Both compact · Mahindra against Kioti
Mahindra 2638 vs Kioti CK4020
| Spec | Mahindra 2638 | Kioti CK4020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$26,313 | ~$26,681 |
| What that price is | MSRP, base build | MSRP, base build |
| Size class | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Gear |
| Engine hp | 37.4 hp | 39.6 hp |
| PTO hp | 31 hp | 33.3 hp |
| Loader lift | 1,634 lbsmeasuring point not recorded | 1,969 lbsat the pivot pin |
| Three-point lift | 2,646 lbsmeasuring point not recorded | 1,631 lbsmeasuring point not recorded |
| Hydraulic flow | 7.6 GPM | 11.7 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Mahindra | Daedong |
| Weight | 3,130 lbs | 2,734 lbs |
| Fuel tank | 9 gal | 9.0 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Front loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab available | No | Yes |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | No |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 7 yr powertrain | 6 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
Mahindra 2638
What they like
- No DPF and no regen cycles - the 2.7L mCRD engine meets Tier 4 without the filter that plagues low-hour owners of Kubota and Deere compacts
- Huge 2.7L displacement for a 37 HP tractor means diesel-locomotive torque at low RPM - it lugs through heavy tiller and bush hog work without bogging
- 2,646 lb three-point lift is the strongest in its size class, comfortably handling implements that max out an L3901
- 7-year powertrain warranty is the longest of any major brand except Yanmar
- Typically thousands cheaper than an equivalent Kubota Grand L or Deere 3R once you spec loaders on both
- Cruise control and telescoping 3-point lower links come standard
- Simple mechanical everything means shade-tree maintenance is easy - owners praise how serviceable it is versus emissions-heavy rivals
What they complain about
- Hydraulic flow is only 7.6 GPM to the rear, so loader and implement response is slower than a Kioti or Kubota running 10+ GPM
- Loader lift of 1,634 lbs at the pin trails the class leaders despite the tractor's own heavy build
- Dealer quality varies wildly - Mahindra dealers range from excellent to tractors-as-a-sideline, and support depends heavily on which one you get
- Resale value is weaker than Kubota and Deere, a consistent theme in used listings
- The naturally aspirated engine is loud and a bit smoky on cold starts compared to modern common-rail turbos
- At 3,130 lbs bare (more loaded) it's heavy on turf and will leave marks a lighter compact wouldn't
- The hydrostatic models whine audibly at transport speed
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