Here in NH we've had a cold snowy winter.
My new DK40se cab + AgroTrend 72" snow blower have been performing admirably.
The 1/3 mile driveway hasn't been hard to plow (with the F250) or blow (DK). But the parking areas are much easier to blow than to plow. It's also nice to have the blower to clean up areas that my lack of plowing skill leaves messy.
It amazes me that the DK40se always starts first try. It's garaged, but unheated. Starts instantly at -10F. It takes me hours to get the old diesel F250 running. I may have finally hit on the magic for the F250 (>2 hours on the block heater, and cycle the glow plug heater a few times before turning it over). The F250 is so hard to start, it makes the DK40se look magical. My two Mazdas started up slowly at -10F, but the Kioti jumps to life.
Besides removing snow, I finally torched my burn pile. I'm not sure how anybody does this without a tractor. I needed the FEL to roll unburnt sections onto the coals in the burnt out core. I stated at noontime and used the lights on the DK until the fire was mostly done at 10pm. It may have be the longest time the DK and I have spent alone together. Having light, heat and music available was almost as good as the burger and beer my wife delivered.
Another great plus is that I live close enough to the highway department to take the tractor down for a free bucket of sand. Given the ice we've experienced this year, I'm not sure how else I could have put the required amount of sand on my hill. I'm getting good at shovel sanding.
I have also been impressed with my local Kioti dealer (
http://www.batcheldersales.com in Lebenon ME). They have answered all my newbie questions, and are quick to provide the little things at no charge.
Six months and 65 hrs into ownership I couldn't be happier with my DK40se and it's warm cab.
Almost forgot to mention. After spreading sand on my iced over hill, I learned NOT to let up on the forward peddle (aka brake) while going down hill. The sideways slide down the hill was a true thrill ride. I spent ride trying to decide if I should raise the bucket to clear the rocks (and also raise my center of gravity). Turns out that leaving the bucket down was fine and the snow made for a soft landing, thankfully ending the slide still rubber side down! I now prefer to back down the hill, since I could easily drop the bucket/anchor if needed.
Happy new year to all. Hope you stay safe, even doing some of the dumb things we all do.