DK45SE... Hst or Gear?

IslandTractor · Mar 31, 2011

I think Dennis52 makes some good points (and the DS line is definitely a great value). However, HST still seems to make sense to me for most folks. I would not worry about hills. HST is probably safer in fact as if you take your foot off the pedal the tractor stops. I'd think there are more ways to get into trouble on hills with a clutch and standard tranny than with HST. You'd have to run an HST awfully hard to cause problems on hills. No one here has ever complained about the Kioti HST (except for the limited two range version on the CK20). The HST still carries some undeserved baggage related to early days of HST which is kinda like comparing a modern automobile auto transmission to an old two speed Chevy slush box from the 1950's. HSTs made by all the major manufacturers seem to be extremely reliable these days. It is a pretty mature technology.

For my money, I'd go with HST unless ground engagement is your major task or if the extra two or three PTO horsepower used will reallyl change what you can do with implements. Of course the other reason to opt for standard or shuttle is the extra cost of HST and that is always a perfectly valid reason.

kco · Mar 31, 2011

IslandTractor said:
I think Dennis52 makes some good points (and the DS line is definitely a great value). However, HST still seems to make sense to me for most folks. I would not worry about hills. HST is probably safer in fact as if you take your foot off the pedal the tractor stops. I'd think there are more ways to get into trouble on hills with a clutch and standard tranny than with HST. You'd have to run an HST awfully hard to cause problems on hills. No one here has ever complained about the Kioti HST (except for the limited two range version on the CK20). The HST still carries some undeserved baggage related to early days of HST which is kinda like comparing a modern automobile auto transmission to an old two speed Chevy slush box from the 1950's. HSTs made by all the major manufacturers seem to be extremely reliable these days. It is a pretty mature technology.

For my money, I'd go with HST unless ground engagement is your major task or if the extra two or three PTO horsepower used will reallyl change what you can do with implements. Of course the other reason to opt for standard or shuttle is the extra cost of HST and that is always a perfectly valid reason.

Your view agrees with my limited HST experience Island. I got my DK35 HST late Saturday night and have put in 10 hours just "playing" with it and testing its handling on my narrow, winding, hilly and uneven trails. The DK35 has industrial tires and feels much bigger than my previous Kubota L275 DT (similar to L3400). The DK35 is longer and the bucket 6" wider.

I have challenging places where the tractor just fits between trees. The HST is much easier to inch around tight spots, reverse if necessary, and resume speed when in the clear.

I also feel one has more control on steep hills because the speed control is so fine and it is easy to slow to a crawl without having to shift to a lower gear and restart using a clutch.

I finished the testing today and took the DK places where the L275 was near its limit of stability. No doubt a lot has to do with what seems a lower centre of gravity, industrial tires and more weight.

The testing was fun and I now know I can operate the new tractor over all the places I went with the old one. Now I can put it to work...which really is no different than playing!

Cheers.

dennis52 · Apr 1, 2011

Just remembered this very useful advice from Union Farm Equipment titled "HST vs Gear transmissions" link below. Thanks to the original poster. Enjoy the new tractor.

Union Farm Equipment - Tips

IslandTractor · Apr 1, 2011

dennis52 said:
Just remembered this very useful advice from Union Farm Equipment titled "HST vs Gear transmissions" link below. Thanks to the original poster. Enjoy the new tractor.
Union Farm Equipment - Tips

The only point in that article I disagree with is the rather odd statement that it is difficult to maintain one speed with HST. We all understand that hst requires pedal pressure just as driving a car does. Most of us don't have much trouble maintaining a steady speed driving a car. They say that changing terrain and work loads make 'cruise control' less effective. I don't see that is really very different from what you get with a standard transmission and a fixed throttle position. Presumably if you are in a fixed gear and go up a hill the engine will start to bog down with either hst or gear. Same for mowing and hitting a very lush patch of high grass with either transmission. In both cases you would need to increase throttle if the temporary reduction in speed is a problem.

kco · Apr 1, 2011

dennis52 said:
Just remembered this very useful advice from Union Farm Equipment titled "HST vs Gear transmissions" link below. Thanks to the original poster. Enjoy the new tractor.

Union Farm Equipment - Tips

Thanks for the article Dennis. It makes valid points for both types of transmission. I just realised that, in my enthusiasm for my new tractor and HST, my post last night was insensitive and did not acknowledge your very valid points. I apologise for that.

Gear transmissions have clear advantages in efficiency, power, and likely serviceability. The gear DK35 has over 5% more PTO power than the HST. I imagine it has a 5% advantage in what the article calls "traditional work" such as plowing, haying, etc.

While I like the HST's easy speed control on my hills and winding paths, I'm sure I would have been just as enthralled with a gear transmission as the new tractor is so much more stable than the old L275DT.

Perhaps the vast improvement in stability is due to the industrial tires. There's another huge debate where there is no "right" answer! ;-)

whitmerlegacyfarm · Apr 5, 2011

Ok one last thing. Do you guys think i will really notice a difference in a 40 hp to a 45hp if i go with the hydro? I just applied for the financing so if that all goes threw i'm redy to take the plunge. Getting closer everyday

IslandTractor · Apr 5, 2011

whitmerlegacyfarm said:
Ok one last thing. Do you guys think i will really notice a difference in a 40 hp to a 45hp if i go with the hydro? I just applied for the financing so if that all goes threw i'm redy to take the plunge. Getting closer everyday

I haven't driven a 45 but have never wanted for power with my 40. Runs a six foot flail and six foot tiller with no issues. I have a 5ft Bush Hog only because I got it cheap used and I know the 40 usually runs a six or even seven foot hog.

As I've noted before, the only difference between the two tractors is 200cc of displacement. If Kioti charged a few hundred bucks extra I wouldn't squeal but as I recall the difference is more like $1500 which seems like highway robbery for slighly larger pistons.

If I were getting the cab version I'd probably spring for the 45 so I'd have the same practical amount of PTO hp as the 40 when the A/C was running.

whitmerlegacyfarm · Apr 6, 2011

I got approved today for the equipment loan. So it's time to get serioius and start test driving these kiotis and make the decision. I can't wait hopfully have time to go this weekend and check out a few dealers. Im pretty dead set on this DK45SE HST platform and loader. But theres still a lil thought about this cub yanmar ex450, of coarse it's gear but i can get TLB w/ ex450 for $26,500 all about. Sure would be nice to have the hoe. I'm lookin at 25k for the dk45 hst. It's a tough decision i noticed the cubs don't seem to have the lift capacity. I just like the sounds of having the backhoe to play around with and possibly some side jobs for the business that would be very enjoyable. I'm tired of thinking about all these tractors and want to just have it sittin in my barn. My fiance is also tired of me talking nothing but tractors. So i'm sure she will be glad once i get one and shut up about it.

grsthegreat · Apr 6, 2011

whitmerlegacyfarm said:
I got approved today for the equipment loan. So it's time to get serioius and start test driving these kiotis and make the decision. I can't wait hopfully have time to go this weekend and check out a few dealers. Im pretty dead set on this DK45SE HST platform and loader. But theres still a lil thought about this cub yanmar ex450, of coarse it's gear but i can get TLB w/ ex450 for $26,500 all about. Sure would be nice to have the hoe. I'm lookin at 25k for the dk45 hst. It's a tough decision i noticed the cubs don't seem to have the lift capacity. I just like the sounds of having the backhoe to play around with and possibly some side jobs for the business that would be very enjoyable. I'm tired of thinking about all these tractors and want to just have it sittin in my barn. My fiance is also tired of me talking nothing but tractors. So i'm sure she will be glad once i get one and shut up about it.

once she drives it....there will be no holding her back.

I paid 27000 for DK45SE HST with cab. 25 without cab seems kinda high, but i know prices have risen. also, mine was all cash deal

whitmerlegacyfarm · Apr 6, 2011

I'm hoping to work a dealer down to around 23.5k w/ TL, R4 tires loaded all 4 and atleast a tooth bar for bucket. I will be payin by check being i go my own financing threw my business account. Same as cash rite?