Which of these is the better choice?

Oldmisery

Member
I have 2 quotes for a compact tractor I'm looking at buying. Can I get some advice on which should I get (it's my first time buying a tractor)? Kioti CK3510se for around $32K or a Bobcat CT2040 for around $32K as well (see the pictures of the quotes). Something to consider: Bobcat has a dealer very close to me, but the Kioti dealer is 3 hours away. I will be using it, mostly, for snow removal, mowing ~3 acres, and maintaining my gravel driveway. Thanks so much for any thoughts you might have! Oh, and we think we want to go new to take advantage of the 0% APR and because I am not a good mechanic, plus I work a ton so my wife wanted something very reliable (and easy to use) she could use when I'm gone.
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All else being more or less equal, go for the Bobcat. A parts run for the Kioti
would be almost a full day ordeal....

Either tractor will serve you well.

Ben
 
Your last sentence should steer you away from either. They are not very reliable . You are paying
premium price for a off brand tractor, please go look at a John Deer or Kubota in three years you
will be saying I sure am glad I listened to that old man.
 
My advice is to spend a bit more and go with a Kubota unit. Much better machine and they have a very good
finance program. Plus if you were to ever want to sell or trade up the Kubota will hold a better value.
 
That is disappointing to hear. We looked at Kubota and JD but both dealers were so far away we ruled them both out. I have heard a lot of good things about them though. Thanks for the honest input!
 
We did look at Kubota, but the day we drove out to check it out (4 hours each way), it was very cold out and the dealer could not even get a tractor started for us to test drive. It put such a sour taste in our mouths that we just decided to go with a different manufacturer. I Really appreciate you honest opinion.
 
I have to agree with Old Ford Mechanic.

When I was shopping for a replacement for my John Deere 750, I looked at Kioti and the build quality and attention to detail just wasn't there. I went with the Kubota.

And the Bobcat is a Korean made import. Haven't actually laid eyes on one, but I'd suspect the same issues.

Finally, dealer support is everything. Bobcat and Kioti are (usually) short line additions. If the dealer is selling tractors as a sideline to some other product, I'd avoid them. My Kubota dealer started out in the 1950's selling Allis Chalmers tractors and implements and Ag sales has always been their primary business.
 
I didn't see a front end loader listed on the second estimate. The front end loader with a 66 inch bucket should move more snow than a box blade.

Shipping to your door can be less costly than driving to a dealership.
 
Lots of both bobcat and kubotas around here since both
dealers are good and close. My brother has a kioti and likes it.
My brother had a jd and a Massey compact before and likes
his kioti better.
 
Thanks for your thoughts! I looked at both and I can't really tell a difference, but I'm a novice so what do I know.
 
You are too far from the Kioti especially if you are mechanically challenged. Bobcat is a very good brand also. I recommend wheel weight instead of corrosive liquid in tires. Also some sort of operator weather protection is recommended.
 


Both are Korean made and from what I have seen and heard about both of them over the years I would call them both mid grade. They are both made in Korea. Now a Kubota is positively high grade, and cost of ownership is extremely low due to the resale value. I have had Kubotas since 1986 and have needed very few parts.
 
Thanks Jon. I have a friend that has a small hobby farm and he has had a Kioti for 9 years and has been happy, but you never know.
 
Thanks for the nod to Kubota. I had a disappointing experience at their dealership and it turned me off to them, but maybe it is worth another day trip out there to check it out again
 
I don't know anything about the Bobcat tractor.
We have a Kioti dealer about 6 miles away and they sell a lot of tractors.
I prefer Kubota myself but would look at a Kioti if I were in the market for a new tractor.
My used Kubota I bought over a year ago is a great tractor.
Richard in NW SC
 
If you are gone a lot or you or your wife is not a repair it yourself then the closer dealer is a big
advantage. If a repair is simple the closer might be more likely to help while the 3 hour trip would more
likely haul the tractor in and get to it when they have something else in the area.
Also, consider the reputation of the dealer. Try to talk to others that have dealt with them.
 
Yes a loader would better than a rear blade especially in deep snow. Will blade rotate so driver can push snow? A angleing blade on the front would be handier. How about a snow blower? Many ways to go with. Tire chains may be a must also?
 
Yes the blade can be rotated. I like the front blade idea better, but it will cost more. I wasn't thinking I needed a snow blower; I live on a steep hill so I have lots of space to push snow off.
 
I'm a Kubota fan (own 5).

That said, if I had other viable options I would not buy a tractor from anyone if the dealership is 3 or 4 hours away.

Dean
 
I don't know much about either brand,
everyone around here either has a jd or a
Kubota. I would probably go with the
closer one though. If it gets cold make
sure you either have a block heater or a
heated shop to keep it in.
 
I have 8 JohnnDeers but my favorite is my Bobcat ct335 which has 1458 hrs of good service with just a couple minor problems which the dealer jumped
on and had it back in service the same day under warranty. One was an Oring that leaked on hydraulics and other was my fault for disconnecting seat
switch and jumper fell out. Bobcat has good supply of parts in US and has 3 year complete warranty. I just traded for a 5545. Dealer being close is
everything. Mine will start below zero without being plugged in, had to try it!
 
The Bob Cat is just a Kioti painted white pure and simple made on the same line in the same plant with the same engine.
 
I'm glad I listened to you.
I grateful my Kubota, Case IH dealer is in the middle of town, 8 miles away, been in business since 1967.
I haven't started mine in months. Hopefully it will start if I get the SNOW they are forecasting this week.
George
 
I have a CK35 Kioti and love it. I have a bit less than 1000 hours and what problems i have had were from
piling brush with the loader. I think it is a very good tractor, but the parts are costly
 
I have an L5030.
Cranks easy and plenty of power.
Strong hydraulics.
It has turf tires on it since it just pulled a trailer with irrigation equipment at a golf course.
I want to get real tractor tires on it.
It is 4 WD also.
Paid $4500 for it from a friend and it had new battery and new rear tires came with it and I put them on with water and antifreeze in them.
I feel very fortunate to have it.
Richard
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Either one will probably do you so I would go with the closes dealer.

You ask for our thoughts so here's mine. First I would go with a Deere or Kubota depending if there is a
dealer around. As a owner of four Kubota's that would be number one choice. You really shouldn't have to
worry much about parts for a long time for either of those brands as they shouldn't need much other than
filters and such which you can get on line. I would also consider New Holland or Case IH. I trade
tractors a lot so I like the resale value on the brands I mentioned. I do have one 1988 model Kubota
which parts are not a problem getting. I'm not sure if that would be the same for your two choices. I
also have numerous Kubota, Deere, New Holland, and CIH dealers that have been around forever. The Bobcat
and Kioti dealers around me haven't been around that long. Just saying.
 
Know a guy that had the use of a Kioti several years ago who said the gear shift didn't work very good and as far as the
whole tractor was concerned he wouldn't buy one.
 
I would only purchase with 4 x 4 and FEL for either one in that size. I have a Kubota L3200 and I use both features all the time. Especially the FEL.
You may say you'll never get stuck but those two features will get you out most likely. Wingnut
 
My thoughts.
I would recommend a Kubota Grand L3560 HSTC with cab and a LA555 front loader. Get the R4 tires. Around 35 hp and can be purchased for less than your quote. There is the Limited edition or the standard edition. I have standard. Limited is usually less expensive and has less options.
 
how can one be better then the other they are the same tractor made in the same factory just differnt paint ?
 
Marlow ..... interesting reply, I did some Googling. Sounds like you are correct in that the two companies seem to have now merged, or at least Bobcat has sort of blended into the Kioti market for their tractors of that size. Just how much of that merging has ended up in the actual production line isn't made too clear in this article below (see link) but it would appear that you are correct, the agreement goes back to 2019 and is continuing till 2024. So maybe all the "which one is best" is not really a discussion topic after all.
Untitled URL Link
 
?? do either one come with a CAB, if not I would not buy either one or they would have to add it to the deal . Lets face it , the weather is not getting any warmer and we getting older... LOL.
 
Yeah, but they don't service each others tractors. Plus, the bids I got include different implements and attachment manufacturers (e.g. Kioti has mostly Woods brand stuff)
 
That would be my recommendation. Kubota has developed a better reputation for service and support. To many of the other brands and the paint engineered specials
often see the owners stranded with a tractor needing repairs and no parts or service available. If it's a New Holland or one of their legacy brands or a John Deere
or Allis or Massey and the folks who actually made it go out of business, get merged away or split with the company that sold them here you end up with a tractor
that's not really broken that bad but can't be fixed for want of a few hundred dollars worth of parts. When I was a kid growing up our local New Holland dealer, as
in New Holland before Ford bought them, was a good dealer. They took on Leyland tractors to get into tractor sales Wasn't to long before they had customers who
needed their Leyland tractor fixed and they sure wanted to fix it but parts were an issue.
 
I have a Kubota L3400 that I have used on my acreage for quite a few years now and have been very happy with it. Almost entirely loader and snowblower work. Has never failed to start. With a fel you will definitely benefit from counter-wieghting as I soon found out. I had my rears filled with rimguard(beet juice) and have been very satisfied with it. Kinda pricey but non-corroding like calcium chloride is, and has a very low freezing point. I looked at Kioti and Mahindra if memory serves but ended up with the Kubota. Have not been back to the dealer for anything yet aside from filters and sometimes oil.
 
thanks wisbaker for the education! The ends and outs of how tractor manufacturers has shifted is fascinating (but makes picking the right tractor more complicated)
 
Thanks IowaWill for sharing your experiences. I can't believe how many folks swear by Kubota. I jokingly told my wife I think the website is mostly Kubota dealers haha
 
Dang Richard! That's a DEAL. I wish I could find something like that. Problem is, when it comes to used, I can't tell a great used tractor from a lemon. That's why I was planning on new.
 
I know nothing about the Bobcat line so cannot comment.

We have a relatively new Kioti dealership in my area. I know both the named owner and the silent (real) owner. Both have been in the tractor/implement business their entire adult lives (decades and decades)
and have good reputations so I would not be hesitant to buy a Kioti in these circumstances. Not sure in other circumstances. I've seen Kioti dealerships come and go when the factory floor plan financing
vanishes.

Dean
 
I do not know what you are asking but here is what do. Call your bob cat dealer get the part
number for the fuel cap on the tractor then ask him if he has it in stock. After that try say the
radiator Not unusual for you to fuel the tractor drive off and forget the cap, then two weeks
later you run a limb thru the radiator. I know a guy that waited over 5 months for a radiator for
a Kioti. Can,t think the bob cat dealer is going to have a lot of parts for the tractor. Bob Cat
is big in skid steers and like I said Kioti gave them the tractors for 4 years then they gave up
for two and now have them back but who know for how long. Just buy ANYTHING but the bobcat in two
years it will be worth less than half , just not a brand that sells. I know you are leaning on
service but you are not going to need service if you buy KUBOTA. We are a woods dealer and you
woods quote is hig for me but then out west there probably is more freight.
 
Thanks Dean. The Kioti dealer a few hours from me has been around for a looong time. That gave me some confidence.
 
Now this is all free advice, so you are getting
exactly what you are paying for, my opinion. First if
you want to do loader work, you buy a loader, if you
want to cut grass, buy a lawnmower. Don’t buy one
unit and think it will be good for both jobs, you won’t
be happy in the end. And here’s why. Yes loaders
come on and off, and so do mower decks, but it’s
such a pain in the backside to take the mower off to
do a little loader work, and I’ll be careful. Next thing
you know, the mower deck is caught up on a stump
or hump and something gets bent and what the
heck this thing don’t go on and off easy like it used
to!!
Buy a zero turn lawnmower to cut your grass, and
get the tractor loader to clear your snow and do
your routing around in the dirt. One other opinion,
buy either a JD or a Kubota. You will want to sell
these toys one day, and these two brands will hold
value, the two you named... not so much. My
opinion
 
Hey jm, ugh that sounds like a nightmare waiting on parts. I'll try out the call for parts idea you suggested. So, would you buy a Kubota even though it is 4 hours away (and trough mountains)? Please bare in mind that I went all the way out there last week and they could not even get one started for me to test drive (no disrespect to the brand or dealer intended).
 
Be advised that, unlike automobiles, so-called special edition tractors are almost always cost reduced versions lacking some of the bells and whistles of the non "special edition" versions.

Might want to carefully compare the Kioti SE model to the standard version to find out what has been left off.

Dean
 
Just for fun send me you zip code. Around these parts you can,t go 50 miles anywhere without a
Kubota dealer . Hard for me to think about a guy living where it is 200 miles to a dealer but you
should know. I am just scared of the BobCat , I do not think the agreement will last.
 
(quoted from post at 14:49:46 02/14/21) Just for fun send me you zip code. Around these parts you can,t go 50 miles anywhere without a
Kubota dealer . Hard for me to think about a guy living where it is 200 miles to a dealer but you
should know. I am just scared of the BobCat , I do not think the agreement will last.
2716
 
Being Realistic what kind of part will you ever need that you could install on the tractor you own other than filters? I have a Cub Cadet built by Mitsubishi
that is about 20 years old with about 1400 hrs that I have known of since it was new.The only real repair that has been done on it was I replaced the glow plugs,they were about $5 each from the local NAPA store.No more than it sounds like you will use a tractor it should run for years without any repairs.If I were going to buy a compact tractor now I'd be looking hard a Yanmar or Yanmar built tractor.Main thing is don't get in a big rush and buy something you regret buying.
 
(quoted from post at 15:03:09 02/14/21) Being Realistic what kind of part will you ever need that you could install on the tractor you own other than filters? I have a Cub Cadet built by Mitsubishi
that is about 20 years old with about 1400 hrs that I have known of since it was new.The only real repair that has been done on it was I replaced the glow plugs,they were about $5 each from the local NAPA store.No more than it sounds like you will use a tractor it should run for years without any repairs.If I were going to buy a compact tractor now I'd be looking hard a Yanmar or Yanmar built tractor.Main thing is don't get in a big rush and buy something you regret buying.
hanks for the advice. I AM in a hurry, haha, the snow is piling up in mi driveway and my stupid JD X350 can't move it a foot without running out of power
 
Should be someone in your area that pushes snow you could hire to push a driveway.Heck I'd come over on my Oliver 1365 4WD drive and let you see what
a real tractor can do.(LOL)
 
(quoted from post at 15:12:41 02/14/21) Should be someone in your area that pushes snow you could hire to push a driveway.Heck I'd come over on my Oliver 1365 4WD drive and let you see what
a real tractor can do.(LOL)
ome on! Haha, there are. I'm just too cheap to pay and too proud to ask a neighbor/friend
 
Bruce I have already talked him out of the deck , he is going to rear three point finish mower , for the reason you point out.
 
well before i would even consider buying those wanna be tractors , i would be looking around for a used unit. just takes some looking as
people buy stuff then change their mind and want different. saying this i am referring to kobota, john deere or there is those mccormicks
out now. my brother bought a like new used kobota with roto tiller and loader for just over 1/2 price of new and the tractor is like new
with very low hrs. its about the size of these you have here. just saying "why buy new when used will do"!
 
I've had my 3005 john deere for 15 years so far it's never been back to dealer. Great machine for hobby farm.If i had to choose it would be kioti over the bobcat
 
My dad has had a John Deere for 10 years
and put a couple thousand hours on it
moving snow, mowing, and loader work and
he loves the hydrostatic transmission with
foot pedals for forward and reverse over a
clutch. He has found that it is very light
in the back for serious loader work and
that 4wd is very nice, especially when
something heavy is on the back. His only
regret is that it doesn't have a cab for
snow removal. He uses a 3point blower and
it covers him in snow when he uses it. He
has had some problems with mice chewing
wires causing electrical problems.

My experience with woods equipment is that
they make great bushhogs. My dad has one
that hasn't had an oil change in at least
20 years and when I opened the gearbox to
check the oil last summer it had no oil in
it. It still worked fine for who knows how
long without oil.
 
You'd better look at the two machines and decide which one is designed better. And then look at some of the competition to compare. Saving a few bucks and getting a lot less will torment you forever.
 
I plow my gravel driveway with a two wheel drive Farmall super C with chains; Never have I needed a 4wd and its more than steep; I think people automatically go to 4wd just because and they don't necessarily need it.

You can get a really good set of tire chains a lot cheaper than adding 4wd.
 
I should also mention having chains on means I can put down anti-skid after plowing (needed on the steep hill) or after an ice storm without worrying about going for a ride; If the hill was a sheet if ice the 4wd would offer no benefit to keeping control.

(I live at the top)
 
(quoted from post at 15:52:34 02/14/21) well before i would even consider buying those wanna be tractors , i would be looking around for a used unit. just takes some looking as
people buy stuff then change their mind and want different. saying this i am referring to kobota, john deere or there is those mccormicks
out now. my brother bought a like new used kobota with roto tiller and loader for just over 1/2 price of new and the tractor is like new
with very low hrs. its about the size of these you have here. just saying "why buy new when used will do"!
aha Rusted! Tell me what you REALLY think about those tractors. If I can find a used but in great shape tractor with 30+HP, HST, and 4X4 for $18K or less (and close enough to get it) I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Thanks for the input!
 
(quoted from post at 18:59:20 02/14/21) I should also mention having chains on means I can put down anti-skid after plowing (needed on the steep hill) or after an ice storm without worrying about going for a ride; If the hill was a sheet if ice the 4wd would offer no benefit to keeping control.

(I live at the top)
eah, I live at the top of a hill too. Would chains on the front tires suffice?
 
(quoted from post at 18:54:19 02/14/21) I plow my gravel driveway with a two wheel drive Farmall super C with chains; Never have I needed a 4wd and its more than steep; I think people automatically go to 4wd just because and they don't necessarily need it.

You can get a really good set of tire chains a lot cheaper than adding 4wd.
've heard that chains on the rear will really tear up a gravel driveway. Is that true? Thanks for the help
 
(quoted from post at 18:40:12 02/14/21) You'd better look at the two machines and decide which one is designed better. And then look at some of the competition to compare. Saving a few bucks and getting a lot less will torment you forever.
ell, that's part of the problem: I really don't have any experience with tractors so they all kind of seem the same to me.
 
(quoted from post at 18:17:59 02/14/21) Neither if it was my money. I'd rather have a low hour used Kubota or JD for the same money.
hanks Tracy for the advice. I hear that a lot, TBH it's making me question my Bobcat/Kioti plans
 
(quoted from post at 17:37:17 02/14/21) My dad has had a John Deere for 10 years
and put a couple thousand hours on it
moving snow, mowing, and loader work and
he loves the hydrostatic transmission with
foot pedals for forward and reverse over a
clutch. He has found that it is very light
in the back for serious loader work and
that 4wd is very nice, especially when
something heavy is on the back. His only
regret is that it doesn't have a cab for
snow removal. He uses a 3point blower and
it covers him in snow when he uses it. He
has had some problems with mice chewing
wires causing electrical problems.

My experience with woods equipment is that
they make great bushhogs. My dad has one
that hasn't had an oil change in at least
20 years and when I opened the gearbox to
check the oil last summer it had no oil in
it. It still worked fine for who knows how
long without oil.
hat's an awesome story! I wish I could afford a JD with a cab...
 
(quoted from post at 16:30:02 02/14/21) I've had my 3005 john deere for 15 years so far it's never been back to dealer. Great machine for hobby farm.If i had to choose it would be kioti over the bobcat
ey Bud, if you don't mind me asking: what model do you have? Thanks
 
4 wd is almost a necessity on the newer compact tractors for loader work. They are built so light that picking up something heavy with the loader takes all the weight of the back end, with 4wd you can still drive it around and put power to the ground.
 
I wouldn't buy either one. Like most on here I have experience with Kabota and Jd and they will be better in the long run. I do know a few people with the other brands because it saved them $2000 or so and after 5 years wished they hadn't.
 
(quoted from post at 21:36:39 02/14/21) I wouldn't buy either one. Like most on here I have experience with Kabota and Jd and they will be better in the long run. I do know a few people with the other brands because it saved them $2000 or so and after 5 years wished they hadn't.
that seems to be the consensus. Unfortunately, neither JD or Kubota dealer is anywhere near me.
 
We had customers 200 miles away when I worked at the new
holland dealership. Sometimes we would travel 2 hours to just
to do oil changes and grease tractors for customers.
 
You get what you pay for in long run, cheaper in short run is almost always more expensive in long run. Hire someone to do your snow this
year, spend some time on the computer and buy a good used Kubota this summer or fall. Not difficult these days to buy online from a reputable
dealer.. Would not go near the Bobcat or Kioto.
 
Ask about a Dealership discount in addition to the manufacturer rebate....and also if you're a Farm Bureau
Insurance member, some Dealerships offer a discount for that too.
 
My brother has a 6 year old Kioti, and he uses his way more than his
CaseIH 120 or something like that. They are the same age, and the
Kioti is only 65 hp, but he likes it better than the other one. I ran it for
a week swathing hay, and it is a comfortable little thing. Probably has
more steel in it than the CaseIH does.
 
Now a days 200 miles is not that far. Buy a couple years of filters for it. You shouldn’t need parts
or service for the first 5 years anyway with a good tractor. Kioti is not a good tractor.
As far as doing minor mechanical repairs after warranty is gone, any local mechanic should be
able to do it.
As others have said hire for this winter and look around this summer.
My mother always said
Any purchase made in haste
ends up in regret and waste.
I wish I would have listen better to her and wouldn’t have bought a few lemons in my mid 20-30s
 
(quoted from post at 19:26:19 02/14/21) 4 wd is almost a necessity on the newer compact tractors for loader work. They are built so light that picking up something heavy with the loader takes all the weight of the back end, with 4wd you can still drive it around and put power to the ground.
hanks for the heads up!
 
(quoted from post at 21:36:39 02/14/21) I wouldn't buy either one. Like most on here I have experience with Kabota and Jd and they will be better in the long run. I do know a few people with the other brands because it saved them $2000 or so and after 5 years wished they hadn't.
hanks for the warning. I really appreciate it!
 
I've had a Kioti DK40SE for about 10 years. It's been the best tractor I've owned. I also had a small Bobcat tractor but I don't remember the model. It was around 20 HP and I wanted something bigger so traded for the Kioti. As has been mentioned Kioti and Bobcat tractors are pretty much the same.
 
Never had a problem with that; I suppose if you just let it sit and spin it would dig a hole; do some extent its a gravel driveway, Its hard to even plow it without doing a little damage, at least until it freezes up. I just re-grade it in the spring anyway.
 
(quoted from post at 07:59:16 02/15/21)
Why do people come to an antique tractor site seeking advice on buying a brand new modern tractor?
ood question. All tractor manufacturers claim their tractor will still be running strong when the mountains are worn flat. I figured that past reliability might be an indicator of a manufacturers build quality today. And who would know better than antique tractor enthusiasts.
 
(quoted from post at 07:59:07 02/15/21) Never had a problem with that; I suppose if you just let it sit and spin it would dig a hole; do some extent its a gravel driveway, Its hard to even plow it without doing a little damage, at least until it freezes up. I just re-grade it in the spring anyway.
hanks Doud
 
(quoted from post at 07:54:22 02/15/21) I've had a Kioti DK40SE for about 10 years. It's been the best tractor I've owned. I also had a small Bobcat tractor but I don't remember the model. It was around 20 HP and I wanted something bigger so traded for the Kioti. As has been mentioned Kioti and Bobcat tractors are pretty much the same.
hanks MarkinMO! I appreciate the input
 
Lots of talk on here about having a close by dealer. I'd add that the closest dealer may not be your best bet. Spend a bit of time seeing how the place is run.

Closest dealer to me is a JD place and only a couple miles. Their counter "help" is about the worst I've ever seen at a business. It's been aggravating enough that I just go online to get things if possible.

The Kubota dealer 10 miles away is much better run. Rarely any wait and always courteous and knowledgeable.

Probably contributes to why I see way more orange tractors around for each green one.
 
(quoted from post at 10:40:11 02/15/21) Lots of talk on here about having a close by dealer. I'd add that the closest dealer may not be your best bet. Spend a bit of time seeing how the place is run.

Closest dealer to me is a JD place and only a couple miles. Their counter "help" is about the worst I've ever seen at a business. It's been aggravating enough that I just go online to get things if possible.

The Kubota dealer 10 miles away is much better run. Rarely any wait and always courteous and knowledgeable.

Probably contributes to why I see way more orange tractors around for each green one.
hanks for the advice Oliver!
 

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