Tractor Reviews – Kubota vs Kioti Tractors

2019 Kubota L2501 HST vs 2019 Kioti CK2610H - Which one is a better tractor?

by Ron Gereard

For those shopping for a stout 4x4 utility tractor in the 25 Horsepower class, there is little doubt that both the Kubota L2501 HST and Kioti CK2610H tractor will be near the top of almost everyone’s list to check out. Both are well built tractors, have excellent warranties and customer support available, and both tractors are extremely popular. Their versatility makes them great for anything from jobs around the property to construction type applications, and everything in between.

So, with that said, what really are the differences between these two formidable contenders? We took a hard look at both the Kubota and the Kioti, reviewed each tractor in terms of six key areas which included i) dimensions; ii) engine performance; drive train capabilities; iii) hydraulic system iv)operator features; v) warranty; and equally as important vi) price.

Below you will find the results of our head to head comparison where we have pointed out the similarities and the differences between these two tractors. We found compelling features and advantages in each unit, and all in all in our opinion, either one would be a great tractor to own. Ultimately, you can compare the Kubota and Kioti Tractors and decide for yourself.

Kubota L2501 vs Kioti CK2610 - Dimensions

First, Let's take a look at how the 2019 Kubota L2501 vs the Kioti CK2610H compare in overall dimensions of each tractor.

While these two models are pretty similar in terms of dimensions, overall the Kubota L2501 tractor is a smaller than the Kioti CK2610H, but not by much. Both have the same tractor width at 55.1 inches. Both tractors are very close on turning radius at approximately eight feet. The Kubota has an advantage in height if garaging or shed storage are important, as the L2501 is 7.5 inches shorter than the Kioti CK2610H to the top of the ROPS (roll over protective structure).

The key difference between the dimensions of these two tractors s in length and wheelbase. The Kioti 2610H beats the Kubota L2501 in both specifications. The Kioti has a longer frame, making it is about 14 inches longer in total than the Kubota, which is quite a bit when considering stability. It means even more if you plan on using attachments like a loader or backhoe. The Kioti CK2610H is almost 2.5 inches longer in wheelbase than the Kubota, which means the Kioti may consistently have a better ride and more stability, especially when using tractor attachments.

Kubota L2501 vs Kioti CK2610 - Engines

Kubota engines are known for reliability, and the D1703 engine is no exception.  This 24.8 HP engine meets the very latest EPA Tier 4 Final emission regulations and is fuel efficient, Kubota has always been known to build a great engine and parts are readily available. The Kubota has a slight advantage in horsepower between by 1%. The Kubota also holds a little bit more fuel - .4 gallons.  The D1703 produces its rated power at a respectable 2200 rpm (revolutions per minute).  

Kioti diesels are solid engines in the same class with Kubota, although lesser known. Kioti has been a diesel engine manufacturer since 1947, and the Kioti Diesel is used in many brands of equipment including Bobcat, Cub Cadet, JCB, Landini, and McCormick tractors. The tried and true Kioti 3A165LWM-U Diesel is known aound the world as a tireless work horse, and is a formidable opponent to the Kubota D1703 in terms of reliability and performance. It is an eco-friendly engine that generates power and solid torque yet is extremely stingy on fuel. The Kioti has an holds an advantage in torque peak and total available torque rise, as it produces its rated power at 2600 rpm (revolutions per minute). 

The Kubota D1703 and Kioti 3A165LWM-U are remarkably similar in specifications, size, and performance characteristics. In fact, in the key measure of engine displacement, the two are identical at 100.47 cubic inches.  For us, the engine performance matchup between the Kubota and Kioti is just too close to call – this one is a split decision.   

Kubota L2501 HST vs Kioti CK2610H HST– Drivetrain 

The specifications of the Kubota L2501 and Kioti CK2510H respective drivetrain's reflect a larger reality – there is very little difference between the two. Both feature hydrostatic infinite speed three (3) range transmissions, both have wet disc brakes, and they share similar live 540 rpm power takeoffs (PTO).  Both the Kubota and Kioti transmissions are strong, easy to run, and are well proven. In our view, the only significant difference between the two lies in how they are operated. While the Kubota uses a single forward and aft rocker foot pedal for travel, the Kioti uses 2 independent left and right travel pedals – one for forward and one for reverse.  There is no particular advantage to either style, so it essentially comes down to personal preference. Because there is so little difference between them, we will leave it to you to form your own opinion.   

Kubota L2501 vs Kioti CK2610H – Hydraulic Systems

In testing and reviewing the hydraulic systems of each, this is the area where significant differences emerge between these two tractors. While the Kubota and Kioti both feature gear driven hydraulic pumps, category I three point hitchs, and hydraulic power steering, but that is where the similarities end.   

While the Kubota uses the T1150 8.18 gpm hydraulic pump as standard, the Kioti 2610H features a much larger TC24 11.70 gpm capacity hydraulic pump, solidly beating the Kubota L2501's pump by an impressive (43%) forty-three percent. This advantage also shows up in the Kioti 2610H tractor's (242 lb) two hundred and forty-two pound lifting capacity advantage over the Kubota 3-point hitch. To take the comparison further, the Kioti tractor produces more hydraulic power and flow, which can be very important when considering the use of tractor attachments like loaders and backhoes. 

For hydraulic power, this one is no contest - the Kioti CK2610H soundly beats the Kubota L2501 in hydraulic performance.

Kubota L2501 vs Kioti CK2610H - Warranty

The warranty on these two tractors is nearly identical, with the one exception that the Kubota L2501 warranty has 1,500 and 2,000 hour limits, and the Kioti CK2610H tractor warranty features unlimited hours. We are not sure how much of a distinction this is in practicality, so we will leave it up to you to think about how many hours of use per year is enough. 

Kubota L2501 vs Kioti CK2610H – Price Comparison

Last, but certainly not least to most tractor buyers, is the price comparison between the Kubota L2501 and Kioti CK2610H. We based our price comparison between the Kubota and the Kioti tractor price on MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price). While we understand that some tractor dealers will discount from MSRP, we did not want the results to be skewed by any particular dealer price in one area or sales region. We have used MSRP to make an “apples-for-apples” comparison, keeping the tractor configurations and equipment for each tractor equal.  What we found was very interesting…

Getting started, the Kubota and Kioti seemed tob not too far apart on the MSRP price of each base tractor (without wheels), with the Kubota L2501L coming in at $16,644.00 and the Kioti CK2610H coming in at $1,355.00 lower in price at $15,289.00.  However, after adding tires and other basic items required (like wheels), the Kubota tractor was $3,075 higher priced than the Kioti for the same tractor and equipment. In fact, the more options we added, like auxillary rear hydraulics - rear remotes, a loader, backhoe, etc., the more expensive the Kubota became when compared to the Kioti. In a head to head price comparison with basic equipment, the Kioti CK2610H tractor was over $3,000 three thousand less than the Kubota L2501, with the Kioti coming in at a total savings of $3,075 for the Kioti tractor over the Kubota.  

While prices and equipment may differ from one dealer or region to another, the Kioti Tractor came in at a significantly bettter value than the Kubota.     

About the author: Ron Gereard has been a tractor and equipment professional for over forty years. He has reviewed, purchased, sold, and represented over 20 equipment brands and manufacturers.  

This article was posted with the permission of Ron Gereard.  To learn more about Kubota and Kioti Tractors, please visit us at https://www.teamtractor.com/