Lee77 said:
Thanks for replies, like to hear more about Kioti DK40se VS Mahindra 4110 or4530 Thanks again.
Well, I cannot compare the Kioti to the Mahindra as I only have the Kioti but can give you my impression of the 40se. I've only got 20hrs on it so far and I have the HST version with the matching KL401 loader. Also, in case you are looking at slightly more HP, I believe the only difference between what I have and the DK45se is about 4 horsepower and almost $2000.
I am very impressed with the tractor so far. It is a more sophisticated machine than a basic tractor and has goodies like electric PTO, electric 4wd selection, suspension seat, tilt wheel, standard rear remote (one set) etc. I am very impressed with the loader which has 2700lb lift capacity at pivot points. So far I have mostly been either "bush hogging" with a six foot Caroni flail mower or ripping up bushes/trees with a grapple on the FEL. Works like a charm with both those applications. Haven't done any ground engaging work yet. The tractor with FEL must weigh close to 5000lbs. I did not load the rear tires as I was a bit concerned about too much weight on the 100year old wood barn floor where I store it but if that were not an issue I'd load the tires. With R4s even in 4wd and with a 600lb mower I can easily spin the tires in dry conditions on turf or dirt while pushing something with the grapple.
The overall fit and finish on the tractor is excellent. All the service points are readily accessible. Haven't had to change oils yet but both engine and hydraulic oil levels can be easily checked without kneeling. I've been mowing in high seedy grasses and have had to clean the radiator prescreen a couple of times. That is pretty conveniently set up too.
The seat and operator station are very comfortable. Seat is suspension and height adjustable. Controls are very well placed and easily monitored via warning/operation lights on the dash. I like the electric four wheel drive selection and PTO. No clutch on this tractor which took a little getting used to but I find no real downside to the electric PTO so long as you lower RPMs to about 1000 before engaging it. I did that with my previous clutch tractor anyway so really it's just a matter of getting used to not having a clutch. Flipping a switch for 4wd is great. One unexpected bonus with this tractor is how manuverable it is. I am very impressed with the turning radius which is under 10 feet and very close to my much smaller CK20. The 3PT set up is very flexible and has one telescopic arm as well as extendable pin arms on both sides. It also has a very nice solid adjustable stabilizers for the 3pt arms rather than chain stabilizers. The chain type are always coming loose or require wrenches to adjust. The new system on the DK series just requires dropping a pin into a hole once you adjust them with a simple pull.
My only complaints so far are pretty minor and some just reflect the disadvantages of a big vs compact tractor. With my smaller CK20 I could easily see over the hood and monitor precisely where I was putting the grapple. With the DK40 I cannot see the ground where the grapple touches unless I lean outboard and peek around. I think if I had to do it over I'd probably load the rear tires with RimGuard as I had on my smaller tractor. Maybe that would not be necessary with R1s. The KL401 comes standard with a quick attach system that is technically "universal" in that you can mount universal skid steer implements. However, it is for some inexpicable reason about 4 inches narrower than a typical skid steer QA so while you can mount standard skid steer attachments, there is about 2 inches "play" on either side. That doesn't interfer with attaching the implement but means that the implement can, with side pressure, slide on the mount once attached. It is only an annoyance but does mean that you have to pay more attention than necessary in lining up the QA to get it centered (normally you just look at one side and if it fits you are good to go, with the Kioti narrow QA you need to insure that you have it centered by looking both right and left as you line up...not hard but a pain) Also, if the implement does slide during use you need to detach the implement and line up again to recenter. I cannot understand why Kioti chose to use a narrow QA as there is no advantage. Only service issue I have had is a poorly designed seat belt retractor that came apart at about 10hrs. Waiting for a replacement (hopefully a redesigned one).
Overall I am very impressed with the DK40se HST and KL401. I chose it over the comparable JD and Kubota models based on price/value mostly but also for the loader which signifcantly more lift and breakout capacity than the JD300Cx or the Kubota LA853. I also had been very pleased with the performance and reliability of my Kioti CK20 so it was a pretty easy decision especially once I compared prices. 4 year warranty also helped. The dealer (Wallace) made the decision even easier by agreeing to deliver to my remote island location and gave a very fair trade in on my CK20 TLB sight unseen.
