Kioti DK4520 vs Kubota L4701
Quick take: The Kioti DK4520 costs $1,000 less; the Kubota L4701 has more engine power (47.3 vs 44.9 hp); the Kioti DK4520 has more loader lift (2,716 vs 1,477 lbs).
| Spec | Kioti DK4520 | Kubota L4701 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28,500 | $29,500 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (410) | 4.6★ (680) |
| Category | Utility | Utility |
| Transmission | Gear | Gear |
| Engine HP | 44.9 hp | 47.3 hp |
| PTO HP | 38.9 hp | 39.3 hp |
| Loader Lift | 2716 lbs | 1477 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 2645 lbs | 2976 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 14.5 GPM | 8.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Daedong | Kubota |
| Weight | 3373 lbs | 3197 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 gal | 13.5 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | No | No |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr powertrain | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain |
Pros & cons
Kioti DK4520
- ✓The turbocharged 44.9 HP Daedong CRDI diesel delivers strong, high-torque power that handles heavy field and loader work
- ✓The 2,716 lb loader lift and 14.5 GPM hydraulics are genuinely utility-class, out-lifting many pricier compacts
- ✓Kioti builds their own engine and backs it with a 6-year powertrain warranty, excellent for a value brand
- ✓It's priced thousands below a comparable Deere 4044M or Kubota MX while matching much of the capability
- ✓38.9 PTO HP runs big rotary cutters, tillers, and hay equipment with real authority
- ✓The synchro-shuttle gear transmission is a rugged, efficient choice for sustained field work
- ✓Stout build and strong hydraulics give it a capable, planted feel doing heavy work
- ✓Owners repeatedly say it delivers utility-tractor muscle at a compact-tractor price
- ✗The dealer network is much smaller than Kubota's and Deere's, so service access and parts can be a challenge
- ✗Resale value trails the Japanese brands, so you take a bigger depreciation hit if you sell
- ✗The turbocharged common-rail engine is more complex to service DIY than a simple mechanical diesel
- ✗Brand recognition is lower, so some buyers worry about long-term support and parts
- ✗The gear transmission requires clutching for direction changes, less convenient than HST for loader shuttling
- ✗Fewer attachments are engineered specifically for Kioti versus the big two
- ✗The owner community is smaller, so online troubleshooting help is more limited
- ✗Some owners note fit-and-finish details lag behind Kubota and Deere over years of outdoor use
Kubota L4701
- ✓The 47.3 HP naturally aspirated Kubota diesel is a simple, torquey, turbo-free engine owners trust for the long haul
- ✓It's the most powerful Standard L, giving strong loader and PTO performance for heavy property and small-farm work
- ✓The synchro-shuttle gear transmission is a rugged, efficient drivetrain ideal for sustained field work
- ✓Kubota's in-house diesel and legendary Standard L durability make it a long-term reliability benchmark
- ✓39.3 PTO HP runs big rotary cutters, tillers, and hay tools with authority
- ✓Huge Kubota dealer network, deep parts availability, and strong resale value
- ✓The larger 13.5-gallon tank keeps it working through long days without frequent refueling
- ✓Simple, serviceable design keeps DIY maintenance approachable despite the size
- ✗The Standard L is spartan - basic seat, no cruise, and fewer hydraulic outlets than a Grand L or the competition
- ✗The loader capacity is modest relative to the engine size, and the front end needs ballast for heavy lifting
- ✗The base gear transmission requires clutching for direction changes, tedious for constant loader shuttling
- ✗It has the DPF emissions system, adding regen cycles the under-25HP models avoid
- ✗No mid-PTO, so it's not suited for belly-mount finish mowing
- ✗Kubota premium pricing means a Kioti DK4520 of similar spec costs meaningfully less
- ✗The utilitarian operator station lacks comfort features found on competitors at this price
- ✗Hydraulic flow of 8.9 GPM is modest for the size, so loader cycle times feel slow to some owners