LK3054XS or CK30?

[rroos]

I looked at and test drove the LK3054XS today. I have also test drove a TC30 hydro, L2800 hydro, and B3030 hydro in the past few days. I liked them all.... What to do now??? Hmmm. I will admit the TC30 was the my least favorite and it didn't have a cruise control nob for the hydro but for 5 years 0% financing I may have to go that way. It's easy enought to add on from what the dealer told me. The B3030 was real nice but the L2800 just seemed like more my style. I got to test those two side by side and jump back and forth between them. I really liked the feel of the L2800 but if I am going to go that way I will probably step up to the L3400 for the additional power. I wasn't really looking to test drive the LK3054XS but after I drove to the dealer and stood around in the pouring down rain for 15 minutes it looked real inviting because it had a top on it. I was just kind of wishful thinking about getting a backhoe implement but when I heard the price I thought maybe it was in my range ($19,500). Is that a good deal on this tractor? It doesn't have hydro it is a 8X8 with shuttle shift. When I fired it up, I have to admit I was pretty impressed with the deep throaty sound that little 3 banger diesel made (tim the toolman type impressed uh... uh....) much torqier sounding than the New Holland or Kubotas I tested. I wonder if the L3400 may be closer. Anyway not going to buy based on sound. I didn't test the CK25 or CK30 that were there because it was just raining too darn hard and they didn't have tops on them. I was quoted $13,500 for the CK25 with FEL and 14,500 for the CK30 with FEL. That seems like pretty good pricing, both are also hydro. I was thinking maybe CK30 with FEL and backhoe implement may be a better choice than the LK3054XS with Shuttle shift. Any thoughts out there between these? And I could get the CK30 now and wait to get the BH once I pay it off, that would be easier on my pocket book right now. I really liked the shuttle shift but think the hydro may still be the right direction to go because I have to brush hog a hill and is seems like the hydro may be safer on the side of a hill than a clutch. Not sure at this point, I know I have almost jumped clear of my current 8N because I thought I was going to go down backwards and upside down!!! I definatley need something new.

 

[albmn10]

Hello , The Lk by kioti is the more basic tractor as is the tc 30 for New Holland or the L3400 for Kubota . All these tractors are capable as far as most user tasks. You should go back and test drive the Ck30 if you havent done so. I wont comment on the other tractors , you need to go and ask in their specific chat rooms if you want specific model owners advise. I will tell you that i looked at the same models your looking at and a few others and i ended up with the Kioti Ck30 hst. Its a very capable tractor and the hst is smooth and a joy to use... If you test drive the machine and have any other questions, this is the place to come as their are many ck30 owners here .

 

[KiotiJohn]

roos, first, welcome to TBN. You may want to take a moment and go to My Home at the top, click on that and then choose personal settings to fill out your profile. People in your area have a better time of helping you out when they know where you are and what you have to work with.
Your question, however, can't really be answered until you've tried out the CK30 and know if it's a tractor you can be comfortable with. As you say, you like the feel of the L2800.
I agree that HST may be a bit safer for someone on hills if he/she is not accustomed to clutches and shuttles, but most people adjust quickly. HST is probably a little easier for most new users.
You really do have too many choices at this point and need to narrow it down to just a couple probably.
One thing about the LK3054XS TLB is the mount for the backhoe is better in my opinion. The 4pt mount is sturdier, the BH doesn't stick out as far in the back, easier to trailer, and the operator controls move forward and back for comfort.
Each of the Kioti models has features that are attractive in their own right, and you need to check them both out well to see which you will be the most comfortable using.
The prices are within reason.
John

 

[To20Chris]

The L2800 is similar to the LK3054XS, at least by virtue of its construction. However, it does not have live PTO or the shuttle shift. As far as HST vs. gear, I think people get way too worked up over it. I don't think the differences are all that big a deal, and you learn whatever you get. My older LK doesn't have the roof, and I'd consider that a much more more important diferentiator than HST/gear.

The LK is avery capable machine - strong, heavy, and plenty powrful. There are some nice upgrades on the CK25/30 (telescoping 3ph arms, synchro shuttle, etc.), but I'd go for more capability for the money every time. In the size class you are looking at, an LK3054XS with the roof, loader, and subframe mounted BH is a serious machine. You can learn to like how it looks later!

 

[Supercrkr]

Went through same process you describe about 4 months ago. You must pick what is right for you. All machines you desribed, I also considered and test drove multple times. It came down to L2800, L3400, LK3054 and CK30.

For me, CK30 with shuttle shift was every thing I needed and then some. CK30 is far tougher and easier to operate than I imaged. Go check out the new 2005 CK30's, some new improvements. I did like LK3054 just as much, but I felt CK30 would eventually replace it.

I like a syncronized shuttle shift. I pick the gear i want the machine to operate in. Not saying hydro's bad, just not for me. Watch out for L2800 and L3400, not syncronized.

Kubota dealers in my area will not deal with you at all. You pay sticker price and that is it. Most Kioti dealers in my area knew they were competing with kubota and were willing to negotiate the price. Get him to through in a roof, brush guard, R4 tires, 50 hour service and upgrade a box blade.

Bottom line: 2005 CK30 SS is super tough. A lot of tractor for the money. Do not rush into any big decision.