Introducing myself

[wrflt]

Hi, I'm new here and looking to make some friends who don't mind providing insite and patience to someone who is new to tractoring. A little background; I've loved tractors all my life but have never had the opportunity to do anything with a tractor other than driving it around, and in the last few years I have done quite a bit of "bush hogging". All of this on my brother's old ford 3600, which I enjoyed to no end. Now that I'm ready to retire, I jumped off the deep end and bought me a brand new Kioti DK40SE w/ the KL 401 loader. Yes, I'm dancing on cloud nine. I did a lot of research before I jumped off, and now that I have it, I can't imagine getting a better tractor for the buck. In case you're interested, I paid $22,900. It's my plan to fill some of my time doing light tractor work. I have already graded one driveway with my 6' rollover blade. I actually did a great job. It's almost 1/4 mile long and it took me 4 hours.

Now for a question or two: How big of a harrow could I expect to effectively work without putting too much drag on my new baby, and could anyone tell me if they know if a 2 blade 12" bottom plow would be too much for this tractor. Oh, I forgot to include that it is 41hp, 4WD w/ (K4) industrial tires. Looking forward to hearing "a lot" from you who have the experience. More questions to come, believe me.

 

[IslandTractor]

Congratulations and welcome to the pack.

A DK40se will pull a 2 blade 12" or 14" plow. Not sure what size disc harrow but I'd imagine six foot minimum and probably seven or even eight depending on soil conditions.

The DK40se is still the sweet spot in the Kioti DK line up IMO and I've loved owning mine for the past 2.5 years. The tractor is great and the loader is a beast.

 

[wrflt]

I suspected as much concerning the plow, but it's good to get confirmation before I jump out and spend the bucks on something that won't do. Thanks for the quick reply. Still looking for experience with the disc harrow.

 

[Mousefield]

You have one a bit bigger, I have a CK35 HST. Just turned 191 hours on it today. You will love yours and what it can do. Congrats on your new tractor and use if safely.

 

[jda1961]

a 3600 ford is a fine tractor, i own one, but the kioti dk40 is better, it will handle 2 plows easy, and a 7 or 8 foot disc maybe.

 

[dcyrilc]

I can't help with info for your tractor, but still wanted to take a minute and say "Welcome to TBN!".

 

[wrflt]

Couldn't wait to get up this morning to check this thread. THANKS for the responses! From this, I'm getting a good feeling about my decision, especially in my choice of tractor. Trust me, my brother, who owns the ford and a JD, is salivating. Now he's thinking ORANGE!

Actually, I'm still at work, where I've spent the last 22 hours with 2 more to go. Can't wait to get off so I can go on another treasure hunt in search of more implements. Today my focus will be on the bottom plow and/or the disc harrow. I have been researching brands, but would be interested in some good advise on what best to be on the look-out for.

Sitting by with great enthusiasum!

 

[Egon]

Welcome!

Are you looking new or used?
How many acres will be cultivated?
What are your soil conditions?

All the above may affect your choice of equipment.


On the disk harrow go a little smaller in width and go larger with the disk diameter. When weighted up this type combination will do a better job for serious turning and breaking up turned sod.

Whatever do not go too large as disk's may be a heavy pull.

 

[wrflt]

Thanks for the response. To answer those questions:

New or used: Used
Acres: No more than 5 at a time.
Soil: For the most part, previously planted but grown over with weeds.

Your advise on the disc seems sound.

 

[Lloyd_E]

Welcome wrflt. You will enjoy your unit and be surprised with all that it can do. My unit is 1.5 years old and has close to 500 hours. A few minor issues but overall a great machine. Like you I spent a lot of time researching before diving in.

Play safe.

Lloyd

 

[miramadar]

Thanks for the response. To answer those questions:

New or used: Used
Acres: No more than 5 at a time.
Soil: For the most part, previously planted but grown over with weeds.

Check Ebay and Craigslist for used 2-bottom plows. They're not cheap, but they're out there.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[wrflt]

This reply is directed to all of you that have responded. Thanks for welcoming me on board. This forum seems to be a lot friendlier than a motorcycle forum I once joined. I guess it's the difference between bikers and tractor operators, not to say that you can't be both but, I can certainly tell you which group I prefer at this point. Hint; tractors are more fun.

For those of you in the way north, (Canada), I have friends, a young couple who recently got married at my house that have just returned to his home in Canada to live and make their way. The name of the small community escapes me at the moment but it's something along the lines of Hogwash, or Pig Waller.... I'm not making this up and I'm don't mean anything offensive, just can't put it together right now. I do know they are living with his parents on a farm (which he pronounces 'firm')for the time being. Anyway, judging from what a fine fellow this younster is, I'm sure y'all will take care of them. ey!

Well, got to get back out there on my search. Thanks again.

 

[Egon]

Pugwash

 

[wrflt]

That's it. Sorry

 

[Lloyd_E]

Egon,

That's the shortest response I have ever read from you !!!! LOL...

 

[wrflt]

Jeez, I hate to get started out on a note like that. Hope you like to read.

Hey, hang on a minute....I've more to say. Got out on the tractor late today and couldn't believe what I was able to get done with the box blade operating in idle. With all the rain we've had lately, the dirt road in front of my house is nothing but mud and has always been very ruddy. With a few simple passes, pulling clay mind you, it's almost ready for asphalt. Yep, I'm pattin myself on the back. Had a ball!

 

[wrflt]

Oh crap, I messed up. That message wasn't meant for me! Still learning. Y'all hang in there if you will, I'll keep working on it till I get it.

 

[dcyrilc]

Oh crap, I messed up. That message wasn't meant for me! Still learning. Y'all hang in there if you will, I'll keep working on it till I get it.

Don't sweat it. You're doin' fine. Usually we do something like "cr@p" for the language though. Kids read on here too so we try to keep the language to a minimum. Keep playing with the tractor on the drive and let us know how things work.

 

[wrflt]

Gottcha. No offence intended. Have 5 grandchildren myself. Only one boy!

Stay tuned. I'm not finished with that road. I have every intention of keeping the county road workers away from it!

 

[dcyrilc]

Gottcha. No offence intended. Have 5 grandchildren myself. Only one boy!

Stay tuned. I'm not finished with that road. I have every intention of keeping the county road workers away from it!

None taken. TBN has been refered to as a family forum. Think of us as part of your new extended family. BTW, Welcome to TBN.