No I have not used a CK25, never said I did. In fact said I didn't. I do, on a regular basis use a 24hp machine and a 30hp machine and there are some pretty dramatic differences between what the two can do with implements. While my 24hp has a loader that is equal/superior to the 30ph tractor, that is where the equality ends.
In reply to another post about my critism of the CK25 versus the CK30 and how it relates to "mowing centered" activity, I would say absolutely not. The CK25 is going to be using smaller implements all the way around. Smaller box blades, smaller snow blowers, smaller tillers, etc. Seems to me a tractor that size is fairly dramatically hampered by its size/hp ratio. I've said that before and will again. But the 25 will be limited to a tiller that is probably 8 to 12" narrower than the 30, and ditto with the mower deck, and ditto with the box blade. Simply put, the PTO hp is NOT available to run larger PTO implements, and hp put to the ground is not there to pull a box blade, cultivator, rear blade, etc as large as the 30 will pull.
Regarding using the tractor INSIDE a barn, that would lean me to the CK20, or more likely to a completely different brand. INSIDE a barn I want small size and tighter turning radious, the CK20 has that. But I'd still want the power of at least the CK25 for all the times when the tractor is OUTSIDE the barn running implements. So for that application I would look at the competition and pick a 24/25hp small frame tractor or I would look at the Power Trac PT425, which may be the best choice of all as long as no plowing or similar "true" agricultural use was intended. The PT425 would easily be superior inside any building, is superior with a front end loader even with lower specs because of its manuverability, it is clearly vastly superior with a post hole digger, and it will still mow, brush cut, etc.
I like the Kioti machines and have defended them to a much greater extent than many others (especially non-Kioti owners); however I point out some potential shortcomings in an objective way and expose some warts. I also expose warts on my own brands of equipment (I currently have 4 colors, and I restore a 5th color as a hobby), and I expose warts on other brands I don't own. Personally I think it is CONSTRUCTIVE to hear about the good and the bad. Listening to the preacher preach to the chior is fine sometimes, but objectivity in all the forums is better. No machine is perfect for every job and every task. The Kioti forum, in particular, seems to have a lot of advocates that, if crossed, get a little bent out of shape when the brand is questioned, even if just a little bit questioned. I personally will continue to visit and post my opinions, and probably get jumped on for it. So be it. That said, I still like the CK20 and the CK30 but feel the CK25 is best left on the dealers lot, along with the Edsel and more recently the Oldsmobile.
Somebody has to keep the advocates from getting to confident. I'm happy to do it. And I do it to Kubota's too. And oh yea, I have one of those. And I've exposed a problem or two with my NH. So far the only perfect tractor I've owned has been my first antique. . . but that was for purely sentimental reasons, not for its abilities.
