Purchasing my first CUT and considering the Kioti DK40SE HST

[kiotiken]

I got 17% on mine but I bought in December.

There you go, it can be done. LS and Kioti are very close in just about every way including price, so it would surprise me if there was much of a difference by the time you sign on the dotted line. They are both made just down the street from each other and obviously share some parts manufactures (buckets are identical between the LS model and CK series for example).

 

[sdef]

Right now my goal is a process of elimination and LS is at the top due to a lot of seat time testing geared and HST models. I also think that Kioti and LS are so very similar, and from what I see on Kioti's web site, Kioti may functionally be the one to beat. I do like what I see. But the dealer does not have a HST model and I have to test that... He does have a geared, so I may test that to get an overall feel of the controls, but need to drive a HST model, as I have decided that for my work, HST is a requirement. I could probably go farther away and find a HST at another dealer, but would not feel right about just using a dealer for test drives and then purchasing from someone else.

After I have my very short new tractor list completed, I will do a final conversation with the competitors before deciding which to purchase. Historically I pick the items I like best and price is usually about 3rd on the list of decision priorities. I purchased way too many things in my early life by price alone and no longer do that.

I am now hoping to order one in early August, as home, vacation and work have the July time frame locked up.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

sdef,

I have a loaded Kioti DK50se and I LOVE IT!

I broke the level indicator, and I popped the tortoise/hare graphic insert out of the throttle lever.

BOTH are my n00b self's fault, not the quality of the machine.

Be well,
David

 

[Jmsmithy]

Sdef

I had same dilemma between LS and Kioti. I just ordered my DK40SE HST this past Saturday! I liked both but fit and finish won me over on the Kioti. Saw two different dealers and one I went with within 750$ of the LS but really loaded up unit, extra remotes, maintenance incentives etc etc. also will be discount deeply mower as I told him right deal I'd take together....may through in new saw too! We'll see!

He did let me spend as much time as I wanted driving around his fields, playing in gravel pit etc. really cemented the deal and our relationship. :laughing:

Good luck, really can't go wrong.

 

[IslandTractor]

I broke the level indicator, ......

BOTH are my n00b self's fault, not the quality of the machine.

Be well,
David

I've got you beat. I've pretzeled my bucket level indicator twice!!! At a hundred bucks a pop, I now just get off and check if it is critical. Those level indicators are too vulnerable if you work in the woods or under trees.

 

[IslandTractor]

I broke the level indicator, ......

BOTH are my n00b self's fault, not the quality of the machine.

Be well,
David

I've got you beat. I've pretzeled my bucket level indicator twice!!! At a hundred bucks a pop, I now just get off and check if it is critical. Those level indicators are too vulnerable if you work in the woods or under trees.

 

[Gil Case]

Re bucket level indicator.
I finally replaced mine with one of those white plastic driveway markers that you use in the winter to delineate the edge of the driveway. Way cheaper than OEM.

 

[Gil Case]

Re bucket level indicator.
I finally replaced mine with one of those white plastic driveway markers that you use in the winter to delineate the edge of the driveway. Way cheaper than OEM.

 

[IslandTractor]

Re bucket level indicator.
I finally replaced mine with one of those white plastic driveway markers that you use in the winter to delineate the edge of the driveway. Way cheaper than OEM.

Good idea. Thanks for the hint.

 

[Coyote machine]

To the OP, maybe your Kioti dealer could connect you to a recent purchaser of a HST model and you could see if they would let you test drive their machine?
I know I'd let you if you were near me.