Buying Guides
Kioti Tractors: Lineup, Reliability and Who Should Buy One
Kioti tractors are built by Daedong in South Korea and sold on value and standard features. Here is the lineup by series, the CK20 and CK40 lines, the warranty as Kioti lists it, the dealer reality and who should buy one.
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Kioti tractors are not cheap copies of a Kubota. They come from Daedong, a Korean company founded in 1947 that has built its own tractors since 1968. Kioti is simply the name Daedong puts on them outside Korea.
The real picture is this. You get a heavy, well equipped orange tractor at a fair price. It comes with a 2 year general warranty and 4 years on the engine and driveline.
You also get a thinner dealer network than Kubota or Deere. That is the trade off that decides most purchases.
This guide covers who makes Kioti, each series, the CK line in depth, warranty, dealers, fluids and resale. It ends with who should skip the brand. Where Kioti’s own site would not load for us, the text says so.
The short version
- Kioti is Daedong’s overseas brand. The tractors are built in South Korea, and the North American division sits in Wendell, North Carolina.
- The lineup runs from 21 hp sub compacts (CS) to 140 hp utility tractors (HX). The CK series, 24.5 to about 40 hp, is the one most small acreage buyers compare.
- Kioti’s warranty page lists 24 months parts and labor, plus 48 months on the engine and driveline, for non commercial use.
- The famous 6 year powertrain offer is uncertain. Kioti’s program page lists a window that closed in 2024, yet the warranty page still mentions it. Get any 6 year promise in writing.
- Check how far the nearest Kioti service dealer is before you compare prices. Skip the brand if that dealer is a long haul, or if you trade tractors every 2 or 3 years.
Are Kioti tractors good?
Yes, Kioti tractors are good, and owners rate them best on value. In brand comparison threads, buyers repeatedly say Kioti gave them the most machine for the money. They point to heavier frames, more standard equipment and a solid warranty.
The complaints are about the business around the tractor, not the iron. Owners keep bringing up dealer density, resale and parts waits. Those three topics get their own sections below.
Mechanical complaints exist, but they are scattered across older models. Owner reports on earlier CK tractors mention a PTO lever that stopped engaging and a range lever that came loose on a nearly new machine. Others mention a chafed harness that blew fuses, and heavy backhoe pin wear.
None of these repeats often enough to call a pattern. The newest CK20, CK40 and CS30 models have a short track record in the forums. There is little to report either way.
A Kioti sold and serviced by a good local dealer is a safe buy. A Kioti bought two hours from the nearest service bay is a gamble. That is true of any brand.
Who makes Kioti and where are they made?
Daedong makes Kioti tractors, and it builds them in South Korea. Daedong’s own history page says the company was founded in Jinju in 1947 and started producing tractors in 1968. Its head office and factory are in Daegu.
Daedong says it chose the Kioti name because “Daedong” is hard for Western buyers to pronounce. Kioti is said like “coyote,” and the coyote and paw print are the brand marks. It became Daedong’s official overseas brand in 1993.
The North American side is the Kioti Tractor Division of Daedong-USA, Inc. Daedong’s timeline puts tractor exports to the United States at 1985 and the founding of Daedong USA at 1993. Kioti’s own spec sheets list the division at 6300 Kioti Drive in Wendell, North Carolina.
A 2018 trade report described a $13 million expansion of the Wendell campus for warehouse and assembly space. We could not confirm from Kioti what that work now covers. Treat Wendell as the distribution, parts and support hub, and Korea as the factory.
Which Korean plant builds which model is not published anywhere we could read. For a buyer, the practical point is that parts come through North Carolina. Your dealer’s stocking habits matter as much as the factory.
Kioti tractor models: the lineup by series
Kioti sells tractors in eight main series, from the CS sub compact to the HX utility class. The hp ranges below come from Kioti’s own series pages where we could see them. Third party model lists fill in the rest, and the buyer column is our guidance, not Kioti’s.
| Series | Class | Approx. hp | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS | Sub compact | 21 to 24.5 | 1 to 5 acres: mowing, a loader, light 3 point work |
| CX | Compact, high clearance | about 25 | Small acreage buyers who want more lift and clearance than a CS |
| CK | Compact | 24.5 to about 40 | 5 to 40 acres: loader, mower, backhoe, box blade, brush work |
| DK | Compact, most powerful | 42 to 60 | Larger properties and heavier implements |
| NS and NX | Compact utility | 45 to 60 | Buyers bridging compact and full utility work |
| RX | Utility | 66 and up | Hay, livestock and bigger implements |
| HX | Utility, top of the line | 90 to 140 | Working farms and contractors |
Kioti’s HX page now lists the series at 90 to 140 hp, up from the 90 to 115 hp in older Kioti material. The HX1302 and HX1402 arrived in 2025 as the brand’s most powerful tractors.
Third party model lists show end dates of 2024 for the NX and RX and 2025 for the DK10. Kioti’s own NX, RX and DK pages were still live in October 2026. Those lines appear to continue in newer form, so ask a dealer which models are sold new today.
A PX series at about 91 to 110 hp also appears on third party lists, with model years through 2026. It was not on the Kioti series page we could see. Treat it as a dealer question too.
CS: sub compact
The CS series covers 21 to 24.5 hp. Kioti’s CS2520 page lists 24.5 hp, 18.5 PTO hp and a 7 gpm pump. It also lists a 700 pound hitch rating and a 1,554 pound weight, and the CS2520H is the hydrostatic version.
To see how it stacks up against the Kubota BX and the Deere 1 series, read our best sub compact tractors guide.
The newer CS30 series is the 2025 news. Kioti introduced the CS2530C as the first sub compact with a factory climate controlled cab. It has a 1.2 liter diesel making 24.5 hp and about 51.6 lb ft of torque.
Open ROPS versions followed, with a fold down roll bar and the same 700 pound hitch lift. The cab version weighs about 2,233 pounds and reaches 8.9 mph. That weight helps a loader but may matter on soft lawns.
CX through HX in brief
The CX2510 is a single 24 hp class model. Kioti pitches the CX for buyers who want more lift capacity and ground clearance than a CS gives. The DK, at 42 to 60 hp on Kioti’s DK page, is the strongest compact line.
The NS and NX sit between compact and utility at 45 to 60 hp. Kioti pitches the RX for hay and livestock work. The RX and the HX at 90 hp and up are working farm tractors.
If your jobs include round bales or large cutters, start with our what size tractor do I need page.
Kioti CK series: the compact workhorse
The CK is the core of Kioti’s compact class, and most buyers with 5 to 40 acres should start there. Kioti describes it as built for large property owners, small scale ranchers, landscapers and contractors. The pitch is more power than a sub compact in a similar footprint.
Two generations are in play right now. The CK20 series arrived in 2023, and the CK40 series followed in May 2026.
CK20: the series you will see used and new
Kioti announced the CK20 series in April 2023 with three sizes: CK2620, CK3520 and CK4020. Each comes as a 9 speed gear tractor or a 3 range HST. A CK20SE cab version sits above them.
Kioti’s CK20 spec sheet (July 2023) lists power steering, wet multi disc brakes and a 540 rpm rear PTO as standard. So is a loader joystick valve. A mid PTO, rear remotes and a third function kit are options.
| Model | Engine hp (gross) | PTO hp (gear / HST) | Engine | Weight (gear / HST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CK2620 | 24.5 | 19.5 / 18.7 | 1,647 cc 3 cylinder, 2,400 rpm | 2,635 / 2,690 lb |
| CK3520 | 34.9 | 30.9 / 28.9 | 1,826 cc 3 cylinder, 2,600 rpm | 2,679 / 2,734 lb |
| CK4020 | 39.6 | 34.8 / 33.3 | 1,826 cc 3 cylinder, 2,600 rpm | 2,679 / 2,734 lb |
All three share a 9 gallon tank, an 11.73 gpm pump and a Cat 1 hitch. Kioti rates that hitch at 1,631 pounds measured 24 inches behind the links on every CK20 model. That identical figure looked suspicious to us, but it is Kioti’s own number for the whole series.
The CK3520 and CK4020 even share the same weight. They differ mainly in engine tune.
The matching KL4030 loader lifts 1,835 pounds at the pivot pins. The KB2475L backhoe digs to about 90 inches. Those are Kioti’s sheet figures, and a dealer sheet for your serial number should match them.
CK40: the 2026 update
On May 19, 2026, Kioti introduced the CK40 series: CK2640, CK3540 and CK4040 at 24.5, 35 and 39.5 hp. Kioti’s product pages show gear and HST versions (the H suffix), an SE trim and a factory cab (SEHC). The CK4040 keeps the 1,826 cc engine from the CK4020.
Kioti’s press release calls the engine a three cylinder Stage V diesel. Its CK series page says Tier 4 CRDI. Ask the dealer which label your unit’s paperwork carries.
The headline changes are a 10.25 inch color LCD panel and a single lever loader joystick. You also get a suspension seat and a strengthened front axle. Kioti says a loader, mid mower and backhoe can all mount at the same time.
Cab models add heat, air conditioning, a Bluetooth radio and a rear view camera.
SE models add a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, dual brake pedals and standard rear remotes. All CK40 models are telematics ready through the Kioti Connect app.
One caution on hitch lift. Kioti’s CK40 marketing copy says 2,429 pounds. The spec tables on the same pages list 1,631 pounds for gear models and 2,101 to 2,429 for some HST versions.
Get the figure for your exact model in writing before you size a box blade or rotary cutter to it.
Kioti’s release says the CK40 builds on the CK20 and does not say the CK20 is discontinued. Dealers were still listing new CK20 tractors in October 2026, so expect both on lots for a while. Prices on Kioti’s US and Canadian pages differ, so get a local quote.
HST or gear?
Choose HST if you will run a loader. Owners repeatedly say the hydrostatic pedals make constant forward and reverse changes easier. The loader is where a compact spends most of its hours.
Gear drive suits steady work at one speed, such as mowing or pulling a box blade.
Some owners also say a gear tractor feels stronger in heavy dirt work. That is opinion, not a spec, and the two versions carry the same engine.
If your work is mostly loader and backhoe, buy HST. If you mow 20 acres and rarely touch the loader, the gear version saves money and is simpler.
Cab or open station?
Buy the cab if you work in snow, dust or heat for hours at a time. A cab adds cost and weight, and the CK40 cab versions are the most expensive models in the line. If your jobs are short or seasonal, an open ROPS tractor is cheaper.
Before choosing a loader size, read our guide to front end loaders for compact tractors. A bigger loader on a light tractor needs rear counterweight.
Kioti warranty compared with Kubota and Deere
Kioti’s warranty page lists 24 months of parts and labor on non commercial tractors. The engine and driveline get 48 months of parts and labor. Repairs must be done at an authorized Kioti dealer with proof of purchase.
Rental and commercial tractors get 24 months or 1,500 hours. Their engine and driveline coverage runs 36 months or 2,000 hours.
Those terms come from search excerpts of kioti.com/warranty read on October 15, 2026. The page itself would not load for us, and it carries no effective date. Confirm the terms on your purchase paperwork.
| Brand | Basic coverage | Powertrain | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kioti (non commercial) | 24 months parts and labor | 48 months engine and driveline | Kioti warranty page excerpt, October 2026, undated |
| Kubota BX (residential) | 24 months or 1,500 hours | 72 months or 2,000 hours | Kubota limited warranty page, units bought after 1/1/2026 |
| John Deere compact utility | 24 months or 2,000 hours | 72 months or 2,000 hours | Deere’s 2017 turf and utility warranty statement; dealers describe the same terms in 2026 |
The 6 year Kioti powertrain offer is the confusing part. Kioti’s promotion page listed a purchase window from September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2024. A dealer page said June 30, 2025, and both dates have passed.
Yet the warranty page excerpt we saw in October 2026 still promises “a total of 6 years” of powertrain coverage for a limited time. Kioti may have extended the program again, or the page may simply be stale. We could not tell.
So ask the dealer, in writing, whether a 6 year powertrain term applies to your tractor and purchase date. Without it, Kioti’s 4 year powertrain term is shorter than the 6 years Kubota and Deere give. With it, Kioti matches them.
Kioti dealers and parts: the real trade off
The real trade off with Kioti is fewer dealers, and it matters most when something breaks. Owners in several brand threads agree that Kubota and Deere have far larger networks. That gap shapes service waits and resale more than any spec does.
Owner reports on Kioti support split by region. Some describe parts and service as spotty, especially where a dealer dropped the brand. Others say parts arrive quickly and their dealer ships them direct.
Shoppers in those threads have walked away from a good Kioti price because the nearest service dealer was 2 hours out. That is why you check the dealer before the brochure. Use the dealer search on kioti.com (its FAQ page links to it), then call the service desk.
- Find every Kioti dealer within about an hour of your property.
- Ask how many Kioti tractors their shop serviced this year.
- Ask how long a filter, belt or hydraulic hose order takes, and whether they stock basic service items.
- Ask what happens on a warranty repair when the part is on back order.
- Get quotes from two Kioti dealers if you can. Prices vary between stores.
If the answers are weak, a Kubota or Mahindra with a closer dealer can be the better buy. That holds even at a higher price.
Kioti fluids and maintenance in brief
Kioti tractors need the fluids named in the operator’s manual for your serial number. We could not read a current Kioti manual to quote them. Owner reports disagree enough that a general answer would be wrong for someone.
Owners quoting their manuals describe a list of approved transmission and hydraulic fluids by brand name. No universal fluid is named. Others describe an 80W or 90 gear oil for the front axle.
At least one dealer suggested AW 32. Other owners dispute that for a shared transmission and hydraulic sump.
Those answers cannot all fit every model, and owners say the fluid chart changed between serial number ranges. Get the manual for your exact tractor and read the lubricant table. Dealers can print it for you.
Our tractor hydraulic fluid guide explains UTF and brand fluids. For the engine, read best engine oil for diesel tractors, then match the API grades your manual lists.
Two habits protect any Kioti. Grease every point the manual lists, on schedule. Write down the hours of each fluid and filter change, because a used buyer will ask.
Kioti vs Kubota vs Mahindra
Pick Kioti for price and standard features, Kubota for dealer reach and resale. Pick Mahindra for the most horsepower per dollar. That is the pattern owners describe across years of comparison threads.
- Choose Kioti if a good Kioti dealer is close and you want a loaded tractor at a fair price.
- Choose Kubota if the dealer will shape your experience and you may sell in a few years. See our Kubota tractors hub.
- Choose Mahindra if you want size for the money and accept mixed reports on build quality. See our Mahindra tractors hub.
For every brand side by side, use our best compact tractor brands ranking. In the comparison threads we read, owners ended with the same advice. The dealer matters more than the badge.
Kioti resale value and buying a used Kioti
Kioti resale is the least certain part of ownership, because owners disagree. Some say a thin dealer presence and low brand recognition pull used prices down. Others report selling a used Kioti for more than they expected.
The safe plan is to assume a Kioti resells for a bit less than a comparable Kubota where dealers are few. If you buy new and keep it 10 years, that gap matters little. If you trade often, it matters a lot.
When you buy used, check these before you talk price:
- Hours. Owners commonly estimate residential use at under 100 hours a year. So 400 hours on a 5 year old tractor is ordinary.
- PTO engagement, range shifting and four wheel drive engagement. Owner reports on older CK models mention levers that do not hold.
- Wiring near the engine, since chafed harnesses have blown fuses.
- Loader and backhoe pins, which wear faster when the backhoe rides as counterweight.
- Power steering feel under load, and any leak at the hydraulic lines.
- Whether the dealer will confirm the serial number and remaining warranty in writing.
Who should buy a Kioti, and who should not
Buy a Kioti if a competent dealer is within an hour or so and you want a feature rich tractor for the money. The CS fits small properties and mowing. The CK fits 5 to 40 acres with a loader, a mower and perhaps a backhoe.
Skip a Kioti if your nearest service is far away. Skip it if resale is a top priority. Skip it if you want the longest powertrain term in the class and the dealer will not put 6 years in writing.
In those cases, weigh the other brands before you decide.
Whatever you buy, read the current warranty, get the manual and check the dealer first. Kioti’s tractor lineup page lists the current models by series.
Bottom line
Kioti makes solid, well equipped tractors that reward buyers with a good local dealer. The CK series is the sweet spot for most small acreage owners. The CS30 is worth a look for sub compact buyers who want a cab.
Confirm the warranty term and the dealer’s service record before price pulls you in.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kioti a Chinese tractor?
No. Kioti is the overseas brand of Daedong, a South Korean company with its head office and factory in Daegu. The tractors are built in South Korea and distributed in North America from Wendell, North Carolina.
Does Kioti use Kubota engines?
We found no source saying so. Kioti’s spec sheets list its own 3 cylinder diesels. Examples are the 1,647 cc engine in the CK2620 and the 1,826 cc engine in the CK3520, CK4020 and CK4040.
What is the best Kioti for small acreage?
For 1 to 5 acres, the CS series is enough for mowing and a loader. For 5 to 40 acres, the CK2620 or CK3520 (or the newer CK2640 and CK3540) is the usual starting point. Step up to the 40 hp class for heavier loader and backhoe work.
How long do Kioti tractors last?
We found no verified lifespan data. Service on schedule matters more than the badge. Keep the manual’s intervals and a written log.
Is the Kioti 6 year warranty still available?
Maybe, so ask. Kioti’s program page listed a purchase window that ended June 30, 2024, yet its warranty page still advertised a limited time 6 year powertrain term in October 2026. Get current terms from your dealer in writing before you sign.
Are Kioti tractors as good as Kubota?
Owners often call them close on the machine and rate Kioti higher on features per dollar. Kubota leads on dealer reach and resale. Your local dealer should break the tie.
