L3400 vs CK30

[Ski21]

I've been looking at these 2 tractors and can't decide which one. I was wondering if the 5-6Hp difference makes that much of a difference.
The CK30 is rated 30hp, and L3400 is 35.7HP. The CK dimensions make it a little bit bigger, and heavier by 500lbs. Which is what got me worried. The CK is a heavier tractor with less HP, would this greatly reduce the effectiveness of the tractor. The L3400 with the extra HP and lighter tractor, would it be able to FEL more then the CK30, or would the CK do to it being a heavier tractor be able to FEL without any added weights needed. Who ever has owned or does own either of these models, could u comment. I'm mainly doing work around the house, mostly FEL with moving rocks and dirt, brush hogging and I have some hills, snow removal in winter, I may start a garden so will be doing some minor plowing and tiling, and some backhoe digging too. Thanks for any info and advice. I'm looking to buy within the next 2-3 weeks or so.
I've looked at the CK30 and the price I got with loader and hoe is 23400 for HST. The L3400 HST is 22900 with loader and backhoe.

 

[Baldyonthehill]

I had an L3400 but had to get rid of it because I needed a front mounted snow plow and you can not get a mid PTO with the L3400. I loved the tractor as it had plenty of power. I used it to fill in all of the utility trenches, about 400' and the water trench was 5' deep. It took a while to say the least but the FEL would easily lift a bucket load of dirt. I didn't get the rear tires filled which was a mistake because the box scraper wasn't heavy enough to provide the counter weight necessary. Many times I lifted a rear wheel which made Momma nervous but I had gotten used to it.

The L3400 could plow a foot of snow going uphill with my rear blade faster than I can go on my L3240 with filled tires without doing any work. I do notice the horse power difference and would have bought the L3920 if money were no object to keep up with the L3400.

 

[Ski21]

Thanks Baldyonthehill, that's the information I'm wanting. When u say fill the tires, what's that mean. I'm totally new to tractors, this will be the first one I own.

 

[TripleR]

Thanks Baldyonthehill, that's the information I'm wanting. When u say fill the tires, what's that mean. I'm totally new to tractors, this will be the first one I own.

Liquid ballast in the rear tires for traction and stability.

 

[TheRegMan]

I've had a L3400 and it is a good tractor. If I was comparing the 3400 against the CK30 I would take the L3400 but; the pricing you have on the CK30 is way out of line. You should be able to get a DK45SE HST with FEL for that price. I know because I have been doing a lot of checking myself since I am also in the market for a new tractor again. The DK series is a much more capable tractor than the CK series or the L3400, even if you bought a DK35 which is a 38 HP tractor. It is significantly heavier than the L3400 which is important for maintaining traction while doing ground engagement work and has a much stronger front end loader. If you are going to be doing a lot of front end loader work, you would be wise to seriously consider the Kioti DK40SE. It lifts 2761 lbs which is more than any of the Kubota utility tractors. From my research, I would say you should be able to get one for around $20,000. That's with HST and FEL. Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

[Ski21]

I guess with the loader free option that would make it about 20400 for the ck30 loader and backhoe. I wonder how much the dk35 would be with loader and backhoe. I see that kioti is offering 3500 off DK attachments. Is a loader or backhoe considered an attachment. If I can get a DK with loader and ho for around 24 or 25k, I think I'd definitely go that route, but I don't think I'd be able to get that.
Also how far would you all be willing to travel to get a deal. I live in WV and one of the kioti dealers is located in virginia about 96 miles away. Would u guys travel that distant to save 1000.

 

[firefighter jim]

I would say that 22900 is a pretty good price for the L3400 with loader and backhoe.

 

[TheRegMan]

Ski, I didn't catch the fact that you were looking at the backhoe also. No wonder the CK30 price seemed so far out of line.

The closest Kioti dealer to me is about 225 miles. I don't like the idea of not having a closer dealer but my confidence in the reliability in the Kioti and the value of the Kioti tractor outweighs the inconvenience. I'm not the kind of guy that will be taking the tractor in for regular service anyway. I'll just do those things myself. Besides, if you get the tractor out of state, you probably will not have to pay sales tax.

I have a price of 19,500 for a DK40SE, HST tranny and the KL401 FEL. Don't quote me because I am not sure but I believe the BH is about 6K. That would put you almost where you want to be.

My understanding is that there is about $1,500 difference between the DK40SE and the DK35 SE so it is probably not unrealistic for you to get the DK35 with the HST, FEL and BH for about $24,000. That would definitely be a nice package. If you can swing it, I would try to get the DK40SE though. There is only 3 horsepower difference between the two but the DK40SE comes with a stronger loader. I think the DK35 loader still lifts between 1400 - 1500 lbs though so it is still quite capable. Just not as capable as the DK40 with it's 2761 lbs of lift.

Good luck to you.

 

[TheRegMan]

I agree also that 22900 is a good price for the L3400 with a backhoe but it still is not a DK40

 

[Ski21]

Just got a price for a DK35 at a different dealer and TLB package would be 24500. So that's only 1k more then what the dealer closer to me quoted me for the CK30 TLB, and 26500 for the DK35 Isn't that crazy. I don't think that I would be doing that much more that I'd need the DK40, but I'll check into it too. How big of a trailer would I need to haul the DK35 with backhoe. I'll be traveling about 2.5 hours, but to save 2k, I think it's worth it.