Practical difference between DK35 and DK45?

[familyman]

I'm interested in having a deeper digging, stronger backhoe, and am looking hard at a new DK35 hydro. Since I'm going to start doing side work, I don't want to sell myself short on either pto or hydro power, but the DK45 is about as big as I want to go. I rode a DK35 yesterday, and liked it alot, but if there is a significant power difference for digging and attachments, for a few thousand $ and a few hundred pounds, the DK45 may be a better bet. I'd be running the same implements in my signature, but depending on the work I find I could upgrade to a 7' finish mower and a 7' brush hog. Also, this dealer offers both Kioti and Rhino backhoes (8.5' model, and I can't see a difference), but the Rhino is +$500.
What say you all?

 

[BTI]

If these are both SE machines there is very little actual difference other than engine HP.
The 40 and 45 ES's are a little longer because of the 4cyl engine over the 3cyl in the 35.
The 35 and 40-45 use different sized tires.
This makes it appear like there is more size difference to them, than there really is.
Other than the HP the loader is the other difference.
The 401 (40-45) lifts more than the 351 (35).
I'd go for the 40 or 45 just because of the loader cap.
If you want to run a 7ft FM and 7ft Rotary you need the 45 or 45S.
A 7ft rotary is pushing it for a 45, except maybe on flat ground and with easily cutting unless you go real slow.
7ft is a big hog.
ALL of the ES's will run either of the 8.5ft hoes.

BTI

 

[familyman]

Interesting...the Kubota loader on my L2800 is rated at about 1,100 lbs., and is not amazingly strong, but just strong enough to raise a heaping 60" bucket of dry dirt. A stronger loader is a good thing, especially for clearing deadfalls and such, or using a 4-in-1. I'm glad you mentioned the loader, that's another point in the DK45's favor.
I actually meant to say 72" for the brush hog.

 

[BTI]

No problem with 72" hog.
The 351 loader is rated at 1412lbs at pivot pins to full ht.
The 401 is rated at 2761lbs at pivot pins to full ht.
Substantial difference.

BTI

 

[familyman]

Well, this afternoon I got a pretty good idea of the difference.
I stopped (again) to look at the DK35, to try to make up my mind... would it be a worthy successor to my reliable L2800, was it a big enough step up to more easily satisfy the work demands I've been throwing at the Kubota. Lo and behold, the dealer had a DK45 fresh out of the crate, and had just parked it in the row of orange machines along the stone drive. It was parked right alongside the DK35, but its' loader wasn't mounted yet. The longer hood and larger wheels made it look 1 tractor size bigger, and walking to the back revealed a beefier looking rear axle. I asked for the keys, fired her up and immediately noticed a different, somewhat deeper exhaust note. I asked the dealer if I'd be able to feel a difference between the machines and he said "Most definitely!".
I put the trans in "M" (medium) range, tach'd up to 1,800 and slowly depressed the GO pedal. My first observation was how much easier it seemed to get going than the 35, how the motor hardly changed rpm as I added pedal and gained speed. The next impression was one of size and strength. Kind'a like a speedy version of the JCB all terrain boom fork I often drive at work. After a few warm-up laps, I stopped, tach'd to 2,200 and switched to high range, and WHOOSH - it really took off across the lot!
I think I've made up my mind. Now just 2 things to do: Convince the CFO, and sell my beloved L2800. It's going to be hard to hand someone else the keys. I've always had great faith in its abilities (for its size) and reliability.

 

[wallace]

Familyman,
If you want a larger hoe on your tractor Woods does make the 90X which is a 9 foot depth hoe and it is VERY aggressive.

 

[familyman]

That sounds like what I want. As a dealer, let me ask you a few questions. Assuming you'd sell me one, can you get one with a subframe for the DK45? What price range are we talking? What's the availability? Considering my location (about 1-1/2 hours south of you), if needed, would you be willing to service the backhoe? I'm also interested in a trailer.
Please PM me!

 

[wallace]

Familyman,
I would service you like you were my customer 5 minutes from my shop or 5 hours from my shop.
I will also service any and everyone out there reguardless of where they purchased their tractor and the color of your tractor doesn't play any roll either.
Rick

 

[albmn10]

Hello Family , That dk 45 is a beauty, i was looking at the dk35s and the 45s about a month ago... I would definitely get the Woods 90x hoe with that as well.. I wish i had a need for one.. But my Ck30 handles everything i throw at it... Both loaders on the 45s are quite impressive, the 451 on the shuttle and the 401 for the hst... Good luck.. Matt