Final Decisions - Ford 8n with ZTR or Kioti CK20

Soundguy · Mar 7, 2005

The 8n just isn't a 40ac maintenance tractor.. and not with lots of work on slopes.

I think I'd get a tractor with turfs and 4wd.. and loader.. and then NOT get a ztr.. but rather a smaller lawn mower.. unless you really just have the money to burn..

Soundguy

Dargo · Mar 7, 2005

1savoy, I don't know if it is the particular design on the Grasshopper (and Dixie Chopper - made in Indiana), but it is extremely stable on hills. I became "sold" on the Grasshopper after seeing the school corporation at my old high school mowing with them for years. I went to a high school named Reitz High School, which is located on "Reitz Hill". There is a natural bowl for the football practice field and the hills around it are really steep. All areas of grass around the school are on steep slopes. I stopped a guy there one day to ask him about the mower he was using; the Grasshopper, and he told me that they liked them really well for their mowing.

I have the diesel model where the mower deck is out in front of the machine, and the mower guide wheels are not part of the actual mowing machine. The mower deck can be removed and the mower itself has sort of ATV like tires in the front that drive and two large wheels on the back that swivel. Other than being annoyed for the first few months because of things falling off (Grasshopper has since discovered Loc-Tite), the mower has been great. It will take more punishment than the operator can. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

1savoy · Mar 7, 2005

Dargo,

Thanks for the good info about the Grasshopper. If the JD X595 does not work out it might be worth trying to find a dealer that carries the Grasshoppers.

Thanks again,
Russ

Moon · Mar 7, 2005

I had a 8N and really liked the tractor, but when I had chores to do, I wouldn't know if I'd get at the chores or have to tinker and do a parts run to keep her going. If I had kept it I planned to rewire it completely. I think that would have helped mine be more dependable.
I have a scag ZTR and really like it. I have small rolling slopes in my yard and it does great. I have seen some of the landscaper's with ZTR's on their trailers, and AG type tires instead of turfs. That could help with hills, but I've never tried it. I'd prefer a 4wd tractor in that situation.
I had a few used tractors before I was able to go new. What a big difference. If you can swing it go with a new one with a FEL and 4wd.

Moon of Ohio

jpierce · Mar 7, 2005

Thanks for all the information regarding this purchase. It is such a hard decision to make (much harder than buying an automobile)

To answer a few questions:

1. We get little to no snow in NE kansas anymore, so most of the time it is 6 inches or less.

2. I have a 2 and 4 y/o and should have been thinking about the ROPS. In fact, we just had an auction last month down the road from us on a gentleman than had a tractor roll on him and the outcome was unfortunate.

3. I don't have very much experience with fixing tractors, nor the time to fix them up. It would be a great project in the future but for now, I need to get the functionality when I need it.

In the end, I think a newer tractor would be the best choice. Of course, I was set on a CK20HST but now and wondering if I should go a little bigger. It always seems to be a balance between weight and usefulness.

If I go bigger, will it tear up the lawn (aka a CK30 HST) substantially more??

Anyhow, it always seems questions begets more questions, but I do appreciate the time everyone has taken to respond. Growing up on a farm and then living in surburbia the last 10 years, it sure is nice to have this problem. Also, it sure is nice to wake up and see about 15 deer outside your window instead of a concrete road and buildings....

Again, thanks for all the input!!

sweettractors · Mar 7, 2005

Final Decisions - Ford 8n with ZTR or Kioti CK20 

Contact my son at our Munfordville, Ky location. We sell Kioti and Dizon ZTR's. His phone # is 270-524-0385 or email glsweet@scrtc.com--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *93 Rebuilt Plows and Cultipackers Just Updated on our Website*

GerardC · Mar 7, 2005

( 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.... )

I would grab it at that price. You'll be amazed at what you'll accomplish with a CK20. Gerard

Kiohio · Mar 9, 2005

I agree with bigtractor.

KO

VT_Kioti · Mar 10, 2005

I think you are on the right track now, thinking "new". Just a little story about my experience. I have 10 plus acres here in Vermont. When I went looking for my first tractor I knew nothing at all about what was really needed. I purchased a 20hp machine after being assured by the dealer that it would do the jobs I needed done. And it would, but only at the very outside of it's capabilities. I was really working the little thing hard. A few years later and I knew I had to go bigger. This is a very expensive lesson, belive me .
The new tractor is a CK30 HST. Kioti's are a very well built machine. I am very happy with this tractor as is my wife who does most of the mowing around here. She likes sloped hood because she can see what she is doing in close quarters.
I explain this because you say you have 40 acres and I wonder if the CK20 would put you in the same fix I was in. If I were you (and spending your money is easier than spending mine) I would really give the CK25 a close look. Some of the attachments you are looking at, the 60" boxblade for instance, would be much easier for the CK25 with is more powerful engine than the CK20. Thats not to say the CK20 won't do it, just see above and know what to expect.

Good luck with your purchase. Either way, you will not go wrong with a Kioti.

Al

rdbigfarmboy · Mar 13, 2005

I just recently sold my fathers old Ford. It was slow to sell, the only interested parties were dealers looking to resale. 8 and 9 N tractors are priced at 3000 or so but set for a long time, the auction prices are in the 1750 -2000 range and thats a lot for a 20 HP gas hog. I own and use new or nearly new modern real tractors. theres not a big demand for old stuff, rebuilders and pullers seem to be a fickle crowd. I would stay away from anything that doesnt have 4 wd, burn Diesel, have R4 tires, and lots of hydraulic ability a fast pump, and safe for any one thats not a mechanic to operate.