Well,
I have just under 300hrs on my DK90 at this time.
I learned to work around the gearing issue by travelling a hair too fast or a hair too slow. There is no other way. My cutting machine works best within a 200rpm spread and so does my baler, which makes a slight difference to work with, is all.
It is a great baling tractor. It seems perfectly matched to my NH853 baler (yup, old chain baler in really, really nice condition which makes superb bales with net or twine). The tractor steers beautifully and is just wide enough/tall enough to clear a big swath while cutting or baling (I was worried about that).
Kioti lists the transmission as "fully synchronized". It is not what I thought, as you have to come to a complete stop to shift the ranges. Main gear shifts are still a little notchy, but continue to gradually improve. The old Deutz 7110 shifts both ranges and main transmission on the fly like silk. Nice. The Kioti is not like that. Ergonomically the gear shifter is a little too far "outboard" for me which makes it a little more difficult. I may (probably will) figure out an offset shifter extension to bring the knob closer for a more direct forward and back pull/push. The forward/reverse lever works well, but has a very long throw so it is a little tiresome (if we are being nitpicky).
The clutch linkage still rattles at times (hmmmmm), the transmission is noisy at working revs/speed (noisier than the engine), the lights are marginal, the reflection in the cab is significant at times (I have a certain red shirt with white graphics on the front which really reflects on the windshield). This curved glass, while attractive, is not good in the reflection department, for sure. It's only annoying under certain, infrequent conditions. The climate control in the cab is really, really good. I don't like the appearance of the button pad for this, but is has an excellent range of adjustability and this type of pad is exceptionally durable in my experience. The seat is comfortable, but I would like it to be not quite so level. I'll probably make some wedges to tilt the seat base up in the front slightly. I want it to fully break in first, as it may "sack-out" a bit to feel fine.
Fuel mileage is OK I guess, but less than that of the old Deutz (which is a 6 cylinder 110pto hp tractor). The Kioti has plenty of power for its size; plenty. The Perkins mechanic that replaced the waterpump was surprised that it was rated at only 91hp. He figured that it probably produced more, rather than less. I would tend to agree based on feel alone.
I am still on the fence regarding this tractor. The good points exceed the bad ones by quite a margin, so I am satisfied. When I have 2000hrs on it I will have a genuine opinion. Overall, if it is durable, it is excellent value for the money.
regards
