ck30 purchase

Noodlearm · Aug 3, 2004

This message has also been posted in the General Forum, I was unsure if I should post it in both or not but here it is anyway.

Hi All. Have been reading this forum since 2001 when I purchased my property and the garden tractor has finally died so I have decided to get a CUT. I have 7 acres mostly flat but bumpy. about 2 1/2 field and the rest finished mowed. I have some landscaping to do and a 300+ foot driveway to maintain along with snow removal in winter. I believe I have finally decided on a CK30 HST with KL130 loader, front brush guard, 5' brush hug (first choice I Believe), 6' box blade, 6' rear blade, and 6' RFM (first choice I believe) Not certain of the BB or RB brand. Approximate price with 6% MI tax of $18,500. Finally, for the questions, 1. Does this price seem reasonable 2.Is this too much/little tractor. If anything, I believe it may be too much but just curious from experienced tractor owners. 3.Are there any implements I am forgetting (I currently have no need for a BH) but other than that, any others. Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks in advance for any help I may receive.

Also, what tractors would I be compairng this to from the "big 3".

Thx,

Brian

KiotiJohn · Aug 3, 2004

Based on all your getting, it's a good price. Of course, I didn't get the same equipment you got, but it's about the same price, including taxes, that I paid for my CK20 with loader, backhoe and a boxblade. Yes, the backhoe costs more than most of your implements put together, but in the end, you're getting plenty of tractor and implements for a great price.
Since I'm not looking anymore, others will have to give you the comparable tractors. Keep in mind that many of the "extras" found on the CK30 as standard equipment usually cost extra on the big three in the same class. Telescoping hitch arms, tilt wheel, cruise control, things like that.
I've only seen the CK25 so far, but the only difference is in the 5 HP, so I think you would make a good decision. Could you do what you need with a smaller tractor? Yes. Is it too big? Probably not. It's not a huge tractor and should be pretty maneuverable, and you'll have that extra power to do some things a smaller tractor won't do. Who knows, you may get some more land down the way, and you'd be glad you bought larger. On the other hand, you may move to a smaller property, but you could sell the higher HP tractor and get a smaller one if need be, and would probably get a better price on resale for a 30 as opposed to a smaller one.
When you compare other brands, make sure they are really comparable, with similar lift capacities, weight, tires, equipment. I think you'll find more in the Kioti for less money generally, but regional differences CAN make a difference. John

Noodlearm · Aug 4, 2004

Yes, it definately seems like I am getting more for my money IF I am comparing it to the right tractors from the major brands. I have been comparing it to the TC29, Deere 4310, and both the Kubota L3130 and B2910. Unfortunately, with no dealer having more than any 2 of them it is still hard to compare. The price I received for just the tractor and loader was $15k before tax which I found very competitive to other brands.

Thx
Brian

MessickFarmEqu · Aug 4, 2004

TC29 and 4310 are fair comparisons, the L3130 is a lot more tractor. A B7800 is much more equal of a machine. They also sell for 15k for tractor/loader.

JayC · Aug 4, 2004

The B7800 wouldn't be a true apples-to-apples comparison, would it? The B7800 is a pretty basic tractor, with things like the quarter inching valve instead of true position control, isn't it? The Kioti has things like position control and I believe also draft control.

shoppintractors · Aug 4, 2004

JayC, your observation is correct except for there is no draft control on the CK30. From my view the CK30 comes in with deluxe features similiar to the B2910, including position control, spring suspension seat, tilt steering wheel & extendable three point links with a crank side adjuster. The curved arms of the CK30 will raise 10" inches higher and is rated to lift 95 lbs. more than the Kubota LA402 loader. The total hydraulic pump capacity on the CK30 - 12.7 gpm., the B2910 - 9.5 gpm. Oh, and the CK30 three point hitch is rated to lift 464 lbs. more than the B2910. The CK30 also uses larger tires than the B2910. So IMO the Kioti CK30 is more tractor than the B7800 or the B2910 but not quite as much tractor as the L3130.

Don

Noodlearm · Aug 4, 2004

I have noticed that the CK30's hydraulics are all from a single pump for both steering and implements while I believe all the other brands are dual pumps dedicated to each purpose. Is this a negative or a positive or basically a non-issue.

shoppintractors · Aug 4, 2004

<font color="blue">I have noticed that the CK30's hydraulics are all from a single pump for both steering and implements... </font>
The Kioti CK30 does have 2 hydraulic pumps /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. The term Kioti uses in their printed literature is "Tandem".

Don

Reformed · Aug 4, 2004

I am looking at a CK30 as well. I think the best comparison is a Kubota L3130hst.
The pricing looks good. I might recommend you try Carver Equipment in NC, before you buy. They were quite a bit less than the dealer near me in AR, even after shipping.
Todd

Noodlearm · Aug 4, 2004

What price did they give you for it with the loader. I haven't been able to find abyone that will go much under the price ($15k) i was given, plus this is local so I don't have to worry about shipping and I liked their service department. Now, on the the other hand if it is much cheaper, I will consider it.