Buying Advice Cab or no cab?

[Rich_Z]

Last night, I told my wife I was thinking about buying a new Camry that would be about $29k. She got excited and said I should treat myself if I had the money. Then I mentioned I was also thinking about buying a cab tractor instead. Dead silence.

Heck, my wife is actually pushing me to buy whatever I want. I married my best friend 45 years ago and never regretted it. But the fly in the ointment now is that she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer just over a year ago. Honestly just researching tractors has helped a lot to keep me from falling off into that bottomless pit I feel tugging at me. And I think she knows it and believes that having another toy to play with might help me keep my sanity when/if the worst happens.

Actually one reason for the thoughts of getting a tractor tractor is because those extra hands she would have to help me with will likely not be around all that much longer. But maybe I have mentioned this before. My brain doesn't work all that well when under stress.

 

[LouNY]

I got the 2620 this summer, it does decent and is getting a bit better as it gets broke in.
Your salesman sounds like most, makes a lot of noise and isn't very informed.
The 2620 has to meet the emission requirements for the under 25 Hp which are much more lenient then above 25 Hp. The 2620 is a mechanical injected engine which "supposedly" can be turned up 10 hp more quite easily. Of course that also voids the warranty.
Above the 25 hp all tractors will have either a DOC (diesel oxidizing catalyst) which is supposedly a continuous regenerating process using the normal exhaust heat, the others will have a DPF (diesel particulate filter) which supposedly traps the larger diesel particulates and at a certain point in operation will be regenerated, usually by the addition of extra fuel to burn in the exhaust system to heat it up and burn the larger trapped particles. Most of the tractors with DPF's are also common rail injected.
Common rail is a sophisticated high pressure electronic fuel injection which has the potential to be a very efficient system.
And costly to trouble shoot and repair when it fails.
I believe at this time the requirement for DEF (deisel exhaust fluid) begins at 75 Hp for almost all tractors. I think I have read of a few that squeezed by without, and definitely anything above a 100 hp has a DPF and uses DEF.

 

[deserteagle71]

Just how much of a maintenance issue is the emissions crap to have to deal with? I was talking to a salesman at a Kioti dealer yesterday and he was telling me that the CK2620SE HST CAB has that diesel emissions control stuff on it too, even though it is a <25hp motor. He said Kioti is doing something different rather than requiring DEF. They are using high temps to burn off the carbon of whatever. First I had heard about that. And yeah, I hear you about the diesel small. I really HATE it.

No DEF unless you are looking at a much larger (100+ HP) tractor. And Kioti is NOT doing anything different...as explained above, all the diesel pollution control systems are either the catalyst system or DPF (diesel particulate filter) system. BOTH of them require high heat in the exhaust system to burn out the soot. Only difference is that it is a continuous process with the catalyst system, and a periodic regeneration (every so many hours) with the DPF system. If you get a new tractor, READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL! Then follow what they tell you as far as maintaining the emissions system! If you do that, you shouldn't have any problems. I believe pretty much all the new tractors, whether they use the catalyst system or a DPF, tell you to minimize idle time - the hotter the exhaust system stays the cleaner it will run and the less problems you will have. That seems to be a recurring problem talked about here on TBN...owners of these new tractors who won't run their engines hard and then have problems with the emissions system. So...if you think you'll have trouble adjusting to having your tractor engine roaring at PTO speeds all the time, find yourself a good older one, pre-emissions.

It took me a bit to adjust to running my Kubota at high rpms most of the time. But in over 600 hours of operation now I've had absolutely no problems. Only way I know the regeneration process is going on is if I notice the regen light is on in the dash. After 15 minutes or so the light goes off and I'm good for another 50 or so hours . No difference in the way the tractor operates.

 

[4570Man]

Just how much of a maintenance issue is the emissions crap to have to deal with? I was talking to a salesman at a Kioti dealer yesterday and he was telling me that the CK2620SE HST CAB has that diesel emissions control stuff on it too, even though it is a QUOTE]

All the manufacturers use DPFs for 75 hp and less engines. They’re pretty reliable and don’t cause a lot of problems. Failing to regen is probably the biggest one. Going above 75 hp require DEF and they’re drastically more complicated.

 

[TN8Man]

Right now, the Kioti CK2620SE HST CAB is tops on my list.

If I remember correctly the CK2620SE does not have nor require the complex emissions systems which is a good thing.

 

[TN8Man]

Heck, my wife is actually pushing me to buy whatever I want. I married my best friend 45 years ago and never regretted it. But the fly in the ointment now is that she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer just over a year ago. Honestly just researching tractors has helped a lot to keep me from falling off into that bottomless pit I feel tugging at me. And I think she knows it and believes that having another toy to play with might help me keep my sanity when/if the worst happens.

Actually one reason for the thoughts of getting a tractor tractor is because those extra hands she would have to help me with will likely not be around all that much longer. But maybe I have mentioned this before. My brain doesn't work all that well when under stress.

I'm so sorry and sad to hear that and I can't imagine having to deal with it.

 

[arrow]

Thomasville, GA is about an hour or so to the north of me.

No, I meant the town in northern Florida and so sorry about what you're dealing with.
I know what that feels like.

 

[bearthebruce]

the fly in the ointment now is that she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer just over a year ago. Honestly just researching tractors has helped a lot to keep me from falling off into that bottomless pit I feel tugging at me

I hear ya and am sorry you are going through this with her. Seems as we age it gets harder. My wish for you both is that the cancer will be beat, that the extra hands will be with you a long time.

In my case, since we have 200 acres with 10% in pasture, a cabbed tractor would be a problem. An open seat is much easier to operate in the woods! Mind, I wish we had a cabbed tractor for the fields but we made a self made cover to keep the sun off and it makes it liveable. Still the engine heat in the middle of a day of cutting.. makes things warm.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Heck, my wife is actually pushing me to buy whatever I want. I married my best friend 45 years ago and never regretted it. But the fly in the ointment now is that she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer just over a year ago. Honestly just researching tractors has helped a lot to keep me from falling off into that bottomless pit I feel tugging at me. And I think she knows it and believes that having another toy to play with might help me keep my sanity when/if the worst happens.

Actually one reason for the thoughts of getting a tractor tractor is because those extra hands she would have to help me with will likely not be around all that much longer. But maybe I have mentioned this before. My brain doesn't work all that well when under stress.

We're supposed to die before them, we're the foolish ones; it's not right.



Your salesman is right in the sense that the CK2610 has to meet Tier IV requirements for tractors under 26 horsepower; what your salesman doesn't mention is that the requirements for sub-26 horsepower engines are basically nil. The only difference between the CK2610(20)SE and CK2610(20) with regards to the engine is the inclusion of a ECM; this allows some of the premium options not available on the more basic machine. Or that's what I managed to put together when I was shopping. The SE also has a different clutch setup as well.

I avoided going over 25 horsepower to keep away from the DPF; but honestly, I run at a high enough RPM I don't think it would give me any trouble. Also, I've been really happy with the overall quality of my Kioti. I say these things to suggest going for the tractor that speaks the most to you, DPF or not. They seem a lot less of a headache than they were at first.

Also, the CK2610 is an extremely capable machine; it will do almost anything a CK3510 will do, if a little slower. That exception? PTO work. If you're running PTO implements, that 2610 will never be able to match a higher horsepower machine.

Any excuse to post a picture of my tractor...

 

[2manyrocks]

Since the OP intends to use his tractor in the woods, did you have to fabricate your grill protection? How well protected are the hydraulic lines and filters on the CK tractors?

 

[tacticalturnip]

Since the OP intends to use his tractor in the woods, did you have to fabricate your grill protection? How well protected are the hydraulic lines and filters on the CK tractors?

I do not have the skills to make my own grille guard, so I had to throw money at the problem. The grille guard came from Broken Anvil Metalworks; I've been pretty happy with it, and judging by the indent I don't remember making, I suppose it's already saved my headlights.

I can take photos of the filters, and hydraulic lines if you'd like.

 

[2manyrocks]

I believe that could be very helpful to the OP. He doesn't need to have a stick poke a hole in something unexpectedly.

I don't know what the situation is with Kioti's, but I've been surprised myself at how some tractor filters are placed on the bottom of tractors and are totally exposed to being damaged.

 

[Rich_Z]

I do not have the skills to make my own grille guard, so I had to throw money at the problem. The grille guard came from Broken Anvil Metalworks; I've been pretty happy with it, and judging by the indent I don't remember making, I suppose it's already saved my headlights.

I can take photos of the filters, and hydraulic lines if you'd like.

Ah, been wanting to try to find one of those. Thanks for the link.

As for latest developments, been talking this over with my wife and she is all gungho about me getting a tractor. Matter of fact she thinks I should get the backhoe add-on too. On one hand I think that might be a good idea, but on the other hand, well, I want to get a cab for the tractor, but when using the backhoe, then that cab will be "over there" while I am "over here". Not sure if that is going to make any logical sense or not.

Then my wife starts talking about building something to keep the tractor in along with all the attachments I will likely accumulate. That starts to complicate things. But she says that with Kioti offering 0$ down and 0% interest, I could take the money I was going to use to pay cash for the tractor and put that into the building instead, while we just make the monthly payments. Which would be easily covered by our social security monthly payments.

Things seem to happen to me this way all of the time. I get a simple idea, and then the overthinking gene kicks in and next thing I know I have an overcomplicated mess to try to wade through. Sometimes I can't even remember how the heck I got there.

 

[TN8Man]

Ah, been wanting to try to find one of those. Thanks for the link.

As for latest developments, been talking this over with my wife and she is all gungho about me getting a tractor. Matter of fact she thinks I should get the backhoe add-on too. On one hand I think that might be a good idea, but on the other hand, well, I want to get a cab for the tractor, but when using the backhoe, then that cab will be "over there" while I am "over here". Not sure if that is going to make any logical sense or not.

Then my wife starts talking about building something to keep the tractor in along with all the attachments I will likely accumulate. That starts to complicate things. But she says that with Kioti offering 0$ down and 0% interest, I could take the money I was going to use to pay cash for the tractor and put that into the building instead, while we just make the monthly payments. Which would be easily covered by our social security monthly payments.

Things seem to happen to me this way all of the time. I get a simple idea, and then the overthinking gene kicks in and next thing I know I have an overcomplicated mess to try to wade through. Sometimes I can't even remember how the heck I got there.

The pole barn in my picture is where I keep my tractor but when I had the 35hp I kept it in my basement. It does not cost that much to have a pole barn built compared to a stick building.

 

[Lastkidpicked]

Your age qualifies you for a cab, you deserve one, buy it.

You are also dis-qualified for pole saw operation, don't buy one. Let a younger man and your checkbook do that work. It's cheaper than a heart attack.

This is excellent advice. If investing in equipment turns a chore into an enjoyable afternoon, then what else could you want?

But the fly in the ointment now is that she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer just over a year ago. Honestly just researching tractors has helped a lot to keep me from falling off into that bottomless pit I feel tugging at me.

First of all, Rich, thank you for trusting us enough to open up a bit. And for the members on this forum, thank you for being trustworthy friends.

It's amazing how tractors, mowers, and other equipment can transform us into a nice state of mind. And getting out there, getting some physical activity, and then looking at what you've accomplished. It's an amazing feeling.

Well worth the cost of the equipment.

 

[redman135]

To the OP. Have you considered contractors to prune the wooded area to make it safer for your cab glass?
Also use contractors for LARGE work and just have your tractor for maintenance work.
You had a heart atttack last year, this forbides you from heavy labour. Let a tractor do the work.

A/C in your climate is mandatory.
I recommend getting 3rd service ex factory as retro fit is pricey.
Loader: usually best to get a 3ph 3(point hitch) counterweight for stability and safty.
Also travel with the loader low down as with the weight up high a sudden change in direction make it easy to roll over.
Gearbox: hydro as it is more forgiveing rookie mistakes. ALSO go for 3 range hydro if budget permitts.

Track (width) has a large effect on stabity "feel". Look for adjustable width rims (usually ag rims) or use wheel spacers (CHECK WARRENTY) is still valid.
Lastly, as your skill/confidence increases you will get mission creep.

Some food for thought. Good luck

 

[Mark N]

+1 on the Broken Anvil Metalworks grill guard -- my wife (a veterinarian) wanted the Coyote face-version

 

[Rich_Z]

Well, been watching a couple of videos by a guy who broke the frame on his Kioti backhoe. So backing off of that a bit. But the silver lining in that cloud is that if I were going to spend that extra 10K or so, perhaps I could look into a little bit more horsepower instead. I noticed that just about everything is identical in the CK20SEH CAB series, except for the horsepower rating. So maybe if the price difference isn't stupid, I will consider that as an option. Trouble is finding prices can be a challenge. I asked Kioti directly for MSRP on their tractor lines, and they refused to provide it, saying it was up to the dealers. ???? Not sure what they mean by that. Doesn't MSRP mean Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price? Emphasis on MANUFACTURER's?

Heck, here we go again. Overthinking this to death......

Now I need to look at CK3520SEH CAB and CK4020SEH CAB too.

 

[tacticalturnip]

+1 on the Broken Anvil Metalworks grill guard -- my wife (a veterinarian) wanted the Coyote face-version

Oh that's cool! Could you snap a photo?

 

[arrow]

Well, been watching a couple of videos by a guy who broke the frame on his Kioti backhoe. So backing off of that a bit. But the silver lining in that cloud is that if I were going to spend that extra 10K or so, perhaps I could look into a little bit more horsepower instead. I noticed that just about everything is identical in the CK20SEH CAB series, except for the horsepower rating. So maybe if the price difference isn't stupid, I will consider that as an option. Trouble is finding prices can be a challenge. I asked Kioti directly for MSRP on their tractor lines, and they refused to provide it, saying it was up to the dealers. ???? Not sure what they mean by that. Doesn't MSRP mean Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price? Emphasis on MANUFACTURER's?

Heck, here we go again. Overthinking this to death......

Now I need to look at CK3520SEH CAB and CK4020SEH CAB too.

1. yes
2. No, you don't. Not for how you explained you're using a tractor..

A backhoe simply is complicating things.

Here's the problem with tractor forums: 1. you will get advice based on "personal" experience which may or may not pertain to you whatsoever.
2. It is very easy to spend someone else's money.
3. People have different attitudes toward tractoring with the predominant one being: "always get a bigger tractor than you think you need" which may pertain 80% of the time and thus, appears to give the idea credence.
4. The entire point of this forum with its plethora of opinions, is to sift through all the contributions, be honest w yourself, get educated and arrive at a decision based on YOUR needs.

I work for a company that sells tractors. We are very careful not to under sell or over sell customers.
We "listen" to the customer first and foremost on what they wish to do w their machine.
Based on this compilation of information, we then give the customer choices within their range of explanation of usage and price point.
We very seldom, if ever get customers with "buyers remorse" if they explained their usage accurately.
Even in the totally rare instance ( like 2 in the seven years I've been there) of that happening, we simply trade them out of their current machine and give them what they paid for it toward the trade.
That acts like a "safety net" to assure the customer that they have their hand held if need be.

We are not the only company that does this sort of thing where virtually "no purchase or tractor chosen mistake can be made without it being covered".

This is the brand we sell. I believe there is a Mahindra dealership near you in Thomasville Florida.
This or another brand in this size range, is all the tractor you need for your explained usage.