New guy, needs help :)

KiotiJohn · Feb 21, 2004

I'm rather prejudiced toward Kioti tractors as they tend to have a little more weight than same class other brands as they use steel where some others will use ABS plastic. Also lift capacities can be higher than their competitors. The newly changed LK3054XS is an excellent choice for what you want to do although I prefer my HST over shuttle shift. It has great hydraulic capacity and is plenty large to operate 5' mowers and other larger implements. Also, sometime around June, the new CK25 and CK30s will be out and they have both manual and HST options. I believe you can get tractor loader and backhoe for under $20,OOO on any of these, but I'm not positive. I do know they're cheaper if you buy it all in the same deal. Kioti is offering 0% 36mo. fincancing through March as well. I have a CK20HST and feel it would do any of the things you want to do. Manual states it will run 5' mower, but I use a 4'. At least check it out, but you may want to contact some of the dealers listed on TBN dealers site as prices can be cheaper through them even with shipping because CA prices tend to be high. No sales tax and reasonable shipping can save you a lot of money. John
Ck20Action

Family_Man · Feb 22, 2004

Like the original poster of this message, I too had zero experience with tractors; without this forum, I would have been lost. After shopping and test driving a few models, I decided on a Mahindra 2810 HST (28 hp). It's been the perfect machine for my 7 acres. I got a FEL, brush hog, and boxblade with the tractor. I use the FEL more than I ever thought possible. The only drawback is that the FEL doesn't have as much "lift" power as I thought it would; maybe a bigger tractor would do better. Bottom line, though, is that 28 hp has been a good choice for my acreage. Good luck with your decision.

KiotiJohn · Feb 22, 2004

( I decided on a Mahindra 2810 HST (28 hp).) I saw one of those before I bought my Kioti. Probably would have bought it too, if the dealer had been a little friendlier and more helpful. Looked like a fine tractor and it ran and operated well. I also like their 15 series tractors which offer HST as well. Maybe the lift capacity is because of the hydraulic GPM of the tractor. The 6.3GPM is a little low and I believe it supplies the power steering as well? My Kioti CK20 has 7.66GPM and I feel it could use more, but it IS a small tractor. I think the loader lift cap. is only about 770# and breakout force is only just under 1000# so it's a little limited, but has done a pretty good job so far. That Mahindra is a nice, comfortable to use tractor isn't it? John
CK20Action

Hypernix · Feb 22, 2004

Family_Man,

( The only drawback is that the FEL doesn't have as much "lift" power as I thought it would; maybe a bigger tractor would do better. )

I also had the same thought about the 410 loader on my 4110. I think no matter what you get you will always end up running out of lift power at some point! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Hyp3rnix

Joe1 · Feb 22, 2004

You might be able to find a late model clean, low hours tractor. That would allow you to get a larger tractor and larger/or more implements for the same money. They may be hard to find, but they are out there.

Joe

Family_Man · Feb 23, 2004

You guys are probably right...no matter how much lift capacity you've got, you'll eventually always wish you had more. I had narrowed it down to the Kioti CK20 and the Mahindra 2810. The CK20 was smooooth, but the size and weight of the Mahindra sold me. Also, of course, the extra HP. Plus, I just seemed to "fit" in it better (I'm 6'4", 215). Digging and lifting will be the least of what I'm doing with the tractor, but with the grass dead, I've been doing the "projects" lately, which has consisted of digging and lifting. I've been pulling up a fence, which was two wire mesh fences that had been buried in the ground about 5", and digging up some small trees. In my mind, when I dig down, I expect to pop back up with a loader full of dirt...and it's just not that easy. As far as pulling the 5' bush hog or the boxblade, it's been more than enough tractor. I love it. I'm sure I would have been happy with any of the other tractors in this class as well.

Old_Hickory · Feb 23, 2004

( as they use steel where some others will use ABS plastic. )

I personally prefer the plastic fenders and hood on my JD 4400.
I am going to have to post some pictures and let you see what it really looks like to use a tractor.
You don't even have any mud on your tractor.

Buster57 · Feb 23, 2004

General rule that I think is true suggests you stay with one of the big three(Kubota, JD, or NH). You should always be able to get parts or service with little effort.
There is nothing wrong with JD's use of plastic. My 318 has over 1800 hours of tough life and is still ready for more action.
As stated several times, I think the dealer is the most important part of the equation. When buying a new tractor I packaged as many of the attachments as made sense. I would caution that some manufacturers such as First Choice or CCI may not be available at your local dealer. For rototillers you should look at these two manufacturers for sure because paying more for a different brand your dealer sells may not get you more.
Good luck. You are on the right track doing your home work at TBN. When you go to your dealer and are knowledgeable, you will always get a better deal!

KiotiJohn · Feb 23, 2004

( I personally prefer the plastic fenders and hood on my JD 4400.
I am going to have to post some pictures and let you see what it really looks like to use a tractor.
You don't even have any mud on your tractor ) the comment about the plastic was making a point about the difference in weight, nothing more. We don't tend to get our tractors dirty here when there is no rain. Guess there's always mud where you live huh? John

KiotiJohn · Mar 5, 2004

( I am going to have to post some pictures and let you see what it really looks like to use a tractor.
You don't even have any mud on your tractor. ) Well OLD_HICKORY, I waited and waited to see your pictures, but you never posted them. Here's a muddy one for you and I'll still be waiting for you to show me how to use my tractor. Okay? John