Finally decided ...CK25 HST

[PTO87]

I finally decided and purchased a CK25 HST with FEL and rotary cutter today. My first tractor. Delivery is Sat morning. I looked at everything from the Deere 2210 to the Kubota 3130. I chose the Kioti for the right combination of price and capability. Specifically,
1) I decided on the HST since my wife will also be using the tractor around her horses and we have some hills.
2) The CK20 would probably be adequate, but the CK25 only cost about $700 more than the CK20 HST and you get a lot more power, FEL capacity and hydraulics. The CK30 was going to cost $1300 more and I decided it didn't really need the extra power...we'll see. The CK 25 operator station also fit my 6'2' 250 frame better than the CK20.
3) I looked hard for used tractors in this price range but never could find one. The two year warranty on the new one was a plus.
4) Brashiers Tractor has been great to work with. Willing to work with me on the cash price and options, trying out other tractors, straight talk on what works and what doesn't. Something I didn't think I got from the green and other orange dealers. He got the tractor on the lot in about 4 days.

This Saturday, weather permiting, I'll start on my chores: Grading the gravel drive, spreading stone dust in the paddock, moving firewood, moving manure, clearing downed trees, clearing and old road into the woods to open up another part of my property, dragging the pasture with a chain harrow, and eventually cutting the pasture.

Thanks for the great info in this discussion group and others! Now I need to start learning by doing rather than reading and talking!

[shoppintractors]

Congratulations on your purchase!

<font color="blue"> The two year warranty on the new one was a plus. </font>
You'll also have a third year of parts coverage for the engine and driveline. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Try not to get all your projects done on Saturday so you'll have more tractor time on Sunday. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

And last but not least...don't forget pictures! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Don

[KiotiJohn]

Congratulations and welcome to TBN where I hope you'll find yourself participating often.
The CK25 does have a lot of advantages over the CK20, not the least of which you mentioned, being able to handle a larger man. Of course, for me, being a short s***, I don't have a problem! If the newer 25/30 had been out when I was buying, I'd probably be using the CK30 now, but my CK20 has sure done well by me. Did I mention that pictures are requisite? John

[sodamo]

Congrats Bill

Looks like a great choice.
I know how excited you must feel.
Weather permiting, my wife and I are going to dealers on Friday morning for intro to OUR CK30HST.
Look forward to seeing your pics at play... I mean work.
David

[cag]

PTO happy for you, hope you have the time to post action pics's [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] welcome to TBN...cag

[JayC]

Congrats on the new Kioti. You'll love it. You better post some photos! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[PTO87]

Got my new tractor Saturday. Put six hours on it this weekend. It is nice to have something bigger than an garden tractor to get stuff done. A couple of learnings for this newbee:
1) I have hills and with the HST, you really need to be in low to go up the hill. No problem in low.
2) I cleared an old road with the tractor and a chain saw. The size seems to work well with all the trees. Using the tractor to skid logs sure beats chopping it all up with the chain saw!
3) I used the tractor to pull my 16 foot trailer with rough sawn oak lumber in it. Boy is that a good way to move a trailer around the property. You back right up and can see the hitch the whole way. And I think it pulls it better than my F250 truck.
4) Before I got to hour three on the meter, I got the tractor stuck down by the manure pile. Right front fell into a soft hole and I buried it up to the axle. Other wheels couldn't get a grip with the R4's. Decided to stop for lunch. After lunch, I dug out the wheels and put a couple timbers down and drove right out. Sure am glad I didn't have to call a neigbor to pull me out! Learned there are places you cannot go on my property with the tractor.
5) So far only problem has been making sure I don't hit the loader joy stick when I turnaround.

[shoppintractors]

PTO....

Congrats on the new arrival! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Would you share how many RPM's you were turning while ascending your hills?

Don

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 1) I have hills and with the HST, you really need to be in low to go up the hill. No problem in low. )</font>
I suppose you could use mid range for some hills, but low really is the best. Of course, high is really mostly for transporting fast, but others say mid is where they are a lot. Are you finding mid to be good for many things? John

[PTO87]

I think I was in the 2000 to 2400 range. When I slowed down in mid range, I just went to low. I'll try increasing the rpms some in mid next time to see if it will do the trick. As a new operator, I feel more comfortable in low range when on a slope.