Hauling a DK40

[Jklatham]

Sorry in advance if this is not the right forum but... About to buy a DK40 after looking mainly at a Kubota L3400 then it dawned on me how much more the Kioti weighs. First of all, I can't find a weight for the FEL on the Kioti site and second, all I have to tow the thing is an 08 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 and a 18' 7000# trailer. I was comfortable with hauling the weight of the Kubota but geez, it's a big jump in weight to the DK40. I know the numbers say It shouldn't be a problem but I'm a rookie at this and I don't want to trash my truck hauling a tractor. Maybe I should get the tractor first and then a new truck to haul the tractor What do ya'll think?

 

[mattman]

Main thing will be getting your tongue weight right where you want it. Chain the tractor down good and away you go. Press the tow-haul button and don't just hold it to the floor when pulling a hill or taking off from a stop. Does your trailer have brakes??? There will be a good bit of weight pushing you when you are trying to stop.

 

[Jklatham]

Regrettably, I don't have brakes. Is that something that can be added or do I need to look for a new trailer. By getting the tongue weight right is that balancing the load?

 

[Highbeam]

I think the numbers are a problem. First let's look at the trailer:

The 7000 lb trailer weighs about 2000 lbs including the binders and chains. This only leaves 5000lbs for the tractor, loader, any implements, and also the loaded tires if you did that.

My CK30 weighs about 4500 lbs with loader and one 500 lb implement on the back. I use a 10k rated trailer to haul it.

So what do you think that your DK40 weighs? Assume 1000 lbs for the loader with bucket.

Your truck is likely rated to tow the load if you believe the bogus "tow rating" but you may find that adding the 10-15% tongue weight will push you over your GVWR which is the typical weak link of a 1500 series truck.

Is this a one time tow or a regular tow trip? I tow mine all the time and I started out with a 1500 GM product which actually worked pretty well and now I have a diesel F350 which isn't really faster but is much more stable.

 

[Highbeam]

Regrettably, I don't have brakes. Is that something that can be added or do I need to look for a new trailer. By getting the tongue weight right is that balancing the load?

You need brakes. Your owner's manual will require brakes on a trailer if it is over some small weight like 1000#. You need a bigger trailer with brakes. Here's a photo of mine from last weekend. Your DK40 is much bigger.

By balancing the load you will get the tongue weight right. You need 10-15% of the total weight to be on the tongue. The way you do this is by moving the tractor forward or back on the trailer to put more or less weight on the tongue.

You will also find that you are required by your GM hitch to have a set of weight distribution bars on the hitch system. Not just a simple ball.

You're going to love it.

On edit: you can add brakes to almost any non-braked axle for pretty small money. Do it on both axles.

 

[Jklatham]

I'm getting the tractor primarily for myself and the 160 acres of trees, hills (not all mine) and my 1.5 mile driveway. I also build houses (not right now of course) and would like to do what I've been paying others to do, so I may be toting it around some when the market comes back. I was really shocked when I saw the weight and thought that it might be an issue. If I upgrade the trailer would any of you feel comfortable towing it with a half ton?

 

[LBrown59]

Sorry in advance if this is not the right forum but... About to buy a DK40 after looking mainly at a Kubota L3400 then it dawned on me how much more the Kioti weighs. First of all, I can't find a weight for the FEL on the Kioti site and second, all I have to tow the thing is an 08 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 and a 18' 7000# trailer. I was comfortable with hauling the weight of the Kubota but geez, it's a big jump in weight to the DK40. I know the numbers say It shouldn't be a problem but I'm a rookie at this and I don't want to trash my truck hauling a tractor. Maybe I should get the tractor first and then a new truck to haul the tractor What do ya'll think?

I think you need more truck and trailer as well as brakes on all 4 wheels.
You may be ahead with the Kubota and just add weights to it when if needed.

Main thing will be getting your tongue weight right where you want it. Chain the tractor down good and away you go. Press the tow-haul button and don't just hold it to the floor when pulling a hill or taking off from a stop. Does your trailer have brakes??? There will be a good bit of weight pushing you when you are trying to stop.

No brakes i think he said.

Regrettably, I don't have brakes. Is that something that can be added or do I need to look for a new trailer. By getting the tongue weight right is that balancing the load?

i think you need a better trailer .

I'm getting the tractor primarily for myself and the 160 acres of trees, hills (not all mine) and my 1.5 mile driveway. I also build houses (not right now of course) and would like to do what I've been paying others to do, so I may be toting it around some when the market comes back. I was really shocked when I saw the weight and thought that it might be an issue. If I upgrade the trailer would any of you feel comfortable towing it with a half ton?

I would not.

 

[LBrown59]

it dawned on me how much more the Kioti weighs.

A heavy weight isn't always an advantage as you are begining to find out.
How many sacrifices are you willing to make in order to accommodate the extra weight?
Are you ready to make them?
If so go for it or select a smaller / liter tractor.
Only you can decide.
Whatever you do ; do it safely.

 

[JoelD]

I think you need brakes for sure.

I think you may need a stronger trailer although not sure what your machine weighs. Likely you'll be over.

I would not expect your truck to have a bunch of trouble hauling and with brakes on the trailer stopping should not be a problem either.

I'm thinking you need a 10K trailer.

I would not let the trailer dictate the machine I purchase.

Joel

 

[Jklatham]

Thanks to all...I appreciate the info as I've never had to deal with hauling something so close to the max weight my truck can tow. I agree that I need to look for a larger trailer. The DK 40 comes in around 4000# +loader 1000#+ box blade 500# or maybe even a backhoe (who knows how heavy?) I'll probably just use it around the house until I can work out the truck/trailer issues. There's too many benefits to the DK40 to give it up for a smaller tractor that I'll just trade in a few years.