In a pickle: DK45SE HST vs Deere 3520 with 9 hrs

[toddler]

Hi,

I was planning to get a Kioti DK45se HST with loader and turf tires. I'd primarily be using it to cut about 9 acres with a flail mower, and the only other implement I want in the near future is a post hole digger with a 12 or 14 inch auger for planting shrubs and small trees. The property is an 11 acre field with a gentle slope. No clearing required, no snow throwing, and no driveway/road to maintain. We will be moving small amounts of round stone and mulch for landscaping and like I said, planting small trees. Basically landscaping.

The DK is serious overkill, but there's a nice 88" flail mower nearby I could use with the DK45, and I figure it would make mowing go fast. My price on the DK45 delivered would be 24k. The Flail is another $2100 and has new blades. It's a Landpride, so pretty nice.

But I now have the short term option of getting a 3520 hydro with the 300x loader and 9 hours of use, plus a 6' Frontier Landscape Rake, for 21,000. I'd have to drive 4.5 hours each way to get it. It's a smaller and less stable tractor, but a more luxury one. If I got that, I'd grab a 73" Caroni Flail for it, $2100 or so, and would still be priced under the Kioti even without the landpride flail. Pretty sure the Deere would do everything I want, but mowing would be slower. The Deere also has a reputation for being tippy.

New Kioti DK45 HST/Loader/turf tires/used Landpride 88" flail: Total $26,100
9hr old Deere 3520/300X loader/R4 tires/Frontier 6' landscape rake/Caroni 73" flail: Total $24,200 and 9 hours driving.

The local Deere dealer is nice, and close. The Kioti dealer is 90 minutes drive, but also very nice.
What would you recommend?
Thanks,
Todd

 

[Beltman60]

I would buy the Deere
I think it would have a better resale value if you ever decided or needed to sell it
As far as being a little tippy you could extend your wheels out and by your own description you don't have any steep hills
also look into getting the rears filled with beatjuice
makes it much more stable and more power to the ground
my :2cents:

 

[finspop]

I'd probably go the other way... the DK is a WAY more capable tractor, tho Beltman is right about the resale value. The dealer distance wouldn't concern me much, unless you're not comfortable doing simple maintenance projects (changing fluids, filters, etc).

The great thing is, both are real good machines and you can't really make a bad choice.

 

[rmorey]

What finspop said. :thumbsup:

The reason the deere is cheaper is, it's a smaller machine (engine wise). Look at the CK series for a more accurate price comparison.


Then get the DK. :laughing:

 

[toddler]

I think I could probably sell the Frontier rake for $300 and that would put the Deere at $20,800.

 

[toddler]

It just occurred to me that the price difference is a used zero turn ...
Heading to the Deere dealer to check out a 3520.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Hi,

I was planning to get a Kioti DK45se HST with loader and turf tires. I'd primarily be using it to cut about 9 acres with a flail mower, and the only other implement I want in the near future is a post hole digger with a 12 or 14 inch auger for planting shrubs and small trees. The property is an 11 acre field with a gentle slope. No clearing required, no snow throwing, and no driveway/road to maintain. We will be moving small amounts of round stone and mulch for landscaping and like I said, planting small trees. Basically landscaping.

Thanks,
Todd

Well when you get right down to it you don't even NEED a tractor. An undocumented immigrant with a push mower and wheel barrow and shovel will do nicely.
But as long as you're here and asked I'd have to agree that the DK is a lot more overkill then the JD for the money. The local DK dealership here has been having trouble staying in business which would give me pause but as you don't need it everyday it would be a small risk to you if you had to go further for parts sometime down the road. That’s as close as I can being myself to recommend orange over green being totally green biased .

 

[TSO]

The DK45 is a lot more tractor than that particular JD. If you ever need it for loader work, the 300x loader isn't even in the same area code as the KL401 loader on the Kioti. However, regarding that 9' flail mower, I would wonder if the DK45, with around 35pto, could handle it in anything but perfect conditions.... ???

 

[Gator6x4]

Both are good tractors. If me, I would go with the purchase I had the best feeling about and my intended use of the unit after purchase.

 

[murphy1244]

I would get the JD and a Zero turn.