Seems to me, if a DK 55 is going to be used to remove a fence row, the capabilities of that tractor with the described fencerow is the issue. In response to that question, I took out a fencerow of rose hedge, which is as tough a row as it gets, that surrounded a 20 acre meadow this last summer. I had taken 20-50 feet sections out with a 40 hp tractor, chain saw, chains, front loader, etc and it was a tough job. With a rented dozer, I did the whole meadow in a few hours. I rented the dozer for 225 hours and did a fabulous amount of tough jobs. After I was done with it, it needed some major track tightening and in retrospect, I think renting a dozer is a great option because you don't have to worry about maintenance and repair. I am thinking I may spend another grand for 40 more hours again soon...plus it is fun. A tractor is very different than a dozer--low maintenance and dependable as all get out.
If you have the time, the tractor will do the job. Good luck with your purchase decision.
I narrowed my buying choice to a John Deere or Kioti and bought the Kioti. The rest of the brands I eliminated for a variety of choices from reliability, design, personal preference, price, compatiablity--hey, am I describing a tractor or marriage? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
