Curious about the CK35

[jcims]

So I'm curious as to how the Kioti works. I'm also wondering more about the DK's. I really think they may simply be TOO big

I've been wondering the same thing...trying to compare the CK35 and DK35. The price is a wash after you consider some of the 'freebie' upgrades you get with the DK (at least as far as the dealers are telling me) I just wonder if the extra 900lbs and whatever extra inches of width are going to come back to haunt me.

Realistically i'm probably in over my head anyway, and should be looking at a CK20 or CK25. Unfortunately the closest dealer is ~100miles (and the second closest is ~100 miles from both me and the first dealer)

Does anyone have side by side photos of the CK35 and DK35? Or a CK25 and either?

 

[IslandTractor]

I don't have a side by side photo. Having sat on a CK20 for many hours, on a CK30 for an hour or so and a DK40se for 50 hours, I can make an analogy for you regarding size. Based on the feel and where you sit, the CK20 is like sitting in a Ford Ranger, the CK30 more like a full size pickup and the DK more like being in a larger truck (my experience limited to the big Uhaul trucks).

There is a substantial size difference between the CK30 and the DK. The DK also has a more "modern" control layout as it has fewer levers and more buttons/switches. There is a lot more room in the operator's station. You cannot see forward to the edge of the FEL bucket as well with the DK as with the CK and have to peek around the side of the hood.

From the rear the difference is also quite notable. The DK has a big ole butt compared to the CKs. I am talking about the DK40se/45se though and the DK35se has a more modest rear end. Someone posted that the axle is the same as the CK35...not sure about that but it is certainly plausible. The CK20 has a width of about 48 inches, the DK40 is close to 72 wide as I recall. I'm guessing that the CK30 is midway between those.

The length of the DK40 TLB is at least 5-6 feet more than the CK20 TLB. I could drive the CK20 into my barn and have 3-4 feet of room left. The DK40se TLB barely fits and besides cleaning out some junk, I need to put the grapple in dump position to save a foot or so in order to close the barn door.

 

[toddler]

Hey I.T.,

That DK40 is a BIG tractor. But given what I'm learning now about not being able to run the Mid-PTO without the Rear also turning, and seeing how close a flail mower would sit to the tractor anyway, I'm actually considering forgoing the MMM and just getting a CK35, an L3540 or a DK40SE with a FEL and Flail. If that doesn't cut nicely enough, I could spend the money I planned for the MMM on a used or home zero turn. Caroni's T1900 is available with fine cut blades, and the offset would be nice on a larger tractor. After all, a 72" deck sticks out more to the side on a B3030 than it would on an L3540. Got a quote on the JD 3520, and it's more than any other tractor, so it's clearly out since I consider it to be about equal to the CK35 for my purposes.

I think the DK40 and L3540 with FEL are close to each other in price, and are both way more tractor than I'll ever need!

Todd

 

[ChuckinNH]

I ran a CK35 yesterday. The dealer had one out, and warmed up, and though it is a bit larger than I'm looking for, you just can't turn down a chance to test drive when it comes. I had plenty of time to play in a half frozen snow bank about the lift height of the CK loader high. I found it very smooth, and pleasant to run. The loader felt strong especially the breakout force in that frozen stuff. I wish it were just a little more nimble for my tight places in the woods, but it sure was a nice tractor.

 

[toddler]

I agree. It's an awsome size. I only got to check out the CK30, not the 35, but it's what I consider ideal if I can get a MMM on it.

 

[MDM]

Hey I.T.,

That DK40 is a BIG tractor. But given what I'm learning now about not being able to run the Mid-PTO without the Rear also turning, and seeing how close a flail mower would sit to the tractor anyway, I'm actually considering forgoing the MMM and just getting a CK35, an L3540 or a DK40SE with a FEL and Flail. If that doesn't cut nicely enough, I could spend the money I planned for the MMM on a used or home zero turn. Caroni's T1900 is available with fine cut blades, and the offset would be nice on a larger tractor. After all, a 72" deck sticks out more to the side on a B3030 than it would on an L3540. Got a quote on the JD 3520, and it's more than any other tractor, so it's clearly out since I consider it to be about equal to the CK35 for my purposes.

I think the DK40 and L3540 with FEL are close to each other in price, and are both way more tractor than I'll ever need!

Todd

Does the 3540 have the new HST plus tranny? I test out a 3240 with the HST Plus and it is sweet.

 

[toddler]

Hey MDM,

They're basically the same tractor, the L3540 just has a few extra HP compared to the L3240.

Todd

 

[KiotiDave]

Hi Toddler,
There is an aftermarket(very good quality) mower that is made for the CK line by Del Marino.
Kioti no longer makes a MMM for their tractors, not sure if they will bring them back.
I have talked to several dealers that have sold these mowers and like them, I will likely order some for spring sales.
Good Luck
KiotiDave

 

[Tim M]

The DK35 is not as big as the DK40.

The DK35 has only a 3.4" longer wheelbase than the CK35. (CK25 30 and 35 have identically sized chassis, just different engines).

The DK35 is only 7" wider and 7" longer than the CK35, but it is about 800lbs heavier than the CK.