Kioti CK4010SE HST vs. Kubota L3902 — First-Time Buyer Guide (2025)
These two live in the same “real compact for 5–20 acres” zone. If you’re stepping up from a subcompact, this side-by-side focuses on what changes jobs: loader truth at 500 mm, chassis weight and wheelbase, hydraulics that control speed/force, mower options, tires, ballast, and dealer support.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Loader reality: Both loaders publish lift at the pins; ask for 500 mm forward numbers for forks. Attachment weight and rear ballast decide how planted either tractor feels.
- Hydraulics: Compare implement GPM (speed) and relief PSI (force). Total GPM can be misleading if steering is included.
- Mowing: These are compact frames—rear-finish mowers are the common path; mid-mount deck options are limited by chassis/mid-PTO availability.
- Quick-attach: Both loaders typically use 2-lever SSQA, opening a broad attachment ecosystem.
Model Overview & What’s Included
Kioti CK4010SE HST
- Engine/PTO: 40-hp-class diesel; PTO HP (HST) TBD (verify on dealer spec card).
- Transmission: Hydrostatic (HST).
- Common packages: KL4030 loader (SSQA), rear-finish mower, rotary cutter, box blade; backhoe option (model TBD for your build).
- Tire options: R1 ag, R4 industrial, R14-style hybrid, turf (availability varies).
Kubota L3902
- Engine/PTO: ~39-hp diesel; PTO HP (HST/gear) TBD (confirm for your transmission).
- Transmission: HST or gear/shuttle (varies by dealer stock).
- Common packages: LA526 loader (SSQA), rear-finish mower, rotary cutter, box blade; BH77 backhoe option (typical).
- Tire options: R1 ag, R4 industrial, R14 hybrid, turf (market-dependent).
Directly comparable: true compact frames, loader/backhoe ecosystem, HST options, rear PTO work. Not directly comparable: mid-mount mower availability (limited on these frames) and model-specific comfort/ergonomics packages.
Specs at a Glance — Head-to-Head
Units are U.S. first; metric in parentheses. Lift points labeled at pins vs 500 mm forward. If a figure is not published by the OEM, it’s shown as TBD—ask your dealer to provide the official sheet.
| Spec | Kioti CK4010SE HST | Kubota L3902 | So what? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine HP (gross) | ~40 hp class (TBD exact) | ~39 hp class (TBD exact) | Same class power; setup and weight swing feel more than 1–2 hp. |
| PTO HP | TBD (HST) | TBD (HST / gear) | PTO HP runs cutters/blowers—size implements by PTO, not engine hp. |
| Displacement / cylinders | TBD / 3-cyl diesel | TBD / 3-cyl diesel | Bigger displacement can add low-rpm torque feel. |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic (HST) | HST or gear/shuttle (varies) | HST = loader convenience; shuttle = gear control preference. |
| Hydraulic flow (implement / steering / total) | TBD / TBD / TBD | TBD / TBD / TBD | Compare implement GPM for speed; total includes steering. |
| Hydraulic relief pressure | TBD | TBD | Relief PSI caps pushing/lifting force at the cylinders. |
| 3-pt hitch (Cat & lift @ 24") | Cat I; TBD @ 24" | Cat I; TBD @ 24" | Determines what the rear can lift and carry safely. |
| Rear / Mid PTO | Rear yes / Mid TBD | Rear yes / Mid TBD | Mid PTO availability drives mid-mount deck/front PTO options. |
| Operating weight (ROPS, approx.) | TBD | TBD | Weight = stability with forks and ground tools; mind trailer limits. |
| Wheelbase | TBD | TBD | Longer wheelbase calms the see-saw with pallets & heavy buckets. |
| Ground clearance (min.) | TBD | TBD | Matters in ruts/windrows and for under-belly protection. |
| Tire families | R1 / R4 / R14 / Turf (availability varies) | R1 / R4 / R14 / Turf (market-dependent) | Pick by primary surface; chains beat tread on ice. |
| Fuel capacity | TBD | TBD | Bigger tank stretches time between fills on long days. |
| Warranty (powertrain) | Up to 6-yr program (verify terms) | Powertrain program available (verify local terms) | Get the printed warranty statement for your serial number. |
| Loader model | KL4030 (typical) | LA526 | Controls quick-attach style and published lift figures. |
| Lift capacity @ pins (full height) | TBD (OEM sheet) | TBD (OEM sheet) | Pins = bigger number; forks behave like 500 mm forward. |
| Lift @ 500 mm forward | TBD (ask dealer) | TBD (ask dealer) | Most realistic for pallets/forks; demand this figure. |
| Breakout force | TBD | TBD | How forcefully the bucket curls out of a pile. |
| Bucket width (std) | TBD (SSQA) | ~66" or dealer-spec (SSQA) | Heavier/wider buckets reduce effective lift; note weight. |
| Quick-attach | 2-lever SSQA (typical) | 2-lever SSQA (LA526) | SSQA unlocks common forks, grapples, pushers, brooms. |
| Backhoe option | Model TBD (confirm fit) | BH77 (typical) | Check dig depth, subframe, and hydraulic hookup method. |
Notes: Some manufacturers publish only “at pins” lift and total hydraulic flow. Ask for 500 mm forward lift and the implement vs steering GPM split. Don’t sign until you have the exact sheet for your configured tractor and bucket/forks.
Quick Comparison Matrix
Hydraulics, Loader Geometry & Decks — Real-Work Notes
Flow vs relief: Implement GPM sets how quickly the loader raises/curls; relief PSI caps how hard it can push/lift before protecting itself. Hydraulics Demystified
Loader geometry: “At pins” always looks bigger. Pallet/fork reality is the stricter 500 mm forward figure. Ask the dealer for both, with your bucket/forks weight listed on the same sheet.
Mowing convenience: On compact frames, rear-finish mowers are common and quick to drop. Mid-mount availability depends on mid-PTO and frame. If frequent deck on/off matters, consider a platform known for mid-mount systems—or stick to rear-finish mower. Tractor Size, Weight & HP
Ballast 101 — Liquid Tires ≠ Rear Counterweight. Filled rears add stability and traction. Only a counterweight behind the rear axle unloads the front axle so you can steer and hit rated lift. Follow the loader manual’s ballast requirement.
Tires & Traction — Quick Picks
- Mostly lawn / wet ground: R14 or turf; chains for winter hills. Tire Guide
- Loader/driveway work: R4; add liquid ballast + rear counterweight.
- Soft soils / traction-first: R1; accept turf marking; go easy on turns.
Real-World Scenarios — Which Tractor Wins?
Acreage with frequent loader + driveway gravel
Edge: TBD pending your dealer’s published 500 mm lift and implement GPM. Ask to time a full raise/dump/rollback and include ballast.
Hobby farm: pasture mowing + winter snow
Edge: Tie. Both run rear-finish mowers and snow solutions well; your dealer’s snow setup and parts shelf will swing it.
Residential with mowing focus
Edge: The model that offers the cleanest mowing setup for your property (rear-finish mower ease, deck storage, tire tread that won’t scuff).
Woodlot/trails: brush, firewood, light grading
Edge: The heavier configuration with published 500 mm lift and proper chassis protection; add R1/R14 and ballast.
Quick-Attach Reality Check
- CK4010SE (KL4030): 2-lever SSQA coupler (typical). Confirm forks/grapple are SSQA-mount and note attachment weights.
- L3902 (LA526): 2-lever SSQA coupler. Same SSQA ecosystem; keep forks/light tools to preserve lift.
Buyer Worksheet — Quick Peek
- Loader demo: Time raise/dump/rollback at working rpm with rear ballast attached.
- Fork test: Ask for the 500 mm sheet and feel stability with ~600–1,000 lb (or safe demo).
- Mowing demo: Rear-finish mower hookup and height adjustment—time the swap.
- Hydraulics: Get implement vs steering GPM split and system relief PSI in writing.
- Parts/service: Filter kit prices, common wear items, turnaround time, mobile service radius.
- Warranty: Printed powertrain/basic coverage for your serial number and dates.
Editorial Notes
We rely on manufacturer literature and dealer spec cards. If a figure isn’t published (e.g., 500 mm forward lift or implement/steering split), we mark it TBD. Always verify specs for your exact build (loader model, bucket width/weight, tire type, transmission).
Related guides: Hydraulics Demystified • Tractor Ballast 101 • Tractor Tires Explained • Biggest Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make • Tractor Size, Weight & HP
FAQ
Which has better loader performance in real use?
That depends on the 500 mm forward spec, ballast, and attachment weight. Ask both dealers to print the 500 mm figure for your exact bucket/forks and then demo a lift/curl/hold test with the specified rear ballast attached.
How do the hydraulics compare?
Look for the implement GPM split and relief PSI. Total GPM (implement + steering) can hide a smaller implement number that controls loader/backhoe speed. See Hydraulics Demystified.
Are mid-mount decks practical on these tractors?
Rear-finish mowers are the common choice. Mid-mount availability depends on mid-PTO and chassis provisions. If frequent deck on/off is critical, verify in person—or consider a platform designed around MMMs.
What tires should I order?
R1 for fields/soft ground, R4 for loader + gravel, R14 as a balanced “do-most-things” choice that’s kinder to lawns and better on snow than R4. Chains beat any tread on ice. Read the Tire Guide.
Do I really need rear ballast?
Yes. Liquid in the rears stabilizes, but only a rear counterweight behind the axle unloads the front end. Follow the loader manual’s ballast requirement. Ballast 101
Which holds value better?
Condition and paperwork win resale: tight pins, straight metal, tidy wiring, and documented service. Dealer density and brand demand help—but setup and maintenance matter most.
Verdict — The Right Pick for Your Property
- Mostly mowing with seasonal loader: The model with the cleaner mowing setup and tires suited to your lawn (R14/turf).
- Loader-heavy gravel/stone: The configuration with stronger published 500 mm lift, higher implement GPM, and proper rear ballast.
- Mixed chores, sensitive turf: Either tractor on R14s with liquid rears + removable counterweight so you can “lighten” for lawn season.
- Snow + hills: Tires matched to surface, rear ballast, and chains. Deck convenience matters less than traction here.
Warranty reminder: Get the printed powertrain/basic coverage for your serial number (dates, hours, exclusions).
Upgrade Smart — Make Your Tractor Work Easier
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- Chainsaw Carriers — keep tools secure and reachable.
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