Kubota/Kioti/Deere Utility Tractor Advice/Pricing

doabbs · Apr 12, 2011

Thanks. I made the trek and test drove the CK20 and the CK27 HST. I think thy are both solid machines. Impression of the 20; didn't find the layout of the controls to fit me. The throttle is a lever under the steering wheel and was difficult to use. The forward rocker was fine but the reverse was difficult to use for me even with the seat back. When I had it in high and floored the tractor definitely bogged down and Rpms dropped. Also didnt like the placement or the fuel tank and hydraulic filter can see myself backing into a tree branch or something or stepping on the filter. Loved the FEL, really nice. 27 was better but price wise it was right where everyone else is ~16500. The 20 was a steal at 13,500 but if financed it would be more for both I was told. Leaning more towards the JD2530 after getting quotes on the kubotas for Barlows. Again right around ~16500 delivered without MMM.

Gittyup · Apr 12, 2011

doabbs said:
Thanks. I made the trek and test drove the CK20 and the CK27 HST. I think thy are both solid machines. Impression of the 20; didn't find the layout of the controls to fit me. The throttle is a lever under the steering wheel and was difficult to use. The forward rocker was fine but the reverse was difficult to use for me even with the seat back. When I had it in high and floored the tractor definitely bogged down and Rpms dropped. Also didnt like the placement or the fuel tank and hydraulic filter can see myself backing into a tree branch or something or stepping on the filter. Loved the FEL, really nice. 27 was better but price wise it was right where everyone else is ~16500. The 20 was a steal at 13,500 but if financed it would be more for both I was told. Leaning more towards the JD2530 after getting quotes on the kubotas for Barlows. Again right around ~16500 delivered without MMM.

If you floor an HST you are operating at minimum power. You want to engage HST slowly until up to full speed. Yes, it's a heavy tractor that could stand a 3 range tranny and a few more horses.

But the CK27 is way more tractor than the the 2520. Except for mowing, the CK specs squash the JD where it matters: lift capacity, hydraulic flow, and weight. Axle/transaxle is about 30% bigger front and back too. If you want a lawn mower that can do some light digging, the JD is the better choice. But, if you want a tractor to do real digging, lifting, pulling the CK is superior by far. And, don't neglect the extras you get on the CK that aren't standard on the deere, like telescopic 3PH arms, and 3 range HST.

Gittyup · Apr 12, 2011

If specs matter:

Spec. JD2520 CK27
HP 26.5 28
PTO HP 20.5 20.5
Hyd flow 10.5 12.7
HST 2 range 3 range
weight 1865 3117
3PH Lift 1250 1764
loader lift 800 1155

As you can see, they may be priced close, but they don't spec. close. And that's because the CK is a bigger tractor in every respect.

doabbs · Apr 12, 2011

Gittyup said:
If specs matter:
As you can see, they may be priced close, but they don't spec. close. And that's because the CK is a bigger tractor in every respect.

Wow, the most shocking is the weight difference. Very solid tractors. If I was buying purely for lifting and heavy duty digging then it would be a no brainer for the price. I have a friend who is trying to sell his 2008 MF 1528 with only 50 hours on it, made him an offer on it. I'll just use the money saved for a ride on mower, otherwise I think I'm gonna be a JD owner.

Gittyup · Apr 13, 2011

Sounds like you are set. The Deere will be a better mower. The 1528 is a nice little machine too. I'd love to have a MF 1600 series; some sweet tractors they are.