Iseki v Kubota
Discussion
I've experience with both, and if you are using it as a driver of implements (especially the rotovator) I would go Kubota as they are more robustly engineered - the pto gearbox on a small iseki is rather delicate (I stripped one out once with a rotovator) - having said that the Kubota spares prices are a bit steeep (although lots of aftermarket parts are available). The Iseki is probably slightly 'smoother' and a bit less agricultural - engine wise they are probably as reliable as each other. Similar sized kit from Ford is also worth a look if you have that option available.
If there was nothing in it in terms of age/condition I would go for Kubota every time - but like a lot of these things its down to personal choice (and often a bit of luck).
Above all, whichever you choose, plenty of regular oil changes (engine/box/axles) - dont skimp on these - they are much more critical on these small diesels even than on cars, especially if you want long life.
If there was nothing in it in terms of age/condition I would go for Kubota every time - but like a lot of these things its down to personal choice (and often a bit of luck).
Above all, whichever you choose, plenty of regular oil changes (engine/box/axles) - dont skimp on these - they are much more critical on these small diesels even than on cars, especially if you want long life.
Thanks.The Iseki is a Tm3265(26 hp) to tend 5 hectares.The main reesons were the dealers can do attitude and discount.Kubota on the other hand has a loyal following,the dealer was less helpful and recommended the Bx 2350 which is slightley less powerful and physically smaller,also considerably cheaper.
As this is a one time purchase I need to get it right first time.
As this is a one time purchase I need to get it right first time.
exact two marques we're choosing between 
another consideration in this area smiffy is the amount of Iseki dealers compared to Kubota, always looking to see what the locals are using & I'd say Iseki out number kubota 3 or 4 -1.
dont know if you'll have Stihl stuff to service but Kubota places dont usually go hand in hand with Stihl where as Iseki do, lots of my hand tools are Stihl which will make one stop shopping possible.
this place at Bergerac http://goo.gl/maps/WBDXa are very good, pretty handy for you to I think, but there's a very good one at Castillonnes , not sure more eymet way, probably some good ones you could throw my way
all that said, we'll probably be buying in UK as ours will be an old used bone
much much cheaper in UK (dont know on UK or if warranty is euro wide)
let us know how you get on, I'm keeping my eyes open for an Agri show of some kind at the moment, let me know if you come across anything, I'll do the same.
i take it you're in then? not before time eh
another consideration in this area smiffy is the amount of Iseki dealers compared to Kubota, always looking to see what the locals are using & I'd say Iseki out number kubota 3 or 4 -1.
dont know if you'll have Stihl stuff to service but Kubota places dont usually go hand in hand with Stihl where as Iseki do, lots of my hand tools are Stihl which will make one stop shopping possible.
this place at Bergerac http://goo.gl/maps/WBDXa are very good, pretty handy for you to I think, but there's a very good one at Castillonnes , not sure more eymet way, probably some good ones you could throw my way
all that said, we'll probably be buying in UK as ours will be an old used bone
much much cheaper in UK (dont know on UK or if warranty is euro wide)let us know how you get on, I'm keeping my eyes open for an Agri show of some kind at the moment, let me know if you come across anything, I'll do the same.
i take it you're in then? not before time eh
Slightly left of field - but I've been working at an underground mine in Canada for a while now and we use Kubota RTVs (the 900 and 1100 models) as passenger transport here. It was quite amusing for me - I'm more used to v8 turbo diesel landcruisers! Still they hold up quite well, as long as all the running gear remains greased and oils changed reasonably frequently. Having said that, we have had two transmissions go, but lack of greasing was probably at least in part responsible for that. The service schedules were modified accordingly. They are a canadian company, but I've also seen similar machines used at the local airport - all at minus god knows what temperature.
So they are tough little buggers, but it may come down to service schedules and parts in your area..!?
So they are tough little buggers, but it may come down to service schedules and parts in your area..!?
smifffymoto said:
I sent you an email this morning,coffee?
nowt 
did you use the PM on here?to be fair we work all w/e & take our time mid week as everywhere is a little quieter, ok, desolate v a few people around
we have another UK visit looming
so pretty flat out on the finishing stages of the little houseKubota are huuuuge in the US, less so over in Europe.
We have a 2003 35hp Massey which is actually a rebadged and rebodied Iseki, and it's fecking brilliant and bulletproof. Equivalent Kubotas were around £6000-8000 more at the same time as being smaller and less powerful. The BX-series are practically toys too.
From speaking to a lot of dealers around the UK (and not just Massey ones) the only people who claim Kubotas are good are the Kubota dealers, the rest talked of nightmare waits getting parts and steep prices.
I can't think you'd go much wrong with either, and there's a lot to be said for sticking with a local dealer and "their" brand, but whatever it says on the bonnet, make sure you get the tool that'll do the job for you: all of the marques have smaller machines which are really for groundscare rather than groundworks (Kubota BX is a case in point) and those sorts of machines will have smaller or less robust parts...
We have a 2003 35hp Massey which is actually a rebadged and rebodied Iseki, and it's fecking brilliant and bulletproof. Equivalent Kubotas were around £6000-8000 more at the same time as being smaller and less powerful. The BX-series are practically toys too.
From speaking to a lot of dealers around the UK (and not just Massey ones) the only people who claim Kubotas are good are the Kubota dealers, the rest talked of nightmare waits getting parts and steep prices.
I can't think you'd go much wrong with either, and there's a lot to be said for sticking with a local dealer and "their" brand, but whatever it says on the bonnet, make sure you get the tool that'll do the job for you: all of the marques have smaller machines which are really for groundscare rather than groundworks (Kubota BX is a case in point) and those sorts of machines will have smaller or less robust parts...
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff