DK45SE... Hst or Gear?

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

Hi all, I know i've been on here a bunch with a lot of questions for the last year and all. I'm pretty set on the kioti tractors from all the good feed back i have heard from you guys. They just seem like the best value w/ all the standard options.
So i guess my decisions lies in to go w/ the hydro or the shutter gear? I've talked to many local kioti dealers around and one tells me that i will be very happy with the hydro for the little bit of ground implements i will be using. Now i plan on trying to do a lot of loader work w/ brush and fully trees that will be shoved and jammed into piles from having some land cleared with a dozer. I like the idea that i keep a few extra hp w/ the gear. But for ease of use and the fact that i can have my fiance hope on or someone else quickly if i wana use the bucket as scallofling(i know not the safest thing but hey you do what ya gota do). Probably would be rare occasions but this tractor will need to me last me a long time. I will have trouble affording if i have any major problems with it.

Uses: Running a 2 bottom plow each spring at most 2acres, disc, hare, bout 15ac. of brush hoggin a few times a summer, clearing brush and moving trees/logs. Manure and pulling a 6ft ground driven manure spreader.

When it comes to the loader work is the shuttle really that big of a deal if you never used a hydro/loader before. I'm new to a lot of this just been running n old ford 800 n john deer 40 that was my grandfathers, kinda learning as i go.

I was quoted for a dk45se hst 20,988. That's by april 1st before th new price increase. Had to other dealers both around 25k. Big difference huh? I want to pull the trigger on one but the fiance says i need to hold off another year but i'm tired of all the back breakin of shovel and the wheel barrel after a hard days of work. Plenty people in the family that have jobs i could do lol.

***WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO***

Thanks guys for all the help over the last year and i can't wait till the day i have my own and i can post pics on here like you all do. I know i will be on the thing all the time. Also i'm self employeed so i try and justify that it could be used for a job or two.

 

[Marveltone]

First, a little personal experience, then a little information gleaned from the pages of TBN. My experience is with a gear driven shuttle shift. I do brush hogging, blading, snow blowing and loader work with it. It works just fine. I really like gear drive for mowing and blading. I can set the speed and forget it. Gear drives, in my opinion, do put more of the available power to the wheels and PTO than HST. If you're running that close to max (as I am) on your implements, that could be a factor. If you're buying new, you can just plan on buyuing a big enough machine to make this a moot point.

Now, the information gleaned from the many pages of knowledge from TBN contributors is that HST drives are smoother and make loader and snow removal work faster and more efficient. This makes perfect sense, as there is no clutch to slip in and out or shift lever to jockey around every time you change direction, and the speeds are infinitely variable. HST will work just fine for ground engagement tasks also.

Will I tell you which you should get? Not on your life! I might be tempted to steer you toward HST just for the ease of operation, but in the end, only you can decide which will work out best for you.

For now, I'll keep my shuttle shift. It's paid for. :thumbsup:

Joe

 

[Coyote machine]

Had a DK-35 and traded it up for the larger capacity loader and four over three cylinders of the DK-40. I think this particular size and HP and loader capacity is worth waiting for if you can't afford it right now. I had/have HST on both tractors and find it works great with the backhoe and 4000lb winch I've used on both Kioti's. If you go with HST make sure you get one with adequate HP to do all tasks you might encounter.
IMHO, the CK and even the DK-35 may not meet your needs. Look carefully at loader capacity for pushing logs around- I do a lot of that, and the DK-40's extra capacity and strength is well worth the extra money. The DK-45 is the same tractor as the 40, except for the additional HP.

 

[k0ua]

Its pretty simple. If what you are going to do requires changing direction or speed all the time, get HST, if it does not, then Gear is fine. I love hydro because it is more precise, I can change speeds instantly, I can change direction instantly, and when you get off 8 hours later I can walk on my arthritic left knee. (my right ankle is fine).
Also you wife, your neighbor, your dog, and maybe even the cat, can operate Hydro, without much in the way of instruction or practice. yep it is that easy. Gear machines require practice to develop the level of skill and precision to operate safely around obstacles and people. Not saying here that gear machines are not good, and yes hydro machines eat some horsepower, and convert it to heat, and they make a whiney noise when operated. Its all true, and you know what? I don't give a darn.. I am not trading in my hydro for nuthin, 'cept maybe a HST+ or EHydro:laughing::laughing: So there you have it from a VERY opinionated old man that has owned 2 gear tractors and 2 Hydro tractors..Its hydro all the way for me.

James K0UA

 

[grsthegreat]

i have a new DK45SE HST.....my advice for what its worth...always get more HP than you think you'll need. My old tractor had 28, and it worked fine for years.

but when i see what the new tractor can lift and haul, its amazing. my old tractor could lift 980#, the new one 2700#

im planning on using a loader mounted snow plow and snow blower with mine.

oh, and i LOVE my cab.

 

[gkh7890]

How long has the unit been on the lot? Regardless, that is a great price for a DK45SE HST & loader (you indicated loader work but didn't say it was included...guess its implied??). That's only $400 more than I paid for a DK40SE HST & FEL in May 2010.

My wife couldn't understand why I wanted a loader for a tractor until she saw the work I did w/ a friend's Bobcat Skidsteer while we built our house. Once she saw that and understood it, she said....get what you need!!!!:thumbsup: Does your fiance help you in all that work you are doing or will be doing?

I'm sorry but that is too good a deal to pass up....IMHO. Best wishes and post the pics if you bring it home!!!:thumbsup:

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

How long has the unit been on the lot? Regardless, that is a great price for a DK45SE HST & loader (you indicated loader work but didn't say it was included...guess its implied??). That's only $400 more than I paid for a DK40SE HST & FEL in May 2010.

My wife couldn't understand why I wanted a loader for a tractor until she saw the work I did w/ a friend's Bobcat Skidsteer while we built our house. Once she saw that and understood it, she said....get what you need!!!!:thumbsup: Does your fiance help you in all that work you are doing or will be doing?

I'm sorry but that is too good a deal to pass up....IMHO. Best wishes and post the pics if you bring it home!!!:thumbsup:

As far as I know he didnt have ne dk 45 hst in stock so he said he could get one in for me' thats with ag tires n filled. the fiance is in law school but helps out as much as she can when it comes to stuff.
I would use loader for manure n prob get a tooth bar to move sum dirt n be using pallet forks to lift sum lugs prob.
She thinks way ecinomy is I need to hold off being im self employeed but I have a good contract that I get 95% of my work from. I have so much I could use it fir now seems a shame to wait n have all the back breakin,labor. I think im leanin towatds the hydro. I got a call into my dealer for price on a shuttle to c the difference. Prob wont be enough to steer me away from the hydro

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

Sorry n yes it does come with the loader n QA bucket. Thanks guys lovin all the help

 

[Bigturk]

A close friend of mine is on his third Kioti, all with cab. He uses his tractor mostly for snow removal with FEL and blower. His newest DK50se is his first Hydro, the others were gear. His left knee would kill him after a long day of moving snow with the gear tractors. When I decided to buy my DK40se I was already set on Hydo and I have no regrets. Keep in mind the DK45 is only 4 engine hp more than the DK40, same tractor and loader, but more money.

 

[Greg9504]

When I decided to buy my DK40se I was already set on Hydo and I have no regrets. Keep in mind the DK45 is only 4 engine hp more than the DK40, same tractor and loader, but more money.

Bigturk, have you used your DK40SE to snow blow yet? If yes what size blower and how has it worked? The dealer recommended a 6' blower for a DK40SE HST (Cab) I'm looking at.

Thanks.

 

[Bigturk]

Bigturk, have you used your DK40SE to snow blow yet? If yes what size blower and how has it worked? The dealer recommended a 6' blower for a DK40SE HST (Cab) I'm looking at.

Thanks.

I bought a used 74" Pronovost in John Deere green. It needed paint so I had it cleaned up and painted Napa Industrial Orange. I have a long driveway that I snowblow which runs around a neighbors field. When it blows, the snow drifts in the road. A blower is the only way to get through it. Sometimes I have to raise the blower and take the top off the drift, move ahead, lower blower and take the rest of the snow. I paid $1500 for the blower + 500 to have it painted. It is worth every penny. Here is a picture of one of the drifts. Suzuki Samurai as reference.


My DK40se off the road stuck.

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

Wow great lookin tractor they look so big with the cabss. I would love to have it but I know all the local farmers will bust on me for it lol since im just a small horse farm n dont realy do much planting. My neighbor made a good pt though being a hobby farmer ur ur time is valuable after worrkin a full day . Plus keeps the instrument panel n platform out of the elements. Wats it add like 4 to 5k to price?

 

[TripleR]

Its pretty simple. If what you are going to do requires changing direction or speed all the time, get HST, if it does not, then Gear is fine. I love hydro because it is more precise, I can change speeds instantly, I can change direction instantly, and when you get off 8 hours later I can walk on my arthritic left knee. (my right ankle is fine).
Also you wife, your neighbor, your dog, and maybe even the cat, can operate Hydro, without much in the way of instruction or practice. yep it is that easy. Gear machines require practice to develop the level of skill and precision to operate safely around obstacles and people. Not saying here that gear machines are not good, and yes hydro machines eat some horsepower, and convert it to heat, and they make a whiney noise when operated. Its all true, and you know what? I don't give a darn.. I am not trading in my hydro for nuthin, 'cept maybe a HST+ or EHydro:laughing::laughing: So there you have it from a VERY opinionated old man that has owned 2 gear tractors and 2 Hydro tractors..Its hydro all the way for me.

James K0UA

+2

We have a BX2660, John Deere 2305, L5030 HSTC and M8540 Hydraulic Shuttle Shift as our primary tractors, own more, but don't use them that much.

Before we got the M8540, we had a Case CX80 with Synchro Shuttle Shift and after a long day on that, my leg was worn out. With the Hydro Shuttle, it is not so bad, but still not as easy as an HST.

My wife will drive any of the HST tractors which is a great help when I am unable to or am operating the M8540. Never underestimate the help a second person can be even if it is moving a tractor from point A to point B. Also with time, anyone can become a pretty competent operator with an HST.

Everyone is different and I do like our M8540, but I will never buy another geared tractor if an equivalent HST is available. For many of us buying a tractor is a long term commitment and it would be a shame several months or years into it, one thought, "if I had it to do over again..."

Come to think of it, my father in law did this TWICE, kept one a month and the other a couple of months and he lost money on the trade in though he never said how much for obvious reasons.

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

Im guessing I will b ok having the the 45hp nething had to b better then wat I got now. Im hopin to make the decision this week for the price increase.

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

I bought a used 74" Pronovost in John Deere green. It needed paint so I had it cleaned up and painted Napa Industrial Orange. I have a long driveway that I snowblow which runs around a neighbors field. When it blows, the snow drifts in the road. A blower is the only way to get through it. Sometimes I have to raise the blower and take the top off the drift, move ahead, lower blower and take the rest of the snow. I paid $1500 for the blower + 500 to have it painted. It is worth every penny. Here is a picture of one of the drifts. Suzuki Samurai as reference.
View attachment 205637

My DK40se off the road stuck.
View attachment 205638

Are u using AG tires or R4 industrial tires. Im undecided with that to.

 

[grsthegreat]

I bought a used 74" Pronovost in John Deere green. It needed paint so I had it cleaned up and painted Napa Industrial Orange. I have a long driveway that I snowblow which runs around a neighbors field. When it blows, the snow drifts in the road. A blower is the only way to get through it. Sometimes I have to raise the blower and take the top off the drift, move ahead, lower blower and take the rest of the snow. I paid $1500 for the blower + 500 to have it painted. It is worth every penny. Here is a picture of one of the drifts. Suzuki Samurai as reference.
View attachment 205637

My DK40se off the road stuck.
View attachment 205638

ouch.....how did you get it out?

thats why im thinking of getting chains for mine for next season.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I bought a DK45S cab model with loader, blower, mower and loaded R4's in 2006. HST wasn't available. If I were buying one now, I probably would get either the DK40 or DK45 HST with ag tires, loaded. I do some mowing and a lot of snow blowing and loader (grapple) work in the woods, so the HST would be handy.
Adding the cab is a big cost increase, but especially useful if you keep your tractor outdoors; if you blow snow much at all, the cab can transform a miserable job into a satisfying experience.
I got myself lodged in the snow last winter, but managed to crab my way out, and inch or two at a time, with the loader. I think a set of chains is in the cards for me for next winter.
BOB

 

[rd_macgregor]

I bought a DK45S cab model with loader, blower, mower and loaded R4's in 2006. HST wasn't available. If I were buying one now, I probably would get either the DK40 or DK45 HST with ag tires, loaded. I do some mowing and a lot of snow blowing and loader (grapple) work in the woods, so the HST would be handy.
Adding the cab is a big cost increase, but especially useful if you keep your tractor outdoors and/or use it in bad weather; if you blow snow much at all, the cab can transform a miserable job into a satisfying experience.
I got myself lodged in the snow last winter off the edge of the crown on my driveway (it would be a slight exaggeration to call it a ditch), but managed to crab my way out, an inch or two at a time, with the loader. I think a set of chains is in the cards for me for next winter.
BOB

 

[kco]

My DK35 HST with R4 tires (no ballast yet, but that should be done onsite today) was delivered late Saturday night replacing my L275 DT (roughly similar to L2800?) gear tractor with AG tires.

It took all of 10 minutes to get used to the HST and I'd never go back. The improved control is amazing compared to the geared tractor. That is particularly important since I work mainly in the bush on hilly terrain with winding trails.

I spent yesterday testing the tractor on progressively more challenging terrain. It feels dramatically more stable than the L275. I imagine much of that is due to the higher weight at a lower centre of gravity and industrial tires. But the major factor is the finer control with HST.

 

[Bigturk]

ouch.....how did you get it out?

thats why im thinking of getting chains for mine for next season.

I have R4 tires loaded with Rim Guard. I travel lots of paved roads so chains are not an option for me. I had to hire a Payloader to pull me out. A contractor friend lives up the road so his equipment was close.

Lesson learned: be more careful when snowblowing icy roads. Keep my wheels on the road.:thumbsup: