Dk or CK

[randot]

I could not agree more on all the reasons for the DK, I have been a very satisfied CK 30 HST owner for two years and I just upgraded today to the DK 40 HST. Everything I noticed while operating the CK 30 that could be increased or accomplished in a better way is done on the DK. More power, more lift capacity, larger bucket, ease of walk through on the deck, convenience of controls, tougher under carriage and the list goes on. I've also had terrific dealer support.

 

[gkh7890]

Randot,
I understand it has been a little less than 3 hours since your post but "DUDE", where are those pictures at?????

Can't wait to see them......maybe some in action too? (Not asking too much am I???)

 

[Woodbeef]

I'd say go with a DK40SE. Quite a few first time buyers,go too small then are looking to trade up in a year or so. At that point,you take quite a hit on trade-in price. Also if your Wife is confused about driving a hydro,what will she do with a clutch? Replace the clutch once,and the cost of a hydro becomes a moot point in the overall price equation.

 

[randot]

The excellent dealer support from Little Tractor and equipment caused this to happen. Great price on trading up from the CK30 and 16 foot trailer to the DK40 with 20 foot tilt bed. We drove the 40 HST around the lot and he asked us if we wanted to try the 35, the wife said don't bother and now this is what we are headed home with. When we bought the CK30 two years ago, we bought several attachments and could not go with the larger tractor. It worked well on our property, but the 40 will be much better.

 

[IslandTractor]

Excellent choice.

This is how my DK40se spent the morning.

 

[PAB_OH]

IT, do you hate trees or something?? Everytime you post a pic you have recently slayed tree in you'r tractor's teeth!

Seriously nice shots and tractor. I can't wait to put grapple on mine.

 

[IslandTractor]

IT, do you hate trees or something?? Everytime you post a pic you have recently slayed tree in you'r tractor's teeth!

Seriously nice shots and tractor. I can't wait to put grapple on mine.

Yep, I have a thing for toe to toe combat with Mother Nature. It's all about recovering old fields and conservation land from the ravages of time and neglect. It is also the reason I migrated from a CK20 to the DK40se as the KL401 loader/ grapple combo is a truly beautiful thing. The CK was great for moving brush etc but I spent more time with boots on the ground cutting things down. Now I just rip them out wholesale and cart them away. This time of year the soil is moist so bushes and small trees come up pretty easily in one piece.

I've also become the neighborhood brush mover as my tractorless neighbors stack up debris in grapple size piles that I snatch up and carry away as I drive by. It is interesting to see how they have learned to stack things in a way that makes it easy for me to approach and that they have a pretty good sense now of what I can get in a single bite.

I do use the tractor for other tasks but somehow it's tough to get a good dramatic photo of mowing, digging, chipping, raking etc. I'll try to be creative though and post photos of the other fine qualities of the DK. This morning I have to lift a "fort" on top of a jungle gym with my tree boom. I'll see if I can get a few shots of that.

 

[PAB_OH]

This morning I have to lift a "fort" on top of a jungle gym with my tree boom. I'll see if I can get a few shots of that.

Funny, I did the same thing last night. Sorry no pics of the lifting. I was on the tractor and the wife had the kids hunkered down in the bomb sheter in case I messed up.

 

[KBEAT]

I have about 11 acres with about 3 acres of woods in front. I got a CK30HST 3 summers ago and have never regretted it. I have pulled out some pretty good size trees with th CK30 and it never even noticed when it took the slack out. I have moved quite a bit of dirt with it and sometime wished for a larger bucket, but when I am cutting around trees or playing in the woods I'm happy it's not larger. Would never be without the HST for the type of use I have. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Gittyup]

Interesting before and after of the pond there, KBEAT. Looks like you have good water flow too; I don't see any algae. .... and the dog doesn't seem to mind either.

 

[contdevelop]

WOW KBEAT, I truly envy your proprty there, that is gorgeous!!! What state are you in?

 

[KBEAT]

Thanks Contdevelop, I am up in the thumb of Michigan. I bought my CK30 a week after we finished building the house and keep finding new uses for it. There is a Kioti dealer less that 10 miles from me and they were great to work with. Haven't had any warranty issues yet to see about service, but have only heard good things about them. As the common thread seems to be here, if you find a good dealer to work with everything goes smoother.

Just wanted to show the pictures to indicate the type of work the little CK30 was capable of without any issues. I feel the size is perfect for my needs so far. Some things could have gone faster with a larger bucket, but it doesn't happen often enough to make me think I should have gone larger and given up ease of use in the woods.

All in all a great little tractor so far, power is good, ergonomics are good, starts good in the cold weather for driveway plowing (And we got our share last winter). I would recommend Kioti to anyone based on my experience so far.

 

[contdevelop]

What a small world, i thought the terrain looked familiar. I am originally from Traverse City and spent alot of time in the UP, got tired of the snow and cold weather then moved to Texas. But i do miss the scenery. As for the Kioti, I agree, I bought a new CK30HST about 2 months ago and only have 30 hours on it but so far I love it. It has been great.

 

[woodyacres]

I went with the DK35 since my land is hilly and I use the tractor a lot in the woods hauling logs. I figured the extra weight was what I needed and haven't been unhappy at all with this decision. I don't know if HST is available on the DK35 now but when I bought mine Shuttle was the only option. My drive is about 300 yards long and uphill all the way and with loaded tires and no chains I've been able to plow and blow snow without a hitch.

Toadhill, Do you have any issues in the woods with the larger bucket? Looking at these two tractors, side by side and end to end, there is only a slight difference ( i think 3" per side and in length).

 

[woodyacres]

Well, I am pretty sure I am going this week to get my DK35. I will let you know when I get it home. Thanks for all the information and advice, everyone!