Buying Advice Downsizing from Kioti CK20

[chelydra]

I've had a CK20 hydro TLB for six years, and quite enjoyed using it. Had only planned to keep it about three years to do the landscaping, but it's just *so* handy to have around for any job that might come up.

However... I probably have no real need now for a BH, and would prefer a smaller machine both to regain garage space and to work in tighter areas. For example, if I could get something narrower than about 42" (wheels and blade), I'd be able to clear snow off a lot of areas that now require shovel or blower.

So I'm thinking of down-sizing to either a small skid-steer or subcompact tractor. The only skid loader I've seen around that size is the Bobcat S70, which is kind of expensive but very compact. People say not to buy a used one, as they're mainly used for demolition and pretty beat up by the time they're sold. I'd like to be able to lift at least 700~800 pounds in the loader, and push deep snow (bad drifts where I live).

Can anyone suggest some good choices? If I had to lose too much on the deal, I'd just keep the Kioti - at under 300 hrs, it's barely broken in, but probably only worth $12~13k. But something affordable and capable that's shorter, narrower and perhaps lighter would be more useful now.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Don87]

I've had a CK20 hydro TLB for six years, and quite enjoyed using it. Had only planned to keep it about three years to do the landscaping, but it's just *so* handy to have around for any job that might come up.

However... I probably have no real need now for a BH, and would prefer a smaller machine both to regain garage space and to work in tighter areas. For example, if I could get something narrower than about 42" (wheels and blade), I'd be able to clear snow off a lot of areas that now require shovel or blower.

So I'm thinking of down-sizing to either a small skid-steer or subcompact tractor. The only skid loader I've seen around that size is the Bobcat S70, which is kind of expensive but very compact. People say not to buy a used one, as they're mainly used for demolition and pretty beat up by the time they're sold. I'd like to be able to lift at least 700~800 pounds in the loader, and push deep snow (bad drifts where I live).

Can anyone suggest some good choices? If I had to lose too much on the deal, I'd just keep the Kioti - at under 300 hrs, it's barely broken in, but probably only worth $12~13k. But something affordable and capable that's shorter, narrower and perhaps lighter would be more useful now.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Better keep what you have.

 

[treman]

While I cannot comment on the subcut I have to say that i would keep what ya got. We have a S100 where i work that we use for snow removal and sweeping. It shines with a 60" broom on the front but the blade is nearly useless. overall if it was my money I wouldnt buy one. yea its better than a shovel but not worth the price tag IMHO.

 

[jenkinsph]

cheydra,
I agree to keep what you have and would suggest a ballast box should be shorter than the backhoe when needed. I would rather add the cost of the ballast box than trade the equipment. That would be a few hundred bucks compared to thousands spent.

 

[Mousefield]

So, it seems you still need/want some kind of tractor but not the backhoe. Perhaps the solution is to sell the backhoe and as suggested by, Jenkinsph, is put a ballast box on the back. You should be able to put a bit of money into your back pocket as well.

 

[chelydra]

These are all helpful comments, and I'm much obliged for your thoughts. Keeping the CK20hst is certainly an option. Selling the BH would make sense, too. I just feel like it would be a bit wrong to separate them, where this tractor is so well designed for the BH, sturdy and easy-on/off.

Mainly, a slightly smaller machine would actually be more useful to me going forward. So I'm looking for suggestions for something perhaps in the 15-20HP range, a little lighter and smaller footprint. Since there aren't any dealers close by, and it's not easy to get prices by phone, comparison shopping with green, blue, the other orange or smaller brands has been slow. If people here can suggest a few good candidates, I'll make the trip to those dealers, and see what a new (or well-treated trade-in) tractor or skid-loader might cost vs. what I can get around here for the Kioti.

Thanks again!

 

[Gittyup]

Have you considered the JD 1026R? Or a JD X748? Or the MF GC series? BX's?

You'll be given up some performance and your wallet will take a hit too. I'd keep the CK20, load the tires, and sell the backhoe. Take the money and get a snowblower for the CK20.

 

[chelydra]

Thanks for all these tips, and various suggestions for alternatives. It's odd how some manufacturers make it hard to collect all the data, like length, width, weight, and loader lift capacity.

After a few calls to dealers, I'm convinced that there isn't a simple tractor-loader out there that will do what I want and not cost too much. So I guess I will stick with what I've got for now.

Next step: get some weight on the back. Rather not load the tires to keep total weight low when needed for going over planted areas. Since this

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/133155-cheapncheerful-rear-ballast.html

wasn't quite heavy enough, I'll look for a second-hand ballast box. Still wonder if it wouldn't be easy to hang a truck engine block or a stack of auto flywheels off the TPH...

Thanks again-

Chelydra

 

[jenkinsph]

Since a ballast box is cheap, compact, and has the hitch built in I wouldn't bother with an engine block or other junk on the rear. You can easily get more weight on the rear of the tractor than you need.

 

[GPintheMitten]

My suggestion is to sell the backhoe. There should be other CK20 owners that would like one.

You can build a 3ph ballast box pretty cheap. Many threads around. Here's mine:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/162564-homemade-front-rear-ballast-box.html

You would probably want more weight than I do, so make it larger.

Mine is primarily for front ballast, but when I'm ready for rear ballast, I will at a mount for a top link.

 

[chelydra]

Again, thanks for all the good comments. Just for clarity, a smaller tractor would actually be *more* useful to me now. For example, the smaller JDs will take a 47" snowblower, which would take care of a lot of paths that I otherwise have to do with the Ariens (when the snow isn't too wet) or by hand (too often).

There's no doubt that the CK20HST is a far more capable machine, and I really like it. But the heavy work is done, and I'm down to lighter loading and snow removal. In both cases, just a little narrower would make the tractor much more useful to me. Hence the search for something smaller and affordable. Alas, the JD 1046 and X-series are pricey, and apparently too new for deep discounts. Kubota doesn't seem to have an under-50" blower as needed here. I'll probably keep the BH, and perhaps sell the whole outfit in the spring if I can find something suitable (perhaps used) to replace it.

Cheers-

Chelydra

 

[Don87]

Again, thanks for all the good comments. Just for clarity, a smaller tractor would actually be *more* useful to me now. For example, the smaller JDs will take a 47" snowblower, which would take care of a lot of paths that I otherwise have to do with the Ariens (when the snow isn't too wet) or by hand (too often).

There's no doubt that the CK20HST is a far more capable machine, and I really like it. But the heavy work is done, and I'm down to lighter loading and snow removal. In both cases, just a little narrower would make the tractor much more useful to me. Hence the search for something smaller and affordable. Alas, the JD 1046 and X-series are pricey, and apparently too new for deep discounts. Kubota doesn't seem to have an under-50" blower as needed here. I'll probably keep the BH, and perhaps sell the whole outfit in the spring if I can find something suitable (perhaps used) to replace it.

Cheers-

Chelydra

I mentioned keeping the CK20, because you said you needed 700 to 800 lb. lift capacity on the FEL.........smaller tractors just don't have that capacity.

To get the narrow width you desire, you are getting into riding mower territory, well below the SCUT level.

You could order something like an 'orchard tractor'. they have a narrow width, but from what I've seen they don't come with FEL's, but you could get one fabricated. I can only imagine how unstable they might be, and the price will be significant.


EDIT: Unless you look into Simplicity: http://www.simplicitymfg.com/index.cfm

 

[bp fick]

The small Kubota BX is right about in your wheel house, as you described your wants/needs.

If you have a chance to actually sit on one, or use one, you'd probably be thrilled. BX1860

 

[blueriver]

Just an opinion ... never ever downsize, you will regret it. You will find yourself trying to do jobs with a smaller unit that you used to do with a bigger machine and then you will regret it. Or break something !!

Pull off the hoe, add ballast, can you move your rear wheels in?... That would make it narrowed for a smaller blower ... now that I say that whats wrong with blowing a 5' walkway opposed to a 4' ??

 

[chelydra]

Just an opinion ... never ever downsize, you will regret it. You will find yourself trying to do jobs with a smaller unit that you used to do with a bigger machine and then you will regret it. Or break something !!
Pull off the hoe, add ballast, can you move your rear wheels in?... That would make it narrowed for a smaller blower ... now that I say that whats wrong with blowing a 5' walkway opposed to a 4' ??

I've been trying to find out about the rear wheels. However, I really am finished with the major landscaping here, and a smaller machine would be far more useful. Looking again at jobs I do, any loader capacity over about 500 lbs would be useful. And since I've very rarely run the CK20 at over 2500 PRM (vs. 3000 firewalled), I doubt that I'd need more than 15 HP or so. Re the blower, there's a max of about 51" between immovable objects in one key area.

Kubota BX looks like best option if I ever can afford to downsize. Need to get to a dealer to see if I can sit in one OK, and then hope that prices on new tractors drop a bit while used prices stay up.

 

[blueriver]

I've been trying to find out about the rear wheels. However, I really am finished with the major landscaping here, and a smaller machine would be far more useful. Looking again at jobs I do, any loader capacity over about 500 lbs would be useful. And since I've very rarely run the CK20 at over 2500 PRM (vs. 3000 firewalled), I doubt that I'd need more than 15 HP or so. Re the blower, there's a max of about 51" between immovable objects in one key area.

Kubota BX looks like best option if I ever can afford to downsize. Need to get to a dealer to see if I can sit in one OK, and then hope that prices on new tractors drop a bit while used prices stay up.

It sounds like to me your set to downsize ... so do it.