CK20S too big for 1.5 acres?

[bearhawk]

I have a 20 on 2-1/4 acres, but really close to 1-1/4 that I can use. I plow my driveway with my 60" box blade. It does take a little longer, but it can push some snow. My driveway is very steep, so I usually plow downhill. We had over two feet of snow on multiple occasions and I did have to take smaller bites at the snow. I would not have wanted a smaller tractor.

I do have a 6' blade for a Jeep that I was thinking of hooking up to the three point..

Front blade is a cool idea, if you can put the loader back on to push the banks back easily.

 

[rimshot]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. As far as clearing snow, I will definitely be looking for some kind of blade, either rear or f



Now it is time to ponder this a little more and then pull the trigger.

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Hi Novi,

I got a new CK20 (S) with HSTin February of this record snow producing year. It really can turn on a dime and is even more effective at turning when one uses the split brake pedal. I use a 60" rear snow blower because I have lot's of snow here in the U.P. and no place to push it on account of the
trees that border my location. My CK 20 now has 200 hours on it and the work is probably evenly split between blowing snow and digging stumps and road building with the added backhoe. The FEL is nice in Winter to supplement the rear blower or blade if you happen to favor a rear snow removel implement.

Michigan Iron has been my dealer also and they have been super both before,during and after the sale. While the Massey is nice, the CK20 I believe is much more capable. Good luck with your decision.

rimshot

 

[mab]

Hi Novi,

I agree with many of the previous posters, go with the CK20. I have 3 ac and initially demo'd a ck25. Its tempting to "go Bigger" but what made the decision for me was looking at the scale of the my property - how far apart are the trees, how much space is there to turn, etc. My ck20s, which was bought in jan, now has 115 hours and has performed flawlessly at moving snow with both a blade and the loader, clearing bush, moving rocks, etc. It really is quite a capable small tractor (not a glorified wheelbarrow - as the 22 HP would indicate!) and it is very manueverable amongst buildings, landscaping etc. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[m1greg]

The tractor is too big!
I remember thinking the same thing when I was looking at purchasing one. Also wondered how often I would use the loader.
The dealer told me " you will invent new uses for it." He was right! Get hooks or pintals welded to the bucket as soon as feasable! Makes a great lift.
I use a loader and box blade on 1 3/4 acre lot to grade and plow a 1/4 mile long gravel road. Plowing takes a little longer with the loader / box blade set up but it gets the job done and the loader is handy to move piles back. (Hey make do with the tools at hand! )
Earlier this year my JD455 mower died and I was left with no way to mow. I picked up a used flail mower for the back of the CK 20 and have been happy w/ the results. Mowing takes a little longer then it did with the 455 because of it's size and the amount of trees on the property but it is not unyieldly. Overall I have been pleased with the tractor.\
It's right sized! Only cons: would like a mid range in the Hst A little more HP at the rear PTO and the old style seat belts don't retract so I am always fishing for them on the floor boards. Oh, and mine doesn't have a cup holder!

 

[IslandTractor]

the old style seat belts don't retract so I am always fishing for them on the floor boards.

I had that issue on my pre 2005 CK20 also. I fixed it by replacing the standard seatbelts with retractable ones that I got from surplus supply or someplace like that. Much better.

You forgot to mention that the biggest downside of the pre 2005 CK20 was the lack of suspension seat. Fixed that (partially) by sticking a 8 inch inner tube under the seat. Better than nothing.

 

[novi408]

Thanks for the feedback. I did get the CK20S and have been happy with it so far. I did get the bucket hooks (with bucket reinforcement) installed prior to delivery. I have only put 2 hours on it so far, but I am happy with it. It is big, but it is small enough for what I need to do while still having the better capacities and heavier weight for the harder work.

 

[novi408]

I had that issue on my pre 2005 CK20 also. I fixed it by replacing the standard seatbelts with retractable ones that I got from surplus supply or someplace like that. Much better.

You forgot to mention that the biggest downside of the pre 2005 CK20 was the lack of suspension seat. Fixed that (partially) by sticking a 8 inch inner tube under the seat. Better than nothing.

The new CK20S I just received has the suspension seat which is very nice. I haven't had a problem with the seatbelt, but I don't have much time on it yet either.

 

[IslandTractor]

The new CK20S I just received has the suspension seat which is very nice. I haven't had a problem with the seatbelt, but I don't have much time on it yet either.

All the CKs since 2005 have had retractable seatbelts so it should not be an issue on your new one.

You don't know how nice your suspension seat is until you spend a day in the saddle of a tractor without one.

 

[m1greg]

I had that issue on my pre 2005 CK20 also. I fixed it by replacing the standard seatbelts with retractable ones that I got from surplus supply or someplace like that. Much better.

You forgot to mention that the biggest downside of the pre 2005 CK20 was the lack of suspension seat. Fixed that (partially) by sticking a 8 inch inner tube under the seat. Better than nothing.

Thanks I didn't know what I was missing. No suspension seat! Now I've got another con for my tractor. I ought to sell it........Naw on second thought I'll keep it.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks I didn't know what I was missing. No suspension seat! Now I've got another con for my tractor. I ought to sell it........Naw on second thought I'll keep it.

Get yourself a 8 inch inner tube and stick it under the seat. I recall I wrapped mine in something to protect from punctures. Worked ok. Not as nice as a $600 suspension seat though.