DK50c Question?

[ocaj11]

A little History:

I've been a member of this board and read many of the great posts each week. Usually, I'm on the Kubota board lurking. This is my first post, but won't be my last.....

My wife and I are moving from a 2.5 acre lake lot in NE Texas to 56 acres in SW Arkansas. I currently own a 2003 Kubota B7500 HST, FEL, 60" mmm and 60" BB. Although I am completely happy with the little wonder(love the HST), it won't quite handle the duties required on the larger 56 acres.

On my way to look at a Kubota M6800/M5700/M4900 today, I noticed a Kioti DK50c with FEL on the side of the road for sale.
Hmmmm, that sure is a nice looking cab tractor with loader. Of course, I stopped by to take a look.

The tractor is a 2003 with 73 hours. Owner says he paid 28,000 last year. He is getting a divorce and needs to sell his toy. Asking price: 21,500.

After quickly inspecting the outside of the tractor, I jumped in the cab and fired her up. I drove around the field it was on and was impressed. Everything seemed to work properly with no odd noises or grinding. So far so good. A closer inspection will take place before I would buy.

Questions:

Although I had my mind made up to get the M6800 4wd, Hydraulic Shuttle, FEL because of it's size and assumed ability to do everything I will need on 56 acres and to help on my brothers 80 acres, I can't help but realize the huge savings if I choose the Kioti. The major work will be discing/leveling/planting rough pasture areas, tons of FEL dirt work, gravel drive maintanence, and cleaning tons of downed trees/branches with a 72" grapple yet to be purchased, mowing/bush hogging, and anything else that I can think of....

1.Will I lose too much capability with the smaller tractor?

2.How do the Kioti cab models hold up? Things like A/C on a tractor scare me because I've never owned one before...

3.Will the loss of hydraulic shuttle kill me? I really like the idea of moving from forward to reverse without the use of a clutch.

4.Is $21,500 a good price for the 2003 Kioti DK50c with FEL(the website shows two FEL models that fit the DK50c. I'm not sure which one is on the tractor, but will assume the larger model for this discussion.)

5.If $21,500 is a good price for this model Kioti, will I get murdered if I decide to purchase a larger tractor in a year or so?? I know Kubota has awesome resale value, but buying new is always going to cost you some money if you decide to sell too soon. In the case of the Kioti, it seems like a one year, $7,500 dollar hit, just took the majority of initial depreciation therefore reducing my depreciation risk over the next couple of years...

Sorry for all of the questions, but I'm intrigued with this tractor eventhough I haven't used it to do any work...

Any questions are welcome and thank each of you for your time. KeithJ

 

[KiotiJohn]

The DK50 is an awesome tractor, as are the 55 and 65.
The shuttle does require that you push in the clutch, but you don't have to stop, so it's pretty quick work. It just depends on how you fee. Is the extra money for a hydaulic shuttle worth it to you? Do you have any knee or leg problems that would make that a better choice?
You will find that the DK50 will do more than you ever though it could. It will handle nice large implements and get jobs done post haste.
I don't think I'd worry about the cab with AC any more than you should worry about your car with AC. Same principal behind both.
That price is quite good, and I agree that the depreciation has been taken out of that price. When I bought my CK20HST, with taxes, it was only about $3K less than your price for the much larger and feature-packed cab tractor. I say go for it if all is well. I doubt you'll need anything larger. John

 

[ocaj11]

Thanks for the info John. Your question about problems with my legs or knees is funny /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif. I have absolutely no problems pushing a clutch, but read so many posts stating how much people like the hydraulic shuttle. I'll spend 20 minutes looking for the remote when I could have just changed the channel.

I see that the DK55 has a 3PH control on the back of the tractor. Is that true with the DK50? Also, this tractor does not have the quicktach bucket. Have you had any experience with adding the quicktach adapter to a standard bucket? I assume they make these for the DK50 loader.

In the end, the decision comes down to paying $21,500 (maybe less with cash??) for the DK50 with cab and FEL vs paying $28,000 for the M6800, no cab, QT-FEL. I lose 20 PTO horsepower, but gain a wonderful atmosphere with the cab that sure would be nice from July-September in Texas.

I'm thinking the DK50c is the way to go, especially since I don't currently own any implements that would be too large for the tractor. Was planning to purchase a 10 foot bush hog to mow with at some point, but with that cab, I can use the 6 footer and retain more seat time. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

They do make a quick attach plate for the DK50. I have no idea how you would adapt a regular bucket, but it can probably been done. Someone on here knows how and maybe will chime in.
I don't believe there is an external hitch control on that model as with the 55 and 65.
I suspect that given the Kubota doesn't have a cab, and you're saving $7K, it's worth the trade off.
Keep us posted, and I hope you continue to enjoy TBN. John

 

[shoppintractors]

<font color="blue">Also, this tractor does not have the quicktach bucket. </font>

If you can't get a quick detach bucket setup through Kioti. ATI handles aftermarket quick detach buckets...
http://www.preseeder.com/tach-all/

I believe to use an existing bucket you have to grind of the mounting brackets on the bucket and weld on a quick attach plate.

Don

 

[ocaj11]

Thanks for the replies. I certainly don't mind grinding and welding, so the ati modification looks fairly simple.

I'm looking forward to being more involved in the board. I have the camera and picture modification software, so I'll start posting pictures as soon as I can. I also have a Dad that loves equipment, unfortunately, he likes old equipment that needs to be worked on constantly /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Between the father, father-in-law, brother and myself, I'll have approximately 320 acres to play on, 7 tractors, one back hoe, one track hoe, and one bull dozer to break and fix. I'll have plenty of questions and hopefully some answers....

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I'd pay close attention to your HP requirements. It does sound like a great deal, but I think you might be going with too small of a tractor. Ground engauging work like that is very HP dependant. Do you plan on using a plow? disc? Your dropping 20 PTO HP as well, will you ever run a baler?

Just be cautious, there will be other good used tractors around. Don't sell yourself short if you really do need that power.

 

[shoppintractors]

<font color="blue"> ......will you ever run a baler?
</font>

Daryl/5030 posts that his 5030 handles the work for haying...
<font color="blue">" I run my rounder and all the other implements with a Kubota 5030 HSTC.

You can run a square bailer with a medium CUT. The rake with a lawn tractor. The mower-conditioner weighs a lot so it takes a sizeable tractor to handle it and the rounder takes all the power the 5030 has.

Running implements is not dependent on the size of the tractor, it's all about whether YOU are comfortable RUNNING the implement."
</font>

Don

 

[ocaj11]

It's certainly not a cut and dry decision. Eventhough I would LOVE to have a cab tractor, I do worry that the 42 PTO HP won't be sufficient at some time in the near future. Father-In-Law has all the hay equipment, but I figured I would use this tractor to help. I'm sure the DK50 would pull the rake and mower fine, but I think that big Vermeer baler would eat it up.... He used to pull that baler with a 65 engine horse Long, but said it was really too small. Now, he has an 85 engine horse Massey that he's more satisfied with...

The one thing I didn't mention was that we have tons of trees and much of it is grown up that needs to be cleaned up. Since I haven't taken to time to go in and limb all of the trees up, that cab might take a beating. I sure would hate to shatter that glass.

Thanks for all of your replies and opinions. I am open minded and will take all of them in and they will all weigh on the decision....Today, I'm leaning toward the M6800. Yesterday, the DK50c seemed like the way to go.

 

[RedDog]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Today, I'm leaning toward the M6800. Yesterday, the DK50c seemed like the way to go. )</font>



Have you ever considered the DK65?

RedDog

 

[JayC]

How much HP does the M6800 have (engine and PTO)? The DK65 with cab & FEL would be around $28k (or a little over) wouldn't it?

 

[ocaj11]

I am considering the DK65 and have gathered some quotes. Here they are without haggling.

DK65, QT-FEL with QT-84" bucket. $24,950.

M6800, QT-FEL with QT-72" bucket. $28,070.

The price difference is $3,000. I would have figured more like $4,500-$5,000 diff.

The DK series weighs much more than the M, has more 3PH lift capacity and more FEL lift capacity. It also has a standard self-leveling bucket and two rear remotes as standard. From memory, the DK65 has around 62 engine HP and 55 PTO HP.

The M series has front and rear diff lock, clutchless hydraulic shuttle, and a much better seat because of the adjustable suspension. From memory, the M6800 has 71 engine HP and 62 PTO HP.

I'm curious why people refer to the DK65 as a CUT while referring to the M6800 as an Ag tractor?? From memory, I believe the DK65 is longer while being about equal in width and height.

I like the DK a lot, but the Bota has a couple of advantages. 1. There is no Kioti dealer in SW Arkansas/NE Texas (Texarkana) that I am aware of, and, 2. The Kubota has a significant edge on resale values from what I've seen.

I don't plan to ever sale the final choice, but circumstances happen and I'm always smart enough to consider a possible sale if things go wrong in the future. It's a really tough decision, but the M is in the lead due to the two advantages I mentioned. Just not enough price difference to swing me yet. That could change......

P.S. I absolutely love the look of the DK55 with the under hood exaust and sloped hood. The dealer I spoke with told me there was an $1,800 dollar difference between it and the DK65. The 55 isn't completely out of question....

 

[shoppintractors]

<font color="blue"> There is no Kioti dealer in SW Arkansas/NE Texas (Texarkana) that I am aware of </font>

Anderson Tractor Sales
115 COUNTY ROAD 305
Carthage TX 75633

Are you near Carthage?

Don

 

[ocaj11]

Carthage is probably about the same distance from Texarkana as Canton. I'm currently dealing with the Canton dealer. I would hate to have a broke tractor and have to tow it 2 hrs each way to get fixed.... I'll keep looking for Kioti closer to Texarkana. If I can't find it, maybe I'll open one up. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The M series has front and rear diff lock, clutchless hydraulic shuttle, and a much better seat because of the adjustable suspension. )</font>
The DK65 also has a front and rear differential lock, and an external hitch control. No, it doesn't have hydraulic shuttle though.
The M6800 has a rated speed of 2600 RPM, the Kioti 2250.
You get more gears with Kioti 12F/12R--Kubota 8F/8R
Hydro output Kioti: 18.0gpm Kubota 17.1gpm
Dual Remote hydaulics standard on Kioti, second is optional on Kubota.
The Kioti offers independent PTO and Ground PTO (operates at speed of wheels).
Kioti includes joystick controller for FEL, don't know Kubota
3pt. Hitch Capacity at 24" aft of hitch Kioti:4850#, Kubota 3310#
Radio/cassette standard on Kioti, optional on Kubota
There are a lot of good reasons that the price difference isn't more, and you may be able to get a lower price for the DK65.
These are similar, but not equal tractors, and either would be excellent choices.
One thing though, The PTO on the Kubota is hydraulically operated and one doesn't have to use the clutch to engage it, but the shuttle appears to use the "new and improved clutch" to change direction and gears. John
I went back and looked more carefully and finally found that the hydraulic shuttle shift is optional on the Kubota. J

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

FYI, that Hydraulic shuttle is a $1300 option. There is also a Clutched Shuttle available thats a better comparison to the DK's. I'd never buy a tractor with a clutched transmission for that kinda price difference.

 

[RedDog]

Why only a 6' bucket on the M6800? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

In my opinion two of the most useful features on the DK65 are: 1) The true 4 wheel-drive and 2) The external hydraulic lift control. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif


I know you stated the M6800 is "true" 4 wheel-drive, which is very good!! I haven't been on Kubota's website to see if they even offer the external lift control. If your into cab tractors that would be an extremely useful control,,,, you wouldn't have to keep climbing into the cab to raise and/or lower your hydraulics when hooking up something. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RedDog

 

[depratt_equip]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The PTO on the Kubota is hydraulically operated and one doesn't have to use the clutch to engage it, )</font>

The PTO on the Kioti is also controlled this way. You put it in either the 540 or 1000 RPM selection then you have a button that turns the PTO on and off.


The DK65 puts out 64.4 on the engine and 55 on the PTO. The Kioti comes standard with the 12f/12r, is optional on the kubota.

Kioti also has the advantage in the loader area at 3500lbs Lift Capacity to Full Height @ Pivot Pins vs. the Kubota's 2580 lbs Lift Capacity at Pivot Points & also has a higher lift of 11' vs. 9' on the Kubota.

Kioti also ranks at the top in weight. The Kubota M6800 ROPS version 4WD weighs in at 4610 lbs. The Kioti DK65 4WD ROPS version weighs in at 6565 lbs. a difference of almost 2000 lbs.

These are just a few other differences you may want to think about before purchase.

 

[JayC]

I had no idea the DK65 was so jam packed full of stuff. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

ocaj11, was the price of the DK65 with or without a cab?

 

[psuedofarmer]

figured i'd jump in here to offer my experience with a new DK55c. i can't answer all of your questions, but i have some input that might be useful in your decision.

<font color="blue"> 1.Will I lose too much capability with the smaller tractor? </font>

yes (IMHO). i'm currently restoring a large farming operation (reclaiming fields, building roads, etc.) - based on the my needs, i decided that i would need a minimum of 50 HP; you'll benefit from a larger unit.

<font color="blue">2.How do the Kioti cab models hold up? Things like A/C on a tractor scare me because I've never owned one before... </font>

i purchased my DK55c on July 14. i now have 75 hrs on it. absolutely no complaints whatsoever. the AC works VERY well. i could hang meat in that cab!

<font color="blue"> 3.Will the loss of hydraulic shuttle kill me? I really like the idea of moving from forward to reverse without the use of a clutch. </font>

No (again, IMHO). i looked very hard at the grand-l kubota and the M6800. after comparing standard equipment (vs. cost) and the differences in transmissions, i figured that i could learn to live with the kioti transmission. keep in mind that i am doing an IMMENSE amount of FEL work. is a HST easier to use? yes. but from my perspective, i wanted a Kioti - and learned to live with that choice (which limited my choice of transmissions).

i can honestly say that for the $, the Kioti was a far superior product than anything else i drove. where i live, a fully loaded Grand-L (outfitted with what i needed) was ~$48,000. the difference in cost for my DK55c allowed me to buy a brand new F-150.

i can't help you with the pricing situation for that used tractor. but i believe that there is value @ the current asking price. and frankly, i think you can learn to live with the HP.

my 3 cents - hope it helps!

pf