Finally...

[ChasK]

I took delivery today of my new CK20 w/ 60" RFM. I dealt with Out Door Power Store (outdoorpowerstore.com) in Greenfield, IN and Jeremy there took great care of me. I got about 1.75 hours seat time today and had a blast until the skies opened up on me. I am supposed to get my FEL and Box Blade sometime next week (they will come back 1 hour each way to pick up the tractor, take it back to their shop, install loader, and redeliver the next day). I couldn't be happier with the dealer.
Since I am new at "tractoring" I took it slow and easy today, but definitely gave the tractor a workout on my 5 acres. It did great. However, I guess with the CK20 I have found out the PTO doesn't engage unless the clutch is out...I don't know what this is called, probably not having a "live" PTO, but that's my only complaint. It would be nice to be able to back up to a tree or wall and have the PTO engage with the clutch depressed. Is this the way my tractor works or am I missing something???
I will try to take a pic or two and post if I can figure it out, but so far, so good with my purchase. Can't wait for the FEL so I can move a pile of gravel for my contractor and save the rental of a Bobcat (tractor already starting to pay off $$$).

Couple quick observations...the weight of the RFM sure cuts down on steering ability without any front weights or FEL. I'll be interested to compare turning ability once I have the FEL to balance the tractor.
Also, the 3PT up and down lever is a bit jerky...is this my inexperience or have others noticed this "jerkiness" as well??

Thanks for input, and I'm sure I'll have more questions/items of clarification as I get more time in the saddle and more comfortable with my first tractoring experience.

ChasK
IN

 

[GerardC]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Also, the 3PT up and down lever is a bit jerky...is this my inexperience or have others noticed this "jerkiness" as well??

Thanks for input, and I'm sure I'll have more questions/items of clarification as I get more time in the saddle and more comfortable with my first tractoring experience.

ChasK
IN )</font>

Welcome to the pack!!!!!!!!
In time you'll get use to how everything works. As for the 3ph, there is an adjuster behind your right foot with the turtle and rabbit. Use it to adjust the speed of the 3ph. Hope this helps. G

 

[KiotiMutt]

Congratulations ChasK on the new CK.
If the steering tends to be light when pulling your RFM try adjusting the top link. Sounds like you may have it off a bit. Too long makes the front of the RFM ride high and too short makes the rear ride high. There should be no weight on the tractor at all, as the RFM has 4 wheels and you are just pulling it.
Hope this helps.

KiotiMutt

 

[KiotiJohn]

Congratulations on your purchase! I guess you didn't buy the HST. At first I was thinking you were doing something wrong in regards to the PTO. Only the HST has live PTO, and it will continue running even if the clutch is pushed, and a slip clutch would engage if you pushed the clutch. On the manual, you're on your own. It doesn't have the live PTO, therefore it stops running when the clutch is depressed. Be careful when reengaging the PTO. Slowly let the clutch out so as not to "shock" the drive. When first starting the PTO, it's best to do so at low RPM and then increase after fully engaging the PTO. As to the jerkiness, as Chris posted, check the 3pt speed control under your legs, round knob. It really only controls the speed of drop, but if you play with it a bit, I think you'll notice less jerkiness. Sometimes it will jerk if you don't have sufficient RPM also. Make sure the Hyrdo fluid level is correct, sometimes the dealer prep misses some things. It's not unusual for some fluid to be in the tractor, but not topped off. One other thing is to make sure you remember that the tractor needs to be broken in so all the parts mesh properly. Keep the RPM down below the rated speed (where the 540 PTO speed mark is) and don't overdo the stress for the first 50 hours of service. This will add a lot of life to the tractor and avoid possible leaks and other problems down the road. You will soon be so used to the tractor that you won't even be bothered by the non-live PTO. Be safe, and remember, ROPS up, seat belt on. ROPS down, no seatbelt on. John

 

[ChasK]

I appreciate the comment on the RFM being all the way down and resting on the wheels, rather than the hitch. However, I guess I should have said I am trying to knock down some tall grass and weeds and don't have it down all the way. Therefore, the tractor is unbalanced and I could really use my FEL.

I also appreciate everyone's comments on the PTO adjuster. I didn't see that but I will certainly try adjusting it to help with the PTO speed.

I did not buy the HST as I had already spent more money than originally planned (orginally, I had a Jinma 2540 ordered and was only spending about $6500, so I nearly doubled that total as this package of tractor, FEL, Grater Box, and RFM was $11,900 but I KNOW I got a great tractor). Also, I wasn't sure the HST would perform any better and I didn't want to lose the HP to the HST pump.

Will the ROPS fit in a standard size garage door??

Thanks,
Charlie
IN

 

[Noland]

Congrats on the new tractor!

According to the literature I have, the CK20 it is 77.5 inches high to the top of the ROPS. So it should fit in a standard size garge door. I think that most garages are seven feet, so subtracting for a trim board and weather stripping, the clearance should still be at least 80 inches.

I am getting a CK20H from the very same dealer. Like you, I am waiting for the FELs to arrive. They are going to call me when they come in so I can get everything at once.

Now, let's see some pics /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif