Help me spend my $! (Used DK35 vs new CK30)

idscarecrow · May 3, 2011

Hmm, I posted this first in the general buying forums, but then I realized it might be more appropriate here.

I am shopping for a small tractor for general use on my hilly, 20 acre, 1/2 wooded property. I foresee light logging, driveway maintenance, snow removal, landscaping in my future. I have never owned a small tractor, but used farm tractors growing up. I have read many, many posts on this website (thanks to all that have contributed the good advice), but I am still having trouble making up my mind.

I am not stuck on brand, but after visiting three local dealers and reading Craigslist for months, I am almost ready to pull the trigger. Based on prices and options (as everyone else around here, I have a budget), I am mostly focussed on a new Kioti CK30 from the dealer I like best locally, or a used 2006 DK35 with 250 hours off of Craigslist. (I have also looked at and considered Kubota, Mahindra, Branson, JD, NH, and TYM).

The DK seller is asking $14,900 (includes FEL and box blade); the new CK is about $2500 MORE OTD (taxes etc included) for the same set up, FEL and box blade. Both are manual transmission.

I think I could get by with the 30 hp tractor for my purposes, and the warranty would be nice for peace of mind. But everyone always seems to advocate on these forums buying bigger if possible, and a $2500 cost savings for the used DK is nothing to sneeze at.

So, advice? New with warranty, smaller and more $? Or used, no warranty, bigger and cheaper?

Thanks!

mx5guy · May 3, 2011

You can compare them at KIOTI - run ahead of the pack!
But DK has more options, stronger hydrauliks, 8 extra horses, better lift 500 LBS more, but new CK 30 has 4 year warranty, tuff decision, can you get history of used one, talk to previous owner? as if something expensive breaks the $2500 can go fast.

idscarecrow · May 3, 2011

Thanks for the link - I have compared all the specs. You summed up my problem exactly. Nice to have the extra power and goodies, but also nice to have the warranty.

As for history, visually it appears to be in good shape, and the current owner is the original owner. He says that he used it only for landscaping around his house. He seems believable.

mx5guy · May 3, 2011

Is the current owner of the DK a member here, if yes has he ever posted anything negative here about the DK, maybe you can do a little better from him, you don't want to rip him off, but you have a delima and maybe he can help you deside with more incentive. Or maybe dealer can help you deside in same way, could work to your advantage maybe. Good luck.

I did not know enought about tractors to feel comfortable buying used, plus was not many deals at the time so I got ck27hst and I am very happy with my tractor 102 hours later, can't wait for weekends to get more seat time she is at the cottage 1 hour away.

wallace · May 4, 2011

idscarecrow
Check your PM I sent you some info.

VictorW · May 4, 2011

From the jobs you list for the tractor, I'd be in favor of the DK35. Heavier, stronger, more hp but then there comes the warranty issue. 250 hours isn't much time as long as it's in good shape and he could also shave off a few hundred. The price for the CK30 gear seems a little high too because I believe Kioti is offering a free loader if cash or no loader if financing. Finance with someone else if needed and get the free loader. Wallace is hard to beat and the Bobcat is the same tractor except for the loader which is very much equal and some say better than the Kioti loader. Give Wallace a try before you spend.

Fireman249 · May 5, 2011

Hello my name is Rick and I have a 2007 Kioti CK 25 for sale, it has a 6 ft landpride scrape blade, 5 ft Howse bush hog, and only has around 200 hours on it, always garage kept. Bought thinking it would be the right size for my needs and over the last couple of years found out it is really to big for what I'm using it for. Plan on buying something smaller and less weight. It is in really good shape if this would interest you at all please feel free to call me at 828-244-7654 eastern time from 8:30 am til 8:00 pm any day of the week or email for more info rhager2@bellsouth.net asking $14,000 o.b.o. for all. Also have 18 ft dove tail equipment trailer in excellent condition for sale, asking $1,800 or would sacrifice $15,500 for everything.

idscarecrow · May 5, 2011

BTW, I am in Spokane, WA, so thanks for the sale offers, but shipping from back East would be a killer.

JDL538 · May 5, 2011

idscarecrow said:
Hmm, I posted this first in the general buying forums, but then I realized it might be more appropriate here.

I am shopping for a small tractor for general use on my hilly, 20 acre, 1/2 wooded property. I foresee light logging, driveway maintenance, snow removal, landscaping in my future. I have never owned a small tractor, but used farm tractors growing up. I have read many, many posts on this website (thanks to all that have contributed the good advice), but I am still having trouble making up my mind.

I am not stuck on brand, but after visiting three local dealers and reading Craigslist for months, I am almost ready to pull the trigger. Based on prices and options (as everyone else around here, I have a budget), I am mostly focussed on a new Kioti CK30 from the dealer I like best locally, or a used 2006 DK35 with 250 hours off of Craigslist. (I have also looked at and considered Kubota, Mahindra, Branson, JD, NH, and TYM).

The DK seller is asking $14,900 (includes FEL and box blade); the new CK is about $2500 MORE OTD (taxes etc included) for the same set up, FEL and box blade. Both are manual transmission.

I think I could get by with the 30 hp tractor for my purposes, and the warranty would be nice for peace of mind. But everyone always seems to advocate on these forums buying bigger if possible, and a $2500 cost savings for the used DK is nothing to sneeze at.

So, advice? New with warranty, smaller and more $? Or used, no warranty, bigger and cheaper?

Thanks!

I have a CK30 and 20 acres, I had an old bota for 15 years before that.
I would buy the new 30 its a great tractor and will do everything you want it to do and more.
I would do more shopping though mine was $13,200 in 09 out the door with loader.
It looks to me like kioti is getting more and more popular and prices or probably up.

Redgate West · May 6, 2011

Last month I purchased a DK35. I only have 17 hours on it and I really like it. I compared it to several other brands plus the CK series. After driving the DK, the CK felt a little cramped for me. That might not be your case. As others have stated, the warranty on the new tractor gets alot of consideration. In my situation, I am glad I went with the larger, heavier tractor for my use on the farm. But whatever decision you make, you are purchasing a well made tractor in the Kioti line.

charleyfarmall · May 8, 2011

Well, I have a CK27HST and really like it. However, it is an ancillary tractor for light utility work, light mowing, garden tilling etc. I use a bigger tractor for the jobs you are talking about. I would not mow 10 acres with a CK. Not that it couldn't do it, but it would beat the crap out of me because of the short wheelbase. I don't drag the pasture much with it for the same reason ( 8 acres). ALso, CK loader are limited to about 1000 pounds max and i frequently turn to the bigger tractor for pallet work.

For the jobs you list, and having only one tractor, I would not hesitate to get the used DK. I understand the warrantee is great to have as peace of mind, but honestly, most of the time, that's all it is and the warrantee never gets used...

CurlyDave · May 8, 2011

I would not buy a manual transmission for the jobs you list.

Every single one of them, a HST will be a far superior choice.

Gittyup · May 9, 2011

charleyfarmall said:
Well, I have a CK27HST and really like it. However, it is an ancillary tractor for light utility work, light mowing, garden tilling etc. I use a bigger tractor for the jobs you are talking about. I would not mow 10 acres with a CK. Not that it couldn't do it, but it would beat the crap out of me because of the short wheelbase. I don't drag the pasture much with it for the same reason ( 8 acres). ALso, CK loader are limited to about 1000 pounds max and i frequently turn to the bigger tractor for pallet work.

For the jobs you list, and having only one tractor, I would not hesitate to get the used DK. I understand the warrantee is great to have as peace of mind, but honestly, most of the time, that's all it is and the warrantee never gets used...

All CK's, other than the CK20, have a loader lift capacity of closer to 1300 lbs. Doesn't seem like a lot more, but is 30% more. Anyway, if you are paying cash, I'd go with the used DK. More tractor for less money. The hours of use are almost nothing in tractor time. Most warranty work is in the first few years. So, the used DK is probably going to be very reliable. Ask about service records, place of purchase/service, etc. and follow up with them about the tractor's history.

IslandTractor · May 9, 2011

Be aware that a 2006 DK35 is not the same model as the DK35 on the Kioti website. In 2007 Kioti brought out the DKse series and that is what they feature on the website. The older model is rock solid but has different specs and features. I don't recall anything but praise from the owners of the older DK35 here.

Tough choice re new CK vs used DK. If it were me I'd go look at the used DK. If it was in excellent shape I'd take i especially if you can get a few more bucks off the price. If in decent shape it would be a toss up. 250hrs is nothing and most warranty issues occur early anyway. I would also check comparable new deals from Bobcat as their promotions are different and could affect the price of a CK equivalent CT230.

IslandTractor · May 9, 2011

Gittyup said:
All CK's, other than the CK20, have a loader lift capacity of closer to 1300 lbs. Doesn't seem like a lot more, but is 30% more. .

Gittyup are you sure of those numbers? I recall the KL120 has about 1070 lift and the KL130 has only 150 or so more.

charleyfarmall · May 9, 2011

Straight from the Kioti Spec Sheet:

KL130 Loader
Lift Capacity to Full Height at Pivot Pins 1,155 lbs

At the pivot pins, without the bucket or pallet forks which subtract from lift capacity.

idscarecrow · May 14, 2011

Well, the DK35 was in very good condition, and the seller came down $1000, so I decided to take it. I just got it home and I am verz excited to put it to work. Oh, it also has the creeper gear option, which could come in handy. :thumbsup: