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[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue">I am interested in hearing from anyone with a Kioti Cab unit and their experiences. Will be pulling a 7ft International Machines mower, 7ft box Blade. Have R4 tires. Would like a root grapple, or tooth bar set-up, top-n-tilt unit for the box blade, but need to sell the other tractor first.
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I have ~560 hrs on my DK55C, bought new in July '04. I could not be happier with the tractor or its' capabilities. I have used it to restore a circa 1740 farming operation: restored 10 acres of fields, rebuilt over 2k feet of stone walls (i STRONGLY recommend a grapple; i recently purchased a unit from Loflin Manufacturing and i'm very pleased with the performance). I've done more with this machine than i could have imagined..

Don't worry about the cab. I also use mine for logging. I've used it extensively in the woods of New Hampshire (50+ cords of woods) on a variety of trails (read that: some barely wide enough for the tractor).

Couple of things about the cab:

- the A/C unit is STRONG. you could hang meat inside without spoilage. the unfortunate side effect of running the compressor in such a small area is how dry the air gets inside the cab (helpful that there are 2 cup holders). you will get cotton-mouth!
- if you're logging, purchase the grill guard and don't forget to turn your mirrors in when you're on tight trails in the woods (helps to prevent limb snagging).
- visibility with the cab is less than ideal - you'll get used to it.

i would have to say that this machine has exceeded all expectations. the biggest concern i had prior to the purchase was reliability - definitely not a problem with the amount of hours i have on this machine.

good luck

pf

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue">Also, not sure I understand how the two sets of remotes work or what the benefit is. One set has 'float' and the other detent only??? I'm getting a 7ft box blade. And the rear electric plug - what is that for?</font>

the remotes (assuming you're talking about the ones in the rear) are for implements that use hydraulics (e.g., backhoe, etc). i strongly suggest getting 2 sets of rear remotes when you purchase the tractor. you'll always find a use for them.

the rear electric plug can be used to hookup trailer lights - frankly, i'm using mine to run the blender /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[rvaitor]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(

I have ~560 hrs on my DK55C, bought new in July '04. I could not be happier with the tractor or its' capabilities. I have used it to restore a circa 1740 farming operation: restored 10 acres of fields, rebuilt over 2k feet of stone walls (i STRONGLY recommend a grapple; i recently purchased a unit from Loflin Manufacturing and i'm very pleased with the performance). I've done more with this machine than i could have imagined..

Don't worry about the cab. I also use mine for logging. I've used it extensively in the woods of New Hampshire (50+ cords of woods) on a variety of trails (read that: some barely wide enough for the tractor).

Couple of things about the cab:

- the A/C unit is STRONG. you could hang meat inside without spoilage. the unfortunate side effect of running the compressor in such a small area is how dry the air gets inside the cab (helpful that there are 2 cup holders). you will get cotton-mouth!
- if you're logging, purchase the grill guard and don't forget to turn your mirrors in when you're on tight trails in the woods (helps to prevent limb snagging).




- visibility with the cab is less than ideal - you'll get used to it.



i would have to say that this machine has exceeded all expectations. the biggest concern i had prior to the purchase was reliability - definitely not a problem with the amount of hours i have on this machine.

good luck

pf

Thanks

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Could you tell me more about the grapple and how you have it hooked up and controlled? I do have what I think are the standard two sets of remotes in the rear. One is listed as having the "float" function and the other only "detent". I think I want to get a grill guard anyway - just not sure how or if there is a problem mounting with the Rhino loader.I'm 6'2" so visability issue may be even worse. I'm glad to hear about the reliability - There is a lot of standard equipment on these machines - I don't know what else I need - I would like more info on your grapple set-up cost and how you use it.

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue">Could you tell me more about the grapple and how you have it hooked up and controlled?</font>

the loflin root grapple (~$4,000 installed) is a quick attach implement that is plumbed into the rear remote. the FEL hydraulics allow you to raise/lower/rollback. to open/close the grapple, i operate the port controls (A/B/C/D depending on which remotes your're using). a few pics are worth a thousand words, so i'll post the pics i have ASAP.

this is NOT an ideal setup. i have seen other setups that attach a switch to a FEL control that allows you to open/close the grapple; this would make it much easier to use.

i've used the grapple for:

- moving logs/cordwood
- moving rocks
- ripping roots out of a field (i recently reclaimed a 4a field); the grapple was perfect for removing the layer of peat/roots that the disc ripped up.

i'm constanly finding more uses for the grapple, and consider it to be one of the most useful restoration tools i have (althought the BH is a close second).

i'll post a pic of the grapple shortly.. i'm up to my rear end in planting @ the moment.

pf

 

[jeffva]

I've got a dk55c with a grapple. Mine has a button on top of the fel stick. It controls a valve that redirects hydraulics to open/close the grapple. It works very well. I've got a WR Long grapple - I'd recommend getting a strong one - mine is a bit bent but has taken a real beating.

As for the cab, I've busted off the antenna round about the first week or two. I'd also get a grill guard. I've smashed in my grill and broke the headlight. I've tried to buy one twice, but the dealers never had one and I never managed to get one ordered... you better if you get a grapple or do much bucket work.

The cab is nice and I'm your height, so visibility is okay. I have four rugrats, so I'm really paranoid there - especially since the hearing is limited with a cab and the radio going...

Enjoy!

 

[rvaitor]

Got my first look today.

Here is a link to some pics DK55C Loaded

Looking forward to some seat time.

Thanks for all the advice.

There is also a link to some AGCO and Deere Eqmt(in transit the same day as the Kioti)