LB1914 or CK20 ? Need help.

[slantram]

Well here goes---I'm one of the New guys here. Been reading posts for about a month now and learned a whole lot about Kioti.I'm planning on buying one of these two tractors with a FEL. I have to buy a standard trans because I cannot work the HST pedal. Why? you might ask. Because I wear two prosthetic legs below the knee.Just ain't no ankle action! The only other tractor I've owned was a `39 John Deere L. There is one Kioti dealer nearby-25 miles.I've gotten a price of $13,500.00 for either tractor with the FEL.I live on 5 acres and have a 10 acre woodlot nearby. I'll be using the tractor for moving dirt and rocks to start out with.I'm home all the time and know the more I use it the more things I'll find to do with it. I'm planning to add the BH later on-just can't afford it right now. Now for the questions. Is there an advantage to having two rear PTO speeds? Is there an advantage to the Shuttle over the CK20 trans? Is there any Repair History on the two tranys? (one better?) I'll be doing ALL my own maintenance work.(was an auto and small engine mechanic for 25 yrs.) I'm kinda leaning toward the CK20 because of the clutch pedal pivot--at the top. Well that's it for now. Appreciate in advance any and all input. Thanks,Slantram.

 

[IslandTractor]

Have you tried to use the HST? I know it is a "banana" pedal and intended to rock back and forth but I happen to prefer to use it as two separate pedals. I step on the front to go forwards just like in a car but I don't use my ankle to reverse. I lift my foot off and put my heel on the back part to reverse. That might not work to well for running a rear snow blower but for routine FEL work or mowing it is fine for me. You might give it a try if you haven't already.

Otherwise, I would have to admit that I've never driven a 1914 but have seen them and sat on one. A lot of guys on TBN are happy with them. I understand it is a very reliable and capable tractor but essentially an older design. The operator station is not as roomy or well designed from my brief stationary trial. The CK20 design reflects newer thinking about ergonomics etc. Obviously they have about the same horsepower but the CK has a stronger FEL and lifts higher. I thought the 1914 was less expensive. If the price is the same I'd vote for the CK.

 

[MotorSeven]

Slantram,

I second Island on the HST pedal. I am used to the heel toe shifter on the Harleys, so when i got my CK30 i treated it the same. For FEL work,(if your positive you don't want the HST), i would think the shuttle shift would be less work that a reg gear tran. Can't comment on the difference between the 20 & LB(only did research on the 30-35hp), but if you want/need a 'hoe, think about getting it in the package. If your like most of us, other things seem to take priority, preventing/delaying the add on's forever.

RD

 

[rfmr]

Slantram,

I've only had my LB since Dec and it has 17 hrs on it so I'm not really qualified to give you an opinion on which one to get. However, if you are planning on a cab, now or later, I've been told there isn't one available for the LB.
There was an aftermarket company in MA that made them but they discontinued it 4 or 5 years ago.

 

[VictorW]

Don't rule out the CK20hst. I'm like Islandtractor and Motorseven. I move my foot forward and back, like it's two pedals, instead of the ankle rock. With a pair of work boots on, it's just easier and you will catch on very fast. I'd stop at the dealer and give one a try. I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is to work the right foot and your left foot will just sit there and do nothing unless you want to change gear ranges. If the dealer won't let you take one for a spin, try another dealer. If you have a wife or significant other, the hst is great for them. My wife likes the hst and is always willing to drive the tractor to give me a hand.

What I learned from the members here, the 540 pto rpm is the standard here in the states. Almost any attachment you buy will be using the 540 rpm. The 1000 pto rpm is used in Europe. Apparently, they build their attachments for that speed. A few members here have said they use 1000 rpm on their rear snowblowers and set the engine rpm at around 1300 instead of around 2500. They like not running the engine as fast but you won't be developing as much horsepower.

Just my 2 cents worth. I'm sure others can guide you further

 

[rapracing]

I agree with the others. You need to try the HST. What can it hurt. I move my foot as they do and just step on either end. That gives more stability and a smoother operation by having either my heal or toe on the floor board instead of the other end on the pedal. I think in the long run you will probably find this a lot less tiring. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

The major difference in using the gear 20 and the shuttle 1914 is that the gears are synchronized between 1st and reverse on the 20, but you can use the shuttle between any gear and reverse on the 1914 (but come to a stop first). This can give you a litte more speed with the 1914 as you would have to "fiddle" with the 20's gear shift a little to go reverse to a higher gear as the others are not in line with reverse. A small point probably, but one to consider.

As has been said, the platform layout of the CK20 is roomier, everything in easy reach. I think you would need more ankle action to push the floor throttle on either manual model than you would to push the HST pedal as it is further forward, requiring more of the toe of your foot, but maybe you've already tried it out and found it to be too difficult?

Have the dealer show you the deal with a backhoe included and you may find that the extra payment will be worth going ahead with the backhoe up front. If you get three year financing, the extra cost is less painful over the whole term.

Either of these tractors will do great work for you, and I do believe either trans. should also work for you. Make sure you get as much time on each trying them out as you can, to be sure.
John

 

[Maineiac]

I've got an LB with 75 hours now. FEL and hoe, rear blade and rear-facing snow plow. I couldn't be happier and the price was right. There are advantages to the HST, but I was able to find the LB at a price that outweighed those advantages. The LB has a tad more ground clearance and a tad more power than the CK on the plus side. On the minus side is the cluttered cockpit and the somewhat inconvenient mounting/dismounting that results. I'd love a better "step-through". All that said, you can't go wrong either way. If money wasn't an issue, I'd get a bigger tractor anyway. But if performance per dollar is your criteria, the LB might be a little better.

 

[JoeF]

slantram

I agree with you I tried the HST and just did not like it. The shuttle shift is great. My 3054 is just the ticket. I might add I was always told to buy a tractor one size bigger than what you think you'll need. I would suggest maybe looking at the CK 30. Your price seems very good for tractor and FEL. Just for Shitz and grins look at the CK 30 and see how close the two really are. Either way your gonna love either. Good luck and let us know on your decision.