Kioti DK40SE with KL401 Loader
Model Year: 2010
I have no brand loyalty. Did the research and narrowed down to Kioti and Mahindra. Kioti has a somewhat heavier frame; and the Mahindra CUT's are not made directly by Mahindra, so went with the Kioti. Ballasted rear tires. Very hilly/sloping terrain used on. Very stable with the wide front end and ballasted tires. In the last 3 years, haven't used an awful lot, but what there is, has been heavy work. Has done everything I've asked of it. Loader quick disconnects a little loose and prone to popping off. Corrected with tighter o-rings. My wife keeps bumping the remove hydraulic valve lever out of neutral, which kills power and stalls the tractor if you don't have anything connected. Got a gear tractor due to direct transmission power vs HST slight slippage under heavy load. 4WD and differential lock is a big step up from the old 1949 Allis Chalmers C I was using before. In short---build quality and reliability great. Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. Dealer makes all the difference in a major purchase. After the sale is critical (Moon tractor in Hillsboro, OH). Wait for the right deal (got free loader with the seasonal deal that was on at the time, and LORD has it gotten a workout!) The setup cost me $25,500 at the time. Get the biggest setup you can afford, as the extra power and weight come in handy (better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it). Have pulled logs, cut wood, ripping point in heavy clay, hauled many tons of rocks, sand, and gravel, and rabbit/chicken poo, swung a 5 foot bush hog in HEAVY brush, 6' rototiller on 4 acres, Woods PSS72 (6' precision seeder on 4 acres), etc. Plenty of power, traction, and loader/3 pt/ PTO power for my uses. Only detraction is almost too MANY features. Confuses my wife. However, the power steering, wet brakes, etc., make it drive like a car (almost). Having the exhaust out the lower left side keeps the fumes out of your face. Lots of ground clearance. Great purchase.
Pros: Build quality. Value for the money.
Cons: Bells, whistles, and extra levers a bit confusing for my wife.