Another new guy with another question

summitlion · Mar 7, 2004

The problem is, I like the Kioti, but in the size I am looking at HST is not an option. I am concerned that the JD4310 will not be enough HP down the road. With the HST the 4310 only has 27HP to the PTO. I guess I could look at a 4400 or 4500, but I'm not sure the wife would go for spending any more money.
As for the layout of my land, it is not flat but no steep hills either. It's just your typical Central VA rolling landscape. Also, I won't ever be plowing with it, but I do see a BH in my future ( i hope)

Bob_Skurka · Mar 7, 2004

<font color="blue"> only 27HP to the PTO </font>

In looking over your original post, I don't see any implemet you would consider buying that will even come close to needing 27 pto hp. . . how big of a mowing deck are you planning on pulling?

I would think that most of your HP will be used when you are using the FEL or maybe a large box blade in heavy ground. I'd think you could handle 72" rotary cutter and an 84" finish mower with 27pto hp.

DK35vince · Mar 7, 2004

All I can tell you is I have a DK 35 and have been very happy with it.
I like the shuttle transmission just fine.
But the final decision is up to you on what you prefer.

frank_f15 · Mar 7, 2004

i will revert u back to BIRDS AND TXDONS post for all the reason for a hydro, but now that i have had one , would not think of anything but a hydro, just makes things so much easier on these old arms and legs

summitlion · Mar 7, 2004

Bob,

It may very well be true that 27HP PTO will be plenty of power for me. Like I said, I am new to this. When I explain to the dealers what I am looking to do, they all try to put me in about 35HP tractors. They tell me that I should shy away from features to save money and spend my money on power.

As far as implements, I will be doing some heavy grading and wasn't sure how much power I would need. Also, the chipper I was looking at required 30HP PTO.

I guess I'm like everyone else. I want to get as much tractor as I can afford, as I plan on having it for a long time.

Bob_Skurka · Mar 7, 2004

That has got to be one huge chipper!

As for tractor size, I think something in the mid-30's on up is a good size for the land you are talking about.

As for size per $ spent, consider a couple of things. First, if you are planning on buying something that will last 10+ years, and the tractors you are considering will easily last twice that long, then when you figure a $1000 difference in price over that time span you are talking about pennies per day. Second, look to operator comfort and safety as a bigger factor. The easier it is for you to operate the machine in a comfortable manner, the more you will concentrate on the task at hand, not on the bad ergonomics or the fact that you might be in the wrong gear, or whatever, and that leads to safe operation and it leads to greater enjoyment of the machine . . . 2 things that are hard to put a real price tag on.

I'm not pushing one machine or another, just that you consider some factors that might not seem overly important, but really might be.

SteveH_CT · Mar 7, 2004

Welcome to the Board - this is a great site to get opinions and facts. I have about the same size areas as you. I bought a 4310 ehydro about a month ago. To date I have been amazed at what I've been able to accomplish with JD's midsize CUT. I don't think you'll find the tractor lacking power. I pulled out a pretty big stump today on the lot I'm clearing. It had to weigh near 1000 lbs with the root-ball. I find as I get better at operating the tractor the better it gets /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Raynman is right, if you can swing a bigger model you wouldn't regret it on a lot that size. I went for the 4310 because it would fit in my garage so well. I have a FEL and a BH and it takes all the depth that my bay has.

Others here can talk more about the PTO power - but I can say that my dealer was confident that the hydro 4310 would have enough power to run most implements comfortably.

If you have a moment I'd be curious what features you're referring to that on the Kioti that you don't get on the JD? I looked at them, as well as Kubota and NH. I liked the Kioti a lot myself, but I found the dealers around here sorely lacking. That was what swung me towards Deere. If you like the Kioti and have a good dealer network around you I'm sure it would be a great unit.

Have fun looking - have fun buying. When it finally gets delivered give your wife a big thank you because now the fun will really start.

Take Care,

Evasive1 · Mar 7, 2004

Several times now you have mentioned you liked the Kioti. Sounds like a simple answer for you. I am sure HST is nice but I personally liked the synchro shuttle shift better. So it comes down to a personal preference. The Kioti has a great tractor. When I was looking for a new tractor I had it narrowed down to the Kioti DK45 and the Century 3045.

But whatever you decide base it on your needs and finances and not what someone else says you need.

lablovers · Mar 7, 2004

I test drove both HST and shuttle shift and it was not a big enought difference between the two. I actually could not tell much difference operating the loader with either. I have done a lot of loader work in the past with the std tranny and you just get used to what you have. Basically, buy what ever blows up your skirt and don't look back. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Lablovers

byax65 · Mar 8, 2004

I was in the same quandary all of one week ago, hydro or not , but after test driving them both the answer was easy for me. I would keep an open mind till you do the same. I went with the NH TC45 with hydro.