L3400 vs CK30

[MtnViewRanch]

The DK40, it's waaay more machine than the DK35 for only a little more $$$$.

 

[TheRegMan]

I'm not sure about the required length but I suspect an 18' would do you just fine. I used an 18' for my L3400 with FEL on the front and a bush hog on the back and it worked fine. See what the dealer has to say about that.

I also think for the price difference, the way to go is the DK40SE but the reality of the matter is that we all have a budget to work with. If a DK35 is what fits in your budget, I don't think you'll be disappointed with it. I'd love to have the backhoe but, I can't really afford it especially since I don't really have a use for it.

Good luck on your purchase!!

 

[Ski21]

If I forgo the backhoe, I'm sure I can go a lot bigger. My budget is around 22k and max at 25k. I probably won't use the backhoe too much, but when I do need if I don't get it now, I'm sure I'll be pissed that I didn't get it. I thought about maybe not getting the backhoe now and waiting until next year to get it. If I did that I'm sure I can go with a DK40 or bigger.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

There is a guy on another tractor board that bought a DK40SE with loader back in March for the mid 19s. That was including tax, out the door. I bet that you wouldn't be to far from 25k with the backhoe. That would be one heck of a machine to have. :thumbsup:

Good luck

 

[Gittyup]

I like the way this started out as a consideration of a CK30 or L3400, and now we are all the up to the DK40! While obviously the DK40 is a beast of tractor at a great value price, does the OP really need that? You could take the price difference, or evan portion of that, and buy some extra goodies for a CK or the L3400. If you don't need the weight, HP, and the super high loader capacity of the DK40, wouldn't this make more sense?

The smaller tractor is easier to manuever. Attachments will be smaller and cheaper too. You'll need at least a 3/4 ton truck to tow the DK40 too. BTW, all of kiotis will require an 18 ft, 10K trailer to haul.

Me, if I didn't need the bigger tractor would consider these goodies added to a CK35 (the CK35 gives you the most hp available on the CK chassis):

2 sets of rear remotes (should get one with the backhoe anyway)
top link and side arm hydraulic cylinders
filled tires (a must, I think for loader work)
skidplate to protect filters
toothbar for the FEL bucket
big foot outrigger pads
2 hooks and a tow hitch receiver welded on the bucket
1 hook on backhoe bucket
backhoe thumb
sunshade
snowblower
grapple
pallet forks
posthole digger
log splitter
rake
boxblade
backblade
chipper/shredder
bushhog
finish mower


Obviously you couldn't get all this for $25K. But, you could pick what you need/want most. The point is that sometimes it's better to spend the money on attachments and accessories rather than pure HP/lift. After all, tractors are only useful with the proper attachments. Just something to think about.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The only reason that I was pushing the DK40 was that he was talking about getting a DK35 and for a little more money the 40 is a lot more tractor. As far as the original size asked about, I agree, the CK35 would be the way to go, and bigger is not always better. It all depends on the needs and circumstances that you have to work with.

I have no idea what the price difference is between the CK35 and the DK40, but for me those would be the two tractors that I would be considering.

 

[Gittyup]

Brian,

I agree. And if serious about the DK35, then the DK40 is a better value. I'm just not sure the OP really needs that, nor have they given good thought to implements needed and their associated costs.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

This is very true. People buy bigger tractors and a lot of them don't consider the higher cost of the implements that should be used with that bigger tractor. And very often, that higher implement cost is substantial.

 

[Ski21]

I settled on the DK35. The CK30 would probably be sufficient, but after seeing the DK35 beside the CK, the DK35 will be more then enough for now, and be good for any future stuff I can get into I'm sure. I should have it delivered next saturday.

 

[TheRegMan]

I'm sure it will do you just right. Nice Tractor!!