Help me spend my $! (Used DK35 vs new CK30)

charleyfarmall · May 8, 2011

Well, I have a CK27HST and really like it. However, it is an ancillary tractor for light utility work, light mowing, garden tilling etc. I use a bigger tractor for the jobs you are talking about. I would not mow 10 acres with a CK. Not that it couldn't do it, but it would beat the crap out of me because of the short wheelbase. I don't drag the pasture much with it for the same reason ( 8 acres). ALso, CK loader are limited to about 1000 pounds max and i frequently turn to the bigger tractor for pallet work.

For the jobs you list, and having only one tractor, I would not hesitate to get the used DK. I understand the warrantee is great to have as peace of mind, but honestly, most of the time, that's all it is and the warrantee never gets used...

CurlyDave · May 8, 2011

I would not buy a manual transmission for the jobs you list.

Every single one of them, a HST will be a far superior choice.

Gittyup · May 9, 2011

charleyfarmall said:
Well, I have a CK27HST and really like it. However, it is an ancillary tractor for light utility work, light mowing, garden tilling etc. I use a bigger tractor for the jobs you are talking about. I would not mow 10 acres with a CK. Not that it couldn't do it, but it would beat the crap out of me because of the short wheelbase. I don't drag the pasture much with it for the same reason ( 8 acres). ALso, CK loader are limited to about 1000 pounds max and i frequently turn to the bigger tractor for pallet work.

For the jobs you list, and having only one tractor, I would not hesitate to get the used DK. I understand the warrantee is great to have as peace of mind, but honestly, most of the time, that's all it is and the warrantee never gets used...

All CK's, other than the CK20, have a loader lift capacity of closer to 1300 lbs. Doesn't seem like a lot more, but is 30% more. Anyway, if you are paying cash, I'd go with the used DK. More tractor for less money. The hours of use are almost nothing in tractor time. Most warranty work is in the first few years. So, the used DK is probably going to be very reliable. Ask about service records, place of purchase/service, etc. and follow up with them about the tractor's history.

IslandTractor · May 9, 2011

Be aware that a 2006 DK35 is not the same model as the DK35 on the Kioti website. In 2007 Kioti brought out the DKse series and that is what they feature on the website. The older model is rock solid but has different specs and features. I don't recall anything but praise from the owners of the older DK35 here.

Tough choice re new CK vs used DK. If it were me I'd go look at the used DK. If it was in excellent shape I'd take i especially if you can get a few more bucks off the price. If in decent shape it would be a toss up. 250hrs is nothing and most warranty issues occur early anyway. I would also check comparable new deals from Bobcat as their promotions are different and could affect the price of a CK equivalent CT230.

IslandTractor · May 9, 2011

Gittyup said:
All CK's, other than the CK20, have a loader lift capacity of closer to 1300 lbs. Doesn't seem like a lot more, but is 30% more. .

Gittyup are you sure of those numbers? I recall the KL120 has about 1070 lift and the KL130 has only 150 or so more.

charleyfarmall · May 9, 2011

Straight from the Kioti Spec Sheet:

KL130 Loader
Lift Capacity to Full Height at Pivot Pins 1,155 lbs

At the pivot pins, without the bucket or pallet forks which subtract from lift capacity.

idscarecrow · May 14, 2011

Well, the DK35 was in very good condition, and the seller came down $1000, so I decided to take it. I just got it home and I am verz excited to put it to work. Oh, it also has the creeper gear option, which could come in handy. :thumbsup: