Kioti Alert

[rd_macgregor]

I got my DK45SC two years ago and have been happy with the choice. I have a six-foot loader, blower and mower and industrial tires. I had understood that the industrial tires were more plies as well as having a slightly bigger footprint than the ag tires. I drive across the lawn more often than I expected to and the industrial tires are a bit easier on the grass (as long as I don't have it in 4WD!).
Moving manure, mowing pastures, snow blowing and woods work are mostly what I do with the tractor. Having the cab is a bit of a hindrance for working in the woods since I REALLY don't want to smash it with some unnoticed overhanging branch, but the reduced noise, dust and bugs...and the AC in summer and heater in winter...are nice to have for all other tasks. I take the mirrors off when I go into the woods and when I mow pastures with trees in them.
I see lots of units with back hoes, but I really covet a 6' grapple rake and a hefty tree shear (say 14" capacity or so)...oh, and that chipper you have would be really handy, too!
At times, I feel like a one-armed paper-hanger with all the shifting levers to control, but I'd probably choose the same transmission again; its solid and strong.
I only had a couple of minor problems (under warrantee) early on, but it has been really great since then; I just went past 200hrs this weekend. If you haven't done so already, get some chain hooks welded (or bolted) onto the bucket; I used mine all the time when moving logs, foundation stones, miscellaneous derelict farm equipment, etc.
You're gonna love your new toy!
BOB

 

[Lloyd_E]

rd,

Thanks for the info.

Hooks will go on loader this week.
I will try tires for the next few weeks. Will find a wet spot and see how much mud they can handle. There are only two wet areas on the property and as I said before, one will become a small pond hopefully and the other I may avoid or not.

The new 'tool' is very handy.

lloyd

 

[rd_macgregor]

Lloyd,
That must have been a typo. Of course I meant "tool"!!
I'm in PEI where we have plenty of sand and mud, but no "real" rocks to deal with, like you do in NS.
BOB

 

[Woodworkerman]

WWman or others, Any thoughts on tires?

Sorry, but I don't have a tractor yet and as such, i don't think I should give you any advise on tires. Great looking tractor though and thanks for posting the pics!

 

[Cyberroc]

Tires, here is some of what I know/learned: (CK35 here so weight may come into play)

Turfs: Only choice if you have soft lawns and will be driving over them or care if you leave ruts. With the CK35, R4s will will leave tracks in the soft lawns or at least in mine.

R4: Very well rounded tire and does nice on paved or hard surfaces and lawns (in not leaving ruts) that are not soft. They also do well in the woods if it's not too muddy. I have also had good luck with them in sand, however this could be that the surface area was greatly increased as well.

AG: Good for everything other than said soft lawns and unless your working on paved surfaces, they won't do you wrong. Mud or snow if anything will get you though it, the AG tire will.


Good Luck, it's one of the most difficult decisions next to size of tractor and trans. I may have all 3 by next year as I am using Turfs at my current property (very soft lawn) with R4s on the way for some non-lawn activity. My next property will require AGs so my only decision will be if I want a 3rd set of rims or just use the R4 rims for both the R4 and AG tires...

 

[rd_macgregor]

I haven't ever used Ag tires but I would take the industrials over turf tires any day. Unless you ONLY drive on turf, the traction loss in other applications is too much to bear. If you have R4s just stay off the lawn when it is soft/wet (and stay in 2WD!).
I've been very satisfied with my DK45 with R4s as an all-around useful tread type. The only concern I have had is that my front tires have had small cracks between the treads from when I got it; I have documented this with my dealer in case they become a problem after the warrantee has expired (I was going to attached a pic, but couldn't seem to figure out how to do that!).
BOB

 

[Gittyup]

While the R4's offer more stability and are tougher, they do load up easily with mud. For most of what I do, I wish I had gotten R1's instead. Been stuck too many times.

 

[MotorSeven]

Like Git, i went with ag. When we get mud here it is like gumbo. I have been stuck a few times & had to use the loader to get myself out. From what i have read r4's would have been worse in those situations. I don't have any "lawn" grass. If i can't get a bush hog on it it doesen't get cut.

RD

 

[Lloyd_E]

Service tech repaired (spliced) heater hose today. Cab pinched and rubbed hose causing it to fail - just under 13 hours. The tractor is going back to dealer on Monday for BH install and they will replace hose completely.

I will ask them to wrap hose(s) under cab with anti-wear material.

lloyd

 

[rcrcomputing]

My tires are ag. Couldn't imagine anything else. But I'm on hilly ground with a pond etc. While they tear up the grass a bit at times, I don't care as it grows right back.
Your needs might be different.
As for getting stuck, my backhoe is almost always on and I can do the crawfish crawl with it and the fel. Even if stuck to the axles. I just pick the whole tractor up.