Zeroing in on LS or Kioti but I have some ?

[Coyote machine]

DK-40 all the time. Tier 3 if possible, cheaper to buy and avoids Tier 4 unknown as yet possible issues. Huge lift capacity, and there isn't really an LS comparison 1 for one. That's what the mfgs do; make it impossible to compare apples to apples. Once the Tier 3 DK-40s are gone that's it. If you've got the 2K it is well spent on the DK.

 

[KevinMcD]

I own a CK30 HST and wish I had bigger. Go with the DK or down the road you'll wish you went bigger, especially for only a couple K.
Kevin

 

[Msamt]

I was eyeing the CK 30 last year, waited a few months, and then zeroed in on the DK. No regrets...

 

[k0ua]

I have a DK35se.. They don't make it any more.. Just 4 inches shorter frame, and missing one cylinder (3 instead of 4) that the DK40 has. But these are extremely nice full featured tractors with lots of capability.. If I had round bales to move, I would get the DK40se, and not look back. You need the lift ability and frame size. You will not be disappointed.

 

[GManBart]

If you can find one, an LS R4041 is very similar to a DK40SE. If not, the newer (Tier IV) XR4040H is also very close.

I compared the 4041H to a DK40SE (dealer carries both brands), and they both have pluses and minuses. The biggest two advantages (in my opinion) for the DK are loader lift height, and the rear 3pt control lever. For the LS, I found I could go up to the 4047, and get a decent increase in power, have larger wheels and tires, and spend a bit less. I also liked the layout of some of the controls better on the LS, but it wasn't enough to sway me either way.

This was at least 1200lbs of concrete culvert, and the loader played with them...I don't think I raised them to full height, but close enough that I know it would have done so easily. Large round bales wouldn't be a problem.

 

[murphy1244]

Get your machine with loaded AG tires whatever brand you pick.

 

[Coyote machine]

Or get it with loaded Industrials, like mine.

 

[IXLR8]

I had a CK30 and traded it in for a DK40. I needed the power of the DK, but after a year of owning the DK, I miss the maneuverability of the CK. I prefer the single HST pedal of the CK to the dual pedals of the DK. I find the CK did less damage to the lawn and I find I am having to use 4wd more often in the DK than I did with the CK. There are a few features of the DK that I like better, mostly convenience features. If the CK FEL will lift what you need and will run the bushhog you want... then get the CK. If you need the lifting power of the DK FEL and the PTO power of the DK to drive the bushhog, then go with the DK.

 

[George2615]

I posted this on other threads but since you are in Upstate NY a local dealer has these units in stock.
The R3039H would also suit your needs. XR's are the new tier 4 tractors. DK series are good tractors also. Whatever fits your needs and feels good in the seat. All of us here will be more than willing to help spend your money. Lower price means you may have extra to spend on attachments.

Local dealer here has the following prices posted online. Use them as a guideline. You can check all the features and specs of each on the LStractor site.

G3033 $14,999
G3033H $15,999
G3033TLB $20,999
R3039 $18,999
R3039H $19,999
XR4040HC $26,999
XR4040TLB $28,999
At this time he has no XR3032 or XR3037 left in stock

 

[jtygoku]

Welcome to the same series of decisions many of us got ourselves into when new tractor shopping. I do subscribe to the theory that you'll never be disappointed with more tractor than you think you need but whatever savings you gained by doing anything less won't provide much comfort when it fails to do what you ask.
I originally began my search thinking the CK35 would be plenty of tractor for my needs - and it very well could have been. All I know is I have no regrets making the $2k jump to DK.