2005 KIOTI CK30 GEAR TRACTOR. Looking is free, but should I make a bid?

3jakes · May 2, 2012

Been looking at the other orange tractors, but this one showed up on ebay & the seller is only about 30 minutes away & thought i might contact him & go have a looksee..
2005 KIOTI CK30 GEAR TRACTOR.
subframe backhoe
800 hours
Seller mentions a leak on the hoe. & usual wear & tear.
2005 CK30 KIOTI 4WD TRACTOR WITH BACK HOE BOBCAT LOADER | eBay
What should I look for as a trouble spot on this model?
How much would you bid if you were me?

PatasColo · May 2, 2012

At $8200 (which would be your bid if you bid now), I'd say it's worth it.

However, it's likely that the latest bid is already above that (i.e. you bid, and then eBay raises it based on the current high bidder's max). In the end, it depends on a couple things:
- How well / regularly was this maintained?
- How much is it worth to you?
- How much are you willing to spend on it to bring it "up to snuff" once you buy it?

I always assume I'm going to have to put some money in. Just changing all fluids and filters (if you DIY) is going to be several hundred. Changing out seats is another chunk (or you could just use them as-is or slip cover with canvas).

Talk to the seller to get a better feel for #1 above. I'd recommend you go there and talk, and try it out. Make a list of all the things you need to try (it's easy to forget some in the moment of discussions). And make a list of things based on that for item #3.

But in the end, what is your answer to #2 above?

Sometimes, that a hard one to figure, so I figure this:
- At $xxxx dollars, I'd definitely buy it!
- At $yyyy dollars, I'd definitely pass on it... not worth it!
- Then, what would sway me one way or another if price is between xxxx and yyyy?

Best of luck!
-Mitch

PatasColo · May 2, 2012

P.S. It's a geared tractor. Don't lose sight of this. If you want an HST, then don't get caught up in "getting a good deal." Similarly with regard to size of tractor, or included implements. Do they meet your needs, or does it just look like a "good deal"? :thumbsup:

IslandTractor · May 4, 2012

I would expect that tractor to go for $11000+. Even geared it is a solid TLB and remember that used Kubota BX 23/24 TLBs sell for at least that amount. >800 hours is more than most so perhaps it would sell a little cheaper than I noted. 800hrs still is not much for a diesel though it certainly means it has been well used and therefore maintenance history would be important.

On a 2005 you would want to know if the loader has been updated with the crack preventer kit (not sure that is Kioti's name for it). Ask to see photos of the torque tube with the cover OFF and inspect the corners of the opening. Many if not most of these had hairline cracks. No big deal so long as you install the reinforcement kit which should still be available from Kioti for no charge.

(Edit: I don't see evidence of the loader reinforcement kit being installed in the photos but you'd really like to see the underneath side of the loader torque tube without the cover on. It would not stop me from bidding but it is a service item that needs attention. I'm a little concerned that I don't see grease stains on the loader or BH. Maybe he cleaned it up for photos (dumb) but clearly you want to know that the loader and BH have been properly greased as damage from lack of grease is expensive to fix)

Here is a thought: if you are serious then see if you can have it inspected and pay one of the guys from Rick Wallace's shop in Lake Ariel to drive an hour or so to give it a good look. They might even have been the selling dealer.

Mark_G · May 5, 2012

Hard to go wrong, and its not Kioti's bucket If I am reading this right so the torque tube isn't an issue. I have a 2006 gear with backhoe etc, would get another in a heartbeat if I needed another.

IslandTractor · May 5, 2012

Mark_G said:
Hard to go wrong, and its not Kioti's bucket If I am reading this right so the torque tube isn't an issue. I have a 2006 gear with backhoe etc, would get another in a heartbeat if I needed another.

Torque tube and bucket are unrelated. Torque tube cracks are on the FEL. It is definitely the Kioti KL130 which does have the issue with cracks but again, so long as the loader works ok now (seems to based on pictures) then it just needs the Kioti loader kit installed to support the torque tube. Any dealer can do that and though the official program is long since expired, I think a quick phone call will inform you that Kioti continues to do this for free through dealers. Tractor would have to go to a dealer (or dealer would have to agree to come to you). Only a couple of hours work at most.

Looking more closely at the loader and BH, it does appear to have been greased.

These are solid tractors. The loader is fine once the kit is installed. The KB2375 backhoe works well so long as the valves are OK. Common problem with the control valves but relatively easy to replace or repair if needed.