OK, I bit the bullet today, ignored the huge swarm of butterflies in my stomach, all the posts about the squealing HST transmissions and purchased a DK45HST. The final straw was seeing owners like TNEWBERN and others be willing to reccomend the tractor in spite of their problems. You are a very persuasive crowd. Also, I felt like it was a good tractor and a good deal that I hated to miss. So I'm taking the plunge. I paid $20,500 which seems like a good deal based on the feedback here. It came on the dealers yard in March just before the price increase which is why it is somewhat lower. In fact it was $500 better than he'd sell me a new DK40HST so I had to go for it. Thanks to everyone that responded to my posts over the last few weeks on the forumn and by PM.
So here is where I am today. It comes with the 401 loader. I have access to a Massey and 7 foot bush hog so I bought a 72" roto tiller to have as ballast for the loader. It's about 800 lbs but the tiller will not be ready for 30 days so I have time to consider the following:
Is that going to be enough weight or do I need to consider another approach? Dealer wants $900 for the plumbing needed to run 4N1 or grapple. Is that fair?
He offered a water/antifreeze mix for $150 on back tires only. Pros or cons?
$600 for 2nd set of rear remotes? What would I use these for? I've got access to a box blade so I doubt I'll ever run a hydraulic blade?
Thanks again for everyones help. It'll be a loooong month before I can post pics. Looking forward to joining the Pack!
RJ
So here is where I am today. It comes with the 401 loader. I have access to a Massey and 7 foot bush hog so I bought a 72" roto tiller to have as ballast for the loader. It's about 800 lbs but the tiller will not be ready for 30 days so I have time to consider the following:
Is that going to be enough weight or do I need to consider another approach? Dealer wants $900 for the plumbing needed to run 4N1 or grapple. Is that fair?
He offered a water/antifreeze mix for $150 on back tires only. Pros or cons?
$600 for 2nd set of rear remotes? What would I use these for? I've got access to a box blade so I doubt I'll ever run a hydraulic blade?
Thanks again for everyones help. It'll be a loooong month before I can post pics. Looking forward to joining the Pack!
RJ