LK or CK

[c23380]

Looking at the differences online @ the CK25 and CK30 verses the LK30, they all seem to be very similar except the HP at the pto. The LK seems to transfer a little more Does the CK series waist a little. It does not have sincronized Shuttle though. What are the other differences betqween the CK and the LK series besides this. Is there a significant price differencs as well?

[IslandTractor]

The LK is an older design and I presume will be phased out pretty soon. They are dependable sturdy machines and owners seem very happy with them. You'll also find that the dealers don't stock many of the LKs any more and that the Kioti line is pretty much focused on CK and DK at this point. The CK/DKs are a more modern design with ergonmetric, engine, transmission and comfort features expected in "modern" CUTs. The CKs have stronger loaders generally than the equivalent LK but otherwise the horsepower equivalent LK would be expected to perform pretty much like the CK.

[BusaRider]

I am currently shopping tractors also. At this point leaning to Kioti if I buy new. I ran across an LK30 at one of two dealers I visited this weekend and today. One dealer was closed. The other dealer had the LK30 priced $19,500 with TLB. He had the CK30 at $22,900. Price was in the midwest and was higher than my local dealer (NE PA).

Differences I noticed.

The rear tires seemed much wider on the LK30, maybe it was something with the fenders on the tractor but had that appearance to me.
The canopy on the LK30 was bigger and extended back more. It also had 4 posts.
The LK30 has the "one touch lever" mounting system that sounds great, but both my local dealer and this dealer voiced that its more work to take the backhoe off and on the LK30. From memory 35-45 mins on the LK30 vs 5-10 on the CK30 was estimated by the midwest dealer.

From the brochure:
Trans: Constant Shuttle

[IslandTractor]

Remember that the LK30 is set up and almost always sold as a TLB while the CKs are more CUTs that can have a loader/BH added. I am not sure but I think the LK30 is essentially the same as the LK3054 with the FEL and BH. Again, solid performer by reputation and certainly less money per horsepower than the CK30. However with the LK you give up the stronger loader (250lbs difference in lift capacity), improved ergonmetrics in the operator station, HST option, synchronized shuttle, some hydraulic flow output, the suspension seat () and of course the cupholder! You get a 4 post ROPS with the LK that cannot be had with the CK.

[jim_n_nh]

I have a 2005 lk3054XS. The tractor has a shuttle shift and is synchronised. It also currently has a VERY bad leak in the backhoe that seems to more of a issue with the backhoe than the tractor it is mounted on. Please view the other Kioti forum to see my posts. Overall I like the tractor very much, it is just the backhoe that currently has issues. You can contact Dan Carter at 1 877 go Kioti to see if others have this issue.

[virgil]

the lk was and is a GOOD machine.

I prefer the CK. here are my reasons
much eiser to get on and off.
much eiser to remove and put loader back on
much eiser to work on.
better resale
more hydraulic flow
I really go for the HST - forget the clutch

thats my 2 cents

[bluechip]

Originally Posted by jim_n_nh

I have a 2005 lk3054XS. The tractor has a shuttle shift and is synchronised. It also currently has a VERY bad leak in the backhoe that seems to more of a issue with the backhoe than the tractor it is mounted on. Please view the other Kioti forum to see my posts. Overall I like the tractor very much, it is just the backhoe that currently has issues. You can contact Dan Carter at 1 877 go Kioti to see if others have this issue.

While the LK3054XS shuttle shift is very smooth, it is not sycnchonized and you shoudl come to a stop before changing directions... the main transmission gears are synchronized. Be careful to only shift when the shift is fully up or down, forcing it in between will shear the bolt... we have one in our rental fleet and have changed that bolt 3 times already in 350 hours. Renters are not always so careful with equipment. Weve had them break off a backhoe lever, seems the harder you slam the lever the faster the backhoe will work. At least some of my renters feel that way...

[To20Chris]

I have a 2003 LK (not XS), and it has been great. The non-synchro shuttle does not matter after you get used it.

[Mastertech]

My previous 2 CUT's were Kubota's the last being a "B" series. No complaints, good tractors. But i have to say I have put 146 hard hrs. on this new CK30HST and this little beast is an animal! I I have worked the snot out of it! Worth every penny and about 2 grand less than a new comparable Bota!!!!

Yea I know the old line that it won't have the same resale value as a Kubota or Case, or JD. But I don't intend to sell it!

[JoelD]

Just spent a couple of hours on my LK3054XS TLB today, I understand to be the same machine as the LK30, just different name. I dug with the backhoe (2376) today and she digs hard, strong lift on the boom cyl.. I pulled both the backhoe and loader off today and put them both on. The loader was quick off and on, easy to do with the stabilizers on the bucket arms. Very easy to position the loader on again. The hoe came off very easily using the stabilizers and boom as three points of contact with the ground. There is plenty of slack in the hoses to power the hoe while removing. I removed on un-level ground. Going back on took about 15 mins and that was a result of multiple attempts to line up the tractor and the hoe, if I had been on level ground would've been 5 mins. This was also my first time. I find both the loader and hoe mounting systems to be excellent designs. As posted prior, I am partial to gear tranny as easy to fix and typically last a life time, where hydrostatic (HST) seem more likely to wear with time. Can't compare convenience of hydro though, for commercial loader work, I couldn't imagine anything other than hydro, but for my home needs I'll stick with gear. I am very pleased with how easy the Kioti is to work on and all dealers so far have been friendly, none as competent as Rick and Amy Wallace. I've had no issues with the machine and in 159 hours there have been no warranty claims. Strong built machine.