Final Decisions - Ford 8n with ZTR or Kioti CK20

[jpierce]

After reading numberous posts/pages/website/visiting dealers, I am down to these two options.

Here are the uses for the tractor:

Here are our plans for the next 6 months:



1. Clear out some trees to make way for an outbuilding (smaller ones and I can use a chainsaw)

2. Fix several areas in our gravel driveway (including smoothing out some rough spots)

3. Help put up a childrens play equipment

4. Clear a path around our 40 acres for a jogging/walking trail

5. Begin to start a lawn around the house.

6. Dig a garden

7. Move many (I mean many!!) fallen tree and piles in an effort to burn them off

8. Mow lawn and not tear it up

Our gravel driveway in about 0.3 miles. winding, and with several areas of 30-40 degree slope. I plan to mow about two acres around the house and the lawn up close to the house in about a 20 degree slope. Also, would like to clear out bushes around our 40 acres property (26 wooded) just to make things look nicer..

Anyhow, I could find a used Ford 8n with put a box blade, straight blade, and bush hog on it for around the property. Money saved could be used for a ZTR (61")

Or I could get a CK20HST Kioti with implements and I could add a FEL.

I realize I would look the FEL use with Option #1 but it would be a little cheaper than option #2.

Thoughts/comments??

 

[gamble77]

I would think the CK20 would be the way to go. With the front end loader you would be able to do so much more than with either the 8N or ZTR. And you have to remember that the 8N is 50+ years old. They are great machines, but they always have small stuff go wrong (we work on them every day). I would choose the CK, have the warranty, FEL, and 4wd.

 

[DmansPadge]

I would also say I'd go with the Kioti. That is a lot more functional tractor for the tasks you have. The FEL would be nearly a must when it comes to pushing up burn piles. Do you have something else to mow with or would you plan on using the Kioti to mow?

 

[jpierce]

Right now we just moved to the country, so all I have is a push mower. The yard is pretty open. so I could get a tractor around most places and mow the slopes with the push mower...

Right now I have a quote for this:

CK20HST Ind or Turf Tires

KL120 Loader

Kioti 60” Box Blade

Kioti 60” Finish Mower

Price: $13,850

Seems appropriate price for the items....

 

[BigAl]

30 or 40 degree slopes are going to be a lot easier to grade with a 4wd Kioti than a 2wd Ford . As hilly as your property sounds , I don't think it would be much of a decision on my part . I would go with the Kioti . I imagine the old 8n has no ROP and that also adds to my decision .
Big Al

 

[thcri]

I think I would go with the CK20. The tractor will be much easier to handle and will work much easier with a loader. The 8n is a nice tractor but you will like the CK20 much better.

murph

 

[DmansPadge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Kioti 60” Finish Mower)</font>

How much area do you have to finish mow? If it is going to used as your primary mower you might consider a MMM. That would be a lot easier to use vs. the rear finish mower. I'm assuming that your quote was a rear mower. Either way.. the Kioti is going to be the way to go!

 

[spanky8N]

Hello,
I also have 40 acres and I have a ford 8n as my only tractor. For what you are describing I believe the ford would do just fine. I am always impressed with the work mine can do. The ford was my first tractor and I have learned much from it. I use a brush hog, rear blade, rear scoop, two bottom plow, 5 ft disc, planter and boom pole. Other than replacing a battery and regular maintainence it has worked perfect for me and I push it to its limit with the plowing and discing. If this is going to be your first tractor I would recomend the 8n. You could buy one for $2000-3000, use it and later sell it for what you paid for it if you want something different. Do you ever plan on doing any plowing/discing/planting? This is where I wish I had a little more power. I will be looking at the 40-45 hp range next spring... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Any way I just thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth
-Dan

 

[1savoy]

jpierce,

I agree with spanky about the old tractors. The older tractors can do a lot of work for you and a few years down the road sell the tractor for what you paid for it. I am on my third old tractor and doing great. I sell every couple of years for more than I paid for it and upgrade about 10 years newer each time. Went from a 1949 Farmall H, to a 1962 Ford 4000, to a John Deere 301A. I have learned a lot along the way. Biggest thing is that I would have purchased much too small of a tractor when I was looking at new. My question about what you are looking to do is more about the slopes for mowing. My father, uncle, and a good friend have all demo'ed ZTR for their properties that have some steep slopes. They all were very unhappy with the ZTR's. You have to basically mow straight up and down the slope with the ones they tried. I have heard there are some brands that will stay on the hills sideways, but the ones they tried did not. They have steep slopes and the lay out of their property does not allow the straight up and down method. All this being said, you may be better off with a 4WD machine. For mowing you may also want to look at the Ventracs and Steiners. I have driven a Ventrac around and thought it was quite the machine. Good luck with your decision.

Russ

 

[db2]

jpierce

I have maintained my hilly property with a Ford NAA for many years. Bladed my driveway and many trails, brushhogged the trails and open land, ploughed etc etc. I think spanky8n and 1savoy have many valid points. However, I would suggest going with the newer tractor (CK20). I think you would be happier in the long run with the 4WD and especially the safety and comfort and ease of use of the new machine. I have both the NAA and a new 4WD. I can hardly wait to tackle my summer chores with the new tractor. It will be much easier and safer than in the past.

Regards /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif