Buying Advice 2012 Kioti DK40SE HST or the LS R3039H

[murphy1244]

Go with the DK-40se/hst, add the second set of remotes now and get the tires filled. Have them make up a hose loop with two male QD ends to put into the rear remote circuit when the backhoe is not attached, to keep from deadheading the pump. DK-40s that are not brand new are getting rare, because all the new stock is Tier-4, and since it's new tech and more expensive than current Tier-3, the jury is out on how well it will work. So go with the used, and enjoy it.
Also make sure the dealer installs the backhoe remote kit that plumbs the return line through the hydro fill port. The kit comes with the hoes, but many dealers omit installing them for some unknown reason. The kit allows the hoe and trans fluids to run cooler and essentially better.
Personally, until warranty is over I wouldn't add any hooks on a bucket, they're not meant to be used for that purpose. Only the rear end drawbar is meant to tow, pull, drag weight.
Get the service manual, it's very detailed and a great resource.

The FEL is only warranted for a Year so you might as well get the Hooks.

 

[Sgeary13]

The LS dealer in New Boston is called Yankee Precision Engineering after finding him on the main LS dealer search page. Im meeting him at his old shop first and then heading to his new shop to see it. I will bring up all those points to the Kioti dealer and see what he can accommodate. After reading all this information, it almost seems not worth the 1.5 hour drive to check out the LS, but it will be good to see how it compares against the DK.

 

[Blstr88]

Ah ok, I tried looking into them but their website never seems to work and when I tried calling the number it went to an automated mail box...Ill try again, I'd prefer to go him to check out the LS than Windham.

I'm interested in something smaller, like the 2020 or 2023 but maybe once I start looking Ill end up going bigger. Ideally I'd like to keep it well below $20k ($15k if possible) so the 2023 or so seem to fit that.

Let us know your thoughts on the LS!

 

[GManBart]

They are both nice machines, but the R3039 is physically smaller, lighter, and less capable in almost every way. At those prices (which seem fair BTW), I can't see going with the 3039 unless the Kioti showed wear and tear that was suspicious.

 

[Sgeary13]

Well you were right about the 3039 being smaller. Im 6'2 and felt really cramped in the seat. When using the brake and hydro pedals, my knees almost touched my chest. So that fact right there eliminates the LS for me. It was a sharp looking and solid machine, but when it comes to comfort i can't see myself having that machine for 20 years. And the dealer would only come down to 27k. So im waiting to hear back from the kioti dealer, right now the deal is looking to be 25700k with 50 hour service and manual included. And hes checking to see the tires are loaded, i would want that included in the deal as well. Seems like a pretty fair deal to me for the machine im getting.

 

[Blstr88]

Nice! Sounds like a simple choice then.

Do you happen to know if he had anything smaller, like 2020/2023 or 3033 down there...?

 

[Sgeary13]

No all he had was that one tractor, he said he cant get anymore to him due to the 6 ton limit signs you see everywhere now. He says he will be building his dealership there but all that was there was 2 old barns, the one LS, and some implements. Maybe if you contact him he might be able to get something delivered there, otherwise you might have to go to the LS dealer in ME.

 

[Illini22]

I thought I had read or saw a video about a frame problem on the r3039. I think it was twisting a bit under/around the front of the engine? It was a fairly simple fix, some additional metal was bolted or welded horizontally to connect the sides. Since this is a new one, maybe it was already modified.

 

[mesupra]

I actually just picked up a Bobcat CT 335 with FEL, backhoe, rake, and forks with 288 hrs just south of you in CT. I would keep searching the local CL and uncle henrys for a low hour used tractor, I would love a new machine but cant seem to justify spending 7-15 thousand more.

 

[mesupra]

I forgot to mention that there is a decent looking Kioti DK 35 in southern maine with a backhow as well, it was just posted yesterday or today.