LB1914, LK2554, LK3054 (newbie questions??)

kbarrett · Jun 17, 2002

Found out today that there is a KIOTI dealer just 12 miles away. With no perceived local support, I didn't consider KIOTI until now, so I just had to drop in and take a closer look.

I have to say I was quite impressed with the LB1914. As I mentioned to the dealer, I have my mowing needs met with an Exmark Commercial mower, so this opens some other options for a tractor.

Most of my 25 acres is wooded, 3 or so of it is mowable. That leaves a 640' driveway to take care of (grading/snow removal) along with landscaping, wood hauling, trailblazing, garden tilling and countless other projects I've yet to imagine.

KIOTI became a contender, because I no longer need to be concerned with a HYDROSTAT transmission, or a MMM. What impressed me is the weight of the unit, just shy of a ton. Also the hydraulics seem to be oriented towards serious work. It appears that the LB1914 could get a fair amount of work done.

Does anyone here have real world experience with the LB1914? Is it as good as it appears? What are it's shortcomings? I'm a little concerned with the 17.5 PTO HP. However, the dealer said that it would run a tiller with no trouble. He also said that he has personally sold over a hundred of these in the area.

It appears that the LB1914 is more comparable to the Kubota 7500 than the BX2200. I think the other ORANGE choice is fine, but the KIOTI (at least initially) seems to be a bit stouter.
Don't know how that translates to real world longevity, but extra weight is appealing to me.

I also looked seriously at the LK3054. It appears to be yet another fine option. Not sure on how maneuverable this would be? The dealer mentioned that either tractor has a very tight turning radius.

I sort of overlooked the LK2554 because of it's lack of a shuttleshift. Is this a BIG omission, or is it a non-issue? This tractor is priced not too much higher than the LB1914.

Initially, I'm more focused on the LB1914. However, I'm also open to considering it's larger brothers. I guess I'm drawn to the LB1914's size as it relates to maneuverability, storage etc.

Anyway, sorry for the long winded post, but I'm ramping up on my KIOTI knowledge.

Kiotimike · Jun 18, 2002

KBarrett
I can't say anything about the LK1914.My DK40 has about 25 hours on it and I couldn't be happier with my choice of a KIOTI.The shuttle shift is easy to deal with fit and finish are fine.Good luck in your search.

Mike

Miklos · Jun 18, 2002

With 25 acres to "play" on, I would think that you will quickly come up with more projects than you can imagine. These projects will probably grow in size and leave you wishing you had something bigger than the 1914. I agree with your thoughts on the 2554 and no shuttle shift. Due to the size of your property, I would go with at least the LK3054.

Just my opinion.

woodmills1 · Jun 19, 2002

I have a 3054, and it is a very serious tractor. I pull a 6 foot brush hog through tall orchard grass with no problem. I also load logs onto my metavic trailer behind it. I do find it a little light to dig into the stony ground I have, but even my case 310 shovel dozer doesnt go into the ground to far.

kbarrett · Jun 19, 2002

I've noticed that the LK3054 has a live PTO. I've been told that this is better. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a live PTO allows the implement to operate independent of the tractor's transmission. In other words, it doesn't have to stop when the tractor stops etc. Is this a big deal or not?

It appears that the DK35 is a serious tractor as well. Is it worth the extra money over the LK3054? Is the LK series being phased out?

Miklos · Jun 20, 2002

Yes, the LK3054 has a live PTO. Yes, this is a huge advantage over a standard PTO, especially when running a brush hog type mower. The LK3054 and 3504 uses a two stage clutch. Push the clutch in half way (you will feel an increase in pedal pressure) to shift the shuttle or transmission, push the clutch in all the way to shift the PTO. The DK35 has independent PTO, which functions simular to the live pto but is controlled by an electric clutch. Independant PTO is more "modern" than live PTO. But what I like about the live PTO on my LK3504 is that both the tractor AND the TPO can be very quickly stopped in am emergency by simply pushing in the clutch. I find this to be very handy when I "find" hidden rocks, etc, when brushhogging.

That being said, I would still get the DK if I could afford it.

DK35vince · Jun 20, 2002

Miklos,
I used my john deere 850 for years before getting the new DK.I got in the habit of just pushing in the cluch when I run into a problem.
I still find myself trying to do that now with the kioti and it no longer works!!After hitting the clutch and throttling down I still find myself hunting the switch..