CK20HST vs. CK25 Manual

[chazzy]

I was told to re-post here, so here I go:
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I just got some quote as following:
1. CK20 HST w/ 50" FEL & 50" Box Scraper for $14,400 + tax.
2. CK25 Manual w/ 60" FEL & 60" Box scraper for $13,600 + tax.

My major intended use is for clearing brushes/weeds on a mostly flat 5-acre field. The same dealer also quote me additional $2,000 for a 60" rotary brush cutter (Kioti brand). They also said would deliver the tractor for free to my place, 60-mile trip.

My questions are:
> How important is to have hydrostatic trans for my intended job?
> Are the prices reasonable?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Gittyup]

Read this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-buying-pricing/144972-advantages-gear-synchro-over-hst.html


I'm surprised the CK25 is less money, even in gear. These were the 2 models I was considering when I bought. I was looking for a ground engagement machine, and so went with the bigger, heavier tractor. But, when I compared (3 years ago) the CK25 gear was a few hundred more than a CK20 HST.

You might want to also consider a grapple on your bucket if you have a lot of brush to grub and pile.

 

[IslandTractor]

I did a lot of brush clearing on 5 acres with a CK20 HST. If I had only that original 5 acres to work I would still have the CK20. It did a brilliant job (with a grapple, bush hog and BH) and I could not have asked for more (except perhaps a suspension seat (now standard) and a middle range in the HST). The lift capacity on that little bugger was great for brush clearing. The size of the tractor was just right and the hefty weight was all necessary (including filled tires) because of the loader.

For the work you are proposing I think you need an HST as there will be lots of back and forth moment in addition to just bush hogging. If you were primarily plowing or doing ground engaging work then the CK25 would have an advantage but for general utility work such as brush clearing I'd choose an HST. The CK25 KL130 loader is only a small amount more powerful than the KL120 and not enough to make a difference IMO.