ishiboo
Platinum Member
I currently have a tractor and skid loader, but find myself much preferring the tractor for everything... it's simply much more ergonomic for me to get in/out, have loads in the air and get in/out, and most of what I do should be done with 3-point attachments.
I'm strongly considering replacing both with a Kioti DK55. The Kioti KL1595 loader it comes with is rated to 2600 lbs at full height of lift, whereas my 773 which is a sufficiently powerful loader for me is rated to 1700 lbs operating. How do these truly compare? I know the skid loader is faster for loader work, but I only do some of that and do a lot more things with the loader. It just seems like given the same weight rating, the skid loader arms are much stronger, the cylinders are much larger, and there's something I'm missing in the comparison.
Both the 773 and L3650 are really sufficient for what I do. The 55 would give me a slight edge to consider future growth. My biggest issue is that the Kioti is available for about what I could sell both my units for, but it's brand new and under warranty. It's also one less piece to store/maintain, and outside of not having a cab in winter, I prefer the tractor 99% of the time.
I'm strongly considering replacing both with a Kioti DK55. The Kioti KL1595 loader it comes with is rated to 2600 lbs at full height of lift, whereas my 773 which is a sufficiently powerful loader for me is rated to 1700 lbs operating. How do these truly compare? I know the skid loader is faster for loader work, but I only do some of that and do a lot more things with the loader. It just seems like given the same weight rating, the skid loader arms are much stronger, the cylinders are much larger, and there's something I'm missing in the comparison.
Both the 773 and L3650 are really sufficient for what I do. The 55 would give me a slight edge to consider future growth. My biggest issue is that the Kioti is available for about what I could sell both my units for, but it's brand new and under warranty. It's also one less piece to store/maintain, and outside of not having a cab in winter, I prefer the tractor 99% of the time.