I've Decided on the CK20S

[Stuckin67]

Hello to the forum, and thanks to the members for making this place such a great source of information. Based on hours of reading here at TBN and test-driving a few tractors, I've decided that the Kioti CK20S with the KL120 FEL is the best tractor for my current needs.

I'm aware of the previous KL120's defect, and the loader I plan to purchase is the new version with the reinforced torque tube. I have also noted a complaint from some members regarding an issue with cold starts. The CK20S that I drove did take more than one glow plug cycle to start, but I attributed that to it having been sitting on the lot. Do I need to discuss this issue with the dealer and is there a fix or remedy being offered that I should know about?

The Kioti website is a little confusing regarding Standard Equipment vs. Optional Equipment. Are the foldable ROPS and the mid PTO standard or do they have to be ordered? What about a remote hydraulic valve? I take it this is necessary for BH operation should I ever add one. Is this something I must order or have installed by the dealer?

I believe I have been offered a good price on the tractor and loader: $12,000 with an additional $600 off if I provide my own financing or pay cash. The tractor has a few hours on it from test driving, but hasn't been abused or damaged that I can tell.

Is there anything I am overlooking in my purchase? I'm happy with the size, power and performance of the little gear-drive tractor, but would welcome any thoughts or suggestions you might have on options to consider to get the most out of my purchase (e.g. larger bucket, or ballast of some type).

I will be using the tractor for landscaping, driveway and horse arena maintenance and small construction projects on my property.

AG

[crabjoe]

I recently picked up a CK20s HST so hopefully, I can answer some of your questions.

Cold start... I was told by my dealer that Kioti is working on a fix. For now, your dealer should throw in a block heater of some type.

Mine came with a Folding ROPS and a Mid PTO. I was shocked that the Mid PTO was standard because all the literature I've read said it was an option, but my dealer told me it was standard. I still haven't looked at the bottom to see if it truely is standard, but I do have a mid pto control on the side.

For the rear hydraulic control, if you don't need it now, you won't need to order it. I say this because I got mine with the Kioti hoe and the rear remote came with it. I was told if I went with a Woods or similar, I wouldn't have gotten the rear remote, without paying extra, because they don't need one. But if the price is right, you might want to get it now. I say this because if you get a grapple or similar, you'll need another remote or a diverter valve.

If you're going to do heavy loader work, you want rear ballast. Don't buy the ballast itself, but get an implement to use as a ballast. Also you can get your tires filled.

A larger bucket isn't necessary, but on mine, I got it with a QA adaptor and a 54" skid steer bucket. It's heavier then the OEM bucket, but I don't have any problems lifting it when it's full. So if you feel a bigger bucket is needed, do it now so you only pay the difference between the standard bucket to the new bucket.

The price seems fair enough also, and I can't tell you what I paid because I got my stuff as a package deal.

One thing you want to get too is hooks welded to your bucket. I would think they would be cheap enough for the dealer to throw them in to close the deal.

BTW, I love by CK20s!! It's fun just to sit on it.

[Stuckin67]

Thanks for the reply Crabjoe.

Does the QA adaptor you purchased fit between the loader and the bucket and is it a requirement for skid steer buckets in particular? The dealer told me that the KL120 loader was already QA'able, but that the bucket itself was not.

As for implements, I'm interested in a 4 ft. box blade and a 4-5 ft. landscape rake. Will either of these provide sufficient ballast if left attached?

Did yours come with a grill guard?

[crabjoe]

The QA adaptor is connected to the loader and then you and connect any Universal QA implement. Not that you'll have enough hydraulic power to run everything, but you can attach any universal QA implement like a Skidsteer bucket, grapple, pallet forks or even a hydraulic post hole digger.

Your dealer isn't giving you the complete info on the QA adaptor, because you could say any loader was QA'able. It's a matter of finding a QA that will fit the loader.

If you go without the QA up front, you can still add it later. The catch then is that you will either need to add a QA plate to your existing bucket or replace you bucket. Me, I went upfront the QA route because I have a friend with a bunch of QA stuff for his skidsteer. Plus, I want Millonzi grapple. Freaken Islandtractor has me drooling for one.

The box blade will work, but it really depends on how much you're going to lift. If you're planning on doing a lot of loader work, make sure to get your rear tires filled. I haven't done it to mine yet, but it's because I've got the backhoe attached. When it comes off, the 1st thing I'm going to do is fill the rears. I'm planning on using a 4' BB or a tiller for ballast. Just remember it's going to depend on what you're lifting.

With the BB for ballast, you could also mount more weight to it. If you wanted to go cheap, you can also get a carry all from TSC for around $100, then add weight to it as needed. The nice thing about the carry all is that you can use it to carry stuff too.

Grill guard.. I've got one, but it was a Benjamin extra. I added it just before delivery. If it's not in your deal, get it because if you smash your headlights it'll cost you more then the guard.

[bearhawk]

Get a 60" Box Blade.

It will add some necessary ballast and cover the rear tires. I can stop my HST tractor with a full bite, but it is easy to regulate once you get the hang of it.

I also run a 72" Rake. It will still cover the tires on an angle.

[rimshot]

I got My CK20S in February with a loader (FEL)mand backhoe and rear snow blower. I put 50 hours on the Kioti blowing snow and moving snow piles with the FEL. I put another 50 hours digging stumps with the backhoe as I continue to build a road around my property. The dealer was good enough to deliver it in a snowstorm from 200 miles away. I just did my 100 hour service changing oil and cleaning air cleaner among other things. The tractor has been nothing short of phonominal. You will love yours and will not regret your decision to purchase this solid little workhorse of a tractor.

Cold starts have not been an issue for me but I keep it in a garage heated no lower than 38* (and no higher either). If I ever keep it any colder knowing the cold tempered nature of any diesel, I will simply slip my magnetic oil pan heater on ahead of time if need be.

rimshot

[IslandTractor]

CK20S is a great tractor choice in that size range. I loved my CK20 and cannot part with my avatar photo of it in action even though I've moved on to a DK40se. It is a tough and very capable tractor. Like any machine there are going to be improvements made (eg 20S vs 20 and new loader). I'd expect it to continue to evolve but it is a great bang for the buck right now and I wouldn't hesitate to get another if my acreage needs diminished.

I had a Horst Welding QA adapter on mine which worked beautifully (still have it if someone wants to buy it ). You can however also function with pin mount attachments. If you are only going to switch between grapple and bucket, it is, IMHO, a toss up whether to go with QA or pin. QA is flexible and faster but pin mount costs less and you don't have 100lbs of dead weight subtracted from your net lift capacity.

[Stuckin67]

The CK20S HST's lack of power in high concerned me because I live in the mountains and flat land is hard to find.

I spoke with a former Kioti dealer who told me that the CK20's are just underpowered. He has a Kubota B2920 with loader to sell me with an additional 7 hp and a three speed HST transmission, but it will cost me $3,000 more than the CK20S manual.

That brings me back to the CK20's size, price and specs and it looks like the best tractor for the money. I hope that the manual will give me more control going up inclines, what do you all think?

[KiotiDave]

Hi,
I have to tell you that pound for pound the CK20S(22HP) is a very tenacious little tractor. It is well matched with a loader that compares to Kubota's B series and will out lift most of them.
Don't be afraid to work this tractor. We find that customers are very tentative about going to the limits with their tractors, and only get about half of what the machine can do. You will not break it, you will give up before the tractor will.
I think you will be fine with the CK20S
KiotiDave

[crabjoe]

Stuckin67,

Unless you're planning on traveling distance with the Backhoe attached, I wouldn't worry much about it. Low is the work gear to be in.

Here's something that I find a little odd. On grass, I can't get up squat in Hi, with the hoe attached. On paved road, I haven't had a problem; even with the same slope.

Maybe my motor's starting to get broken in... I guess I better test it on grass again.