Cub Cadet or Kioti for compact tractor

[ColdBrew]

I'm going to be buying some type of mowing machine in the next 4-5 months.

I'm going to build a house on either 14 acres that is mostly cleared and flat or 11 acres that is half wooded and all of it slooped. Not sure how much I will mow of either.

I'm thinking either a ZTR mower (to get the job done fast) or a compact/subcompact tractor.

I like the idea I can do other things (besides mow) with a tractor. But if I get a tractor, I want a tractor that could use a FEL or a backhoe if I wanted. This seems to be less common in the price range I'm looking at. It also has to have Hydrostatic Drive, so my wife can use it.

I would like a tractor in the $10k range and then buy whatever attachments I need (I don't plan to buy a backhoe initially and may never buy one, but like having that option).

At first I want Kubota, but the BX22 is just way too much since you have to buy the FEL and the backhoe at the same time. Plus then I would need a finishing mower and probably a bush hog.

I talked to a person I know that owns an equipment place (close by) that sells Cub Cadet and SCAG. He showed me the

7264 $13199 (I would think he would sell for less than $12k)

26 HP Diesel Engine / On-Demand 4 WD
• 26 HP Daihatsu, OHC Liquid Cooled Diesel Engine
• 21 PTO HP
• On Demand 4WD
• Hydrostatic Drive with 2 Speed Ranges
• PosiTrak™ Transmission w/Heavy Duty Cast Iron Housing
• Power Steering
• Tilt Steering
• 6 Gal. Fuel Capacity
• Category 1 Hitch
• Optional 54"/60" Cutting Deck

But I then read that these residential 7000 series might be sub par to the rest of the 7000 series (any truth to this?). Problem is the residential is much closer to my price range over the higher end models. If I was to spend more to get the higher end one (7265 model $16459), I could afford the BX22.

I then read about the CK20H from Kioti, and think that looks like a good option. It will accept a lot of attachments (including a backhoe). It also seems to be priced well. Only down side is see is the lower 20 horse power and the fact that the closest dealer is 43 miles away.

What do you all think about the residention series of Cub Cadet vs the Kioti CK20H. I know that hardly anyone has the CK20 yet, so I guess it is just more of brand vs brand. I don't see much being said about the cub cadet in the cub cadet forum.

TIA
Brent.

 

[Chipperman]

ColdBrew
The main difference with the 7264 compared to most of the other 7000 series is that it is made by Cub (MTD) and most of the other 7000 tractors are Mitsubishi and now (40-45hp) Kioti (Dadong). From what I have seen is the Cub unit looks like a pretty nice unit.
Chipperman

 

[GaryG]

You are in a similar situation to me. I looked at the Cub Cadet 7205 with loader and backhoe. It was 22K in San Diego, and the dealer was not interested in starting it up for a run around his yard. Then I saw all the excitement with the CK20H and thought that is the machine for me. My closest dealer is 90 miles away and sells trucks. Tractors are a sideline, so service may be iffy. Also the CK20H with backhoe and loader is about 21K. I ended up ordering a BX22. I have not seen a negative viewpoint on this forum by owners of the BX22. I'm hoping it will do all I want of it. Good luck and the main thing is finding a dealer you like no matter what the color of the tractor.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Is a BX (a sub-compact) going to be enough machine for the 11+ acres? I think if you ask around on the boards the "pros" will recommend something a bit larger. For the same price you could get something substantially larger/more powerful. Most of the posts I read are about how people wish they had a larger tractor. Only a few state they bought too much machine.

I only have 5 acres. I already can see the need for more HP, FEL, disc...................

Good Luck, This board is the best resource you'll find.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Oh yeah, I was recently quoted a price of $9400.00 for a Kubota L2600. It is not fancy but it's rugged and might be about right in size. Bush hog for about $500 or a finish cut mower for about $1000. After the wife calms down you can get the FEL and back hoe.

That was my plan anyway