Kioti CK20S Reviews
Almost Bullet Proof Small Tractor
Model Year: 0
I shopped for at least 18 months for a small tractor with a front-end loader. I literally built a spreadsheet of about 10-12 models in the compact tractor size to compare specs and features. In the end, I kept coming back to the Kioti models, specifically the LB1914 and CK20 series tractors. I missed buying a very well maintained LB1914 model in Ohio. I finally located a CK20S SE of Louisville and arranged to look at it. The gentleman who owned it generously offered to carry it closer to me so I could inspect it. He also stated he had a box blade to sale with it. I asked him what size the box blade was but he wasn't sure. I asked him to bring it as well. Long story short, he brought the tractor on his implement trailer, I checked it out and bought it. It had 114 hours on it and the sheet metal was perfect as well as the paint. A couple wheels had rust starting on them, but that was it. I got it home, and since he had no service history, I began replacing all the fluids and filters and greasing everything. I also replaced the fluid in the front axle. I had a friend stop by while I was doing this and stated "I don't know of anyone who has ever replaced the fluid in the front axle." I did it any way and I am glad I did. I don't recall the exact amount of fluid it required (around three quarts plus as I recall), however, when I drained it I only got a little over a quart of fluid out of it. I removed the fill and drain plugs so it would drain completely and fill without causing excessive air locks preventing the fluid from fully filling the axle. I now have around 170 hours on the machine. Observations: Third gear in high range is only useful for traveling and on relatively flat terrain. The second gear high range is more useful. Now, in the low range, this little tractor is a hog. In fact I named him "PIG" because he can dig, pull, and lift way above what its size would indicate. I've changed the oil a second time and will soon replace the fuel filter again. So far, this little tractor has been 100% reliable. The box blade he brought with the tractor was a six foot wide box blade. It is too wide for this tractor, so I cut it down to 49 inches wide and welded it back together and now the box blade fully covers the width of the tractor tread and is more useful for the power and weight of this tractor. I painted it Kubota orange and it looks like it just came from the manufacturer. I also sourced a hardly used Woods 48-inch rotary cutter for the Kioti for half the price of a new one. With the box blade, rotary cutter, and front-end loader, this little tractor can do some work. I have no regrets on this purchase, at all. It is a quality made small tractor. It is the "S" model so it is gear drive. I know many people prefer HST transmissions, but I bought this with the intent of making as many repairs as I can to the machine myself. I have one Kioti dealer in Martinsville Indiana if I need to source a part or do a repair I can't handle myself. But so far, I have been able to perform all the required maintenance and fluid changes myself. A thought about these small tractors. If you use the front-end loader a lot, besides lubing the grease points before use each time, be sure to have some weight on the rear draw bars (box blade, fabricated wight, etc) to put more weight on the rear axle and relieve the front axle from some of the extra weight for longevity. The rear axle can take the extra weight, the front axle wasn't designed for a lot of extra weight. Also, if you haven't changed the fluid in your front axle, maybe you should. It could be that your front axle still has the fluid placed in it during assembly and it may not be fully lubricated, as was the case with my tractor. Lastly, maintain a log of the hours maintenance was performed. Life will eat you up and trying to remember when you last changed a fluid or filter may cause your small tractor to fail you.
Pros: Ease of servicing, control layout, build quality heavy metal axles and frame, sheet metal hood and fenders, luxury seat and controls easy to understand and access
Cons: If I had to knock this little tractor, I guess I would say the high range third gear is too weak to really be useful
Model Year: 0
I shopped for at least 18 months for a small tractor with a front-end loader. I literally built a spreadsheet of about 10-12 models in the compact tractor size to compare specs and features. In the end, I kept coming back to the Kioti models, specifically the LB1914 and CK20 series tractors. I missed buying a very well maintained LB1914 model in Ohio. I finally located a CK20S SE of Louisville and arranged to look at it. The gentleman who owned it generously offered to carry it closer to me so I could inspect it. He also stated he had a box blade to sale with it. I asked him what size the box blade was but he wasn't sure. I asked him to bring it as well. Long story short, he brought the tractor on his implement trailer, I checked it out and bought it. It had 114 hours on it and the sheet metal was perfect as well as the paint. A couple wheels had rust starting on them, but that was it. I got it home, and since he had no service history, I began replacing all the fluids and filters and greasing everything. I also replaced the fluid in the front axle. I had a friend stop by while I was doing this and stated "I don't know of anyone who has ever replaced the fluid in the front axle." I did it any way and I am glad I did. I don't recall the exact amount of fluid it required (around three quarts plus as I recall), however, when I drained it I only got a little over a quart of fluid out of it. I removed the fill and drain plugs so it would drain completely and fill without causing excessive air locks preventing the fluid from fully filling the axle. I now have around 170 hours on the machine. Observations: Third gear in high range is only useful for traveling and on relatively flat terrain. The second gear high range is more useful. Now, in the low range, this little tractor is a hog. In fact I named him "PIG" because he can dig, pull, and lift way above what its size would indicate. I've changed the oil a second time and will soon replace the fuel filter again. So far, this little tractor has been 100% reliable. The box blade he brought with the tractor was a six foot wide box blade. It is too wide for this tractor, so I cut it down to 49 inches wide and welded it back together and now the box blade fully covers the width of the tractor tread and is more useful for the power and weight of this tractor. I painted it Kubota orange and it looks like it just came from the manufacturer. I also sourced a hardly used Woods 48-inch rotary cutter for the Kioti for half the price of a new one. With the box blade, rotary cutter, and front-end loader, this little tractor can do some work. I have no regrets on this purchase, at all. It is a quality made small tractor. It is the "S" model so it is gear drive. I know many people prefer HST transmissions, but I bought this with the intent of making as many repairs as I can to the machine myself. I have one Kioti dealer in Martinsville Indiana if I need to source a part or do a repair I can't handle myself. But so far, I have been able to perform all the required maintenance and fluid changes myself. A thought about these small tractors. If you use the front-end loader a lot, besides lubing the grease points before use each time, be sure to have some weight on the rear draw bars (box blade, fabricated wight, etc) to put more weight on the rear axle and relieve the front axle from some of the extra weight for longevity. The rear axle can take the extra weight, the front axle wasn't designed for a lot of extra weight. Also, if you haven't changed the fluid in your front axle, maybe you should. It could be that your front axle still has the fluid placed in it during assembly and it may not be fully lubricated, as was the case with my tractor. Lastly, maintain a log of the hours maintenance was performed. Life will eat you up and trying to remember when you last changed a fluid or filter may cause your small tractor to fail you.
Pros: Ease of servicing, control layout, build quality heavy metal axles and frame, sheet metal hood and fenders, luxury seat and controls easy to understand and access
Cons: If I had to knock this little tractor, I guess I would say the high range third gear is too weak to really be useful
New Kioti with Poor Set-Up
Model Year: 2014
My Kioti CK20S keeps loosing parts. It seems the dealer did not prep it well. 1N 14 hrs. of use I have lost 3 pins 2 bolts, and 6 nuts, as well as several clips that held the pins in place. Also has both front tire loose air, one to the point of going flat. That tire has a 3 inch raged crack between two treads. The dealer Konapinski did not replace the tire he sold me a new one for $215. and credited me the cost of mounting $17.00. Other than that, the tractor starts well and cuts grass and the loader is fine for snow and moving earth. I do not like the seat retaining rain water. My Kubota has a seat that tilted up when not in use. I doubt I will ever buy from the dealer again, and plan to have another provide the servicing on my Kioti. When mowing in low range of 4 wheel drive, my Kioti slows almost to stalling when I do an up grade turn even at full throttle. I expect I have a lot to learn to use this optimally.
Pros: It fits my needs.
Cons: Poo'd dealer set up and follow up service.
Model Year: 2014
My Kioti CK20S keeps loosing parts. It seems the dealer did not prep it well. 1N 14 hrs. of use I have lost 3 pins 2 bolts, and 6 nuts, as well as several clips that held the pins in place. Also has both front tire loose air, one to the point of going flat. That tire has a 3 inch raged crack between two treads. The dealer Konapinski did not replace the tire he sold me a new one for $215. and credited me the cost of mounting $17.00. Other than that, the tractor starts well and cuts grass and the loader is fine for snow and moving earth. I do not like the seat retaining rain water. My Kubota has a seat that tilted up when not in use. I doubt I will ever buy from the dealer again, and plan to have another provide the servicing on my Kioti. When mowing in low range of 4 wheel drive, my Kioti slows almost to stalling when I do an up grade turn even at full throttle. I expect I have a lot to learn to use this optimally.
Pros: It fits my needs.
Cons: Poo'd dealer set up and follow up service.
Rider7767
Model Year: 2012
Well I have had my CK20s with a manual transmission about 10 months. I bought it new with one hour on the hour meter. I now have 137 hours, and I have worked this little tractor hard. I am using it to do normal small acreage stuff and a few not so normal things. I have dug numerous large stumps in the process of digging out the side of a large hill. A much larger machine would be better suited, but I am taking my time. I am taking bite my small but sturdy tractor can take. I reiterate, I have worked this tractor hard, and have had very few problems with it. The MLS valve on the lift gave me a little trouble which turned out to be an o-ring which looked like it was cut in assembly. My dealer was great and we got it up and running within a few days. Having worked it and the bucket loader way harder than most homeowners, I am truly pleased with the tractor. It does the mowing, dragging, lifting, brush cutting,dirt moving etc. with little to no complaint as long as you work it at the pace to size ratio. To sum it up, the Kioti CK20S is a solid true tractor ready to work. One note: I do oil changing and greasing more frequently than required due to the level of work I do with it. Once my big projects are done, my tractor will go back to a life of ease mowing and gardening. Another note: I pull a four foot finishing mower, and brush cutter up steep hills with great results. I considered the Kioti CS2410, but I am so happy I went with the beefier CK20S. Almost the same size, but much more capability in real work.
Pros: Solid, well-built with plenty of power in low range. Very heavy for size. Good lifting ability for size.
Cons: The tractor feels well built except for the cheesy fender handles. They put metal fenders but cheap handles? The manual transmission does not have live PTO, but I knew that when I bought it.
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Model Year: 2012
Well I have had my CK20s with a manual transmission about 10 months. I bought it new with one hour on the hour meter. I now have 137 hours, and I have worked this little tractor hard. I am using it to do normal small acreage stuff and a few not so normal things. I have dug numerous large stumps in the process of digging out the side of a large hill. A much larger machine would be better suited, but I am taking my time. I am taking bite my small but sturdy tractor can take. I reiterate, I have worked this tractor hard, and have had very few problems with it. The MLS valve on the lift gave me a little trouble which turned out to be an o-ring which looked like it was cut in assembly. My dealer was great and we got it up and running within a few days. Having worked it and the bucket loader way harder than most homeowners, I am truly pleased with the tractor. It does the mowing, dragging, lifting, brush cutting,dirt moving etc. with little to no complaint as long as you work it at the pace to size ratio. To sum it up, the Kioti CK20S is a solid true tractor ready to work. One note: I do oil changing and greasing more frequently than required due to the level of work I do with it. Once my big projects are done, my tractor will go back to a life of ease mowing and gardening. Another note: I pull a four foot finishing mower, and brush cutter up steep hills with great results. I considered the Kioti CS2410, but I am so happy I went with the beefier CK20S. Almost the same size, but much more capability in real work.
Pros: Solid, well-built with plenty of power in low range. Very heavy for size. Good lifting ability for size.
Cons: The tractor feels well built except for the cheesy fender handles. They put metal fenders but cheap handles? The manual transmission does not have live PTO, but I knew that when I bought it.
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4 Year Review
Model Year: 2010
Well, it's been the better part of 4 yrs. and the little tractor continues to perform great. It's lived outside, under a tarp, and has never failed to start or do what I need. It has demonstrated many times just how powerful 20HP can be and it has never been stuck. I don't have chains but I routinely clear a 400 m road of up to 3' of snow. the signal lights are long gone and the seat is a little tattered. It is a great tractor and has definitely proven its value to me.
Pros: Everything but battery cables.
Cons: Battery cables.
Model Year: 2010
Well, it's been the better part of 4 yrs. and the little tractor continues to perform great. It's lived outside, under a tarp, and has never failed to start or do what I need. It has demonstrated many times just how powerful 20HP can be and it has never been stuck. I don't have chains but I routinely clear a 400 m road of up to 3' of snow. the signal lights are long gone and the seat is a little tattered. It is a great tractor and has definitely proven its value to me.
Pros: Everything but battery cables.
Cons: Battery cables.
Kioti CK20S
Model Year: 2009
This has been a good tractor. It has performed as expected. I use it all the time to move heavy items and control my landscaping needs. Its very convenient to move my project cars and boats. Attachment list rock rake, rototiller, bucket spade, rear blade, box ripper, front bucket, finish mower and tow bar.
Pros: Easy to drive easy to hook up attachments.
Cons: Some pieces seem to be prone to rust.
Model Year: 2009
This has been a good tractor. It has performed as expected. I use it all the time to move heavy items and control my landscaping needs. Its very convenient to move my project cars and boats. Attachment list rock rake, rototiller, bucket spade, rear blade, box ripper, front bucket, finish mower and tow bar.
Pros: Easy to drive easy to hook up attachments.
Cons: Some pieces seem to be prone to rust.
Good Tractor
Model Year: 2009
Not much to complain about. The Kioti is a very solid tractor. Mine is only 23 HP but it takes most jobs in stride. I have the 60" finish mower and 48" rototiller. Everything runs trouble free and as it should. The tractor is very heavy, the loader works well for objects up to 500 lbs. The only thing I could complain about is the turn signal/horn is right where your knee hits when you climb on and I broke it. One more thing: the floor mats do not last that long. I'm ready for another pair and it's been 200 hrs and 3 years.
Pros: Heavy, strong tractor.
Cons: 2 gears (hydrostatic), floor mats don't last.
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Model Year: 2009
Not much to complain about. The Kioti is a very solid tractor. Mine is only 23 HP but it takes most jobs in stride. I have the 60" finish mower and 48" rototiller. Everything runs trouble free and as it should. The tractor is very heavy, the loader works well for objects up to 500 lbs. The only thing I could complain about is the turn signal/horn is right where your knee hits when you climb on and I broke it. One more thing: the floor mats do not last that long. I'm ready for another pair and it's been 200 hrs and 3 years.
Pros: Heavy, strong tractor.
Cons: 2 gears (hydrostatic), floor mats don't last.
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Don't Let the Size Fool You!
Model Year: 2011
I purchased this tractor for around the house and cleaning out the barn. The original list of chores were mowing, landscape, firewood and stall cleaning. After a week, I forgot that I have a 55 hp tractor in the barn, this has to be the best cut on the market! It has done everything I've attempted, even some things I thought for sure it wouldn't do! The weight for its size is great, pulls a 5' box blade no problem! The loader will pick up round bales which surprised the heck out of me! You cant go wrong with this machine for a small farm or large property!
Pros: Size, wieght, capability, price.
Cons: Where the heck is my cup holder?
Model Year: 2011
I purchased this tractor for around the house and cleaning out the barn. The original list of chores were mowing, landscape, firewood and stall cleaning. After a week, I forgot that I have a 55 hp tractor in the barn, this has to be the best cut on the market! It has done everything I've attempted, even some things I thought for sure it wouldn't do! The weight for its size is great, pulls a 5' box blade no problem! The loader will pick up round bales which surprised the heck out of me! You cant go wrong with this machine for a small farm or large property!
Pros: Size, wieght, capability, price.
Cons: Where the heck is my cup holder?
One Year Review
Model Year: 2010
My little tractor has performed great over the last year. The only problems I've had are a broken bevel gear in the front drive (warranty work) and the battery cables. I have used it to maintain my road, gather firewood, plow snow (up to 4' deep), move many tons of earth and rocks, and general moving stuff around. It has done everything I've wanted without fail. It has started easily in all conditions. It has never been inside and still looks new, despite all I've done with it. It is the perfect size for what I do. The dealer has proven reliable and fair.
Pros: Size, power, price, quality.
Cons: Cheap battery cable ends.
Model Year: 2010
My little tractor has performed great over the last year. The only problems I've had are a broken bevel gear in the front drive (warranty work) and the battery cables. I have used it to maintain my road, gather firewood, plow snow (up to 4' deep), move many tons of earth and rocks, and general moving stuff around. It has done everything I've wanted without fail. It has started easily in all conditions. It has never been inside and still looks new, despite all I've done with it. It is the perfect size for what I do. The dealer has proven reliable and fair.
Pros: Size, power, price, quality.
Cons: Cheap battery cable ends.