idea, historically speaking.

If it was me, I would opt for a weight package for the Kubota instead of doing water/antifreeze in the tires.

I added wheel weights and put stop leak in the tires...mesquite thorns out here.

I did water/antifreeze and run at 23lbs of air pressure in the rears. I have the MX5200 so you'll be the same.

You’ll want weight in the rear with the grapple.

I have owned two Kubota tractors and liked them both. I currently own a Kubota diesel zero turn mower and six Kubota RTV's. I like the brand.

I had a full size Deere farm tractor and needed something smaller to transport back and forth to the ranch. I looked at Kubota and Kioti. Price is always considered but buying either would not have been an issue.

The Kioti was 10k less than a comparable Kubota. I looked at them both and actually liked the Kioti better. I think I might have bought it over the Kubota if they were the same price. I have had it nearly three years and I really like it. Mine is the RX7320.

I like Kubota for reliability and long life.

My L2350DT is 27 years old now, still going strong and has been trouble free.

I’ll call Kubota this morning and get the purchase underway. The Kioti was cheaper than the Kubota, about $3000 less, and was a well set up tractor. I was a bit surprised that the controls on each tractor were very similar and in the same places around the driver. I had driven the neighbor’s Kioti and liked it, and he has done some work for me, with the grapple. Impressive what the Kioti could lift and move, and his is 35 HP, I think. The only significant problem with the Kioti is dealer location. The closest first rate dealer is over 120 miles from me, whereas Kubota has at least 2 dealers inside of 40 miles and 2 more at 75 miles. While I don’t expect any problems with the Kubota, it’s always a possibility, so dealer location is important, or could be. And last, but not least, the Kubota has more HP, and I like that. My present Kubota has 39 HP at the PTO and in the Spring the grass is tall and thick in one back pasture, and at times the tractor will bog down a bit (6’ shredder). The HP bump is 7.5, which should help a bit.

My raggedy a__ shredder is gonna look bad on the back of the new tractor.

And most important of all, the wife is now Ok with a new tractor. That was an issue for a bit.

I have an MX4800 purchased new in 2015 and never had an issue. I also looked at Kioti, but the closest dealer was in Fort Worth, while I have 4 Kubota dealers closer, so no brainer. Loaded tires with water and antifreeze adding about 900# to rear and it makes a huge difference in loader capacity. I don't use the tractor a ton, mostly shredding, gravel drive maintenance, and some bucket work. I have not been disappointed in the machine even once. One of the best uses is filling feeders - instead of making multiple trips in SXS, I just throw a load of bags in the bucket and drive to feeders. Lift the bags over the panels to make it easier to empty into feeder. The tractor is slower getting out to feeders of course, but I'm in no hurry!

603... Out of curiosity what are they giving you for your trade-in? Or are you going to sell your 2008 model?

I might be in the minority here but Kioti makes a great tractor. I went with a Kioti because the dealer is right down the road and I can drive it there without trailering it.

No doubt Kabota make a great tractor but for 10k unless you really needed the extras I would go with Kioti

Dalroo, I use the tractor for feeder loading too. The present tractor gets a lot of use, and a grapple is really gonna lighten the labor on me. Didn’t know I needed one till the neighbor got one. Then it was a Holy Cow moment, and I wanted one too. Just called the dealer and confirmed the purchase. They will deliver the new one and take away the old one, for free. I like that. WCTractor, out of Waco.

I’m trading in the old one, at $13,500. It’s a bit low, in my view, but a simple deal, and simple is good. And the wife looked up when we actually bought the tractor, and it’s a 2005 model. Older than I thought. It really is hard to believe that I’ve had it for 18 years. Doesn’t seem possible.

They’ll put water and antifreeze in the tires. Cheaper than wheel weights. And they are tubeless tires, which I was hoping.

Bradybuck, when all was calculated, the cost diff shrank to $3000. And I don’t have a Kioti dealer that I’d use inside 120 miles.