Strengths DK45S with the KL451 loader is a good LIGHT duty tractor.

Weaknesses When this tractor is used for medium/heavy duty work, parts began to bend or break. I have owned this tractor for nearly two years (270 Hrs) and warranty work has been required for several problems. 1. 4wd engagement clutch slippage. Required two trips to the dealership a priority valve cleaning and adjustment a solenoid update kit installation and it still slips under heavy loads. 2. KL451 front loader frame bent. The first claim from the deader was "abuse/misuse". Obviously this voids the warranty and puts the owner in a position of proving that it was not abuse or misuse. Had it not been for the truthfulness of a Kioti salesman I would have been stuck with the repair bill for this one. It turns out that substandard thickness material was used in some of the KL451 loaders. The frame was changed under warranty and has worked satisfactorily since. 3. Seat upholstery began to come off the metal frame. This was changed under warranty after considerable debate with the dealership. 4. Left hand lift rod bent while operating a box blade. Again the dealer used the "abuse/misuse" claim to avoid covering this part under warranty. How do you prove to a dealership that the tractor was used properly? Customer support was contacted but again they claim “abuse/ misuse”.

Overall Overall I would give this tractor/loader a poor rating due to its reliability and durability. The warranty for this tractor/loader looks great on paper however the "abuse/misuse" claim makes it WORTHLESS. I have operated a Ford AA (Jubilee) model since almost new and have not experienced the problems that I have had with this modern tractor so beware and be informed.

Strengths Similar in capability to Kubota B7510 but has more powerful loader, 3PT position control, suspension seat and is heavier by 500 or so pounds. Solidly built and has had no problems in 200hrs use.

Weaknesses HST could use a third gear or lower top gearing.

Overall Excellent machine. Great value.

Strengths Great low end torque, power steering, ease of operation. Can handle realtively any job with ease and paitenence, just don't expect it to run like a D-9.

Weaknesses The rotten transmission, lacks the capability to get itself up a hill in high gear...seems to be a trend with this model. A dissapointment compared to the Kubota I just traded for it.

Overall A great product for the price, would spend a little more for a similar new kubota B7800 or B3030 with more HP the next time.

Strengths Value,purchased used with 300hrs. Easily tackles jobs of larger Kubota tractors that I've worked with. Solid frame mounted backhoe. Nevver had any problems with quality, great dealership to work with.

Weaknesses Can't go up hills in high range.

Overall Great buy... You can't find this quality for this price with any other manf.

Strengths 2006 model built very sturdy. Priced lower than competition. Engine starts easy and runs smooth. Drives stable, turns and operates easy.

Weaknesses No mid range gearing. Original seat was very thin and ripped within the first week of use. Dealer replaced with newer model which is much better. Tool box located in strange place. PTO shield gets in the way and was smashed within the first months use.

Overall Perfect for my two acres. Have used the auger to plant many trees, shrubs, bushes and other plants. Mower keeps things looking nice in summer. Power steering makes it easy to steer with the FEL full. Quick bolt-on forks for the FEL makes it easy to unload and move palletized cargo.

Strengths Excellent power, works well with the mower. Recently used a 7ft. bush hog on a rolling, large field with no problem. I like the HST.

Weaknesses Poor gas mileage and the hour counter has not worked since I bought it. Hopefully Nationwide will correct this, however they have not as of 10/04/06. I bought it 7/01/06.

Overall Overall very satisfied with the easy operation of this tractor.

Strengths Feels good and solid, turns nicly.

Weaknesses If you do some reading online you'll find that there are two chronic issues with this tractor. Sadly, I've had them both. My transmission was weak and it would not back up over things. A trip to the dealer did fix this. Now I am finding that my loader is cracking, this seems to happen to lots of people as well. While this machine seems to be a good value, I would not buy it again. Kioti has a ways to go to get their quality up to par.

Overall If they could get their issues straightend out it might be okay.

Strengths Strong frame, Exelent wieght to HP Ratio, This machine in an experienced operators hands will out perform a 30-35 HP 2WD tractor all day long. I have recently pulled a lime hopper with 1.5 tons of lime in it. The only time the tractor groaned a little was when I was on soft tilled land.

Weaknesses the lift mechanism for the MM restricts the movement of the left arms and doesnt give enough clearance. A 3 range in between high and low range (mainly for mowing hilly terrain) would be perfered.

Overall You can not go worng with this machine. I have ran every size tractor form 20 HP all the way up to 200HP. Bear in mind that this is only 20 HP and will not do the work as fast as a big one and you will be very please with want it can do. The FEL on this tractor with a Tooth Bar will dig a hole you can bury the tractor in in as little as 10 minutes giving soil conditions.

Strengths Strong and stable. Great value. Great warranty.

Weaknesses Front ties are junk--replaced those in a hurry. Seat belt likes to hide. Speed control of 3 point hitch lift not calibrated.

Overall Would purchase again.

Strengths Remarkable capability for 21hp TLB. Much more capable than Kubota BX23 and almost comparable to Kubota B21 TLB. Smooth, well built, powerful for size. Pulls 48"Bush Hog without any difficulty. Highest FEL capacity in class.

Weaknesses Wishlist: 3 range HST: the high range setting is useful only on the road or a flat field mowing. Seat and seatbelt holders: note the 2006 version has much better seat/seatbelt arrangement.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase. I got it with 28hr on the machine so got a good price. New today would be $18K or so. Don't forget to add a toothbar to the FEL.