Newbie with a new DS3510

[smokeys427]

Hello. I just wanted to say that I just bought a brand new Kioti DS3510 with a loader and was wondering how these tractors are? So far what I've seen they seem to be pretty good. If anyone could give me any tips and pointers on this tractor it would help me a lot. I have a little over five acres that I brush hog and the loader will be put to use for small jobs around the house. I'm not familiar with the diesel engined tractors because I came off an old but very dependable '49 8N Ford (no loader) but thought I'd step out of the past and into the present since I think I got a pretty good deal on this tractor.
Thanks in advance, Steve

 

[VictorW]

Welcome to the pack. I too went from a '48 8N Ford to a CK30hst almost 10 years ago. Nothing like stepping up 60 some years. It does make work much easier on the operator. Not that familiar with the DS but it seems similar in specs to mine other than you have 4 more horses and have the shuttle shift. My diesel engine has run flawless. I do use a fuel additive because mine needs to work in single digit temps during Winter and I don't need the fuel gelling which probably isn't a problem for you. I can say that it starts as reliable as the old Ford flat head. I don't have a block heater but use Rotella synthetic 5W-40 engine oil. Down to about 25', one cycle of the glow plugs works fine. Below that, I run two cycles before starting. Diesels take a little time to warm up so when very cold, let it run @1500rpms to warm up for @10 minutes. I follow the maintenance schedule as in the manual and probably grease everything a little more sooner. At each service, check the loader brackets to frame mounting bolts. They can come lose and if a continual problem, blue loctite usually fixes it. Anywhere a rotating shaft enters the tractor trans case, lube with spray lithium grease. Such as 4x4 shifter, brake shafts, etc. These areas can corrode/rust and become stiff. Mine has Industrial tires the same size as yours unless you have Ags or Turf. I keep the fronts at 50 (spec), especially needed for loader work, and the rears at 20 (30 is spec) or they just run on the center of the tires. If you have a full heaped load of sand, gravel, dirt in the loader bucket, the back will be light and bounce as you travel depending on the ground. I always have an implement on or members load the rear tires. I never used a shuttle shift like yours but other members find them very easy and shifts 100 times better than the Ford. Mine is second nature to me after 10 years and you might have other questions or pointers I missed. Other members will give you tips and there is a wealth of user knowledge on this forum. Just ask and the members will help. Enjoy the new tractor and many happy hours of work.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[smokeys427]

Thanks for the welcome deerseeker001 and thanks Victor for the good advise. I'm looking forward having fun and using the tractor all the time but it's rather cold now so for right now it's still on the trailer in my shop. (oh yes mine does have the industrial tires too).
It seems strange to me with a lot more stuff on this tractor compared to my little ole simple Ford 8N. It's almost intimidating to me right now with the 65 year jump. Heck I'm just as old as my '49 8N so it will be a new experience for the both of us...lol
I haven't had a loader before so that's all new and intimidating to me too. The one thing I would like to ask is, are these Kioti diesels a little more noisy than normal? This one seems rather loud compared to say a normal now day diesel. It's more noisy compared to my friends Kobota also or does it just need to be well warmed up? It Almost sounds like the older Mercedes. Another thing I was surprised was they still have glow plugs. I thought glow plugs were old technology but again I'm not a diesel guy by any means. My expertise is working on 40's,50's and 60's vehicles. Again this is a whole new ball game to me so any help and more pointers to a newbie to this tractor would help immensely. I'm sure you'll see me a lot more here asking lots of questions.:thumbsup:
Thanks in advance.
Steve

 

[Coyote machine]

Welcome to TBN and the Kioti pack.
No worries on the glow plugs- they're still the best way to pre-warm a cold diesel so they start easier than without glow-plugs.
They're noisier than a car, but within specs for efficiency and noise levels for tractors. Not to worry.
With the loader remember to lower your load to keep the center of gravity low, especially when moving. Keep the loader in view when lifting, and don't lift over your head, or allow the loader to be moving up unless you have your eyes on the bucket and it's load. Common sense goes a long way, so does taking it slow as you learn.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Use this cold weather time to read the owner's manual. Follow the maintenance schedule. Don't skimp on filters, good filters (esp air filter) are important. The inline mechanical injection pump system (with glow plugs and prechambers) IS the same technology as the old Mercedes Diesels. But it is a proven, reliable technology that works and it's maintainable without exotic tools. New Diesel cars use a high-pressure (like 20,000 psi) common rail electronic injection systems which are quieter and somewhat more efficient but vastly more complex. When you have a mower or bush hog running at 540 rpm you won't notice the engine noise (so wear ear protection with PTO implements). I do recommend adding a biocide to the fuel (to kill the microbes that grow at the fuel-water interface); other fuel additives are OK but less important. Diesel fuel formulation varies by season; summer fuel can "jell" in cold weather. Synthetic engine oil won't extend change intervals but it will improve cold-weather starting. Using a battery tender (small but smart charger) during storage will improve battery life and starting performance.

I can't comment on the new DS models but my 2006 DK45s is built like a tank, pulls like a locomotive, and the loader is strong as an ox. Hope your luck is as good.

 

[jrclark]

Welcome to the pack! I'm a fellow DS3510 owner and have grown quite fond of my tractor. So far it has a little less than 90 hours, but has been an ENORMOUS help during our new home construction.

Since you're already familiar with tractors, I'll simply offer a small suggestion - cut the levers shorter. I'm 6'2" and 230lbs so getting on and off can be difficult. My pant legs constantly get caught on the PTO lever, I kick the 4x4 lever occasional, etc. at some point, I will be cutting some of these down to suit my preferences.

Other than that, it's a really capable machine with a ton of 3pt lift, super nimble for tight spots and enough power to pull anything anywhere. I did plenty of log skidding to prove it! Good luck with your new machine!

 

[phiferpharm]

Welcome to TBN and good luck with your new Kioti. After going from a Farmtrac, with the exhaust right on top in front or you, to my DK45, with the exhaust on the bottom side, I find the sound pretty soft. Anyway, after close to 500 hours, I am still enjoying and using my tractor daily. I hope you enjoy both this site and your new DS.

 

[KiotiJason]

Congrats on the new tractor. I've got a DS3510 and have been more than pleased. So far 116 hours and it has not let me down. Don't worry about the loader you will get used to that it just takes some time.
I agree with comment on the PTO leaver, it can get caught on your pants leg. But other than that excellent. I would check the loader bolts and frame every 5-10 hours for the first 50 then every 20 after that. My dealer told me the bolts tend to stretch for awhile so loctite won't help other than to stop the nut comming off. Make sure you keep greese up to it also. You have bought a very strong little tractor and as you do more seat time you will wonder how you managed without it. I came off an old Fordson...
Yes, I agree with Coyote be careful when using the loader as you can roll these tractors relatively easy if you are moving about with the load raised. The DS3510 has good lifting compacity for it size and will lift the rear wheel. I didn't really appreciate how dangerous a loader can be if the opperator is not careful.

 

[smokeys427]

Thanks KiotiJason. Yes I tend to be too careful and that was my thought to about the safety of the loader and the weight. I plan to keep my brush hog on it to counter any weight the loader has in it. Is this a good practice since that's most of the work I'll be doing? I think you know as well as I driving those older tractors can be extremely dangerous too since they have no safety equipment at all..none..nada!
Thanks to all for all the good tips your giving me and looking forward to this little but strong tractor