CK25 or CK30?

SharpShooter · May 5, 2008

After getting by with near-antique tractors for a long time, I've decided its time for a new 4wd tractor/loader. I've narrowed my search down to the Kioti CK series. I like the HST, but I'm concerned that the 25HST may be a little underpowered. So, I'm trying to decide between the 25 and the 30. Of course, I don't want to pay for more tractor than I need.

My primary uses will be rough mowing with a 5' rotary, pulling logs, and boxscraping. A rototiller and bakhoe attachment might be used in the future. I don't know a lot about the Kioti tractors, so I would appreciate your opinions.

(First post, thanks for being kind)

Oldtrout · May 5, 2008

I just had my CK25 gear delivered on Friday,complete with 4 ft rough cutter,wood chipper,back hoe and FEL. I chose the gear over the HYD because of the extra hp at the pto. I only have 7 hours in the seat about half with the chipper and half with the hoe,so far I am more than happy with the power,the wallenstine chipper will eat anything that I chuck at it,and the hoe is just a powerful little beast. I ordered a 6 foot box blade which should be here in a week or so;I haven't had the cutter on yet so I can't comment on it.
The machine will be used in my landscaping business,so we will be racking up a fair amount of hours,I will try to keep everyone updated and post some pictures as we progress.
One thing I do recommend that some sort of protection be made to protect the Hyd. filter,my dealer made one and threw it in with the deal,it looks almost factory made and is held on with 2 bolts,however to remove the plate the step has to be removed, which is not a big deal. In fact I have long legs and may not re install the step after the first service.

albmn10 · May 5, 2008

Hello Sharpshooter, for your uses described a ck30 would be the minimum. A ck25hst is really underpowerd to run a 5 ft rotary mower. For dragging logs you could get by with a ck25 gear. If you like the hst, id recomend the ck30 or even the ck35.. Good luck

crabjoe · May 5, 2008

I've got a CK20s HST which is 22hp and HI gear is of no use to me. Well, no use other then on paved roads or going down hill. It weighs in at 2138lbs based on Kioti's site. The CK25HST only has 25hp and weighs in at 3055. If you're looking at HP and weight, 3 additional HP won't be enough for a tractor that weighs almost a thousand pounds more.

On the flip side, the CK25HST has 12.7gpm hydralic pump, where the CK20s HST onl has a 7.66gpm pump. And since the hydro tranny will be running on pump pressure, it might be enough.

Hmmm... I wonder what would happen is we retro fitted a CK25 hydro pump onto a CK20.

Bottom line is this.... Go test drive both the CK25 and the CK30 HST models. What might not be enough for some, may be plenty for you.

Personally, I'd go for the CK30HST. I say this because when I tested my CK20s HST b4 purchase, I noticed it bogging. I asked if it was just the tractor I was looking at and was told they all did it. I tested a CK25HST and it bogged down like the CK20 in HI gear too. It didn't stall, but it bogged down, but this was in a parking lot.

Gittyup · May 5, 2008

I have the CK25 gear. Plenty of power for my tasks, which are mainly ground engaging. I run a loader, backhoe, phd, chipper/shredder, and scraper blade with mine. I've had it for just over 2 years now. If I were going to mow and/or run a tiller, I'd probably go with the CK30. However, I have never wanted for more power with my CK25.

For loader work, for example, I transport in high range 1st gear and load in low range first gear. It's a quick switch between the ranges without having to change gears. I do have to stop, and that's fine because it helps keep from wearing on the clutch and the high range lets me go pretty fast.

I love HST, and have it on my other tractor. But, for my tasks I didn't need it in the CK. If mowing, I wouldn't be without HST unless it's just mowing in an open field. But, the shuttle shift works really good too..... after I got used to shifting with my left hand. Sometimes after using the shuttle a lot, I find myself reaching for the shuttle on my HST tractor.

I'm not sure the CK25/30/35 can be compared to the CK20. The CK20 only has 2 HST ranges, while the others have three HST. The weight and greater hydraulics of the CK25 is what won over the CK20 for me.

If I could swing the money, I'd get the CK35 HST.

PAB_OH · May 5, 2008

I'd say you're probably going to be happier with the CK30 if you're getting hydro. If you're skidding logs and mowing I think (note personal opinion) the hydro would be more convenient and safer. For ground work though you'd probably be better off with gear (shuttle).

The fact that you want to rough cut w/ a 5 footer and pull abox blade (60"?)means you might want to think hard about getting the CK30. The hydros suck a lot of power from the engine (~20%). I have a CK30 and on my very steep front and side lawn I can mow half in M range and the rest has to be in L range and even then I have to go a little easy on the accelerator pedal. The PTO seems to be fine but the HP required to lug that much iron up the slope really pushes the engine (4700 lbs w/ me on it)

On my driveway (STEEP) I can make it up half way in H range before I have to switch into M range. If I'm just running the trash down I'll leave it in M range. If I'm travelling to different work spots I'll leave it in L range unless it repetitive (loader) work, then I'll take the time to stop and switch to M range for travelling.

I say go with the CK30, minimum.

SharpShooter · May 6, 2008

Thank you all for the input. If I can swing it, I'll go for the 30.

VT365 · May 7, 2008

I originally bought the CK30 HST. With 5' rotary it performed well. However with a 6' boxscrape and trying to move downed timber, it bogged even in med. range. I upgraded to a DK40HSTse. Buy more HP than you think you'll need.

CurtC · May 8, 2008

VT365 said:
I originally bought the CK30 HST. With 5' rotary it performed well. However with a 6' boxscrape and trying to move downed timber, it bogged even in med. range. I upgraded to a DK40HSTse. Buy more HP than you think you'll need.

The price difference between the 25 and the 30 is small enough that I think for HST, the 30 is the better choice.

I'm perfectly happy with my 30 so far, I also have a 6' box blade, and it will sit and dig holes with the tires before it 'bogs', haven't had any problem there. I've been really impressed with it so far.

IslandTractor · May 8, 2008

I wouldn't argue with the folks recommending the 30 but the 25HST deserves a bit more respect. You hear a lot of advice from people to go for the 30HST but you rarely see complaints here from those who own the CK25HST. It cannot be compared to the CK20 HST with that tractors anemic performance in high range as the 25 has a three speed hydro vs the two speed on the 20. That will certainly help. I have a hard time thinking the 25 wouldn't run a 5ft rotary cutter efficiently either. My CK20 ran a 4ft cutter and 5ft finish mower with no issue at all. The CK25 should be able to go up a foot on each with more power and a three speed hydro.

I would agree that the price between the 25hst and 30hst is worth the upgrade but for someone who cannot afford that price difference the 25 is still a hellova tractor for the money. I might hesitate if I lived in a very hilly area but for mowing and ground engagment with appropriately sized implements it would be fine.