Buying Advice To Cab or Not to Cab

[Athrawn17]

I have things narrowed down to a DK40 ROPS, which the dealer will have to order, or a DK45 CAB which the dealer has on site.

Because he has it on site, the difference between the two is $4000.

What I am wondering is those that have ROPS, do you wish you have gotten the CAB? And those with a CAB, have you had issues and would rather just gotten a ROPS?

I live in the wonderful state of Minnesota, so a cab would help with the large flying birds we call mosquitos. It would also help with the -30 degree weather that we call winter. But, there is a catch. The catch is that on my 10 acres, 4 are medium wooded. I could probably drive the CAB around in it, but high probability of branches damaging the CAB.

So my debate is for the 4 grand, is it worth it. Note that I've always operated tractors with an open seat, so the CAB is definitely a luxury in my mind. I'm still a young guy (34) so I can handle the elements for a few more years I could also take the 4k and buy a smaller mower for the property for trim work and getting in the woods.

So...thoughts?

 

[brewdog]

Get the CAB, you can always remove the doors in summer if you like. Adding one later will cost you more than 4K. Chainsaw is a great thing for removing low hanging limbs. In winter, you will thank yourself every single day you plow snow.

 

[Msamt]

I went with the DK45 ROPS, could n't swallow the 5k extra I was quoted for the cab. Same concern as you, i have a bunch of woods to work in, and didn't want to scratch up the glass. Still want a cab though, so there is that...

 

[TripleR]

I don't own a Kioti, but I went with a cab, limb saw and protection. The cab lets me operate when I otherwise couldn't. I am a lot older than you, but my 34 and 44 year old sons love our cabs as well.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/302353-brush-guard-cab-tractor.html

 

[Looking4new]

I am almost double your age +/- 6 months and I have a cab for the heat in winter. I had an open station tractor for years when I was younger and I don't miss it one bit.
You could make up a set of limb risers for the tractor if you are that concerned about tree branches. Or just cut the limbs off. IF I ever buy another tractor it will definitely have a cab.

 

[Deerherd]

Get the cab. Not only will you not regret it, you will have a grin on your face every time you use your tractor. Snow, wind chill, oppressive heat, dust, bees and wasps etc won't stop you. Another thing that doesn't 't get mentioned much is you keep the operators station out of the elements. All those switches, controls, seats, dash etc stay clean and dry.

There is only a couple of inches difference in height between the ROPS and cab so trimming your trails is really not that different. I bought one of those "chainsaws on a stick" and it works great for clearing the trails higher than the cab.

I would rather a rogue limb or tree break the glass than put an eye out or worse, just buy the extra insurance! And if you ever trade it in the value will still be there, it's a win-win situation.

 

[AaronS]

Buy the cab and trim your woods roads wider. I'm currently trying to sell my rops tractor so I can buy a larger cab tractor.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Get the cab. If a limb is in your way cut it off four inches above the ground and add it to the wood pile.

 

[Athrawn17]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Going to call the dealer up today and get the CAB

 

[DutchHenryBrown]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Going to call the dealer up today and get the CAB

CAB gets my vote. :thumbsup:

 

[grsthegreat]

i have 20 acres of which 17-18 are wooded. I have paths cut for my old open station. i only had to make them a bit taller by limbing the trees up with a pole saw. i have NEVER regretted getting the cab unit.

 

[hhsco]

Vote for the cab. I'd certainly love to have one when blowing snow if for nothing else.

 

[coobie]

Get the CAB, you can always remove the doors in summer if you like. Adding one later will cost you more than 4K. Chainsaw is a great thing for removing low hanging limbs. In winter, you will thank yourself every single day you plow snow.

Here is my vote.

 

[Katahdin]

I'm 39, I'm OK without the cab. I can back that up by saying my heated plow truck sat behind the barn this past winter while I used the snow plow on my LX. Put on some polypropylene underwear and some insulated coveralls and I can be outdoors all day long. Riding in an open station tractor in winter is kinda like skiing or snowmobiling, you're just moving along a little slower.

However, I have a cushy indoor cubicle job. If my livelihood depended upon working outdoors I'd feel differently and get the cab. Being in the open station is my time to enjoy being outdoors.

If and when I add a cab I want it to be no frills, and removable. The factory cabs they make these days are nicer than the hardtop on my Jeep TJ, I neither want nor need the luxury and would rather spend that extra money on implements and a top-and-tilt-kit.

 

[Athrawn17]

Hmm...interesting points about the open station and enjoying the outdoors. I wonder if the windows on the cab would lessen my summer tan? :laughing:

 

[DK35vince]

This one is easy - CAB

 

[murphy1244]

Get the Cab since they don't even make a DK anymore and you don't have to mess with the Tier 4 crap!

 

[motownbrowne]

Get one of each.

I'd love a cab in winter, but I love not having one in summer. I work in the woods a lot, so open station makes more sense for me, and the price was better. I don't even know if they make a bare bones tractor like the MX or ds kioti with a cab. I know neither of those can be had with one, but maybe someone makes one. Have fun shopping.

 

[Athrawn17]

Oh definitely getting something in the DK series. Just debating if the investment in the Cab is worth it, vs investing that money into something else. If money wasn't an issue of course I'd get the Cab.

Anyone know if the cost of ownership goes up with the Cab much? Obviously will have to replace wipers and fluid in a Cab. Anything else? Is there an air cabin filter to change too?

 

[motownbrowne]

Well the whole HVAC system. AC, heat, fan(s), also, radio and speakers.