psuedofarmer
Gold Member
well, it really wasn't such a long wait (4 weeks from when i placed the order), but patience paid off. the new DK55c is at the farm!
some brief observations after 17 hrs in the seat:
- easy to use. this is my first tractor - and it's not my grandpa's massey. it's easy to operate, extremely nimble for a machine its size.
- excellent feedback through the steering wheel. i didn't think i would like the steering, but when you're in the seat for 4+ hours a time, it's amazing how you forget that you're driving something that weighs 5,000+ lbs. turning radius' are fantastic.
- transmission is fantastic. i was under the mistaken impression that with all the loader work i intend to do, i would want that hydrostatic (hence the reason for originally wanting the 'bota L5030). i used the loader for 4 hours the first day (non-stop) - found the transmission user-friendly and easy to master.
- fit and finish exceed expectations. for instance, the ergonomics of the cab are superior than the 'bota. for example, the cab on the L5030 is TIGHT. in that cab my legs are jammed against the steering column. not so in the Kioti. the room inside the cab is fantastic - and all controls are laid out perfectly.
- the BH (a shulte) is easy to use. in 4 hours i popped 20 stumps (average size 32"). granted, these stumps were in the ground for quite some time, but the machine has more than enough power to quickly remove them.
- the HD 72" FEL is a self-leveling charm. at one point i was having difficulty figuring out how to get a VERY large rock out of the way. put the tractor in low (and 4x4) - next thing i know the rock 'disappears'. get out of the cab to find the rock lodged into the FEL (locked in place was more like it). simply picked up the FEL and moved it to where i wanted it. then i moved it again (cause i could!).
loads more to report - will do so shortly (along with more pics).
overall, i would rate this machine a 10. it has exceeded expectations, has performed flawlessly (despite a loosened hyrdraulic connection on the BH), and has done everything i put in front of it.
the experience with the dealer was (surprise) also superior. i honestly felt like i was the only person on the agenda (for the dealer). i truely feel that when doing business with a small dealer, you'll get better, one-on-one service.
my dealer, ken valenti, did things to get the deal done. when issues arose during the purchasing, he tackled them - and never once put his customer anywhere but the #1 spot.
i could not be more pleased. now, if i could just ignore the warning in the cab that reads:
"Warning: Sleeping in the cab may cause death."
more to come.
pf
'finally farming in NH!'
some brief observations after 17 hrs in the seat:
- easy to use. this is my first tractor - and it's not my grandpa's massey. it's easy to operate, extremely nimble for a machine its size.
- excellent feedback through the steering wheel. i didn't think i would like the steering, but when you're in the seat for 4+ hours a time, it's amazing how you forget that you're driving something that weighs 5,000+ lbs. turning radius' are fantastic.
- transmission is fantastic. i was under the mistaken impression that with all the loader work i intend to do, i would want that hydrostatic (hence the reason for originally wanting the 'bota L5030). i used the loader for 4 hours the first day (non-stop) - found the transmission user-friendly and easy to master.
- fit and finish exceed expectations. for instance, the ergonomics of the cab are superior than the 'bota. for example, the cab on the L5030 is TIGHT. in that cab my legs are jammed against the steering column. not so in the Kioti. the room inside the cab is fantastic - and all controls are laid out perfectly.
- the BH (a shulte) is easy to use. in 4 hours i popped 20 stumps (average size 32"). granted, these stumps were in the ground for quite some time, but the machine has more than enough power to quickly remove them.
- the HD 72" FEL is a self-leveling charm. at one point i was having difficulty figuring out how to get a VERY large rock out of the way. put the tractor in low (and 4x4) - next thing i know the rock 'disappears'. get out of the cab to find the rock lodged into the FEL (locked in place was more like it). simply picked up the FEL and moved it to where i wanted it. then i moved it again (cause i could!).
loads more to report - will do so shortly (along with more pics).
overall, i would rate this machine a 10. it has exceeded expectations, has performed flawlessly (despite a loosened hyrdraulic connection on the BH), and has done everything i put in front of it.
the experience with the dealer was (surprise) also superior. i honestly felt like i was the only person on the agenda (for the dealer). i truely feel that when doing business with a small dealer, you'll get better, one-on-one service.
my dealer, ken valenti, did things to get the deal done. when issues arose during the purchasing, he tackled them - and never once put his customer anywhere but the #1 spot.
i could not be more pleased. now, if i could just ignore the warning in the cab that reads:
"Warning: Sleeping in the cab may cause death."
more to come.
pf
'finally farming in NH!'
