Comparison Down to 3 choices of tractors - Comments please -before I decide

[IslandTractor]

I've never seen a DK90 but I've owned two smaller Kiotis (CK20 and DK40se) and can easily vouch for the brand. Tough, well made, reliable machines. I've put about 800 hours on two of them and never needed to go back to the dealer.

 

[coolnature]

My suggestion is to take your time, be deliberate and choose the machine you feel more comfortable with and has the features you want. When I was tractor shopping in late '14, I made a list of "must have features", likes and dislikes of each color I was considering. I did not shop the Kioti because at the time, it was not offered with a power shuttle - a huge must have for me (Kioti now offers the power shuttle on the 90). IMO, a heavier, 90+ HP tractor with an FEL is what you will need considering the amount of property you have and of the (3) you are considering, the Kioti is the heaviest. I would also emphasize FEL visibility and capacity, lay-out of controls and overall comfort. Good luck!

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

I own a MF 4608 wich is 1 model size down from the 4609 you're considering.
Very capable machine, Strong FEL with plenty of lifting capacity, I am very happy with mine and have no problem recommending it to you.
I have 300 hrs on mine ...no issues just yet, no DEF liquid or expensive filters to replace either.

 

[paulfun9]

DK90 without hesitation!

 

[jenkinsph]

I am curious how you came to these three tractor choices. Buying based on the three listed, there isn't enough detail to make a recommendation.

A better question might be "Does anyone know of inherent problems with any of these three tractor models?". If none of the models have any hard evidence of issues then the decision might be easier for you to make.

Forgetting brands for a moment, things like hydraulics come to mind, I would want to have triple front and triple rear outlets. How are these tractors equipped? Adding additional hydraulics can be expensive after the purchase. Clearing that much land I personally would want something equipped with a skid plate to protect the bottom of the tractor. A good fops set up for operator protection. Most tractors have different transmissions available and that would make a huge difference to me where only one tractor has to wear many hats.

 

[TSO]

All three will likely be good. Based on my experience with Iseki built Massey products (like that 46xx series) I would say that the Iseki built Massey's lead that pack in quality and dependability.

BUT ... I would strongly consider getting a cab machine for this. For the amount of time you'll be on this machine, it's well well well well worth the cost. Cutting grass and brush will get extremely dusty, and hot, and lots of bugs, and the sun beating down, and the noise, etc etc. I wouldn't even consider an open station for what you describe.

Now, maybe you can find a nice, used, high HP cab machine (without loader) that you can use just for all the mowing and field work, and then get something smaller and more convenient with a loader for doing your brush work.

But I certainly wouldn't mow that much area with open station.

 

[holeycow]

the Kubota may do what you need, but make no mistake that it is a much smaller/lighter machine than the Massey or the Kioti.

I have a DK90. It is a very good machine so far (1000hrs). If the DK is actually cheaper than the Kubota, then that is a no brainer if you can use the extra power and weight. I know nothing about the Massey, but according to specs, it is a much lighter machine than the DK. Weight is simply nice to have under most conditions of pushing/pulling/lifting.

They are all small tractors. The Kubota being the smallest by far and the Massey/Kioti being closer to each other.

You could probably do a lot with the Kubota, but it is simply not in the same classification as the other 2. And it is certainly no better a machine than the Kioti. I have run them both, but not the massey.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would prefer a much larger and heavier tractor for that much acreage. A large batwing brush mower also comes to mind. Some of the older tractors with partial power shift, mfwd, cab and fel are available in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. Large batwings are expensive items but can save a lot of time with large areas to mow.

All of the tractors mentioned above have much lower pto hp ratings and these ratings are with the tractor parked. When you start mowing and climbing up rolling hills the pto power is reduced by the amount of power to move the tractor. Depending on what you can find a good deal on I would be looking at 125 to 200 hp tractors for your use. A small tractor for odd jobs and fencing would also be on my short list.

Here is just one example of a larger tractor that would sell for $30,000 with fel and 24 speed partial power shift. Not saying this is the ideal tractor but certainly more capable than a new $30,000 tractor available today.
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=9702187

 

[Catchad81]

I think the Kubota being considered is out of the line with the other two. I own one and if I where you with that acreage and future plans, to keep Kubota in the mix you need to go on up to the M9960.

 

[engine29]

Again, don't be afraid of the Kioti. The DK 90 and the new PX 9010 still has a Perkins Tier 3 engine. I'm sure the Kubota has a tier 4. Get a tier 3 if you have the chance.