Kioti Vs. Montana

[IslandTractor]

I've never seen the Montana so cannot comment on that tractor but I do own a DK40se HST with about 100hrs on it.

From my perspective the extra $1200 is a bit much for what amounts to a 4 horsepower advantage for the 45. The tractors share the identical loader and are rated for the same size implements. They share all parts except for the 200cc extra engine displacement. They are the identical weight and therefore have the same traction. There will be very very few times in a tractors life when 4 hp makes any real difference.

I faced the same choice and am happy I got the 40se as I could then afford one extra implement. $1200 is a grapple or bush hog etc and for my money the 41hp with an extra implement was a better deal than 45hp.

 

[wv joe]

Thanks, my feelings are for the cheaper Kioti as well. The dealer just agreed to another $300 off the demo (DK45SE HST) because of the rust on the hose ends, so the difference is $900 now, but still a significant amount.
I agree even $900 is not worth the 4 HP, but the boss thinks I will be better off with the HST due to my inexperience with tractors (just no faith!).

 

[mjncad]

If you plan on doing mostly loader work like I do, then the HST is the way to go. It's easier to control in close quarters.

I have no experience with Kioti or Montana, so I can't offer any opinions on the brands themselves.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks, my feelings are for the cheaper Kioti as well. The dealer just agreed to another $300 off the demo (DK45SE HST) because of the rust on the hose ends, so the difference is $900 now, but still a significant amount.
I agree even $900 is not worth the 4 HP, but the boss thinks I will be better off with the HST due to my inexperience with tractors (just no faith!).

I actually missed that the 40 did not have HST. I am a HST fan so for $900 (which is actually about exactly the cost of the HST over standard) I would probably go for the 45. Not for the HP but for the HST. Your boss sounds like she is worth listening to.

 

[jimmyj]

HST is absolutely worth $900. You will never regret it.

 

[canzipper]

HST is the greatest invention since the TV REMOTE!

Especially when blowing snow!

 

[Dmace]

I am not only an advocate for HST, I am also a very happy user.

HST is the way to go, I love it! It sounds like the DK45 HST is the tractor for you. Come join the pack, you will be happy you did.

 

[Baranx4]

If you plan on doing little or no plowing, discing, or haying then the HST is the way to go, much easier to operate with less operator imput. With HST you turn it on set your rpm and range and then it drives easily. Pulling a brush hog won't be an issue with HST and the HST can do a job faster, when loading piles as you go forwards to backwards much easier.


With gear drive you have more options when pushing or loading piles since you can set the range and gear, but it will take you longer. I find that when I plow snow with a HST it takes alot less time for me when going back and forth since your not limited by the capabilites of the gear you selected and don't need to switch gears. But for deep packed hard to load fill. Where its difficult getting large loader bucket piles I lcan oad more in each bucket with a gear. Since you can push into the piles with more force if your in low range and in first or second gear, than just low range in a HST.


I can actually pull a triple bottom plow with my Kioti dk 40 SE gear while my buddy can't pull the same plow with his JD 4700 that is HST with more HP. I can't say that I'm comparing apples to apples as there are quite a few variables including weight.

IF I had a landscaping business than hands down, I would buy the HST, easier to operate, less hassle with multiple operators, less skill needed with less issues as you can spend more time focusing on the job at hand.

Montana tractors I believe were owned by the owner of JB Hunt. Not sure if they are still as he died. I believe last year. I recall reading about talkes with farmtrac about a buyout as they both started out as almost the same tractor. with the montana having cabs before Farmtrac added cabs before they went under. THe original model was the Ford 2120.

Our local farmtrac dealer was going to take on the Montana line when Ft went under. I haven't seen any new tractors there yet. I don't recall reading about any issues with any of your choices, so you have to look at what you need. A cab is nice when it's cold or really hot out.

Also if you are considering doing haying in the future the Montana might be a better choice as it gives you more options with balers by having more pto HP

Good luck with your choice.

 

[greenmule]

HST,HST,man!never used one,so they might be the greatest thing since ice cream,but...

The reason many chose it is cause they can't even drive a standard trans. car or truck.

I think geared tractors are more simpler,you get more useable hp out of motor,they are cheaper and unless you were using your tractor mainly as an endloader,can't see any other possible advantage.

I'd choose a new 40 hp kioti which costs less over a 45 hp that is used but has hst every day of the week,myself.

You would be using the same implements,getting the same amount of work done,but with a brand new tractor. [plus its cheaper].

 

[woodyacres]

I only have 50 hours on my first tractor, but I went through some of the same tough decisions you did not too long ago. I am so happy that I chose the HST. I really have nothing to compare it to, other than the short amount of seat time at the dealer. Although, I sure can say that I don't miss the gear drive! I use the loader alot and plow snow, HST makes it nice and smooth and easier than changing gears all the time.

The one thing everyone told me on here is that you should get bigger than you think you will need. The more time in the seat, the more you will find to do with it. I was going to get the CK35, but the dealer and other people talked me into the DK35. Boy, I have worked this thing and am very happy with getting the larger tractor. Sometimes I think I should have gotten the DK40 so I had the stronger loader. But, I am happy. I mostly use it for wood and if I have an issue, I just cut the wood smaller! I have more of an issue of my tires not being loaded than of hydraulic limitations.
Good Luck!