DK 45 SE 500 hour review

[StuartDK45SE]

2013 model bought new in 2014. I believe this was the last year before Tier IV ? Happy to report zero issues so far. The only thing concerning me at the moment is the forward / reverse lever is getting a little harder to engage.

I would say usage has been as follows.

80 % running a Woodmax FM78 flail mower
5 % running a drum mower and New Holland 630 4 x 4 round baler
5% brush clearing using an EA Grapple.
5% dirt work
5% fence work / running a 12" auger

The New Holland round baler works the tractor pretty good when the bale approaches full diameter, but no overheating problems etc. Next time I bale, I might finish the bales at 3 ft diameter mostly to be easier on this old baler. Overall, I'm glad I bought the gear tractor since most of my time is spent going back and forth mowing my fields. I can run it for hours and never touch the clutch. I am supposed to change the trans / front axle fluid at 400 hours, but dang it still looks and smells like new. I guess I'll go ahead and do it soon though. At the 50hour mark I used Shell Spirax S4 TXM. Man, that stuff was expensive and not really necessary I don't think in a simple gear tractor. Thinking about going with the TSC traveller premium this time. Everyone think that will be okay?

 

[PEJ5]

Gotta love a sold tractor. You mention not having to clutch so I assume you have a (electro) Hydraulic Shuttle. You also state that your shuttle shifter is becoming harder to engage.

I hate to raise concern, but my shuttle shifter was getting a bit stiff so I lubricated the linkages and then almost immediately my shuttle started popping out of forward.
See my discussion for more detail.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426612

I am still hoping "ra5451" will respond with what his solution was back in 2017 and that someone with a shop manual will respond. I have not received any response from Kioti Customer relations either. For now it is hold the shuttle so it does not disengage.

I hope your situation does not worsen.

 

[StuartDK45SE]

Gotta love a sold tractor. You mention not having to clutch so I assume you have a (electro) Hydraulic Shuttle. You also state that your shuttle shifter is becoming harder to engage.

I hate to raise concern, but my shuttle shifter was getting a bit stiff so I lubricated the linkages and then almost immediately my shuttle started popping out of forward.
See my discussion for more detail.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/426612-hydraulic-shuttle-issue.html

I am still hoping "ra5451" will respond with what his solution was back in 2017 and that someone with a shop manual will respond. I have not received any response from Kioti Customer relations either. For now it is hold the shuttle so it does not disengage.

I hope your situation does not worsen.

Not hydraulic shuttle. It is a straight gear tractor and I have to push the clutch in every time I want to change gears or go from forward to reverse (using the direction lever to the left of the steering wheel). I was just saying this tractor suits my needs because I mostly mow my fields with it. I start the pto on the flail mower, start the tractor rolling then increase my rpms to the 540 setting. From there it can be two or three hours of just steering.