new ck30hst in a week

VictorW · Mar 29, 2005

hello to everyone. i'm new to this site. i've read almost everyones posts which are very helpful other than my wife can't understand why i spend so much time here. i've had a '48 ford 8n for 12 years and wanted something newer. a new ck30hst with fel being delivered in a week. i looked at the ck25hst but wanted to run my 6ft brush hog. the 8n worked hard with any forward speed. test ran a 25 at the dealer. loading and puling was fine but i opted for the higher pto hp. i hope this doesn't start the 25 vs 30 battle again. not my intention. the 30 was just my preference. if pto hp wasn't a concern, i might have bought the 25. $1100 cheaper. i figure this will be my last tractor and didn't want to end up saying, i wish i would have bought... but i guess that may still occur. my main question is should anything special be done other than what the manufacturer states for break in and anything special to keep an eye on. i'm new to diesel engines and tractors that aren't 50 some years old. i've rebuilt gas engines of all types and i'm not mechanically challenged. i've rebuilt most of the 8n over the years. any suggestions are greatly appreciated. thank you to everyone for their knowledge and information.

Golfgar4 · Mar 29, 2005

Welcome to TBN Victor! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

First, I would encourage you to fill out your profile so that people responding to your questions will have a better idea of where you're located and the kinds of projects you might want to do. To do this, just go to the top of the page and click on My Home . Page down until you see Main Configuration , and then click on the edit button to the right of Personal information, email, password, etc. . Then just fill in the blanks.

You'll get plenty of advice from the most knowledgeable tractor owners going, here on TBN. I always suggest that new members take some time to do some searches on topics that are of interest to them. There's a wealth of information that is already available. Just have a full container of your favorite beverage and read to your hearts content. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Use the Search feature listed at the top of the page. Just make sure to change the Date Range to All Posts . The default is set for posts less than 1 week old, so you wouldn't get very many hits for your search.

Good luck, and we look forward to your future contributions.

shoppintractors · Mar 29, 2005

Victor, Welcome to TBN and congratulations on your purchase.

Your comments are well received. You went out and demo'd the tractors and made your decision based on your tasks, on your property and your budget. You made the right decision for you. The CK25/CK30 spirited discussions revolved more around arm chair quarterbacking without ever having seen the tractors, let alone set the proverbial butt in the seat of the tractors. I won't second guess or belittle any "buyers" choice because their "choice" is an individual, personal decision. I will be happy for them. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

My tip: Don't run out of diesel fuel because you'll need to bleed the system to restart.......and......never run gasoline through a diesel engine.

Welcome aboard TBN and don't forget the pictures! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Don

VictorW · Mar 29, 2005

To Golfgar4, thanks. I didn't know about the profile.

ShoppinT, I've heard about having to bleed the system with semi truck engines and from a friend that worked on locomotives. I never learned how to do it but I better just in case.

As far as trying the tractors, I don't know how anybody would buy one without doing that unless you have operated somebody elses or are very experienced in equipment. One dealer wouldn't let me do any more than sit on one and another let me drive it through his lot without putting any type of load on it. The last dealer, a few dollars more, said go ahead, try the fel, and hook on to a wagon and pull it around. I bought there. I don't think anyone buys a car or truck without a test drive!!!

Thanks for the advice and will give my impressions after I've had a chance to put it through real work. I hope I'm not disappointed with it.

KiotiJohn · Mar 29, 2005

Welcome and congratulations. First thing, go buy a YELLOW diesel can and put a note on your red cans like my dealer did.
RED is for Gas, YELLOW is for diesel, this can is RED
YELLOW is for diesel, RED is for Gas, this can is YELLOW! The dealer said you'd be surprised how even this hasn't helped at times!
There isn't a lot more to tell you right now. You'll have questions come up later and we'll do our best to help. John

VictorW · Apr 4, 2005

Thanks John. I now have a yellow can and after filling, had to fill the CK30. The CK was delivered early, last Friday, and just in time. Saturday to Sunday, we were pounded with an average of 18 inches of heavy wet snow. I had to move it all in one plowing due to work. My back blade is still on my Ford 8N buried in snow. I used the FEL. A little different for snow pushing but it worked great once I got the hang of it. I was surprised how the CK pushed so much and most of my work was in medium range. This was really wet heavy snow. I have Ag tires on the 8N and was worried about the Ind. tires on the CK in snow. I needed diff. lock only once. I had so much fun, I cleaned out the two neighbors driveways. Four hours on it now. I had a hard time not using my left foot. I'm used to a clutch but it didn't take long to find out that the hydrostatic is easy and fast. No problems or complaints so far other than the dealer didn't top off the hydralic fluid. When he connected the FEL and checked the function, two hyd. lines were loose inside the crossover brace at the front of the lift arms. He pumped out a good bit of oil. At least no air in the lines but it left the CK a little low on fluid. When I get more play time on the CK, I'll give an update.

KiotiJohn · Apr 4, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I had so much fun, I cleaned out the two neighbors driveways. Four hours on it now. )</font>
I love to hear that. If you're like me, it was probably some of the best fun you've had for a while. But then, I don't have much of a life other than work and my CK20! John

cag · Apr 4, 2005

Congratulation Victor enjoy reading your post keep it coming /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif...cag

VictorW · Apr 6, 2005

I found the first defect now that I have had a chance to give the CK30 a good going over. The left boom piston for the FEL has about 25 rust pits in it covering about 5 inches from the fixed end. Some are large. Almost 3/32". I called the dealer and he said that is covered under warranty and the unit must have been shipped without the piston retracted. He said he would put in a claim. Said that sometimes a new assembly will be sent or they may have him send it out locally to get it rebuilt. Also, it may take a couple weeks to get an answer from the company. Has anyone experienced a defect like this and how did they fix the piston and how long for an answer? I would like to use the FEL for some work but don't want to tear up any seals. I've had the CK for 5 days. Appreciate any replies.

Oldtimermich · Apr 6, 2005

I would think that as long as there are no burr's to tear the seals you should be fine until the replacement arrives. Heck their going to replace the seals anyhow when or if they replace your cylinder.