Buying Advice CK20??? Is it right for me???

[jwrambo]

Also, while on the topic of capability and how well a tractor can do a job, will the CK20 do a better job than say the MF, BX, etc. because it is a CUT and not a SCUT?

 

[jwrambo]

Update. Test drove several Kioti's today at Dickson Tractor in Westminster, SC. Randy and his son were great. They happened to have a used CK20 HST and a new Manual CK20. They have a lot next door with some piles of dirt. I was able to see how well the loader functioned with the used one. Seemed to work pretty good. However, I did not like the HST at all. It seemed to rob a lot of power away from the tractor. I felt the manual to be a whole different machine. Shifting did not bother me in the least, and I think after an hour or so, it would become second nature. He also spoiled me by letting me run a DK35, wow! I just think it is too big for what I am doing. Any other opinions???

 

[grizzlydave]

I have been looking at the ck 20 also , and have came to the same conclusion . The hst robs this machine way to much ! I've read else where that a hst only takes 3% of the hp but it feels more like 20% on the ck20 ! My mind has been made up and i am going with the gear model . I dont understand some guys big deal with manual trannies , **** my wife can drive a shuttle shift , guess that extra pedal messes with them ! lol !

 

[VictorW]

The hst does seem a little underpowered compared to the gear in the ck20 model. Maybe because of only two speed ranges where all the larger models have three speed ranges.
HST or gear? That's up to personal preference and the jobs your doing. Once again, to each his/her own.

 

[Gittyup]

My understanding is the HST models get much stronger after break in. Not that I'm argueing for it; I have a gear CK25 for the same reasons. But, it might be better than you think. I own both types, and HST is far superior, if you have enough HP to operate it with some left over for everything else (like the CK35). The CK20 and CK27 do not. But my CK25 gear is a real beast and I've never wanted for more HP.

I think the same would be true of the CK20 gear. I just don't like that it's not shuttle. Only 2 reverse speeds, and both are not so useful. One is too low and the other can be too high. I wish they'd squeeze the 27 hp motor and 3 speed tranny onto the CK20 platform (kinda like the TYMT293). That would be real sweet.

 

[jwrambo]

Not sure on getting stronger. The HST I ran today had about 100 hrs. on it, so not sure how much more "broke in" it would get. Just felt like two totally different machines. I had read about the dislike for the various speeds. I tried to get a feel for all speeds and gears, but only more time could tell the tale on that. I didn't get to operate a HST on the larger models as the dealer only had manual versions. The shuttle was nice on the larger units, but not having that on the CK20 isn't the end of the world. Seems like the CK20 will do what I will be asking of it. I would like to have a similar demo with a MF and Kubota, but the dealers around hear just want you to drive around the parking lot.

 

[bearhawk]

... I would like to have a similar demo with a MF and Kubota, but the dealers around hear just want you to drive around the parking lot. ...

That happened to me, went to the other K store and wanted to try it out. Salesman said "we don't like to get them dirty".

Went to Dick Batchelder and he pointed me to a pile of dirt and said "Have at it".

300 hours on my CK20HST and I do enjoy the HST.

I had rented a gear model and got a chance to work with it one weekend. I quickly tired of shifting while moving a pile of dirt.

 

[IslandTractor]

The hst does seem a little underpowered compared to the gear in the ck20 model. Maybe because of only two speed ranges where all the larger models have three speed ranges.
HST or gear? That's up to personal preference and the jobs your doing. Once again, to each his/her own.

The issue is exactly that the 2 speed hydro is not terribly well matched to the CK20. For reasons known only to the Lord, Kioti has not bothered to upgrade the CK20 with a 3 speed hydro the way Kubota upgraded their B series a couple of years ago. That would fix the only real Achilles Heel on the tractor.

That said, I loved my CK20 HST and it did a fantastic job clearing land and mowing with plenty of power for the 4ft bush hog and 5ft finish mower. If it had a middle range on the HST it would have been less annoying as a mower in hilly ground but that was a small price to pay considering the overall goodness of the tractor. I learned to either mow across the hill or to run low uphill and switch to high for the downhill pass. A PITA to be sure but manageable. If I were mostly finish or pasture mowing with a CK20 I might get a gear but with brush clearing, loader work and other direction changing tasks the HST is far more convenient.

 

[Kioti guy]

I presently own a CK 20hst that I absolutely love,it does everything that I have asked it do and more,I have 1200' driveway that I grade with a 5' box blade and the hst has plenty of power even with a full load of gravel,
Previously I have owned both gear and hst and shuttle tractors,and for my purposes ( grading ,blowing snow,moving earth and gravel etc) the ck 20 is the perfect tractor.
As far as cutting grass with the industrial tires ,as long as I don't cut the day after a big rainfall they don't mark up the turf any worse then the turf tires on my riding mower.....
I looked at many of the same tractors as you when I was looking for my new tractor and for my money none of the other small tractors offered anywhere near the value......that said this is your money so take your time and try as many as you can before you buy ,good luck
Don't forget you have to show pictures after you buy

 

[laurencen]

I have the CK20 gear, for mowing the 1st gear high is too slow now but when first cutting the pasture it was too high, its a pain the blades are dis engaged when you push the clutch in, espicially when tilling close to a fence.

I have had good luck 5 foot finishing tilling and rough cut, I use a 6 foot rear snow blower with no issues