Both compact · Kioti against Yanmar
Kioti CK3540 vs Yanmar YM232
| Spec | Kioti CK3540 | Yanmar YM232 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$24,769 | ~$24,999 |
| What that price is | MSRP, base build | dealer list, not MSRP |
| Size class | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Gear | Shuttle |
| Engine hp | 35 hp | 31.8 hp |
| PTO hp | 28.9 hp | 25.5 hp |
| Loader lift | 1,657 lbsat the pivot pin | 1,500 lbsat the pivot pin |
| Three-point lift | 1,631 lbsmeasuring point not recorded | 2,205 lbsat the ball ends |
| Hydraulic flow | 11.3 GPM | 10.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Daedong | Yanmar |
| Weight | 2,734 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Fuel tank | 9.0 gal | 10.5 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Front loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab available | Yes | No |
| Hydrostatic | No | No |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr / unlimited hr powertrain | 10 yr / 3000 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
Yanmar YM232
What they like
- 25.5 PTO hp is 38% more than the YM225's 18.5, which is what actually decides whether a 6-foot cutter or tiller keeps its speed
- Identical 1,500 lb loader, 2,205 lb hitch and 10.5-gallon tank as the cheaper YM225, so nothing is given up to get the extra power
- 10.9 GPM total flow with 6.8 GPM going to implements supports a third-function kit for a grapple without starving the loader
- 10-year / 3,000-hour powertrain warranty, which is the longest cover offered on any compact in this price band
- Naturally aspirated rather than turbocharged, so there is one less wear item than on the YM238 above it
What they complain about
- Above 25 hp, and Yanmar does not state what aftertreatment the engine carries - worth settling with the dealer before signing
- Gear-only platform, so there is no hydrostatic option at any price in the YM2 range
- Transmission-driven PTO with an overrunning clutch rather than a true independent PTO, so the implement stops when you declutch
- 2,800 lb bare weight is unchanged from the 24 hp YM225 despite the extra power, so ballast is still needed to use the loader fully
- No cab or factory enclosure is offered anywhere on the YM2 series