CK25 or CK20 (w/HST)

newcountry · Apr 14, 2005

I'm fairly certain both these tractors could do what I ask of them on my land, and I would love to consider the 25, but here's my question - I really want this tractor to be my all-in-one tractor. With a thousand pounds more than the 20 (at 2900+ lbs) is this too much weight for my soon-to-be nice lawn around my house? I'm looking to have about 1.5 to 2 acres of nice grass, and the rest will be not-so-nice which I'll cut monthly or so.

The Kubota BX2230 is still my favorite, but there is so much about Kioti specs I like that I have to give it a look. Unfortunately, I don't have a dealer within two hours. If I do want to look and ride them I'll have to drive aways.

KiotiJohn · Apr 14, 2005

New Country. I don't think I've responded to you before, so Welcome to TBN!
Are you planning on using a Mid Mount Mower (MMM), or were you going to use a Rear Finish Mower (RFM).
If you're going to want an MMM, go with another tractor as the ones made for Kioti are just not worth it in my book. One lets too much out the front, clogging the radiator too often, and the other has a too small pulley for the belt that leads to quick wear out and other problems.
As for the tractors, I'd go for the CK25 for the little price difference there is. There's more of a price diff. between the CK25 and CK30 than the CK20 and 25.
As for using it for mowing, depends on the type of soil you have. Here in N. Florida, it's mostly course sandy soil, and I have no problems driving my Motorhome over my yard, let alone my little CK20, unless the ground is just so saturated that even my riding mower could mark it. If you have moist clay soil, even a smaller, lighter tractor will mark it up, so I say don't worry about less than 3,000 pounds. There will be times when nothing can be used until the ground dries!
We've had many posters say they've bought from a long distance, and they seem not to have any problems doing so. Two hours seems like a lot, but plan on going and spending the day, really trying out the tractors you want to see. Call the dealer in advance to assure he/she has the model you want, and tell him/her that you want to put implements on and work the tractor. If they can't do that, buy the local Kubota or other brand tractor. They're all good equipment, but the Kioti usually offers a little more for the money than the more well known brands.
John

DK35vince · Apr 14, 2005

( I really want this tractor to be my all-in-one tractor. With a thousand pounds more than the 20 (at 2900+ lbs) is this too much weight for my soon-to-be nice lawn around my house? )

I quess that depends on how fussy you are with your lawn.
I mow my lawn with a DK 35 (3600 lbs), with loaded R-4 tires (an extra 650 lbs).
I have no problem, Works fine for me !!

KiotiJohn · Apr 14, 2005

I might add that RedDog says he mows his lawn with his DK65 with no problems. I guess it's at least twice the weight or more. John

7mmrum · Apr 14, 2005

newcountry..

I recently bought the CK25J; about a week ago it was delivered, I was in your shoes, whether or not to get the ck20 or the ck25. If you have not test drove either, you do get some options in the CK25 that the CK20 does not have. However some things are starting to show up on the new CK20 models (such as a cup holder). In any case I think you'll agree that either are the next best thing, since sliced bread.

Anyway the CK25 has telescoping 3pt arms, the ck20 does not, it is not a big deal but it is nice to have. As well the 3pt and FEL have a greater lift capacity on the CK25 which it should it is bigger. Depending on your physical body size the CK25 may fit you better? But here again your going to have to test drive both and see what fits your needs better.

On to the yard: I'm not too concerned about my lawn, but it is all lawn (7 acres). My tires are filled with the FEL, I'm most likely around 4k lbs. I have not left too many marks in the lawn, however we are still trying to dry out on the central east coast from all the wet wheather. In any regards in the higher sections of my lawn that has proper drainage, I;m not even seeing tire tracks left behind with the Ind Tires.

With 1-2 acres though the CK25 for cutting grass may be a little much /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif unless you have additional acres that you plan to do something with?

Good luck with the search.

7mmrum

RedDog · Apr 14, 2005

( I might add that RedDog says he mows his lawn with his DK65 with no problems. I guess it's at least twice the weight or more. John )

And your right!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I use a push mower or small garden tractor around the house, but the rest is with the DK65. I do take the bucket off, as I don't want to much weight!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

newcountry · Apr 16, 2005

KiotiJohn- Thanks, I'm so glad I found this forum. It's become that I take the info I get here more seriously than from the dealers /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif. Yes, I really prefer to have a MMM, the main reason being I've got lots of trees to maneuver around.

My ground is good dirt for the most part with clay underneath. I did get a bid from a Kioti dealer who's on this forum who told me they will soon have a MMM for the CK25 soon, so I may consider that.

7mmrum - My additional plans are to blade driveway for snow, loader for transporting lots of stuff (rocks, dirt, asphalt millings) and working on my driveway, box blade for working on getting a nice smooth dirt base for expanding my current lawn. I'll also be needing to get a brush hog to clear the rest of my 12-15 acres of woods, with periodic mowing. That's what I've come up with so far /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

GerardC · Apr 16, 2005

That's what I've come up with so far. 

That's the key phrase right there. In time you'll find that plenty of other things come up. I think the CK25 is the one that would suit you best out of the given two choices.