Buying Assistance

[IslandTractor]

IslandTractor,
For both JD and Kubota (JD 3520 and Kubota B3030) once equipped with comparable FEL, BH and other options std on the B26, the prices were pretty close. I think the problem is they get you ojn the optional stuff. Also, to add a hydraulic thumb when not available as an option, all the dealers say big $$$$. As I mentioned however, I have not looked closely beyond JD, Kubota and NH just yet.

Thanks again for your input.

Check out the Kioti or Mahindra prices which are substantially less than JD or Kubota for equivalent horsepower/size. Also, the B3030 is a deluxe tractor so you might want to compare to a L3400 or the new replacement for the B7800.

 

[Gittyup]

When I was looking for a good digger, the Kioti really stood out: very heavy, good hydraulics, and great price. I agree with IT, for the money you are spending you can probably get into a DK40 oe DK45 with a woods backhoe and thumb.

Just used my CK25 with 7.5' Rhino backhoe tonight. First time in 9 months or so. The weight of the tractor combined with loaded tires really makes it stay in place. Sure is a please to use. Trenched for 16' of 8" culvert pipe, planted it, and graded back over in about an hour.

Not sure about the DK's or other brands, but on my CK, I can leave the 3 point arms on with the backhoe. Just have to remove the top link. This is a real time saver.

The B26 is a very sweet machine though. Very heavy duty.

 

[PACMMAX]

Thanks Guys,

The dealer near my house evaporated over the winter but I located a one just down the road from where I work and am headed over today to have a look. I'm looking forward to climbing all over one and getting the detailed specs. I know IT is in RI but do either of you have experience with these tractors in the cold weather? I will be operating in Mass and Maine and it gets pertty chilly in the winter. Biggest question is cold starting and hydraulice warm-up.

 

[IslandTractor]

I know IT is in RI but do either of you have experience with these tractors in the cold weather? I will be operating in Mass and Maine and it gets pertty chilly in the winter. Biggest question is cold starting and hydraulice warm-up.

I don't use mine much in the winter but when I do it starts up right away. No issue there.

There are also a bunch of DK40se owners in Canada, Michigan etc and I don't recall seeing any complaints about cold start problems.

If you are in MA, check out Boston Bobcat as they are a Kioti dealer. There are also a couple of excellent dealers in NH. I don't have any experience with the dealers in RI as I bought the DK40se from Wallace in PA.

 

[Gittyup]

I've had no problems with starting in the cold. Starts right up. But, I believe some of the first CK20S' that came out with the new emissions engine were a bit cantankerous in the cold. Kioti has since instituted a fix and haven't been seeing in complaints since. A lot of people up north using them to great affect for snow removal.

 

[PACMMAX]

Thanks for the info.
Just got back from the local dealer but unfortunately there was no one there. I looked over the few on the lot and the DK 35 SE looked like the right size category. Nice rig! Unfortunately I won't be able to get back there today but I'll try and get info and specs off the website later on tonight.

Any idea what the price range is for this model with FEL? The one on the lot had the quick disconnect (Skidsteer) bucket.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks for the info.
Just got back from the local dealer but unfortunately there was no one there. I looked over the few on the lot and the DK 35 SE looked like the right size category. Nice rig! Unfortunately I won't be able to get back there today but I'll try and get info and specs off the website later on tonight.

Any idea what the price range is for this model with FEL? The one on the lot had the quick disconnect (Skidsteer) bucket.

The DK35se is basically the same tractor as the DK40se except for 3 horsepower, one cylinder, a smaller rear axle and significantly less lift capacity on the matched loader. All the new DK's come with the skidsteer style universal loader. As I recall the DK35se is about $1500 less than the DK40se typically. I haven't priced these lately so my data is old but I recall about 18 months ago (at least two price increases ago) a DK35se with loader could be had for under $17000. A matching 8ft backhoe like the Woods BH80x is I recall about 6-7K and perhaps another grand or more for the 9 foot BH90x.

Please take these numbers with a grain of salt as they are old and based on my increasingly vague memory. I think however you can see my point that for roughly the price of a B26 you can get a larger more powerful and more versatile CUT based TLB.

 

[PACMMAX]

Yup,
At anywhere close to those #'s there is more tractor for the $$. I'll see if I can't get soem refreshed pricing in the next couple of days.

Thanks IT for hanging with this thread....