DK55 TLB??

deputyrpa · May 28, 2008

Excellent points Joel...thanks. You're correct about HP - I pull a 6' heavy duty boxblade full of clay with my little Jinma - albiet slowly. I only have issue with the difference in horsepower when it comes to either running or struggling with a farm implement with the pto. A ****-spreader comes to mind....just....because.....that's an entry-level junior farmer duty.....

And that reminds me of another question. How harsh is the engagement of the pto? I'm used to feathering the engagement with clutches....not pushing a button. I'm still thinking of that **** spreader, wouldn't you know....

The DK55 has only a few months left on a 3-year warranty, yet the DK45 must have at least 2 years left. That could tip the scales there!

Hmmmm....your comments focused on numbers.....

deputyrpa · May 28, 2008

Uh oh....did I get into ******* trouble?

JoelD · May 29, 2008

Another point to consider is dealer. There is inherent value in dealing with Rick. If you can, come to the cookout on the 7th. I guarantee there will be no pressure, just a great opportunity to see and touch the various machines and talk with others who own. This is a big purchase, the more information the better.

Joel

deputyrpa · May 29, 2008

I'd like to be able to make it, but my father is coming up from Texas next week, and I'm not sure of his schedule for visiting us. We'll see....

Oleozz · May 29, 2008

About your pto question, You just have to make sure that your engine speed is way down before pushing the pto button. If not you will break a shear pin, which I have done about three times now.

mark.r · May 29, 2008

deputyrpa said:
I'd like to be able to make it, but my father is coming up from Texas next week, and I'm not sure of his schedule for visiting us. We'll see....

Bring him on down for some food, fun, and heavy equipment. Who doesn't like that!

deputyrpa · May 31, 2008

My dad retired (semi) from the commercial construction business after 63 years. "Little tractors" don't impress him! Anyway, he's actually going to be at the farm tomorrow, and will be staying for a few days. I think I'm free for the weekend....

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. Cleared it with the wife....but at a cost - window treatments. Oh woe is me, how I doth suffer!

I've been most recently tossing around the differences between the 45S vs. the 45 SE HST. For me, bigger and heavier is better, but on balance, the majority of my work will be clearing trails, grading roads, hoeing, and pasture mowing. About 1/3 will be traditional farming, such as planting, raking, tedding, baling, shuttling round bales (one on each end). Probably no plowing or mowing, but maybe discing. It's a tough choice between the two, giben teh 45SE apppears to be a smaller machine. Any thoughts??

rvaitor · May 31, 2008

deputyrpa said:
My dad retired (semi) from the commercial construction business after 63 years. "Little tractors" don't impress him! Anyway, he's actually going to be at the farm tomorrow, and will be staying for a few days. I think I'm free for the weekend....

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. Cleared it with the wife....but at a cost - window treatments. Oh woe is me, how I doth suffer!

I've been most recently tossing around the differences between the 45S vs. the 45 SE HST. For me, bigger and heavier is better, but on balance, the majority of my work will be clearing trails, grading roads, hoeing, and pasture mowing. About 1/3 will be traditional farming, such as planting, raking, tedding, baling, shuttling round bales (one on each end). Probably no plowing or mowing, but maybe discing. It's a tough choice between the two, giben teh 45SE apppears to be a smaller machine. Any thoughts??

Having bought a DK55 a couple of months prior to the warranty expiring, I would not have a problem with that especially if I was gaining on the equipment end(bhoe). As they say you can do a small job with a big tractor but it's harder to do a big job with small one. Your list of tasks indicates bigger would be better.

The biggest problem with used tractors is finding one - 120 hours, I wouldn't let it get away.

deputyrpa · May 31, 2008

Thanks, rvaitor. The DK55 was attractive at $25k, but less so at $27k when a new and better equipped DK45 can be had. I was prepared to buy it. Hmmmm.....I forgot to ask Rick for a price on a new DK55... The choice between a DK55 and a DK45 would be easier (just money - same transmission) than the one I'm having between a DK45S and a DK45SE HST. I'm bugging Rick daily, and he's helping me as much as possible. It appears that the DK45S is more of a substantial unit, and closer in ability to the DK55. The DK45SE just seems ...well... more "compact, and the 401 loader appears lighter duty (relatiely speaking, of course). Yet, the idea of a HST is really making it hard decision. I'm sure several here can help me out.... Thanks.

mark.r · May 31, 2008

deputyrpa said:
Thanks, rvaitor. The DK55 was attractive at $25k, but less so at $27k when a new and better equipped DK45 can be had. I was prepared to buy it. Hmmmm.....I forgot to ask Rick for a price on a new DK55... The choice between a DK55 and a DK45 would be easier (just money - same transmission) than the one I'm having between a DK45S and a DK45SE HST. I'm bugging Rick daily, and he's helping me as much as possible. It appears that the DK45S is more of a substantial unit, and closer in ability to the DK55. The DK45SE just seems ...well... more "compact, and the 401 loader appears lighter duty (relatiely speaking, of course). Yet, the idea of a HST is really making it hard decision. I'm sure several here can help me out.... Thanks.

I don't know, I think maybe you summed it up pretty well. I think the 45s is a bit larger size wise as it was based off the older design . . . at least that is what someone once posted here. Yes, the loader maybe slight more substantial but the KL401 is not slouch in relation to the size of a 45 hp tractor. I use my 45SE for moving round bales, mowing, etc. and it does a great job.