Comparing the 'orange' machines.

[IslandTractor]

I did actually think of that. But after looking at the cracking pictures on the KL130, knowing what the KL120 fix is... I think it is a bandaid, not a fix. Calling dealer now to see just what loader is on this tractor.

In some ways you are correct about the "bandaid" but to be fair, there are absolutely no reports of actual loader failure, just the cracking. The "bandaid" does not repair the cracks but it does redistribute the load and reinforces the torque tube so that additional cracking or progression is unlikely. Again, the key point is that with all the reports on TBN (mine included) there was no loader failure. I used mine aggressively for over 100hrs after the cracking was first identified.

A used CK20 is a great tractor.

 

[davitk]

I need to be very careful of that 'slippery slope', the uphill kind.

Let me tell you about that "slippery slope".....

This is a story about the other orange, but still applicable. Started 3 years ago looking at a used BX for 9,000.00. Waited patiently. Two months ago looked at another used BX2350 for 11,000.00. Considered new for 13,000.00. Re-examined my needs, looked at new B7800 for 15,400.00. Then a B3030 for 17,200.00. Then a L3400 for the same money. Thursday I ordered a L3240 for 19,800.00.

Took me three years, but managed to spend 2X as much as I had planned. At least I didn't lose money trading up. Yet.

 

[IXLR8]

I did actually think of that. But after looking at the cracking pictures on the KL130, knowing what the KL120 fix is... I think it is a bandaid, not a fix. Calling dealer now to see just what loader is on this tractor.

Well... the tractor I was told about was a HST and was sold by one of their other shops. All the CK's they have now have the KL130B loader on them. The least expensive CK30 they have is a CK30 gear w/FEL w/Backhoe for a bit under $23K, the original list was $24.6K, that is out of my price range. Going to look at a CK25 gear at another place and see what kind of price they have for that.

 

[IslandTractor]

The least expensive CK30 they have is a CK30 gear w/FEL w/Backhoe for a bit under $23K, the original list was $24.6K, that is out of my price range. .

I think that price is high. A CK20HST TLB can be had for just over 18K. The CK30 would obviously be more but shouldn't be more than about $3k extra I'd think. (I haven't checked recently but the CK30 used to be about that much more and a larger BH is not usually a lot extra than the one for the CK20). Those comparisons are for the HST version so the gear TLB should be less.

 

[Oleozz]

I found that the DK45se was a MONSTER! It is way bigger than I thought it was and felt that I really would loose out in maneuverability in a few areas around my farm. Chances are that it is too big for me. At about 50 hours per year, I'm not looking to get things done quicker!. I think the loader specs are

.

It does feel like a monster until you get on a big tractor than it almost feels small. I find mine quite manuverable, hasn't failed me yet on anything I've wanted to use it for and that includes plowing snow, ground, disc work, mowing, loader work, spraying, etc.

 

[IXLR8]

I think that price is high. A CK20HST TLB can be had for just over 18K. The CK30 would obviously be more but shouldn't be more than about $3k extra I'd think. (I haven't checked recently but the CK30 used to be about that much more and a larger BH is not usually a lot extra than the one for the CK20). Those comparisons are for the HST version so the gear TLB should be less.

Hmmm... I have made a few phone calls, what do you think about $19,000 for CK25, gear, 130B loader, 7.5ft BH?

 

[gravel13]

I think that is a very good deal. I bought a CK25 gear with KL130 and KB2375 new Nov. 2005 for around $19,200 delivered after tax. Yours would be a couple years newer with the new loader for 19K. Seems like a good deal. Which backhoe is the curved boom or the KB2375?

 

[art]

Jim, wait till spring, the other orange guys will have the new three range transmissions out which will far out perform any two range.

 

[IslandTractor]

Jim, wait till spring, the other orange guys will have the new three range transmissions out which will far out perform any two range.

If I am not mistaken, the CK25/30 already have three range transmissions. The CK20 is two range though and I agree it could use a three range transmission.

The Kubota B series (excepting the 2630 and 3030) is in serious need of updating just to catch up with Kioti's CK range. Position control, suspension seat, telescopic lower link and stabilizers are all features missing on the B's. It would be trivial for Kubota to add those but for marketing reasons (eg their desire to sell the pricier 2630, 3030 etc) they don't.

 

[IslandTractor]

Hmmm... I have made a few phone calls, what do you think about $19,000 for CK25, gear, 130B loader, 7.5ft BH?

Very good deal.