DK40SE Test Drive

[Kyle241]

So I stopped by my local dealer last Friday and went for a test drive with the DK40SE with cab. I am bouncing between either a DK40SE/DK45SE or a Kubota MX4700. This was my takeaway from the test drive:

Likes:
- Loader control was in a good place and comfortable position vs others where you have to reach more
- separate forward and reverse peddles (not used to this but it was comfortable)
- extendible arms on the 3pt
- Rear remote comes standard
- Location of hydro fluid replacement (my current TLB I always spill it on the tractor under the seat)


Dislikes:
- Throttle was sticky/tough
- Loader felt jumpy to me but I am used to weight on the back of my tractor and this did not have anything (was not lifting any weight at the time either)
- BH attachment to frame (don't like the design. BH was separate to tractor but went over it with dealer how it attaches)


Cab is very nice overall even though I could not open the door to get out. The dealer had to fiddle with it. I believe this is a premium option for me as I have a lot of hardwoods and can see me breaking a window or two. Very nice for snow clearing in winter though and the overall fit and finish was nice. I need a BH, not a cab so money has to go where it has to go!

So I like the tractor however have concerns over whether a) dealer will be around for while and b) whether I can obtain a good deal (his prices are high IMHO).

 

[duanekeys]

Sounds like it's the HST model (if it has the separate pedals).

What did he price it at? I just bought a DK40SE (gear not HST, no cab) (thread here).

I would agree the throttle is a little stiff, I'm wondering if that will loosen with time.

 

[Kyle241]

Yes, it was HST, forgot to mention that. The price he quoted me was $28,100 cash or $31,600 0% for 48mths (DK40SE HST +cab). I believe both could come down in price by another $1-1.5k.

 

[kco]

I have a DK35 HST. I also find the throttle a bit stiff but am getting used to it and don't find it an issue with the HST.

The loader on the 40/45's have more capacity than the 35. I find the DK35 loader very quick compared to the one I had on my previous old Kubota L275. I can surprise myself with abrupt movements. But it is very easy to feather and control if I remember to do it.

One feature I like much more than I anticipated is the remote 3 point hitch control lever. It makes it much easier to attach implements.

I was also concerned about the dealer network until I learned (on TractorByNet) that Bobcats are rebranded DK-series Kiotis. McCormick(Landhini) is also selling some models but I think they may be the CK-series. But Bobcat is well established so it made me more comfortable that parts and service will be readily available.

Kioiti has a "free loader" event on for the CK-series and DK35. But Bobcat has the "free loader" on for the CT4xx series which includes the DK35/40/45/50.

So you may want to check Bobcat for a competing price and see what Kioti will do (orange is a nicer colour for a tractor).

Good luck.

 

[grsthegreat]

the combination of backhoe AND cab was not something i would want to do personally. Youll have to get off the seat, climb into cab and move to next dig spot.

did that price INCLUDE the backhoe??

 

[Kyle241]

the combination of backhoe AND cab was not something i would want to do personally. Youll have to get off the seat, climb into cab and move to next dig spot.

did that price INCLUDE the backhoe??

I would not be getting a BH and cab either. That was never the plan, the dealer only had one DK40SE and it had a cab so I thought why not test it out. If that price did include BH and cab, I would have ran out of there with the tractor giggling all the way.

 

[grsthegreat]

I would not be getting a BH and cab either. That was never the plan, the dealer only had one DK40SE and it had a cab so I thought why not test it out. If that price did include BH and cab, I would have ran out of there with the tractor giggling all the way.

i didnt think so...my dk45se hst was 27000 out the door (Plus 400 for front 3rd valve piping and 400 for 2nd rear remote), cab but of course no hoe

 

[CowwFace]

Sounds like it's the HST model (if it has the separate pedals).

What did he price it at? I just bought a DK40SE (gear not HST, no cab) (thread here).

I would agree the throttle is a little stiff, I'm wondering if that will loosen with time.

My DK40SE HST had a really stiff throttle also.. If you take the cover off of the steering wheel there is a friction fitting you can adjust to lighten the throttle. I did mine and it's much nicer now.

Tractor on,

 

[grsthegreat]

My DK40SE HST had a really stiff throttle also.. If you take the cover off of the steering wheel there is a friction fitting you can adjust to lighten the throttle. I did mine and it's much nicer now.

Tractor on,

i thought about doing that, but i am now thinking they have it stiff so it wont move while bouncing around in the pasture

 

[IslandTractor]

Sounds like it's the HST model (if it has the separate pedals).

What did he price it at? I just bought a DK40SE (gear not HST, no cab) (thread here).

I would agree the throttle is a little stiff, I'm wondering if that will loosen with time.

After three years my throttle is still stiff. I've gotten used to it and adjust by tapping with my palm rather than trying to pull it up or down as that generally causes overshoot.

 

[whitmerlegacyfarm]

I test drove a DK40 last weekend and i agree throttle is very stiff, but i'm sure i can get use to it. The throttle on my Ford 800 is a lot easier to use but hay this new DK50 that i have on the way i'm sure it's going to make a world of difference so i dought i'm gona have time to worry about that throttle being a little stiff. Just my thoughts but will see if it becomes a problem for me.

 

[grsthegreat]

I test drove a DK40 last weekend and i agree throttle is very stiff, but i'm sure i can get use to it. The throttle on my Ford 800 is a lot easier to use but hay this new DK50 that i have on the way i'm sure it's going to make a world of difference so i dought i'm gona have time to worry about that throttle being a little stiff. Just my thoughts but will see if it becomes a problem for me.

my dk45se hst is a little stiff, but once its set you leave it alone, so what does it matter. A little stiff beats sloppy and moving at every bump

 

[Hoosier Hay Man]

After three years my throttle is still stiff. I've gotten used to it and adjust by tapping with my palm rather than trying to pull it up or down as that generally causes overshoot.

Tapping the throttle with the palm of your hand is the way I was raised on a farm tractor. Tight was what we wanted when working ground. I know working ground if it was a little loose you would get very aggrevated in a hurry. The late 2 cylinder JD had a friction disc you would have to keep tight.

 

[IslandTractor]

Tapping the throttle with the palm of your hand is the way I was raised on a farm tractor. Tight was what we wanted when working ground. I know working ground if it was a little loose you would get very aggrevated in a hurry. The late 2 cylinder JD had a friction disc you would have to keep tight.

When I first got the tractor I thought it would loosen up or that I'd fix it. Then I realized the stiff throttle was really a feature and just adapted how I adjust it. All is well.

 

[foxtrot1010]

The reason the throttle is stiff is so that your rpms will stay consistent when running a BH or other attachments.

 

[RoMad]

My little ck 20 also has a bit of stiff throttle. Since it is a 2003 I don't think ti will loosen up. I think it was designed this way so it stays consitant if you are bouncing along mowing or other work. I usually use my foot pedal but if I am doing something that needs steady rpms for the pto I just bump it with my hand and go.

 

[duanekeys]

I've certainly got used to it and I agree, it's stiff for a reason (so it doesn't move unless the operator makes it).