Just got myself a beast - 2012 DK40SE HST

[Rowdy Redneck]

Well, after months of searching, missing out on several good deals, and getting tired of the whole process, I finally bought a tractor. I was just about to buy a new New Holland Boomer 33 at the local dealer, but ended up buying the DK from a dealer a couple of hours away. I wouldn't say it was a great deal, and it looked to have been worked fairly hard, but it was within my budget and has already started to earn its keep.

I actually bought a set of 42" pallet forks a few days before getting the tractor. Eventually I plan on a finish mower and whatever implements I need to plant a half acre or so of pumpkins. I would love a grapple but it would be hard to justify the cost.

I used it for an hour a couple of days ago when I first got it, then about five yesterday. Tomorrow I will put in a full ten hour day. So far it has moved a big HVAC unit, removed a bit of an old sidewalk, carted a lot of wood to the burn pile, and helped tear down a house. It is a strong machine and I am so happy I bought it instead of the NH.

Here are a couple of pictures...

 

[meanstreak]

Glad that you didn’t buy the new holland, I had one and the 33 was to slow in low gear going up a grade and it didn’t have enough power in high range, I upgraded to the tc45d ad was very satisfied. Now I’m thinking of getting the kioti nx5510. Got to check with the boss first!

 

[Rowdy Redneck]

TC40/45 was actually the other one I was most inderested in. Saw a couple of great deals, but they went very quickly, and didn't have the hydro transmission. I also had a name picked out for a New Holland - "Bonnie". Not sure what I will call the Kioti.

 

[rhunt]

Congrads on your tractor purchase, looks like your loader level indicator needs repair. Bob

 

[Thomas]

BIG congrats on your new investment...your muscles and bones will be thank you in years to come. :thumbsup:

 

[Msamt]

Congrats, you'll be amazed what that machine will be able to do.

 

[chuck172]

Very strong loader on that machine, good luck with it.

 

[Rowdy Redneck]

Thanks for the kind words guys! I hope to get a lot of work done with it.

Bob, you are correct about the load level indicator. Trying to decide if I want to repair it. Never had one on my old tractor, but now that I have pallet forks it might come in handy.

 

[rhunt]

Very hard to judge where the forks are even with the level indicator. I found that by mounting an camera on the grill guard I have eye's up front and this eliminates alignment problems. Bob

 

[southerniltractor]

rhunt, what is your camera setup? I'm not a tall fellow, and it is often impossible to gain a view of where the forks and bucket really are in relation to their target.

Thanks,
Mike