Just Purchased CK2610- My Initial Thoughts

[3rd Coast]

Greetings all,

Just picked up an '18 CK2610 with the upgraded KL4010 loader, rear remotes, box blade, and a few other odds and ends. Once I got it home and started exploring its capability I was blown away. In low range, it will do anything in my sandy/loose soil yard. It rides very well, has great visibility and an awesome turning radius. The controls are smooth for the loader and 3 point. Power Steering makes it all effortless. The seat is the best I sat on in the price range. I am a pretty big guy at 6'3" 250lbs and the seat dampened all the ruts and jolts very well.

A couple minor things- The range selector can be difficult to engage sometimes. I find myself giving a little more effort then I'd like to get it into low range. Also, I don't know what's up with the bucket leveling rod/indicator. This is the only model I tested that the rod is not flush with the tube when the bucket is level. It sits about 2-3 inches proud of the tube. I didn't think it'd be a big deal when testing the equipment but I think it's pretty goofy now that I've got it home and want to use it. Loader has a wide bucket so it's pretty difficult to see the side of it and its orientation. I suppose I could put some tape on the rod or find some other way to signal level, but putting a band aid on a new tractor seems silly. There is also no idiot lights for the 4WD or parking brake. I haven't ran the PTO yet to see if there is a light for that. The horn is a dealer installed option even though there is a button for it installed at the factory.

I cross shopped Mahindra, Deere, and LS. I almost bought the 2025R but I decided to check out Kioti at the last minute. For roughly the same price, the CK2610 destroys the 2025r in every aspect, including operator comfort, which initially sold me on the Deere. The Kioti is literally twice the tractor as the Deere. The LS is definitely a nice tractor for the money but I visited two dealers and just wasn't impressed with the overall operations. They were all nice guys and everything but at the end of the visit I always felt like selling and servicing tractors was their side job. This is not a dig at LS at all, I just didn't feel comfortable with the support I may have not received after the purchase. I felt Mahindra, like Deere, was just too proud of their tractors. Nice heavy units but too much money and felt less refined then all the others.

If you're looking at the CK2610, I don't see how anyone could regret it. The serviceability looks very good, access to maintenance items is very simple. All body panels are steel, paint quality is very good. Ergonomics are on point and the position is very comfortable to work from. I can't wait for my yard to dry out a little more to get some more seat time.

 

[cat fever]

Congrats and welcome to the pack.

 

[Amvcane]

Welcome and congratulations on the new machine.
Let痴 see some pics.
Great move on the loader upgrade. Wish I had that loader on my CK35.
On the level indicator, if you paint 4 or 5 1/2 inch wide stripes of different colors on the rod....you know where level is...now you can know how far below level you are.

 

[747driver]

Nice tractor you got ! My 13 CK27 has the same setup for the bucket rod. If I see it flush then I know it will start digging in. 2 " proud gets me level. I have a parking brake light. The range lever is somewhat stiff when going to low or going back to medium...I deal with it. You are right...the Kioti is a heavy machine and fit and finish are very good. Enjoy !!

 

[3rd Coast]

Forgot the pics...just showing my kids how to use our new wheelbarrow.

 

[crfowler]

Greetings all,

Just picked up an '18 CK2610 with the upgraded KL4010 loader, rear remotes, box blade, and a few other odds and ends. Once I got it home and started exploring its capability I was blown away. In low range, it will do anything in my sandy/loose soil yard. It rides very well, has great visibility and an awesome turning radius. The controls are smooth for the loader and 3 point. Power Steering makes it all effortless. The seat is the best I sat on in the price range. I am a pretty big guy at 6'3" 250lbs and the seat dampened all the ruts and jolts very well.

A couple minor things- The range selector can be difficult to engage sometimes. I find myself giving a little more effort then I'd like to get it into low range. Also, I don't know what's up with the bucket leveling rod/indicator. This is the only model I tested that the rod is not flush with the tube when the bucket is level. It sits about 2-3 inches proud of the tube. I didn't think it'd be a big deal when testing the equipment but I think it's pretty goofy now that I've got it home and want to use it. Loader has a wide bucket so it's pretty difficult to see the side of it and its orientation. I suppose I could put some tape on the rod or find some other way to signal level, but putting a band aid on a new tractor seems silly. There is also no idiot lights for the 4WD or parking brake. I haven't ran the PTO yet to see if there is a light for that. The horn is a dealer installed option even though there is a button for it installed at the factory.

I cross shopped Mahindra, Deere, and LS. I almost bought the 2025R but I decided to check out Kioti at the last minute. For roughly the same price, the CK2610 destroys the 2025r in every aspect, including operator comfort, which initially sold me on the Deere. The Kioti is literally twice the tractor as the Deere. The LS is definitely a nice tractor for the money but I visited two dealers and just wasn't impressed with the overall operations. They were all nice guys and everything but at the end of the visit I always felt like selling and servicing tractors was their side job. This is not a dig at LS at all, I just didn't feel comfortable with the support I may have not received after the purchase. I felt Mahindra, like Deere, was just too proud of their tractors. Nice heavy units but too much money and felt less refined then all the others.

If you're looking at the CK2610, I don't see how anyone could regret it. The serviceability looks very good, access to maintenance items is very simple. All body panels are steel, paint quality is very good. Ergonomics are on point and the position is very comfortable to work from. I can't wait for my yard to dry out a little more to get some more seat time.

I had a very similar experience, I also went with the 2610...patiently waiting on delivery, glad to hear about the positive initial review.

I also spoke to an LS dealer, they gave me a price on the XJ series tractor, and were supposed to get back to me with a price option on a backhoe, I never heard back... they only had a couple of LS models and seemed to be a little more focused on the other brands they were offering. This particular dealer has a great reputation, but they just seemed to be on a casual date with LS.

 

[Coyote machine]

Welcome to the Kioti pak.
As far as the range selector being tight, wait until you have some hours on the machine for it to become less stiff. In the meantime I suggest when experiencing hard shifting, come to a complete stop, try to shift to low, if it doesn't shift easily press on either fwd or rev pedal to coax it into 'gear'. If that doesn't work, then let the tractor roll a foot or two in whatever direction gravity would take it, then try again. If your tractor has a 3 range shift, L,M,H you will use m most all of the time. If you do a lot of work that needs low range then you'll use it more. High range is for transport say on a dirt road.

Your bucket level indicator may have some adjustment where it bolts together. You could get it absolutely level and verify it with a level in both directions, then cut the rod so it is at the top of the tube. Realize that very few things like landscapes are level, so I use it mostly to let me know when the bucket is close to level to the grade I'm working on so I can scrape up whatever material I'm wanting to get into my bucket- essentially, as a guide vs. sheer accuracy. Close enough works for me, when going from loading to dumping repeated buckets of stone, dirt, snow, etc.
Hope this helps. Also I suggest going over the entire tractor to check especially loader bolts and such for initial tightness, then again at say 50 hours of use. Not because you're going to find loose ones, instead to see if any are loose and correct them early on. I've had 2 DK_ series tractors in the last 9 years and have ove 1500 hours on the to combined, with about 350 on the DK-35 and the rest on my DK-40. They are all you said, especially in comparison to the other available brands.
Enjoy yours with your kids - you'll all have fun, but keep them way clear of the tractor whenever operating it.

 

[cat fever]

If you are going to cut the level rod on the loader I suggest putting a mark on it where you plan to cut then move the bucket to the full dump position and make sure the rod will not come out of the guide.

Another vote on what coyote machine stated, teach the kids to stay away while working. They will by nature be very curious and want to be right in the middle of things. Be safe and have fun with it.

 

[Coyote machine]

You could drill a hole through the level rod if you find it needs to be full length to not pop out of the tube when the bucket is in full dump. You would see when the hole in the rod was visible above the tube, and know the bucket is level. Once you cut the rod it's too late. I priced one out when I dropped a tree on mine and bent the curved section mostly flat. It's not cheap to replace. I bent mine back, Fortunately I didn't roll back any more with the loader or I would be the flat section, wearing the tree!:shocked:

 

[2ndhalf]

Nice tractor... Couple more years teach the kids to run it! My kids mowed as soon as they could reach the pedals. My grandson will probably be on my tractor running it as soon as he can reach the pedals if his dad lets me.

Teach them young and teach them right.

 

[George2615]

Welcome to TBN and congrats on your new tractor..

When your bucket is level use paint and paint a band around the rod. If you cut it then it may not be long enough to stay in the tube and tape around the rod would soon disappear.

Others have answered about the stiff range selector. Being in 4WD may also cause it to be hard to shift but most probable is it is new.

Most don't come with a 4WD indicator light but if you're a handy DIY'er one can be added with a switch, gauge and some wiring. I added one to my LS and also a digital voltmeter. Same can be said for adding a switch and light for the parking brake. Without a light it will be easy to forget and drive off with the brake still on...

The PTO will probably have a dash light come on when in use.

 

[DaveNJ]

I looked really hard at the CK's when buying and it ended up a solid #2 on my list for functionality and value. Local dealers for Kioti and LS were both good. Pricing and standard features on the LS XJ were slightly better but I have no doubt that the CK would have served me just as well.

 

[Dieseldash]

I didn稚 know you could get the upgraded KL4010 loader with the ck2610. How did you work that out with the dealer?

Nice looking tractor!! How do you like the Turfs so far?

 

[crfowler]

Just got mine today... it's pouring with rain today though :confused3:

 

[cphilip]

I pulled a stuck Chevy 2500 out of the mud with mine today.... hauled up about 200 feet up a slippery slope.

 

[3rd Coast]

I looked really hard at the CK's when buying and it ended up a solid #2 on my list for functionality and value. Local dealers for Kioti and LS were both good. Pricing and standard features on the LS XJ were slightly better but I have no doubt that the CK would have served me just as well.

I'm with ya. Honestly the XJ is all I really needed. Could have gotten the back ho with it for less than I paid for the Kioti setup. It all came down to dealer for me.

 

[3rd Coast]

I didn稚 know you could get the upgraded KL4010 loader with the ck2610. How did you work that out with the dealer?

Nice looking tractor!! How do you like the Turfs so far?

I didn't know that either until the dealer asked if I wanted it. $400 for the massive additional capacity...seemed like a no brainier. As for the turf tires it was really the only option for me. My entire yard is grass. Can't really compare them to anything else though. Dealer said it was the best bet for 99% of buyers.

 

[wassup8687]

Congratulations on the new tractor. The paint idea is a good one if you need a guide post. I wouldn't cut it because if your not sitting level or digging into dirt you may want the extra length sticking up out of the tube.

 

[3rd Coast]

Just got mine today... it's pouring with rain today though :confused3: View attachment 542105

We had just gotten like 5" of rain here in South West Michigan and I couldn't stop myself from trying it out. My back yard is all rutted up now

Just noticed you have your rops up in the garage...I've got a standard 7' door and with the rops down I'm maybe an inch from ripping off the door!

 

[3rd Coast]

Congratulations on the new tractor. The paint idea is a good one if you need a guide post. I wouldn't cut it because if your not sitting level or digging into dirt you may want the extra length sticking up out of the tube.

Yea I never planned to cut it. Paint pen seems like a logical choice. I've used it for a few more minutes since my initial post and honestly it's not that bad. I just know ball park where it needs to be and that good enough.