Both compact · same Kioti lineup

Kioti CK3540 vs Kioti CK4020

KiotiCK3540

Kioti

Kioti CK3540

~$24,769

35 hp engine · 28.9 PTO−17% to the shaft
Kioti CK4020

Kioti

Kioti CK4020

~$26,681

39.6 hp engine · 33.3 PTO−16% to the shaft

The Kioti CK3540 lists about $1,912 lower; the Kioti CK4020 carries 33.3 hp to the PTO against 28.9; the Kioti CK4020 lifts 1,969 lbs on the loader against 1,657; the Kioti CK4020 buys more PTO horsepower per dollar, 1.25 per $1,000 against 1.17.

Kioti CK3540 and Kioti CK4020 compared row by row. A highlighted cell takes that row on the stated rule: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price.
SpecKioti CK3540Kioti CK4020
Price~$24,769~$26,681
What that price isMSRP, base buildMSRP, base build
Size classCompactCompact
TransmissionGearGear
Engine hp35 hp39.6 hp
PTO hp28.9 hp33.3 hp
Loader lift1,657 lbsat the pivot pin1,969 lbsat the pivot pin
Three-point lift1,631 lbsmeasuring point not recorded1,631 lbsmeasuring point not recorded
Hydraulic flow11.3 GPM11.7 GPM
Drive4WD4WD
EngineDaedongDaedong
Weight2,734 lbs2,734 lbs
Fuel tank9.0 gal9.0 gal
4WDYesYes
Front loaderYesYes
Cab availableYesYes
HydrostaticNoNo
Power steeringYesYes
Cruise controlNoNo
Warranty6 yr / unlimited hr powertrain6 yr / unlimited hr powertrain

A highlighted cell wins its row on the rule named above the table: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price. A lift row is left unwon whenever the two makers measured in different places, or where either of them did not say — a figure quoted at the pivot pin and one quoted 500 mm ahead of it describe the same loader and differ by roughly a third, so ranking them against each other would invent a result. Prices are typical list and move with dealer packages.

From owner discussion and long-term write-ups

What owners of each one say

Kioti CK3540

What they like

  • The intercooled 3H-TH4A is the newer engine in the CK range, in the trim tier Kioti is actively building out
  • 28.9 PTO hp from 35 gross is a strong ratio for this class, so a mower or cutter sees nearly all of the engine
  • Cab is offered as the CK3540SEHC, and unlike a retrofit it is a factory configuration
  • 9.0 gal tank and 2,734 lb chassis are shared with the 39.5 hp CK4040, so nothing in the frame limits the work
  • 72-month powertrain coverage with unlimited hours plus 24 months bumper-to-bumper, parts and labor, no deductible

What they complain about

  • 1,657 lb at the pivot pin is 312 lb less than the cheaper CK3520's loader, which is the wrong way round for a higher-tier model
  • 11.3 gpm is also below the CK3520's 11.7, so loader cycles are slower on the more expensive machine
  • 1,631 lb at the 3-point is the CK series flat figure, unchanged from the 24.5 hp CK2640, with no measuring point published
  • Kioti does not publish the aftertreatment for this engine, so DPF and regeneration behaviour has to come from a dealer
  • Steering type is not stated on the model page, which is an odd gap on a $24,000 tractor

Kioti CK4020

What they like

  • 33.3 PTO hp is the most in the CK series and enough for a six-foot rotary cutter in standing brush
  • The KL4030C loader's 1,969 lb at the pivot pin is the highest CK figure, and here it is backed by the most engine in the line
  • 11.7 gpm of flow keeps loader cycles quick under a full bucket
  • Costs about $2,400 more than the CK3520 for 4.7 hp and 4.4 PTO hp, with no reduction anywhere else on the spec sheet
  • 72-month unlimited-hour powertrain warranty, a longer hour term than Deere or Kubota offer in this class
  • Same 2,734 lb chassis and 9.0 gal tank as the rest of the CK line, so implements and ballast carry across

What they complain about

  • 1,631 lb at the 3-point is the CK flat figure and has not moved since the 24.5 hp CK2640, so the hitch is the series ceiling regardless of engine
  • The $26,681 headline is the gear box; the hydrostatic most buyers choose is $27,571 and the cab $39,826
  • Kioti never prints the word turbocharged for this engine and never names the aftertreatment, so both have to be confirmed with a dealer
  • 9.0 gal on a 39.6 hp machine is a short tank for a full day of loader work