Kioti Performance and Reliability

[IslandTractor]

I cannot make up my mind if I want/need the CK 27, 30, 35 or DK35.

In that case it is clear you need a DK40se.:thumbsup:

Look at the price/value/hp/FEL lift calculus to see which one give you the most tractor for your buck. No wrong choices.

 

[Coyote machine]

You can buy what you want, where you want, but I might suggest you buy from a dealer near where you will be living; and where the tractor will be residing, too. Your selling dealer will be more motivated to take care of problems if any arise during warranty, partly because some tend to say that Kioti pays them next to nothing to do warranty related work.
Whether this is fact or fiction, I can't say with any certainty- but I can say some dealers have had franchises yanked or dropped or whatever term one wants to use- and that is IMHO bad business for all involved, customers and dealers.
And as far as 'being taken', I'd personally avoid that terminology here...it's one thing to hunt here to try to find the best deal available, but to suggest that the dealer's are out to take your money is not productive. If I were you I'd try to further focus on what particular model or models might best suit your needs by checking the specs on Kioti's web site, and then drive some HST and shuttle shift models to learn and decide what suits your needs.
Good luck.

 

[KevinMcD]

I have a 2005 CK30HST. Overall I like the machine. Only major problem was with the oil cooler. Design problem which has been corrected in subsequent years. I had mine fixed under warranty. If I had it to do over I would definetly go bigger then a 30HP. At least a 35. I also think I would go with the shuttle shift. I find it can be hard at times to maintain a steady reverse speed (as when using my rear PTO snow blower) because you are using your heel to press the throttle and maintain speed. I guess you can move your foot back to operate reverse with front of foot. I just find it a little awkward. Although it hasn't happened to me, there have been posts about people "losing reverse speed" due to accidentally bending pedal by stepping on it and preventing its full range of motion. I have not driven a Kioti shuttle shift but I have used a JD shuttle shift and like the shuttle shift better. Definitely test ride one of each if possible. Just my two cents.
Good luck,
Kevin

 

[lockhaven]

Kioti has a detailed maintenance schedule from 50 hours on. The filters except for the hydraulic filter can be purchased from napa or wix at a cost savings.
As for the size that will depend on what you are going to be using it for. I have a CK30 and it does all that i have asked it to do. A smaller tractor is good for grass and light around the farm work and gets into smaller openings. The larger will get jobs done faster but cannot fit into some tight places. I use mine for plowing snow and firewood mostly. I am glad i have the smaller tractor because getting around in the woods sometimes is tight and anything larger would be a real problem.

 

[jimmyj]

There is a big difference in the loader capacity once you step up a bit. I have a CK 30 and it's been AMAZING. But, I would buy either a DK 45 now if I could afford it for the loader alone.

It kind of boils down to your budget. Get the most you can afford, if a DK is an option, I'd get it. But, have a look at loader specs. There is a big jump up.

 

[Gittyup]

If the smaller framed CK is a better fit, get the Ck35. Else get the DK. Get the most biggest tractor that you can afford and that fits the tasks at hand.

I have the shuttle shift, which I mainly chose because I was getting the CK25(now CK27) and didn't want to lose any HP to HST. If I could have afforded it, I'd gone CK35 HST. I like my tractor a lot, but HST would have made for much easier loader operations.

 

[bluechip]

Dont overlook the DS4110 and DS4510, if you need the lift capacity of the DK40 but have a budget for a CK35. You will loose some features like tilt steering and extending lift arms but you will get a lot of tractor for the money. That said, if you can swing the DK, go for it, you gain several nice features, push button 4wd, tilt steering deluxe seat, hyd. rmotes, rear aux control for 3 point lift and deluxe 3 point hardware, 12x12 rather than 8x8 and available HST, although the DS has a hydraulic shuttle option.

 

[IslandTractor]

DK40se is still the best bang for the buck in the Kioti line up. I haven't seen the DS4110 but I imagine it is a tremendous value too. 41hp, wieght and 2700lbs of lift equals lots of work accomplished.

My beef with the DK45se and DK50se is that Kioti charges thousands extra for simply boring out extra displacement in the otherwise identical engine and tractor.

DK35se is nice if you won't miss 1200lbs of loader lift. It is not a big $ jump to the 40 though.

 

[bman0023]

Awesome advice. I will check out these other models. I want to go back to the dealers and take them for a ride. What is the biggest differences between the DK vs the DS series? I would like a hst model.

 

[kattywumpus]

Thanks All, I called that Bachelder company yesterday and they told me they were tired of dealing with Kioti and switched to Branson tractors.
Thanks, Brad

Not a good sign, that only leaves 1 dealer in Maine. There were 3 dealer last year. Bachelder was a very good longer term Kioti dealer. I hope they will still do maintenance and repairs. The closest dealer for me is now "Profile RV, INC" which is a new dealer (5 month?) and about 1 1/2 hour away.