Ode to my Kioti

[sendero]

I bought my 40 acres about 21 years ago. It didn't take long to realize I was going to need a tractor to maintain it. I did a lot of reading and visiting dealers in the area. I narrowed my choice down to a Kioti DK35 and a Mahindra, I don't recall the model of the Mahindra but it was of similar size/horsepower.

I decided on the Kioti largely based on the fact that the Manhindra, due to seat and pedal placement, would be difficult for my wife to drive. I got my DK35 with the FEL and industrial tires. I have never detached the FEL.

I do box blading on my road, bush hogging in my meadow and scads of little chores with my Kioti. And I have to say that this is one of the best, most reliable pieces of equipment I have ever owned. I only have 400 hours on it but it has never been to the shop in 20+ years. It has never failed to start and run. The only complaint I have is that the snap-on engine panels are not great, and one time I didnt' have the latch on the front grill panel engaged properly and it fell off and I promptly ran over it. I patched it up.

Everything else has been just routine maintenance, oil, filters, battery terminals.

I don't know what everyone else's experience with the Kioti has been, but I feel pretty lucky to get a nice piece of equipment that just works month after month, year after year.

 

[DK35vince]

I have the same model.
2001 DK 35.
The thing has been great. 24 years, 2450 hours (or 2540 hours can't remember which), never been back to the dealer.

 

[grsthegreat]

My 2010 DK45 cab unit has been wonderfully reliable. Living in pacific northwest without a tractor would be nearly impossible.

 

[dfkrug]

My CK30H, at 20yo has been wonderful. Still starts and runs just like when I bought it new in 2005. Only about 1140 hours, but my usage is for short periods of time, but frequently. No mowing or grading. Mostly moving logs or lifting slabs of wood or firewood, plus dealing with mud in the winter.

 

[J&K]

Real happy with Mine. 2021 Rx7320 with 900 +/- hours. Only been back to dealer once for crack fuel tank. Under warranty and replaced right away with a better design. Does everything asked of it well. Hydraulics a little slow but used to it know.