CK20HST vs CK25HST

xdakotakid · Apr 11, 2006

I'm looking at each of these and was wondering in what instances is the 25 a better choice?

I'm looking at using it on the ~2 or so cleared acres (almost all sloping) and I've got to get rid of blackberries and brush, general cleanup, landscaping, driveway work etc.

I was thinking of renting a mini to do the excavation to get some flat area and then "finish" up and move the dirt with the FEL. I was going to get a box blade and maybe the landscape rake and then look for a used tiller and/or tilt blade.

Thanks

IslandTractor · Apr 11, 2006

Dakota,

I am using a CK20 to do the same work you are describing on about four acres. I think the size is fine for that and I have not once wished that I'd gone for the CK25 or CK30. Depending on whether your "brush" is trees or stuff that will sucumb to a bush hog, you could use either a TLB configuration or just go with the CK20 plus FEL plus toothbar plus bush hog (48"). That should do the job nicely. Only reason for the backhoe would be if you have a lot of trees >3 inches/diameter that might need digging out.

If you have to move rather than mulch a lot of the brush then you might consider adding a "Add A Grapple" type device to the FEL as it will make moving brush a lot easier. I've been doing it OK with just the toothbar (don't even try without) but as I still have a lot to move I am about to add a full grapple attachment to enable faster progress.

In a setting like you describe, the only advantage of the CK25 would be running a 60" bush hog and with only two acres to deal with that is really not necessary. The FELs on the CK20 and CK25/30 are very close in power so you don't gain much there with the upgrade.

Good luck with you projects. I am confident the CK20 would be more than enough tractor for you.

coasterez · Apr 11, 2006

I have the CK25. As with most of us, we think our machine is the right one. I only have 2.5 acres and thought the CK20 was plenty big enough (and really is). But, I opted for the bigger, heavier tractor because:

better suited for digging (most important criteria for me)
price difference was not significant (I was looking gear)
broader resale appeal

There are several posts on my rationale (and many other's too). I'll leave it for you to read them and draw your own conclusions. No matter which you choose, you will be pleased with a Kioti.

Tom

xdakotakid · Apr 12, 2006

by digging do you mean you are using the backhoe or that you're using a toothbar on the fel?

What kind of price difference did you see?

Glen_Ippolito · Apr 12, 2006

I think the CK20 would do just fine. At some tasks it will just take longer. If your going to ck25 I don't think it's much more to go with the 30 for more pto hp. That is if you want more pto hp. If I remember the price difference from the 25 to 30 was like 1500.
Glen

coasterez · Apr 12, 2006

By digging, I mean any kind of digging - FEL, backhoe, BB, grader. The ck25/30 is just a much heavier (weight) machine. This will translate directly to better ground traction and stability under load, and less overall stress to the machine. The CK25 will also operate a bigger backhoe, which was important to me. However, as stated, the ck20 will be able to accomplish most jobs, albeit more slowly (in many cases just as fast). All the Kiotis are outstanding machines, as are many other brands.

As I recall, I was seeing differences of about $1800 from one to the next (20-25-30), maybe a little more on a ck20 gear depending on the size/make of included attachments/implements. But this will vary by region and dealer.

I didn't get the ck30 cause I don't need the PTO horsepower. I didn't get HST cause my uses would not have taken great advantage of HST capabilities. I was looking for weight, stability, and hydraulic pump performance without going overboard for my little lot (though I did probably go overboard). You situation is probably different.

You seldom hear someone say "I wish I had gotten a smaller tractor". In general this is the case. However, having said that, my smaller JD425 AWS is far better suited to finish mowing than any of the CKs (as are most commercial ZTR type mowers). The point is that intended use is paramount in the decision process. Then buy the best suited tractor you can afford.

KiotiJohn · Apr 12, 2006

One of the things I think about is: Are you going to stay where you are, or are you possibly going to have more property later.
In the case of the former, the CK20 will do all that you want to do. I do a whole lot more with mine.

If you think you may have more property down the road, you may wish to consider the larger frame, heavier weight, and extra features of the CK25. The extra weight and HP will aid you in any ground-engaging activities such as box blading, landscape raking, and also with any PTO equipment that could be a size larger with the CK25.

I think if I were buying now, the CK25 would be the minimum, but there are only a few times that I really needed the extra size and HP.

The CK25 has telescoping hitch arms and stabilizers, maybe a little easier to hook up implements. I like the size of the larger, but not too large frame also.

John

IslandTractor · Apr 13, 2006

The ck25/30 is just a much heavier (weight) machine. This will translate directly to better ground traction and stability under load, and less overall stress to the machine. 

I have to disagree at least a bit here. While the ck25/30 is heavier, the ck20 is no lightweight and is probably about the heaviest 20-24hp tractor available. I have zero problems with traction. My rear tires (R4) are loaded and that adds about 500-600lbs as I recall. Even if you are planning to plow I think there is no advantage of the heavier tractors for the 2 acre plot size. For example, a CK25/30 might pull a 5ft box blade while the CK20 can only pull at 4 ft BB, however, with appropriately sized implements I don't see any evidence that the CK20 would bog down sooner than the CK25/30. And with a 2 acre plot, four foot implements are as big as you'd really need for ground engaging work. I'd actually say that with only 2 acres someone should look at the Kubota BX24 rather than the CK25/30 as an alternative to the CK20. He won't save any money on the BX24 compared to a CK20 TLB but it too would be adequate to the type of work and size lot Dakota is discussing.

KiotiJohn · Apr 13, 2006

( while the CK20 can only pull at 4 ft BB, )
The CK20 can pull a 5' boxblade, and I can tell you, it's much better than trying to use a 4' when one needs to get parallel to a building or driveway to work. A 4' is too narrow to be able to drive the tractor alongside a building while dragging the boxblade up close. A 5' works fine.
John

IslandTractor · Apr 13, 2006

I see your point however I was thinking more in terms of open field work and pulling power where I think the CK20 would be ideally matched to a 4ft bb. Of course with sandy soil etc it could pull the bigger one. I would certainly agree that a ck20 pulling a 5ft bb would bog down before it's bigger brothers would.