psuedofarmer
Gold Member
<font color="blue">Hypothetically, would your decision be different if the GL5030 and the DK55S were both available similarly equipped for roughly the same price? (This question contains zero sarcasm/trollism, I am asking a sincere apples/apples question (I think). </font>
i don't think my decision would different if both units were comparably priced. for example, there were a few things i didn't like about the operating station in the 'bota.
i created a matrix of all the things i liked/disliked about both tractors, taking into consideration everything i wanted from the tractor. after comparing all the features, it came down to a simple value proposition: i felt that the kioti was a much better value.
<font color="blue">Also, I am completetly unfamiliar with a shuttle transmission; how does one operate such a system? I assume there is a clutch involved in the process, but where and when? How much emphasis/importance does the transmission warrant for snowplowing, FEL work, BH work, and dirt/gravel road grading? </font>
one of the main differences between both units was/is the transmission offering. the shuttle shift on the kioti operates forward/reverse, and is clutch actuated. i was told that if you plan to do lots of FEL work, this tranmission was not what you wanted. frankly, this is a matter of preference. the first job i had @ the farm was moving 100+ yards of sand. i didn't have any difficulty - it took more operator input to use the shuttle shift (vs. a hydrostatic transmission), but again, it's a matter of prefernce IMHO. i think that if i was using the tractor to do LOTS of this type of work, a hydrostatic would be a better choice. it's important to note that you'll trade horsepower for the hydrostatic tranmission.
i am not an expert about tranmissions and the nuiances between them. i'd suggest pinging a different forum for more concrete info.
<font color="blue"> I see also that the Kioti weighs about 1000lbs more before attachments. Is that a plus, a minus, or a neutral for the above type described duties? </font>
the weight difference was one of reasons why i chose the kioti. for my applications, the extra weight is benefit.
in general, i've been more than pleased with my purchase. the only qualm i had when puchasing the tractor was dealer availability, parts access, and durability/reliability.
the DK55 has exceeded all expectations.
good luck.
pf
i don't think my decision would different if both units were comparably priced. for example, there were a few things i didn't like about the operating station in the 'bota.
i created a matrix of all the things i liked/disliked about both tractors, taking into consideration everything i wanted from the tractor. after comparing all the features, it came down to a simple value proposition: i felt that the kioti was a much better value.
<font color="blue">Also, I am completetly unfamiliar with a shuttle transmission; how does one operate such a system? I assume there is a clutch involved in the process, but where and when? How much emphasis/importance does the transmission warrant for snowplowing, FEL work, BH work, and dirt/gravel road grading? </font>
one of the main differences between both units was/is the transmission offering. the shuttle shift on the kioti operates forward/reverse, and is clutch actuated. i was told that if you plan to do lots of FEL work, this tranmission was not what you wanted. frankly, this is a matter of preference. the first job i had @ the farm was moving 100+ yards of sand. i didn't have any difficulty - it took more operator input to use the shuttle shift (vs. a hydrostatic transmission), but again, it's a matter of prefernce IMHO. i think that if i was using the tractor to do LOTS of this type of work, a hydrostatic would be a better choice. it's important to note that you'll trade horsepower for the hydrostatic tranmission.
i am not an expert about tranmissions and the nuiances between them. i'd suggest pinging a different forum for more concrete info.
<font color="blue"> I see also that the Kioti weighs about 1000lbs more before attachments. Is that a plus, a minus, or a neutral for the above type described duties? </font>
the weight difference was one of reasons why i chose the kioti. for my applications, the extra weight is benefit.
in general, i've been more than pleased with my purchase. the only qualm i had when puchasing the tractor was dealer availability, parts access, and durability/reliability.
the DK55 has exceeded all expectations.
good luck.
pf
