DK40se HST w/FEL: Attachments for a new owner?

[ritcheyvs]

I bought the Kioti 72" rear finish mower last year for 4 Acres of mowing and am very pleased with its durability and cut, built like a brick sh** house.

Maybe it changed, But in the past, the Kioti finish mower was an Italian-made SICMA, painted Kioti orange. The SICMA mower is marketed under many other brands (Phoenix, WAC, First Choice, Midwest, Unifarm, etc.), which is good for parts availability. I have a 72 inch Phoenix which I use mainly in my field. I used a rotary cutter (bush hog style) previously but it did not follow the ground contours as well and the result looked rough. Sometimes I cut parts of my yard with the Kioti (and that is FAST) but I still must use a riding mower (lawn tractor) in congested areas and areas with low hanging branches many BIG trees). Unless it is very dry, the Kioti R4 tires will leave cleat indentations.

 

[Msamt]

Maybe it changed, But in the past, the Kioti finish mower was an Italian-made SICMA, painted Kioti orange. The SICMA mower is marketed under many other brands (Phoenix, WAC, First Choice, Midwest, Unifarm, etc.), which is good for parts availability. I have a 72 inch Phoenix which I use mainly in my field. I used a rotary cutter (bush hog style) previously but it did not follow the ground contours as well and the result looked rough. Sometimes I cut parts of my yard with the Kioti (and that is FAST) but I still must use a riding mower (lawn tractor) in congested areas and areas with low hanging branches many BIG trees). Unless it is very dry, the Kioti R4 tires will leave cleat indentations.

I tried to find out who manufactured the finish mower I bought, but can't find any markings, I too had heard sicma. Agree on the divots, field needs to be dry, but when it is, the RFM makes it look like a golf course. Mama is definitely happy with the look of her "estate".

 

[ritcheyvs]

The "how to" videos linked in post #4 are pretty good and educational. I've viewed quite a few of them.

This one features the SICMA/Phoenix finish mower which is (or was) similar to the Kioti product.

 

[Msamt]

The "how to" videos linked in post #4 are pretty good and educational. I've viewed quite a few of them.

This one features the SICMA/Phoenix finish mower which is (or was) similar to the Kioti product.

Except for the sticker, that is just like mine, so its still the phoenix/sicma. Great piece of equipment.

 

[DK35vince]

I have been running the 84" First Choice version of that mower for years on a DK 35.

 

[DK35vince]

I have been running the 84" First Choice version of that mower for years on a DK 35.

This made me curious how long I have owned this mower, so looked it up.
Bought my First Choice GM35-84 new in 2005.
I'm guessing I have hundreds of hours on this mower.

 

[o2batsea]

I was able to find a Woods RM60 on CL for $100. Other than a small amount of surface rust, it is in great condition. I would say look around for a bargain and don't be afraid of something that works but is ugly.