Z-Michigan
Veteran Member
Last summer I bought a Kioti DK40SE HST, downsizing from my previous tractor, a Deere 5105.
In comparing the tractors:
Deere: 4700lbs tractor weight, R1 ag tires, rears filled (1500lbs) for about 7000lbs including FEL.
Kioti: 4000lbs tractor weight, R4 tires, tires not filled, roughly 4700lbs including FEL
Downsizing was generally a good move, but recent snow has shown that my Kioti has little traction compared to my Deere. The Deere had unstoppable traction and plenty of counterbalance, but it caused severe turf damage, and was a bit bigger than I needed 90% of the time. I also really like the HST on my new tractor.
I have two issues with my current setup: lack of traction when doing heavy FEL or rear blade work, and needing a little more weight on the rear to balance FEL weight (I have always had a heavy implement on the back doing FEL work, but even more counterbalance would be helpful).
I know the R4 tires are part of the issue, but they aren't readily changeable, and they make a huge difference in summer/fall causing far less ground damage. I am currently looking only at adding weight.
I have two real options:
-fill rears, approx 1000lbs added
-Kioti iron wheel weights, 82lbs each, max two per side or four total = 328lbs
Cost is fairly similar between those options. I have a strong preference for the wheel weights because I don't want to add 1000lbs and lose that ballast someday when the tires need replacing. I really need to know - will I find a useful difference in traction, and rear counterbalance (vs. FEL), by adding just 328lbs? Would it be worth trying just two weights initially (164lbs) or should I go straight to four?
In comparing the tractors:
Deere: 4700lbs tractor weight, R1 ag tires, rears filled (1500lbs) for about 7000lbs including FEL.
Kioti: 4000lbs tractor weight, R4 tires, tires not filled, roughly 4700lbs including FEL
Downsizing was generally a good move, but recent snow has shown that my Kioti has little traction compared to my Deere. The Deere had unstoppable traction and plenty of counterbalance, but it caused severe turf damage, and was a bit bigger than I needed 90% of the time. I also really like the HST on my new tractor.
I have two issues with my current setup: lack of traction when doing heavy FEL or rear blade work, and needing a little more weight on the rear to balance FEL weight (I have always had a heavy implement on the back doing FEL work, but even more counterbalance would be helpful).
I know the R4 tires are part of the issue, but they aren't readily changeable, and they make a huge difference in summer/fall causing far less ground damage. I am currently looking only at adding weight.
I have two real options:
-fill rears, approx 1000lbs added
-Kioti iron wheel weights, 82lbs each, max two per side or four total = 328lbs
Cost is fairly similar between those options. I have a strong preference for the wheel weights because I don't want to add 1000lbs and lose that ballast someday when the tires need replacing. I really need to know - will I find a useful difference in traction, and rear counterbalance (vs. FEL), by adding just 328lbs? Would it be worth trying just two weights initially (164lbs) or should I go straight to four?