which type

[JoelD]

Yes, the 3054 and the CK gear models have the 2 stage clutch. (except for the CK 20 gear, it has non-live PTO).
The DK models have Independant PTO. The PTO is turned on by flipping a switch on the dash panel. The PTO runs as long as the switch is turned on, reguardless of the clutch being in or out.

Thanks DK

Joel

 

[Highbeam]

I've plowed, tilled, mowed, loaded, subsoiled, box bladed, and whatever else I've wanted in very small lots, in very open pastures, and in large forest conditions and have never regretted going with HST for the ultimate in effortless control. What's not to like? What are the negatives? It seems like the folks with gear machines have learned to tolerate the disadvantages like by saying it is fine "in a big field".

Okay, one positive is that they are a bit cheaper to buy.

 

[greenmule]

How do those hydros work going down steep hills?By steep I mean one that you would put it into 4wd to go up or down? Will they hold you back,that was another concern of mine when buying,bet they do just fine but knew how geared tractors work in these situations,and remembered using a case dozer on hills once,and mules will kick into netrual,I got some pretty steep hills.

 

[IXLR8]

How do those hydros work going down steep hills?

I have some hills that are steep enough so that I won't drive across them, but not steep enough to require 4wd going up them. I have no issue setting the speed I want going down with the HST, it does not over-ride. Just move the pedal to the speed you want to go, no issues.

 

[deputyrpa]

How do those hydros work going down steep hills?By steep I mean one that you would put it into 4wd to go up or down? Will they hold you back,that was another concern of mine when buying,bet they do just fine but knew how geared tractors work in these situations,and remembered using a case dozer on hills once,and mules will kick into netrual,I got some pretty steep hills.

For me, I think Greenmule put his finger on it. I trust an entirely mechanical connection over a hydraulic connection. Soild steel over fluid. Perhaps it's unfounded, given the technology, but I also trust a seat belt over an air bag, and so on.....

I use the SS as fluidly (pun intended!) as a hydro for most of my uses, including loader work. For ground engagement functions, those are mostly constant speed operations where speed changes are not necessary when the proper speed and setup is employed. If they are, the synchro'd gears make it quick. There's 1 cent for ya'!

 

[chelydra]

More experienced folks here have said it all. I'll just add: I'm using a CK20HST on a couple of acres, do all sorts of loader and BH work, but no mowing. I'm too tall (6'4") to be comfortable in either seat, and my right foot gets tired on the pedal from the awkward angle. Mowing or doing other long/steady runs with the HST would be a chore. But for general landscaping, I can't imagine getting so much done with all the shifting. And for plowing snow close to house and car, it's a real gift.

I was dubious about the cost $1500, I think?), but decided in might pay off in resale value. As it worked out, I admire almost everything about this tractor (not counting a persistent drip in back which the dealer couldn't/wouldn't fix, and that missing inch or two of foot room even with the seats back), and am *very* glad I bought the HST.

-Chelydra

P.S. - I worried about the loss of power. I usually run at about 2400 RPM for loading, 2000 for BH work. Have only run up to PTO speed or full throttle to get out of scary holes or side-hill situations. Most other times, power is limited by hydraulic blow-off, so I run at a speed that gives comfortable movement speeds - faster for the loader than the BH.

 

[greenmule]

Well,you wouldn't think a new hydro would allow it to run away down hill,but..
You mean those hydros don't have a cruise control thingy,thought they did?

 

[Gittyup]

The hydros will hold you back on a hill, but, not quite like a manual tranny will. On my hydro I find that the older it has gotten the looser the tranny has also gotten. It's never been adjusted. Maybe that's why (or is it because it is green). When I first got it I never had to use the park brake. After a few years, it started to roll when parked. So, now I use the brake. Still the safety advantages of hydro on hills outweigh that little narrow distinction. If you are not plowing or skidding, HST IS THE WAY TO GO.

 

[LeTempt]

Well,you wouldn't think a new hydro would allow it to run away down hill,but..
You mean those hydros don't have a cruise control thingy,thought they did?

My CK30H has a cruise control lever. It is a little awkyard to use since it is down low on the right hand side of the steering column next to the parking brake lever. I have used mine a couple times while doing some brush hog work, seemed to work as advertised. Allows you to place both feet flat on the platform and relax.

When I first bought mine, I was most concerned about the operation of the single level foot control....but it is GREAT. It is so easy to operate and after just a couple hours felt so natural. It is very easy for my wife to operate. The HST is perfect for loader work, I would say in a matter of a few minutes you could teach (just about) anyone how to drive this tractor.

One thing I did not consider as being a potential problem/wasted feature is the individual wheel brakes. I grew up on a farm using bigger equipment and routinely used the individual brakes to assist with turning. The only time we ever locked the brakes together was while driving down the road. Not sure how Kioti expects you to use an individual brake when the brake pedals are on the same side as the HST pedal. With the 4WD I have not had the tractor in a position or loaded in such a way that I needed individual braking, so mine have stayed locked together. Think they could have probably saved a few bucks and just made a single brake pedal or moved the brake pedals to the left side (or HST pedal to the left side).

Jeff
CK30H - 40 hours
Enterprise, AL

 

[Gittyup]

Yep, split brakes, if you need them are another advantage of the manual trannies. You can use them as intended. Don't see how they can be very useful with HST. Maybe with cruise control set? Doable, but seems a little dangerous too.

I suspect Kioti did save some money by not creating two separate brake designs, knowing that it would be difficult to use the split brakes on the HSTs, but seeing it as a compromise that had to be made. HST pedal on the left would be odd ball for the industry. If you put the brakes on the left, where do you put the clutch? The only way this would work would be to go with an electric over hydraulic independent PTO, then the brakes could always be on the left, clutch or HST on the right.

How are the DK's configured between HST and shuttle?