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

[jwrambo]

First, I am new to the forum, and I am thanking everyone in advance for your help in making a buying decision. I have just purchased five acres in the NE Georgia mountains. It is a mix of about 3.5 acres of cleared pasture that slopes up to 1.5 acres of wooded area. The pasture area consists of fescue and a mix of weeds, clover, etc. It is not the smoothest, and pretty bumpy when driving the truck or utv around the property. It is however relatively flat. It transitions into a slope going up to the wooded area. It rises about 3' every 10'. Through grading, I plan to lessen the steepness of the slope to make mowing easier. The wooded area is loaded with poison ivy and other undergrowth. Hopefully, I have described the property well enough to facilitate ya'll giving me informed advice. I really like the CK 20 even though it is a little more $ than the Massey Ferguson GC2600. Both of them have free loaders right now. Work wise, I will be mowing the pasture area, clearing brush in the wooded area, moving firewood, maintaining a gravel road, tilling and maintaining a garden, the occasional snow removal, and other small farm chores. Construction wise, I will be building a couple of pole barns, so an auger will be necessary, doing the site work for the barns, landscaping around the house and property, and doing some final grade work. Seems like used units in great shape are hard to come by, and with the free loader offer the difference between new and used is very small. Spec wise it seems as thought the CK20 is superior to all the other brands with the exception of a little less horsepower. That is the only spec on the CK20 that concerns me. I think I like the added weight of the CK20, and feel as though the weight will help with traction. On the other hand, is 22 hp enough for the 2,200 pound weight of the tractor? Will the CK20 handle the tasks above? What type of mower would be best for my situation? The Kioti dealer is telling me the MMM is a pain to remove. Is he doing this cause his unit does not have the mid PTO? Would a finish mower or a bush hog serve me better? What size mower/bush hog decks can I use? My head is spinning, and since I do not have any tractor experience I am leaning heavily on the opinions of others. Thank you so much in advance for everyone's help. Jason

 

[kraftykeltic]

You are looking at two different categories of tractors. The CK 20 is a compact tractor.

The GC 2600 is a sub-compact tractor, It is quite a bit lighter than the Kioti.

Either should be able to do what you want to do. I would go with a 3 point mower.

 

[Gittyup]

Read as many posts as you can about the CK20. There is plenty of information in threads already here to tell you the pros of cons of that tractor. It is way more tractor than the GC2600. It will do everything you want. I'd go with a rear finish mower and a small bush hog or flail. Or if you really want a MMM, look at the Bobcat version.

I'd easily pick the CK20 over the MF GC's. The only similar tractor to the CK20 is the TYM T233. In the TYM, you can get about the same frame size/dimensions. On the TYM frame, if able to swing a few more dollars, (maybe, maybe not), you can step up the HP to the T293. Same chassis, but 29 HP. Smallest frame with maximum HP I've found

Of course, John Deere and Kubota have nice machines in this size range (2000 series and B-series). But, they'll cost you thousands more.

For the money, the CK20 or BC equivalent are virtually impossible to beat. A new player is LS. I think they have a comparable model for similar money too.

 

[jwrambo]

Kraftykeltic, the MF is definitely lighter. I mentioned it because it is in the same price range. I have been told the MF will loose traction before it runs out of power. I have also been told the opposite about the CK20. I was told it could run out of power before it would loose traction. Guess it also depends on HST vs. Gear. I am open to either. What exactly is a three point mower. I am new to all of this. Again, I thank you.

Gittyup, what is the TYM? I cannot figure out the acronym. JD is just too much, and Kubota just seems inferior in every spec. Even the MF specs out better than the Kubota. I have been reading as many posts as I can to learn as much as I can. On some of the posts, I have read concerns about the engine stalling going up inclines with the HST. I have also read complaints about the speeds with the manual. What would the pros and cons be? So you do not think I would have any problems with the jobs listed above, or am I asking too much from a small unit?

 

[jwrambo]

I also was wondering if I am going to create ruts in my future lawn with the R4 tires? This may be the only time a lighter weight unit would be advantageous, thoughts?

 

[Gittyup]

TYM is a manufacturer of a competing tractor. Yes the CK20 will do all your chores quite effectively. But, IMHO mowing is it's weakest chore. Still plenty capable with a 5' finish mower, or a 4' bush hog.

 

[k0ua]

Here is a little info. A 3pt mower is a mower that fits on the 3 point hitch on the back of the tractor. This can be a finish mower, think sharp fixed blade like a lawn mower or it can be a rough cut mower, sometimes called a rotary cutter, bush hog brush hog, etc. The finish mower will give a great looking cut in grass, but not meant for brush or saplings. The rotary cutter has dull swinging blades. and is best for rough stuff, and will survive hitting rocks, and big stumps. etc. There is also another kind called a Flail, that has multiple "knives" that is kind of in between, gives a good cut but will survive some rocks, and is considered safer. (doesnt throw rocks). In my opinion buy as much tractor as you can afford, A lot of people start with a smaller tractor and trade up, as a larger tractor seems intimidation to them at first. Now as to Hydrostat vs. gear, well I fall into the Hydro lover camp. as I really enjoy using them for loader work and mowing with my rotary cutter. The control of the tractor is just so much better in my opinion. I used gear tractors for many years, but will never go back. The only thing I can think of that gear tractors do better is plowing a field. Of course this is a big controversy on this forum, and you will get a lot of opinions, but I think about how happy I am with the hydro every time I use the tractor. Good luck in what ever you choose.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

I also was wondering if I am going to create ruts in my future lawn with the R4 tires? This may be the only time a lighter weight unit would be advantageous, thoughts?

Also another controversial issue, and a lot of opinions here. The R4 tires are a compromise tire. No one tire does everything well. I have the R4 tires and like them. They are pretty easy on the lawn, but not as good as R3 (Turf) tires. R1 (Ag) tires are the worst on the lawn, but the best traction in mud. R4 are the best for load carrrying ability in loader work, and are the toughest as far a puncture resistance. Not that great in mud, maybe better than R3, but not as good as R1. Of course chains can be put on all types to improve traction in all cases. Yes a lighter tractor will in general put less pressure on a lawn. Of course the wider tires, like R4 and R3 usually are, will also put less pressure on the lawn. Keep asking questions, we will keep trying to answer them.

James K0UA

 

[TractorTidy]

As a dealer (Kioti) and and being around tractors all my life, I would at minimum recommend the CK20. It is definitely more tractor than the sub-compacts (GC's, BX's and 2305's). More tractor weight, larger frame, more loader capacity, larger tires and a standard cat. 1 3pt. hitch. On subs, you would have to use "low profile" implements to get them to lift high.

Most of what has been said is correct. The hydro is the way to go, however, don't expect to climb moderate slopes in high range. That's what low range is for, on any tractor. It's not a fault of the tractor.

Kioti does not make a mid-mount mower yet, have been hounding them for a while but their focus now is for a new "sub" for next year w/ a MMM on it.

My only concern is that even w/ the CK20, in time you may wish you went a little bigger, possibly a CK27. W/ the the 20, you can only really use 4' implements, 5' finish mower and a 27 or larger can take 5' implements and 6' finish. Definitely go w/ the R-4's.

The 20 is an excellent tractor as really all Kioti's are. They are kind of the "diamond in the ruff" so to speak.

 

[jwrambo]

k0ua, I woke up this morning feeling mildly retarded when I realized when I asked about a three hitch mower, it was just one that hooks up to the three point hitch. Wish I could have retracted that one. I'm thinking I could use a finish mower since I plan to use a rock rake to make sure the pasture is clear of anything that could damage the blades. Thanks for the advice on the tires.

Tractortidy, when talking about a larger tractor, will it do a better job, or just do it faster since it can use larger implements? The reason I ask is I like the smaller size to be able to work in my wooded area, and if it takes me just a little longer to till my garden because I had to use a 4' tiller that isn't the end of the world. A bigger mower would be nice, but I think 5' would get it done pretty quick. Have read on the various forums the hydro does stall going up an incline, correct? Have also heard complaints about the geared tranny being too slow in 2 and too fast in 3rd. What is your experience on that? I would like a hydro, but I found a dealer with a geared unit at the old price that is awful attractive.

 

[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