Kioti HX series tractor 2023 Review

When it comes to South Korean brands and products, whether it be electronics, cars or appliances, a few common traits prevail – namely reliability, quality, and value for money.

The nation’s agricultural machinery is no exception.

Kioti, otherwise known as Daedong in its homeland, is one of the leading tractor manufacturers in South Korea, where it has been building them for over 50 years. In addition to farm tractors, the brand also produces mowers, implements, engines and utility vehicles.

While Kioti (pronounced Kai-yoh-tee, like the wild dog) has mainly focused on compact tractors, market demand has seen the manufacturer move up to the mid-size utility sector in recent years.

Its latest addition, the HX range, is currently the brand’s flagship, with power outputs of 130hp and 140hp.

Local Kioti distributor, PFG Australia, let us take the rigs for a spin recently on a farm in scenic Mansfield in Victoria’s High Country.

While many tractors on the market are assembled using components sourced from different OEMs, Kioti takes pride in making almost everything in-house, from the engine to the transmission and from the cab to the front axle.

A turbocharged, 3.8-litre Daedong common-rail direct-injection diesel engine powers the HX series tractors, with an eight-speed Powershift, 32 by 32 transmission to transfer power to the ground.

The transmission is full powershift, which means there is no clutching required when changing ranges. This not only makes operation much easier but also delivers a smoother drive.

A closed centre, load-sensing hydraulic system at the rear offers a flow rate of 118l/min. The HX tractors also come standard with a third function on the loader allowing for 4-in-1 bucket opening and closing, for example.

A generous 4852kg lift capacity at the rear lets the machines safely lift a wide variety of implements including mowers, seeders and balers.

For our exercise, Kioti had two different implements hooked onto the tractors – a slasher and a seeder – while one had a loader and bucket installed at the front.

The tractors handled the implements effortlessly and there was no drag or power loss at any given time. When making turns at the headland, the implements followed seamlessly.

There are four hydraulic remotes available on the HX series, and quick couplers make changing and engaging implements a breeze. Lifting and lowering the implements is simple, with just a pull of the corresponding hydraulic levers in the cab. The levers are smooth and easy to operate, helping to minimise operator fatigue, and especially if constant lifting and lowering of implements is required.

A three-speed PTO with PTO cruise control that helps set the working revs comes standard.

A power shuttle lever on the left of the steering wheel lets operators make forward and reverse direction changes with ease and speed, which is handy for operations such as mowing and loading.

The HX series also features a limited-slip differential at the front axle to improve traction, especially in wet and muddy conditions.

The full Powershift transmission provides a comfortable ride and changing gears was as simple as pressing a button on the transmission joystick. Changing speed and gears was smooth, with minimal forward or backward thrust.

A set of radial tyres further improves traction for towing work.

There is ample space in the cab for operators to make themselves at home and stretch their legs. The floor-to-ceiling glass panels surrounding the cab not only give operators a greater sense of space but also provide optimum vision around the machine.

A sunroof provides extra ventilation as well as that extra vision for operators, especially when front loader operation is involved.

A suspension seat that can be heated gives users plenty of comfort and warmth, especially during Victoria’s bone-chilling winter months.

The seat can also swivel around, allowing drivers to get a better look around or behind them.

Controls including the transmission joystick, loader joystick, and hydraulic levers are all placed conveniently within arm’s reach.

Some extra bits and pieces including cup holders, heating/cooling drink compartment, Bluetooth radio, 12V ‘cigarette lighter’ power outlets, air-conditioning and heating complete the comfort package.

While the displays and controls are all quite basic and analogue-based to keep things simple (and affordable), users can opt to install precision farming systems on the Kioti HX series if need be.

Our Kioti HX has a Trimble system running in the cab, which takes the work out of numerous typical farming operations.

With a receiver installed on the roof of the tractor, the system allows for autosteer functions, meaning farmers can effectively set start and end points and let the tractor drive itself. This not only helps reduce operator fatigue but allows better farming accuracy in ensuring the tractor travels in a straight line, hence reducing overlaps.

Kioti says one of its major points of difference, compared to other tractor makes, is the sheer value for money it offers its customers.

The HX series is priced from $109,995 plus GST and comes with all the aforementioned features as standard, excluding the Trimble system.

Kioti’s HX series tractors also come with a four-year or 2000-hour warranty.

With the release of its flagship range in Australia, the South Korean brand hopes to increase its competitiveness in the local farm machinery market and further expand its footprint. Based on our experience with the HX series, coupled with its affordable price point, we think Kioti is on the winning track.