Wondering About CK3540 vs DK Series

monteu · May 21, 2019

I have started a couple threads here about my tractor buying questions.....it's getting confusing. I almost pulled the trigger on a Workmaster 35, but just seems to light, almost like an oversized lawn tractor. I like the CK 3510 also. However my dealer and also and individual for sale have a DK4510 and DK5010. The price isn't that much more than a CK3510 or 4010. I have 10 acres, and want to push snow, clean up brush, maintain driveway, move dirt and an occasional bale with three point. I want to do some landscaping up around house also. Is a DK series to heavy for this? The dealer says it's light ag rated and the CK are acreage.

Threepoint · May 21, 2019

No, IMO the DK isn't too large for what you describe. The CK3510 would be fine too.

finn1 · May 22, 2019

I have a CK4010.

I would seriously consider a DK. The DK was not available with a hst when I bought my ck.

monteu · May 22, 2019

The dealer says it's too much tractor for me, but the used one I'm looking at has a really good price and comes with a mower and grapple which I want. It only has 100 hours

Threepoint · May 22, 2019

monteu said:
The dealer says it's too much tractor for me, but the used one I'm looking at has a really good price and comes with a mower and grapple which I want. It only has 100 hours

Hmm. Curious what is it about the DK that he says is too much tractor for you on your 10 acres?

The frame is larger than on a CK, but not by very much. If you are going to be working in very tight quarters around your house when doing the landscaping, then maneuverability is more of an issue. But it would also be with the CK. Also with the Workmaster 35, for that matter, even though that's lighter in weight than the CK.

What is the dealer recommending? Has he seen pics of your place, or is he just going by acreage? That's only one consideration.

monteu · May 24, 2019

I went and looked at the tractor now. It is a 2017 and has a bit over 100 hours. It's not super clean, but has been shedded. Comes with a Kioti bushhog and also a grapple for under 20 thousand. Seems like a good deal to me, but I"m trying to make sure it's not too much tractor for my 10 acres....

PEJ5 · May 24, 2019

I was very focused on the CK3510SE when I found an ad for a 2year old DK5010HS for a very good price (better than a new CK3510). I only have 2 acres but a 15% slope. I have many trees to clear, grading, building a driveway, building rock retaining walls, grading, etc. I expect to make use of it on a 200 acre property as well. I bought the used DK. I only have 30 hours on it but I am not disappointed. The DK rins are bolted centres so my rear tires are set wide and he loaded rears make it feel safe. It has lots of strength, more hydraulic capacity, clearance, and weight. My only concern is maneuverability in the trees. The DK is only 10" longer than the CK, but with the bucket attached it is 2' longer.
At least four tractor owning friends said it was a good decision. "More power is handy", "You can always sell it for a smaller tractor after your big work is done and not lose any money, but not likely!", "Buy too small and there will be jobs you can't do and that would be disappointing", "More power than you need? Oh well".
I would question the dealer's opinion. If you went back wanting to buy a new DK, I bet he'd be happy to sell you one!
Good luck deciding.

monteu · May 26, 2019

PEJ5 said:
I was very focused on the CK3510SE when I found an ad for a 2year old DK5010HS for a very good price (better than a new CK3510). I only have 2 acres but a 15% slope. I have many trees to clear, grading, building a driveway, building rock retaining walls, grading, etc. I expect to make use of it on a 200 acre property as well. I bought the used DK. I only have 30 hours on it but I am not disappointed. The DK rins are bolted centres so my rear tires are set wide and he loaded rears make it feel safe. It has lots of strength, more hydraulic capacity, clearance, and weight. My only concern is maneuverability in the trees. The DK is only 10" longer than the CK, but with the bucket attached it is 2' longer.
At least four tractor owning friends said it was a good decision. "More power is handy", "You can always sell it for a smaller tractor after your big work is done and not lose any money, but not likely!", "Buy too small and there will be jobs you can't do and that would be disappointing", "More power than you need? Oh well".
I would question the dealer's opinion. If you went back wanting to buy a new DK, I bet he'd be happy to sell you one!
Good luck deciding.

Ended up with the DK5010. Price seemed too good to pass up.

DMax82 · May 26, 2019

I think you will be very happy with the DK. I bought a 2012 DK40SE last year and love it. I only have 6 acres (cut about 4 of it with an 84" finish mower), but I use the loader all the time. For me tractor selection is less about acreage and more about intended use. I have never wished my tractor was smaller! Congratulations again. Would love to see some pictures.

monteu · May 27, 2019

DMax82 said:
I think you will be very happy with the DK. I bought a 2012 DK40SE last year and love it. I only have 6 acres (cut about 4 of it with an 84" finish mower), but I use the loader all the time. For me tractor selection is less about acreage and more about intended use. I have never wished my tractor was smaller! Congratulations again. Would love to see some pictures.

Thank you. It sure doesn't seem big. I grew up on a farm with much larger tractors and maybe that seems why. When I looked at the CK series they just seemed like oversized lawnmowers to me. I would have bought a used CK series though if I would have found one.