1st time buyer considering LB1914 or CK20HST

[rfmr]

As a 1st time buyer of a compact tractor, I'd appreciate your opinions about these 2 tractor choices. Initially I'd buy it with a FEL, snowblower, cab and brushhog. The main items I'll be doing are brushhoging 4 to 5 cleared acres 2 to 3 times a year, maintaining an existing fire trail on the property and snowplowing 2 200' driveways, 1 dirt and 1 paved. I'll use the FEL to do all those projects I've put off over the years.

Some of the questions I have are:
1. I'm assuming either one will take care of my main uses. Am I right?
2. Will I be dissapointed with the manual LB1914 since I'm use to a hydrostatic lawn tractor?
3. My fields are not the smoothest and my back is not like it was years ago. Is there a noticeable difference in comfort between the 2?
4. The HP for the PTO is 17.1 on the LB1914 but only 15.5 on the CK20HST. How important is that?
5. The spec sheet for the LB1914 doesn't show a mid PTO. I don't anticipate needing it now but if I did, am I reading it correctly?

Prices for a tractor w/FEL are 14,000 for the CK20HST and the LB1914 is 12,500 new or 11,000 for one with approx 250hrs. Do these look right?

Thanks in advance for your comments,
Bob

 

[Dmace]

You can read about the purchase of my new CK20 HST here.

I think the two tractors are very close in comparison. I personally chose the CK20 based solely on the style, comfort of new seat, and better dashboard ergonomics. In my opinion the HST is a must have. It is so much easier working with the FEL when you can so easily switch from forward to reverse and back again. The price sounds right on the mark. You will get a deal if buying everything at once. The cab is great. It's a Sims/Cab Depot cab and with heat and wipers, you can't beat it.
Make sure if you are paying for a new tractor, you get one of the newest versions with the updated suspension seat. I just bought mine right after they added the new seat and cup holder and now there is a new seat already.
/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Good Luck !

 

[KRK]

I've had an LB1914 since early this year and have no complaints about the work it is capable of doing or the ease of operation. For what you have in mind you will find this a nice sized machine. And beefy, too, with lots of metal in things like the hoods which can be bent back into shape if needed and not shatter like plastic.

You'll find using the transmission comes easily and, in fact, in spite of all the available gears most of the work seems to be done in only two (adjacent) of them. Real simple and basic to operate. The shuttle shift makes it quick and easy to go from forward to reverse with the simple movement of just one convenient lever. Go drive both. You will be impressed.

I do not know if any one could tell the PTO difference between the two tractors you are looking at but from experience it is very hard to overwork the LB1914 as long as the projects are actually suitable, or nearly so. It does like to tackle big jobs and the weight is an added bonus.

There is no mid-point PTO.

 

[wallace]

I quite sure that there is not aftermarket cab for the LB1914.
Make sure you try to find that out before you spend your time on something that is not going to work.
You will feel the difference between the 2 machines The Lb1914 will feel a little more powerful.

 

[bearhawk]

I have the CK20HST and have been very happy with it.

Jim

 

[gamble77]

I am with Wallace, the LB1914 will feel a little more powerful thank the CK20HST but if you want a cab on the tractor then the CK20 is really your only choice. I also think that with comfort being a priority then the CK20 is the obvious winner. Not to sat the LB1914 isn't comfortable it is just not as comfortable as the CK20. Good luck purchasing and keep us posted.

Still waiting on that PM Wallace!!!!

 

[rfmr]

After cleaning up from yesterdays 14" snowfall, today I went to the dealer (Batchelder Sales) and bought an LB1914 w/ FEL and 60" rear snowblower. Initially I had been leaning to the CK20HST but I just had to stay within a budget.

Trying to look at it rationally, weighing the pro's and con's and recognizing the loss of some bell's and whistle's I know the LB1914 will do what I want and more.

As for the Cab that was on my wish list, I know there isn't one available for this model but with a little "yankee ingenuity" I think I'll survive. I hope that optimistic statement doesn't come back to bite me, or should I say "frostbite" me after my 1st snowblowing experience.

Through the wonder of the internet it's great to be able to get advice from every corner of the globe or in the case of bearhawk and Dmace advice from those in my own back yard (Brookfield).

Thank you again for your advice.
Bob

 

[cag]

Let me be the first to congratulate you on the LB /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif...cag

 

[BigDogues]

Congrads on your new tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
You should look at some of the things that TBNers have done with golf-cart cabs kits from Northern Tool. A real nice inexpensive way to keep the winter chill off.

 

[Dmace]

Congrats on the new tractor Bob,

I am sure you will be happy. Batchelder Sales is a great place.
The rear mount snowblower is a blast and incredible. Yeah, looking back can be a pain, but I use the FEL to scrap the driveway and spread sand just as mush as I use the snowblower to move snow. So a front mount blower would be a pain in it's own way.
Take some pics when you get it home. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif