CK4010SE HST vs. DK4710SE HST - Can't Decide

Venturabass · Mar 1, 2022

Hi All. Currently looking to upgrade my Massey 1240 to something newer with more capability and capacity. I've been looking at many brands: Massey, Kubota, Yanmar, John Deere, and Kioti. I must say I was very impressed with the specs on these machines. I'm ready to make a move but I can't decide on the CK4010SE HST vs. DK4710SE HST. Here's my intended use:
- Run a 4" chipper, stump grinder, future grapple, future rotary cutter or flail mower
- Move manure, gravel, rocks (some pushing 1000 lbs), occasional logs etc.
- Space should be a consideration: I have a 10k, 16' equipment trailer with 2' dove, not looking to upsize. Space in my barn is tight but I could make either model work. A good portion of my property is woods and I will be working throughout the woods to improve and thin.

So both machines are near identical on PTO hp with low 30s. That's perfect and about 10hp more than my current PTO. Both loaders have plenty of capacity 1800lbs vs 2500 lbs. The CK is similar in size to my current machine. About 300 lbs more weight unloaded, 1" longer wheelbase, ~6" wider. The DK seems closer to a "utility" size with 6' bucket, 7" longer wheel base, about 900 lbs heavier.

I plan to load the tires and will almost always have a 3ph attachment on for extra ballast ~500 lbs.

There's around a $5-6k difference in cost between the two machines. Half of me feels like the DK would just be more stable and a better buy as an overall "upgrade". The other half says on paper the CK is way more capable than my current machine, and being of similar size will be easy to store, maneuver in the woods, and transport.

I tried asking a couple local dealers as to what need would push me into the DK over the CK, but they couldn't answer me.

By the way I did consider the CK3510SE HST, some dealers told me they don't sell the CK4010SE because at that point folks just upgrade to the DK. However DK4210SE seems underpowered at the PTO, you lose 3.5 hp from the same engine in the CK4010SE. CK4010SE and CK4710SE while different engine hp have essentially the same PTO hp.

Can anyone offer advice based on their experience?

IndyJay · Mar 2, 2022

I had the same dilemma upgrading from a MF1250, which I had for 27 years. After doing a lot of research on this forum I went with the DK4510MS, I didn't want cab or HST. The only difference in scenario is the trailer which was not a factor in my decision. I am very happy with my choice.

Prices are from around this time last year.

oosik · Mar 2, 2022

I bought a new Ford 1700 4WD in 1982. Kept it for 27 years. In 2009 I bought a new Kubota M6040.

The increase in tractor weight was truly amazing. Going from 26 hp to 64 hp didn't hurt either.

FWIW - the increase in tractor weight will be the most "amazing" improvement in your choices.

TractorTYMe · Mar 2, 2022

Get the DK, it is heavier built than the CK series.

McTowner · Mar 2, 2022

I recently sold my New Holland TC29da and bought a new Dk4710se cab. I have used a MF 1240 and I think it was about the same chassis size as the TC.
I was looking for increased loader capacity and a backhoe. I barely have 30 hrs on it and I like it but the increassed size and weight is something to consider. I need to be much more careful on lawn areas when ground is wet. Size of trailer and truck if you need to move it.
I always felt the NH was great but lacked loader weight capability. In the end that was the major reason for the DK.
I probably would have been happy with either machine, having much improved FEL lift capacity and SS mount.

Midniteoyl · Mar 2, 2022

Venturabass said:
Hi All. Currently looking to upgrade my Massey 1240 to something newer with more capability and capacity. I've been looking at many brands: Massey, Kubota, Yanmar, John Deere, and Kioti. I must say I was very impressed with the specs on these machines. I'm ready to make a move but I can't decide on the CK4010SE HST vs. DK4710SE HST. Here's my intended use:
- Run a 4" chipper, stump grinder, future grapple, future rotary cutter or flail mower
- Move manure, gravel, rocks (some pushing 1000 lbs), occasional logs etc.
- Space should be a consideration: I have a 10k, 16' equipment trailer with 2' dove, not looking to upsize. Space in my barn is tight but I could make either model work. A good portion of my property is woods and I will be working throughout the woods to improve and thin.

So both machines are near identical on PTO hp with low 30s. That's perfect and about 10hp more than my current PTO. Both loaders have plenty of capacity 1800lbs vs 2500 lbs. The CK is similar in size to my current machine. About 300 lbs more weight unloaded, 1" longer wheelbase, ~6" wider. The DK seems closer to a "utility" size with 6' bucket, 7" longer wheel base, about 900 lbs heavier.

I plan to load the tires and will almost always have a 3ph attachment on for extra ballast ~500 lbs.

There's around a $5-6k difference in cost between the two machines. Half of me feels like the DK would just be more stable and a better buy as an overall "upgrade". The other half says on paper the CK is way more capable than my current machine, and being of similar size will be easy to store, maneuver in the woods, and transport.

I tried asking a couple local dealers as to what need would push me into the DK over the CK, but they couldn't answer me.

By the way I did consider the CK3510SE HST, some dealers told me they don't sell the CK4010SE because at that point folks just upgrade to the DK. However DK4210SE seems underpowered at the PTO, you lose 3.5 hp from the same engine in the CK4010SE. CK4010SE and CK4710SE while different engine hp have essentially the same PTO hp.

Can anyone offer advice based on their experience?

While the CK is a capable machine (I have one), the DK is is the one you want. That extra weight is in all the right places (thus the 1000# extra 3-point capacity).

Also, a note must be made on the FEL: When they changed from the 2510 to the 2610, they also replaced the 4010 FEL with the 4030 that was designed and sold as 'having the same specs' as the 4010, but if you look closely at spec sheet, you'll see that the 4030's max lifitng capacity is rated 'at 59.94 inches' and not 'at full height' like the 4010 or the 5520 sold on the DK.

The DK is just a more capable machine all around.

Venturabass · Mar 2, 2022

IndyJay & Folks,
Thanks for the responses, you're confirming my gut instinct, go for the DK.

IndyJay,
Thanks for the price comparison, most of the models I was also comparing! The photo is invaluable! How ironic for me to have a 1240 and you the 1250, essentially same thing. This is a great side by side comparison, and the DK while bigger does not seem to be enormous. The CK on paper is about an inch longer in wheelbase. It should be wider than my 1240 too (going from Ag to R4/R14 tires), and front axles isn't narrower than the rear or at least by not as much. The CK though just "looks" small. I had a dealer and measure overall length with loader and it was about 6" shorter than my 1240.

Now if I had to guess, being you didn't need the HST, the DK4510 was a no brainer for roughly $1000 over the CK. In my position HST is a no compromise. I have one on my garden tractor and have been spoiled with it's efficiency. Also wanted to have more features. I'll tell you though that price comparison between DK4510 and Kubota L4701 is astonishing.

How do you feel about the R14s? One dealer told me people are loving them. Guessing they have better traction. I've been reading though that when you inflate they act sort of like a balloon and just keep expanding?? In my woods I have a lot of little cut off sappling nubs or rocks. The R4's just look super tough and durable, and that'd be my concern.

Midniteoyl · Mar 2, 2022

Venturabass said:
How do you feel about the R14s? One dealer told me people are loving them. Guessing they have better traction. I've been reading though that when you inflate they act sort of like a balloon and just keep expanding?? In my woods I have a lot of little cut off sappling nubs or rocks. The R4's just look super tough and durable, and that'd be my concern.

You keep them at a higher PSI than most do for R4's (Mine are at 30psi rear, 40psi front), but so far they doing good on traction. For the nasty thorns and cutoffs, I filled with this stuff:

Front: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WZQBNMB

Filled Rears: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PYMGGJC

Stuff is amazing at keeping the tires sealed. The little bottles I have in all my equipment. Went from replacing tubes/patching tires in my stuff a few times a year to none since I put in, so just did it automatically when I got the tractor.

IndyJay · Mar 2, 2022

Venturabass said:
IndyJay & Folks,
Thanks for the responses, you're confirming my gut instinct, go for the DK.

IndyJay,
Thanks for the price comparison, most of the models I was also comparing! The photo is invaluable! How ironic for me to have a 1240 and you the 1250, essentially same thing. This is a great side by side comparison, and the DK while bigger does not seem to be enormous. The CK on paper is about an inch longer in wheelbase. It should be wider than my 1240 too (going from Ag to R4/R14 tires), and front axles isn't narrower than the rear or at least by not as much. The CK though just "looks" small. I had a dealer and measure overall length with loader and it was about 6" shorter than my 1240.

Now if I had to guess, being you didn't need the HST, the DK4510 was a no brainer for roughly $1000 over the CK. In my position HST is a no compromise. I have one on my garden tractor and have been spoiled with it's efficiency. Also wanted to have more features. I'll tell you though that price comparison between DK4510 and Kubota L4701 is astonishing.

How do you feel about the R14s? One dealer told me people are loving them. Guessing they have better traction. I've been reading though that when you inflate they act sort of like a balloon and just keep expanding?? In my woods I have a lot of little cut off sappling nubs or rocks. The R4's just look super tough and durable, and that'd be my concern.

Venturabass, as I understand it the R14's are built on the same carcass as the R4. Cetainly the same profile. Never heard that about the ballooning. I had mine filled with Liquitube, the regular kind in the front, ballast formula in the rears with non-toxic RV antifreeze fill. I had been using Slime with my MF due to the numerous locust trees on my place. I also added the telescoping link kit, 3rd function and dual rear remotes.

The tractor feels much more stable on hills with the wider stance in the front. It also uses less than half the fuel to mow my fields, thanks to the ecu controller metering the fuel.