Comparison Kioti DK40SE HST vs Mahindra 4035

Swamp Ape · Mar 5, 2014

Hi guys, new to the forum. Title pretty much says it all. Not trying to start 20 page war, just want to make an informed purchase as this will be my first tractor. I'm purchasing a new tractor to be used on 28.5 acres that is has 12 yr old longleaf pines (not in rows) and native hardwoods with a lot of underbrush. Initially will use to clear thick underbrush and move dead trees to pile and burn. Then will use to mow/maintain, establish fire trails, move hay, maintain road, etc. I think 40-45 hp 4wd with FEL will meet all my goals. I have looked at Kubota, JD, LS, Kioti and Mahindra. I have narrowed my search to Kioti DK40SE HST vs Mahindra 4035 with Power Shuttle. Test drove both yesterday and really liked each. Only negative for Kioti was that hand throttle seemed a bit awkward on the right but I'm sure I would get used to it. The Mahindra seemed overall beefier and the cockpit seemed roomier and more ergonomic. If I were to make a split decision yesterday, I would have chose the Mahindra. However, I just do no know much about the reliability of the machine. I know Kioti seems to have a loyal following and there are a lot of positive reviews in terms of the overall quality and reliability. All help is appreciated.

TSO · Mar 5, 2014

Both good machines. The Kioti loader is a tad stronger but overall the machines should be pretty comparable.

Any reason why you're comparing the Kioti HST vs the Mahindra PST ?

Swamp Ape · Mar 5, 2014

TSO, good question. The Mahindra is a dealer owned 2011 leftover. Apparently stored under cover. Can get get it for several thousand less than new, so it brings both machines within $500 difference. Both are a significant step up from direct transmissions i grew up with.

k0ua · Mar 5, 2014

You would probably be happy with either, but for me, HST would be my choice. But plenty of guys love the power shuttle too. Where is the hand throttle on the Mahindra. I though about all of them were on the right.?

Swamp Ape · Mar 5, 2014

Mahindra hand throttle on right too , but you have foot pedal which i find more natural when doing work with FEL

k0ua · Mar 5, 2014

Swamp Ape said:
Mahindra hand throttle on right too , but you have foot pedal which i find more natural when doing work with FEL

Have you ever worked a few hours doing loader work with a HST?

TSO · Mar 5, 2014

I agree with James ... you don't know convenience until you've used HST for loader work (compared to any type of gear trans).

kcflhrc · Mar 5, 2014

I would definitely go with the HST Kioti.

Swamp Ape · Mar 5, 2014

What if they were both hst? Then does it boil down to which just feels better or is one better qualty/more reliable? Both dealers are within a mile of each other.

GManBart · Mar 5, 2014

For doing loader work, or even mowing/brush cutting in tight spots, the HST makes life so much easier, and faster, that it's hard to describe. Just the other day I was reminded this while helping my neighbor skid a big tree (topped it was still 35' long and 36"+ at the base). I backed up to the base, and he was going to hook up the choker to the shackle on the back of my counterweight....the choker was barely long enough, and I was able to ease back on the HST (low range) until he could just get the bolt through the shackle. That would be a real pain with any other kind of tranny....you could go on and on with examples like that.

TSO · Mar 5, 2014

Swamp Ape said:
What if they were both hst? Then does it boil down to which just feels better ... ?

I would say yes. I don't know which has better reliability.

kcflhrc · Mar 5, 2014

Swamp Ape said:
What if they were both hst? Then does it boil down to which just feels better or is one better qualty/more reliable? Both dealers are within a mile of each other.

I would say so, I think there both good machines. Go drive them both and I'm sure one or the other will stand out in some way.

murphy1244 · Mar 5, 2014

One of the feature's I really like in my DK is the control on the rear for the three point. I back up to my barn a move a dolly with my implement on it. Line it up and lift my Quick hitch up, slap the locks down and hop in the seat and go.

k0ua · Mar 5, 2014

Swamp Ape said:
What if they were both hst? Then does it boil down to which just feels better or is one better qualty/more reliable? Both dealers are within a mile of each other.

yes on feel, No on reliability as far as I know. Maybe which dealer is most stable, might figure in some.. Just sit on them and operate them as much as they will let you.

kcflhrc · Mar 5, 2014

murphy1244 said:
One of the feature's I really like in my DK is the control on the rear for the three point. I back up to my barn a move a dolly with my implement on it. Line it up and lift my Quick hitch up, slap the locks down and hop in the seat and go.

That would be very handy.

k0ua · Mar 5, 2014

murphy1244 said:
One of the feature's I really like in my DK is the control on the rear for the three point. I back up to my barn a move a dolly with my implement on it. Line it up and lift my Quick hitch up, slap the locks down and hop in the seat and go.

I use that all the time too. Gotta watch and not let something down on your toe though.

common sense and all of that.. but it sure is a useful feature. I think a lot of the big ag tractors have something similar.

jtygoku · Mar 5, 2014

murphy1244 said:
One of the feature's I really like in my DK is the control on the rear for the three point. I back up to my barn a move a dolly with my implement on it. Line it up and lift my Quick hitch up, slap the locks down and hop in the seat and go.

Yup, turns out the rear control was even a handier feature than I could have imagined. Conversely, I'm fine with my shuttle shift, even when doing a fair amount of loader work. Different people, different perceptions - nothing wrong with that.

engine29 · Mar 5, 2014

I'm sure the LS is a good tractor, but I would go w/ the DK 40. Nice tractor, open operator area, integrated joystick, 2762# lift capacity, one standard rear remote, the rear lever for 3 pt. control, telescoping draft links and more. Kioti builds a good quality machine.

lantxinNETX · Mar 5, 2014

murphy1244 said:
One of the feature's I really like in my DK is the control on the rear for the three point. I back up to my barn a move a dolly with my implement on it. Line it up and lift my Quick hitch up, slap the locks down and hop in the seat and go.

Maybe it is just because I am tall, but I can easily reach the three point controls on my 4035HST while standing at the back of the tractor next to the three point.

And the Mahindra's have draft control too. While I haven't used this, I could see the usefulness of this.

One other difference between the two is weight. I think you will find the Kioti HST is 500 pounds lighter than the 4035PST and a full 1000 pounds lighter than the 4035HST. For loader work and the types of things you are discussing, the extra weight is a good thing. I don't have my rear tires loaded on my 4035HST - don't see the need. But that would be extra $$$ if you wanted to load up the rears on the Kioti.

No Kioti dealers in my area, otherwise I might have seriously considered them. But I could not be happier with my Mahindra. Great support from the local dealer and my dealing with their folks in Houston have been great too.

kenmac · Mar 5, 2014

I haven't researched either tractor ,but I would say either would be a good machine. Kioti south Korean ? Mahindra India ? I would go with the 1 that weighted the most. More weight means better traction. Just be aware that with HST you'll loose some HP