Dk or CK

[woodyacres]

Hi everyone,
I have been perusing this site for about two months while I have been searching for tractors. I have mainly been focused on Kubota based on price and reputation. Plus, I have two dealers rather close to my house. But, I just found out a friend of mine's uncle owns a Kioti dealer. So, I went over there to check them out and my decision was made. I defintely want a Kioti over a Kubota. More tractor for dollars spent and they are just better looking! Actually the prices have been within a grand of eachother, but I don't think you can reliably compare the greater HP and weight you get with Kioti.

So, on to my question(s)..... I am really tossed between two things of which I cannot make up my mind and would really appreciate all your opinions.

1) Do I spend the extra $2500 for the DK35 or settle for the CK30 (my dealer doesn't carry any CK35's because they are so similiarly priced with the DK35)? The money doesn't REALLY bother me, but I am frugal and don't want to pay for a larger tractor that I do not need. However, it is pretty darn sweet!!!

2) Do I get the shuttle drive or HST?

I have a 1/4 mile drive to maintain on a 5 acre parcel that is fully wooded. I will most likely not mow as my Ingersoll 448 is more than capable of the 15 minute job. I do however, have a lot of down trees to take care of and some clearing to do for a pole barn (in the future). Now, understand that my drive way has two pretty steep hills that without 4WD vehicles you cannot climb up when iced over. I actually had a mini-van rental this winter and after 8 attempts to get out, I had to call a tow truck.

I appreciate any input you have. Sorry my first post is so lengthy!

 

[IXLR8]

Welcome to the neighborhood, TBN that is. How much FEL use do you see? How do the numbers on the two units compare?

 

[ToadHill]

I went with the DK35 since my land is hilly and I use the tractor a lot in the woods hauling logs. I figured the extra weight was what I needed and haven't been unhappy at all with this decision. I don't know if HST is available on the DK35 now but when I bought mine Shuttle was the only option. My drive is about 300 yards long and uphill all the way and with loaded tires and no chains I've been able to plow and blow snow without a hitch.

 

[Gittyup]

Either would work very well for you. The smaller CK might maneuver in the woods a little bit better. HST is real sweet, and given your tasks and the two tractors you are interested in, I'd take the HST over the shuttle. Having said that, I have a shuttle, and I like it just fine. I chose it simply to save money because I don't really need the HST for my uses (similar to yours). But, if you can afford it, get the HST.

On the other hand, if you think you need more tractor, get the DK. You really can't make a wrong decision here (except if you decide to go Kubota ).

 

[woodyacres]

Welcome to the neighborhood, TBN that is. How much FEL use do you see? How do the numbers on the two units compare?

I believe I have enough FEL work to do. I have down trees to move around gravel to move as my driveway needs a coating of something on it. PLus, once I have it, I am sure I will find many more uses for it!

They are within $2500 of eachother. When I get home tonight I will look. I don't want to give false numbers from my shoddy memory!

 

[woodyacres]

I went with the DK35 since my land is hilly and I use the tractor a lot in the woods hauling logs. I figured the extra weight was what I needed and haven't been unhappy at all with this decision. I don't know if HST is available on the DK35 now but when I bought mine Shuttle was the only option. My drive is about 300 yards long and uphill all the way and with loaded tires and no chains I've been able to plow and blow snow without a hitch.

Have you had any issue with sinking in the woods? I am all sand but have about 8 inches of soft topsoil from all the erosion of leaves and such through the years. Sounds like we have very simliar acreage. HST is available and I really liked it, but have some concerns with it. First is does it justify the cost. (I can do a lot shifting for $1000). Next my wife is afraid (IF (and I mean, IF) she drives it) that she will hit the wrong directional peddle. Finally, I am worried about having to replace it rather than a clutch. OUCH!

 

[woodyacres]

Either would work very well for you. The smaller CK might maneuver in the woods a little bit better. HST is real sweet, and given your tasks and the two tractors you are interested in, I'd take the HST over the shuttle. Having said that, I have a shuttle, and I like it just fine. I chose it simply to save money because I don't really need the HST for my uses (similar to yours). But, if you can afford it, get the HST.

On the other hand, if you think you need more tractor, get the DK. You really can't make a wrong decision here (except if you decide to go Kubota ).

ARGH!!! It all comes down to money. That makes the decision harder. If I could justify it by some NEED for it other than I LIKE IT, it would make the decision easier. My wife says get the HST and the DK35. But, I guess I am just looking too much into it. I know, you guys are like.... "DUMBIE! If your wife gives you the ok, then what are you waiting for???"

 

[crabjoe]

DK35SE HST w/ KL351 loader:

Lift Capacity to Full Height at Pivot Pins 1,412 lbs
Breakout Force at Pivot Pins 2,640 lbs

---------------
CK35 HST w/KL130 Loader:

U- Lift Capacity to Full Height @ Pivot Pins 1155 lbs
Y- Breakout Force @ Pivot Pin 2046 lbs

Me, I'll take the DK35, because 300lbs is 300lbs. And if my primary need was a small tractor to get around the trees, I'd go to the CK20 because that has 1074 lbs of lift capacity @ Pivot. It's not even a hundred pounds difference compared to the CK35.

But you gotta look at everything you need personally so if the CK35 is the right size, and has enough lift capacity, go for it. If you feel you need 300lbs more and the size won't matter as much, get the DK35.

Then again, a free loader with the CK35 means you'll save around $3 grand on top of the lower starting price of the CK35. This is HARD!!

 

[Gittyup]

Your wife will find the HST much easier to operate. Crabjoe makes a good point about the CK20 for loader considerations. But, when you look at hydraulic pump, the CK25/30/35 is better.... if you need it....... like for a backhoe

If you think it will fit through your woods easily, get the DK35 HST. Else the CK35 HST is real nice with the free loader (if your dealer will get you one).

 

[dfkrug]

(my dealer doesn't carry any CK35's because they are so similiarly priced with the DK35!

The DK35SE is 25% more tractor than the CK35H. The DK has better
under-body protection vs. the CK. Numerous CK owners have suffered
hyd damage from vulnerable hyd lines and the HST filter.