Eight things I HATE about the Kioti CS2520

[@brianwalsh5075]

My CS2220 starts just as rough in the cold. Good to know about throttling up a little when starting. Thanks for posting, I really enjoy your content.

[@timbervisions]

Thanks!

[@yoseflaurent3376]

Shaky dithering cold start sounds something normal for most any diesel engine, as far as I know. Living in the far north, we suggest to get an electric engine block heater that sells for about 125$. On freezing days, you plug it for about an hour before starting the tractor, two hours if the temperature gets below 0 Farenheit. That will make much of a difference at starting time and will cost but a few cents of electricity, since the heating element typically consumes about 150 watts.

[@timbervisions]

Thanks for the tip!

[@chspyderr]

I also appreciate the tip.

[@Kevinhobbytime]

My ck2610 came with oil/block heater already installed.

[@DonnieDarko727]

Don't forget to use a timer. Even easier!

[@JeffC-dj3gd]

Good tip! As a USAF Elec Power Pro I was trained & experienced in using mostly diesel prime movers & DOD gen sets have provisions for "engine block heaters" to be utilized in cold regions. Also useful are battery heaters. Ether is NOT recommended, but some people use it at their own risk & some DOD units I was familiar with came with an "ether bottle apparatus" that allowed for metered shots of ether to be used in a cold start. Diesel engines operate on "detonation" due to their high compression ratios, & the shaking on start-up is due to the uneven detonation of the cold intake charge of air cooling the fuel/air mixture, causing slower than usual detonation & upsetting somewhat the timing of the power stroke. Once everything "warms up" all is back to "normal". Hope this helps, God bless all.

[@MrDoyle07]

I have had Kubota and John Deere. Kubota did everything I needed it to do. It only failed once. The green one, for four years now is hands down no comparison the best. I have long since forgotten about the extra money. I love it every time I use it.

[@timbervisions]

Excellent! They are all great tractor brands IMO. I agree the JD do cost a bit more, but have a very proven record of quality. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@michaelmactavish4445]

@@timbervisions thats why i love kubota they make it so easy to service and hydrulic filter on kubotas are simple easy acess to get at and hydrulic filter is in the good nice spot wich kubota done the best design plus nice kubota can run loader raise and dump same time plus kubota has more legroom on its floor

[@timbervisions]

@@michaelmactavish4445 I dismissed them due to the treadle pedal (I had drove a co-workers). I may have to revisit them in the future though and get a bit more seat time on one with loader. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@marshallevans9457]

I thought I would hate the treadle pedal, but I got used to mine very quickly, and I now like it that way

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

I agree. I HATE the damn treadle pedal on those Kubota's. We had four BX's at work and one John Deere. I love the two pedal JD hydro. Leave your heel in one place and simply pivot your toes left and right as needed. My heel does not pivot the way Kubota wants it to for reverse. Yes you can pick your foot up and step on the rear of the pedal, but it is a pain in the ass.

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Thanks for showing these issues rarely do we hear about design issues that turn into major annoyances

[@timbervisions]

I really did love that little tractor, but they all have shortcomings and I think folks do need to hear about them. Thanks for stopping in!

[@nealrugel5423]

I traded a TYM off for my CS2520, no regrets. The biggest negative for me was the “tippy” feeling. I ordered Bro-Tec wheel spacers, best decision ever. There are not many places I need to be under 4’ wide, so I went 3” spacers.

[@timbervisions]

It's a great tractor no doubt. Welcome to the pack! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@justinmalazzo7815]

I've had a few different brands yanmar kubota and kioti and they all had that rough start in the cold. I've noticed fuel quality was a big factor in that. As for the hydro filter the yanmar is just as low and I had it for 12 years and never hit the filter and I have done some crazy stuff! Lol

[@timbervisions]

Good to know Justin. Some other viewers have echoed the same thing. Thanks for watching and for your input. It's greatly appreciated by me and other viewers.

[@Quilustrucu]

I am surprised at your negative lift and curl at the same time experience. I own an old 2011, no longer in production, Mahindra 1816Hst and I became very comfortable at this operation while spreading some 90 tonnes of 0-3/4. I had to restrained myself to stop the rear end from lifting up! Thanks for your input, I am considering the Kioti CK2610.

[@timbervisions]

I think with the ck models, the valves are better. So I've been told that my owners of them. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@paulgeary531]

Good video. In truth these tractors are expensive for what they are. So your points are deserving.

[@timbervisions]

They have gotten little more expensive the last couple years. Seeing that with everything though. They can do quite a bit of work, just remember, they have their limits.

[@Kevinhobbytime]

Im so glad i didnt waste money buying one of these sub-sub-compact “tractors”. I went with the ck2610 and love it for my 5 acre property. Starts easy in the winter and it sleeps outside. No one should ever buy one of these glorified garden tractors! It’s literally just a 4x4 lawn mower with a nearly useless bucket loader and class 0 implements cost as much or more than class 1 stuff but are half as useful at best. My dealer tried really hard to talk me into one of these, good to see i wasn’t wrong in my decision to skip it all together. Sorry you had to learn the hard way.

[@timbervisions]

Kevin, they have their place and I have moved on to a DK5320se cab tractor. I will always look back on my time with this subcompact tractor with happy thoughts. It could do way more than a person may realize. If my needs to lift over a ton were met with this tractor, I'd still have it today. I know that is an impossible feat for such a small tractor, but I was pleased with my CS2520. Most of my points were nit picking, but true and factual things. If someone asked me if the CS was a good tractor I'd tell them it was, just know it's limitations. Can't fit my DK where the CS would go. Just saying Thanks for your watching and for input. It is greatly appreciated!

[@Kevinhobbytime]

@@timbervisions dk is a good size. Those cs tractors are just so small, you quickly over run their abilities once your comfortable and learn everything you can do with a machine rather than a shovel. I was super impressed with the size versus the cost in the kioti lineup. Functionally beats kubota both price and usability and tramples JD of the same size by thousands of dollars at minimal ability loss. Comparing hp, lift height, lift weights etc. the kioti contends really well pound for dollar wise.

[@timbervisions]

They are a great value for the options and ability they have. I've been quite happy with both I've had. CK is really nice too, ran one during the time I was shopping for an upgrade. Cab is little smaller than DK, plus I wanted the extra lift capacity. Enjoy your tractor my friend!

[@alpine9996]

My 25hp BX2680 uses category 1 implements, NOT cat O

[@dand1824]

I spotted with my little eye the seat bypass wire loop 😉 I have a 2021 cx2510 and did the same trick. Can't get off the seat unless it's in neutral and park break on 🙄

[@timbervisions]

Quick eye there Dan! Yes, I don't talk about that or suggest anyone do that, but yep, did it for the same reasons you did. Thanks for watching!

[@mikeutube123]

Sounds like you want a bigger tractor.

[@timbervisions]

For its size, great tractor. I did indeed get a larger compact tractor. Just trying to let folks know the limits of the cs2520. Thanks for stopping in

[@tomm9860]

I would install a block heater. You should even shift it tell the hydrails warm up in the winter 10 minutes Your right on the filter, pass poor place have it, maybe you need to buy the next size up. You get would you pay for.

[@timbervisions]

Yep, all good points. That was the reason I made this video to help folks out that might be looking at this specific tractor so they know it's cons. I loved that little tractor but have moved on to a DK5320se cab tractor. This tractor fits my needs much better, but costs quite a bit more obviously.

[@Kevinhobbytime]

Your two function problem is isolated to your mini tractor. I can lift curl and clamp with my grapple with no reduction in speed or force. Sometimes if im in a higher hear and driving it will slow down on one of the functions but if i stay in low gear i can operate every function nearly simultaneously without any issues. Ck2610.

[@timbervisions]

Great point!

[@1millionstartups]

Thank you for an unvarnished review; seeing all that snow and hearing about your hated things convinced me to keep my NX cab, and just get a subcompact for tighter spots and fenced area. Do you think your CS2520 is powerful and heavy enough to handle a 5 ft root grapple and stump bucket up front? And a tiller and box scraper off the back? Thanks.

[@timbervisions]

I think a 5 foot grapple would rob too much of your lift capacity. I run a 4ft grapple on mine and it works well. Same for the implements, I run a 4 ft rotary tiller on the back and it works very well. Any larger and it lacks the HP and lift capacity. I don't have a box scraper, but know they are hefty on the weight. Would assume lift capacity would be the limiting factor. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you got something from my video.

[@davehudson4607]

First couple of storms keep your wee skis on the bucket, but take them off once you get a base down.

[@timbervisions]

That was the plan once ground was frozen. I used it without the edge tamers last year and learned once ground was hard and had a good snow pack I was good to go. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@Mrclean308]

I'm looking at this model. This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@timbervisions]

@mrclean308 I'm glad it was helpful. Best of luck in your decision!

[@marlinziggy6971]

so true about the lift and curl i always hate that all sub compacts do this crap

[@timbervisions]

I've only run this one, but I could see your point.

[@franksgarage8551]

Front wheel assist, i lift the front wheels, then it shifts like butter. My cs2210 has the same rough start,even with the engine heater on for a couple hours. I made spacers,1” up and 1” back made a big difference in comfort and i dont bend the key with my knee any more.

[@timbervisions]

That's a good idea on the seat spacer. Might have to look into that.

[@Randylongoria81]

I broke my key stepping off the tractor.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

That is a dumb place for that filter I agree. Be nice if you could construct an easily removable guard so when it comes time to change the hydraulic oil it could be quickly removed to give you access to the filter then reinstall it for protection.

[@timbervisions]

I saw your other comment. Thanks for watching!

[@JeffC-dj3gd]

IMHO, I would make a fitting to replace the filter & use hoses to route the fluid to a new location with accessibility for the filter to reside. Much like rodders did to the small block Chevy's oil filter from the bottom rear of the engine to up somewhere on the firewall or fender. Just my two cents. God bless.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

All good points to check out before you buy

[@timbervisions]

Thanks for watching Larry

[@randyn923nichols4]

That's the hydraulic filter transmission filter is up higher in front of left rear tire under a bracket.

[@timbervisions]

Yep, you're probably right. Either way it's a dumb place to have it located.

[@kevinjansen2738]

Well done video. I didn’t expect you to make a whole video about my comment

[@timbervisions]

It was a good point. Thanks for the idea!

[@johnthree1611]

Someone in the comments called that thing a compact, it looks to be a sub-compact, tiny. I just ordered the 2620.

[@timbervisions]

It is a subcompact, correct.

[@geedubb-q1u]

You can get an upgraded seat that’s way better. Had one installed on my Kioti zero turn. Big difference and only cost me $250. I’m on it for an easy 4hrs and that seat is a lot easier on the back.

[@timbervisions]

Didn't realize they had on to fit it. It's a suspension seat?

[@eugenecunningham491]

I know that model is known for a lot of defects and the engine sounds like it's out of balance or the injectors are not quite properly tuned if you have all these problems with it I definitely take it back to the dealer or I haven't come pick it up take it back and have them fix the warranties or whatever's under warrant to get it fixed so that it's properly done right that fits your needs you have and if not then they can take it and trade it for something better or do what you want it's your choice

[@timbervisions]

It smooths out right after that so the engine isn't out of balance. It just started this fall as temps dropped.

[@sschulze9273]

Agree with your comments. Mine lives in Minnesota, but in a 50deg heated garage, and still starts rough. I had a CS2410 with the Daedong engine prior, and it started WAY better than this Kioti engine. On the upside, the Kioti engine in the 2520 is much quieter at working speed.

[@timbervisions]

I'm guessing that was a 4 cylinder? I've heard those start easier. I do love this tractor, can't say that enough. But no tractor is perfect. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sschulze9273]

@@timbervisions nope, 3cly as well. 2015 model.

[@timbervisions]

@@sschulze9273 just a different engine then. Still a 25 H P ? I'm not familiar with the older models, sorry.

[@sschulze9273]

@Timber Visions yup. The 2410 used an older design Daedong engine that's been used in several applications for a long time. The engine in the 2520 is new and specifically for Kioti compact tractors.

[@tracyphillips3325]

I have a Kioit cx2510 2022 year model and it has the Daedong engine. Starts rough just like that one.

[@JoseContreras-qh4gl]

Where can I find that cab?

[@timbervisions]

@JoseContreras-qh4gl originalcab.com is where I got it from. Pretty handy to keep the wind and snow off in the winter time. I would take it off in the summer time. Still fit in a 7 ft door with it installed as well, which is nice.

[@xdude2x]

Put inch and a half wheel spacers on my BX, you won’t believe the difference that makes. Thanks for the video

[@timbervisions]

I ended up doing 2 inch shortly after this video. You're right, huge difference! Thanks for watching!

[@raymondulrich1685]

Did you get 4 or just do the rear...?

[@timbervisions]

@@raymondulrich1685 Just the rears. Helps a lot

[@xdude2x]

@@raymondulrich1685 just the rears

[@jg6438]

All the items you don't like were visible in the parking lot! You must have been wearing blinders and did zero comparisons. I recently purchased a cx2510, not a compact tractor. It replaced a Kubota sub-compact that was 4 years old. It rode like a buckboard and kicked the hell out of my back. This Kioti has a great hydraulic adjustable seat. I do hate the location of the fuel tank, only holds about 5 gal and the filler cap is so high up that you cannot tell when approaching full. Till it splashes all over you. Shifting ranges is like rubbing two files together. Very stable on step banks. jg

[@timbervisions]

The price was largest part of my decision in buying the CS 2520. I still miss that little bugger. Could get into tight spot with it and it lifted way more than a tractor it's size should be able to. The purpose of the video was to point out those things to potential buyers as many folks will watch videos on a tractor before buying one. This was my attempt to help other people, plain and simple. Have a nice day.

[@joshuaanderson8684]

I just got a 2220 yesterday and already put 4 hours on it. I got it stuck twice because the snow was hard and the tractor would go up on the snow then fall through. I was wondering about the control's!

[@timbervisions]

The crusty snow can be tricky. My advice is to put the bucket down and push rather than try to drive on the top of it. Too risky driving on snow with bucket raised up. That's just how I do it anyway. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuaanderson8684]

@@timbervisions I noticed that the loader assembly has play in it. If the bucket doesn't bite in right away it will push the whole loader assembly up. Is that normal? Also I have some very hard compacted snow that was built-up from 50 plus mph winds in -40 degree weather.

[@timbervisions]

@Joshua Anderson we have the same here as well. As far as the play I think I know what you're referring to and it's the play that exists where you hook up the loader. Mine has always done that as well. As your manual will read, you should check torque on the loader bolts periodically. If those are tight, you should be good.

[@ssprofirewood]

That is a good review, thanks!

[@timbervisions]

Glad to put it out there. Thanks for watching!

[@acatnamedscoop7718]

think I will go with the JD X758 with a snowblower , tiller and mower deck thats pretty much all I need one for

[@timbervisions]

Yes, if you don't need a loader and plan to mow with it, a smaller JD is the way to go. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@acatnamedscoop7718]

@@timbervisions I dont really need the mower deck either Im getting a commercial stand on zero turn for mowing a small 36'' is all I need I just want a JD with a cab and snowblower it looks like a blast Way more fun than ice fishing ...

[@timbervisions]

Cab and snowblower is a good combination. I'd skip the mower deck on that then if you're getting a zero turn. Save the money...

[@SantiagosProjects]

I own 1025r Does the same thing cold start it’s normal for Diesel engine

[@timbervisions]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@rickdavid1795]

Do they offer a block heater?

[@timbervisions]

They do yes and I should've had one installed when I bought it. I've been trying a magnet oil pan heater with limited success lately. Maybe next summer I'll install an engine block heater as I'll have to drain all the antifreeze out in order to do it. Thanks for watching!

[@DonnieDarko727]

Don't forget to use Hot Shots Secret Winter additive

[@timbervisions]

I've had the recommended to me by other fellas. I haven't been able to find any. I use Diesel Service Plus in the white bottle. I'll keep looking for it

[@DonnieDarko727]

@@timbervisions I did the sane when I got my DK5310SE. First diesel. Watched Project Farms comparison video and it sold me. I'm ready to give mu diesel power service away free lol. There's a reason they market so heavily. Never had a problem in winter yet.

[@timbervisions]

@@DonnieDarko727 so you had issues using the white bottle?

[@raymondulrich1685]

Tell us again how tall and heavy you are... I'm 6' and I wish the seat back reclined a bit...

[@timbervisions]

I'm 6'5" tall and 350 last I checked. It's a tight fit in that cab, but better than snow in the face.

[@raymondulrich1685]

Surely a good cab or even a cheapo one is very nice to have on many nasty days 😉😉😂😂

[@timbervisions]

@@raymondulrich1685 getting out of the snow and wind helps quite a bit.

[@johnbasler4119]

What tractor is in the video?

[@timbervisions]

That is a kioti CS2520 subcompact tractor.

[@northernhumidor5615]

That’s any diesel in cold weather. You need a block heater

[@timbervisions]

Agreed I do. Dealer has had them on order for couple years...

[@biglarge9418]

What your CS 2520 hates about you. YOU’RE TO DAMN BIG FOR IT! I’m 6’2” 400 lbs and bought the RX 7320 cab and feel like I just barely fit comfortably.

[@timbervisions]

I figured I was just good ballist weight. But without something on the back this little bugger will lift the back even with me in it! Thanks for watching and the humorous comment.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

Sir, you little sub-compact tractor is way better than a wheel-burro, but "delicate" in many ways. The cold weather starting proceedure you are using is " Catastrophic "; it is a diesel engine and it needs NEEDS an engine block heater. The snow on the groung proves it is WAY COLDER THAN 40° Fahrenheit--- ; anything less it totally S__p_Dumb. A through understanding & READING of the Operator's Manual is Paramount. It would take 50 U-tube " seat of your pants" vidios to "Es-plan" the "basic fundamentals " of " my new twac-tor " home-lownership" know-hows. The "smart-way" is right way for years of trouble-free service. The "warranty " is Not a substitute for knowledge. Thank you for the great Video Sir and happy safe tractoring. Best wishes with all your endeavours.

[@timbervisions]

Thanks for your input and well wishes. Have a great day!

[@Retarded229]

My kubota starts 20 below with no block heater.

[@marshallevans9457]

Ya, my kubota starts in winter just as well as the summer. No heater, just a couple seconds of glow plugs.

[@timbervisions]

@@marshallevans9457 the kioti, at least the subcompacts, don't have a way to make the glow plugs stay on like other models do. It has a timer at first position which I cycle more than once and it doesn't start well even then. These 3 cylinder diesels I've heard can be that way, the larger 3 and 4 cylinder motors run better at start-up. Nature of the beast I guess.

[@michiganrazorriders9749]

has anyone had an issue with the hyd filter and it's location getting hit on something?

[@timbervisions]

@michiganrazorriders9749 I dented mine and I've read others have punctured theirs in the woods.

[@michiganrazorriders9749]

@@timbervisions that is one of my concerns when clearing small sapling stumps

[@timbervisions]

@michiganrazorriders9749 they do sell a guard that I ended up installing to protect it. IMO it should come on them stock, but mine didn't.

[@MINItraktor196]

😎👍

[@timbervisions]

😉

[@jerrypelletier2328]

You bought a Korean tractor... What did you expect??

[@timbervisions]

Lmao, I loved that tractor. No tractor is perfect. Watch the video and you'll learn the point instead of just talking trash about a brand because of where it's made. Tell me, what compact tractor is totally USA made? Answer... none

[@jg6438]

One more comment I forgot. What about the stupid designs of the lights mounted on the roll bar that are the very first to be removed by low-hanging tree branches. Absolutely Moronic.

[@timbervisions]

So, do you like your CX or not? I can't quite follow the flow. Tractors are tractors. All have good and bad things about them. Most bad SHOULD be spotted at the dealership and considered before purchase. I think all tractors have lights on the ROPS so not really just one brand issue. They are required by law, so they put them there I'm guessing. Who knows?

[@troyb.4101]

Winter times, I'm in Aridzona. Renamed this state. Snow, you need to move, I haven't seen any real snow in 50 years here. What is all that white stuff every where.

[@timbervisions]

HA! I actually enjoy having all four seasons, however spring and fall are my favorites because the temps are mild. Not too hot or cold.

[@troyb.4101]

@@timbervisions Aridzona , becoming way too hot. We're setting records every year for heat. Those diesel engines love heat, The complaint associated with them is the cooling fans rarely come on. That's the way the want them to run, hot.

[@timbervisions]

@@troyb.4101 I can't say I had too much of an issue when I owned that little tractor. Of coarse I'm not in Arizona either. Thanks for stopping in and commenting.

[@Brandos_mechanical]

Put a oil pan heater on it and plug it in

[@timbervisions]

I did try that, but I think the heater was a bit too small. The oil pan isn't the largest either. This is a common issue with this model. There is no on demand glow plugs where a person could run them for a bit longer. I think that would help. Other's have said they had their timing advanced and that helped a lot as well. I don't have this model anymore, I upgraded to a DK, we'll see how well it works this winter. Thanks for the feedback.

[@eugenecunningham491]

Oh and that is under the lemon law for things like that

[@timbervisions]

yep

[@shawnconway7890]

Sounds like you should’ve bought a bigger tractor lol

[@timbervisions]

Yes, good point. It's kind of the point of the video. Letting folks know who are looking at this model, the shortcomings of it. I did, in fact, upgrade to a dk5320se this past spring. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@shawnconway7890]

Yes for sure it is. I’m on the fence whether to get this kioti or go with the mahindra emax20s. Both dealers are local for me here in northern Ontario. I think the kioti is a better quality tractor than the small mahindra at the price point. Thanks and stay safe

[@timbervisions]

@@shawnconway7890 you as well my friend!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Paused the video too quickly. That guard should be standard equipment. Typical greedy companies, we will make a guard an option.

[@timbervisions]

Unfortunately yes. Still good value in a small tractor, but they all seem to upcharge for what should be standard IMO. Especially in this case

[@kipcudd7253]

Hmmm!

[@timbervisions]

Don't get me wrong, I love this tractor. No tractor is without its faults, though.

[@georgewright3081]

Buy a bigger tractor

[@timbervisions]

Great idea George! In the future I'll be doing just that, but for now I'm trying to educate viewers BEFORE they buy a tractor so they know what to expect. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great day!

[@jeffbova-im7on]

why did you buy it then? blah blah blah..

[@timbervisions]

The point of this video is to point out the down sides of this tractor model for potential buyers. I love this tractor and all it can do. If you watched more of my videos you'd already know that. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@loutepas7286]

Well he bought a tooth pick instead of a knife, wanting it to be somthing it's not is all I got out of this

[@timbervisions]

@LOU Tepas you didn't watch the whole video then. Often the problem with folks now days. I've also noticed the ones who troll the most don't have any videos about the subject or many times , as in your case, no videos at all. Have a great day.

[@gotti5472]

I have to ask did you by this product unseen ?

[@timbervisions]

No I didn't. I did a bunch of research before deciding on the CS2520. I'm am certain (in my opinion) that it is better than many similar sized tractors of this class so I feel I made the best choice. If you listened to me during this video I stated several times I'm quite pleased in many ways with this tractor. I DO feel that many videos don't discuss the shortcomings of products (as I had made many videos talking about the positives), so I decided to inform potential buyers of what I feel are the negatives of this tractor. I hope this answers your question. Thanks for watching and for the question. Have a great day!

[@merikatools568]

That cold start sounded like my ex wife waking up in the morning....sounds like parts shaking loose

[@timbervisions]

Yep, agreed. Well, not that I've heard your wife in the morning... thanks for watching!