New member ...looking to buy 24 to 30 hp tractor

[747driver]

Thanks Tony. I was wondering if the 27 was the same size frame as the 30. Didn't know the 35 was the same size family . I agree, the Kioti is a much better built tractor from what i saw. Now i will have to look at the 35 as well. I am going to go look at the Mahindra 3016 though. Very hard to find used models of Kioti and Mahindras...

 

[paulfun9]

plus the HST has a rocker pedal which means no lifting your foot to change direction..

Think long and hard about this as having your foot and leg locked into that one position to operate that pedal is more of a problem for many of us who don't like the rocker than having to lift your foot to get to the other pedal. I find after about a half hour with just about every rocker pedal I tried that my knee starts to hurt and my leg gets numb and stiff. Now I do have problems with my knees but having the ability to really vary my legs position and in general having my leg out more in a more relaxed position has always been the most comfortable for me. Your mileage may differ but I do have a friend who at first thought he liked the rocker, brought home a Kubota L3200 then within a year decided he couldn't stand it anymore and had to replace it with a new JD that has dual pedals.

Other than the rocker the CK would have topped my list had I stayed in the 35HP range so I do understand your picking it over the others. I really wasn't as impressed with the Mahindra as everyone else seems to be. It seemed their fit and finish was a hit and miss depending on the model. Looking back it seemed the 3016/3616 were all solid and finished fairly but didn't really give me a feel of comfort and the 3535 was very comfortable but the finish of the machine was hit and miss not to mention having one break during a test ride was not a good sign. I haven't looked at a branson since they had the century line and don't know of any close dealers so I didn't bother. For me the best contenders when shopping balanced out between all my concerns then bringing price into it were the Kioti, TYM and LS. With the smaller sized tractors I probably would have went out on a limb and purchased the TYM 353 had I stayed in the 30-35HP range but I got a real fair deal on the DK40 and in all honesty it is better suited to my needs so I chose the Kioti. GO look at the others and get a second look at everything you feel is good as many folks miss things the first time around that for some reason seem blatantly clear on the second visit.

 

[TJP89]

Thanks Tony. I was wondering if the 27 was the same size frame as the 30. Didn't know the 35 was the same size family . I agree, the Kioti is a much better built tractor from what i saw. Now i will have to look at the 35 as well. I am going to go look at the Mahindra 3016 though. Very hard to find used models of Kioti and Mahindras...

The only difference between the CK27(25), 30, and 35 is the HP. The controls, size, and hydraulics are all identical. The weight may differ by a few 100 pounds though, I forget exactly. If you like the layout of the CK30, you'll like the layout of the CK27 and CK35 too. As I said, the price difference is almost negligible between the 3.

 

[747driver]

I do intend to go back out looking. Not in a dire need to get one right now unless i find a good deal. The Branson is a solid tractor and i will have a dealer close when we move to Tenn. Since the 5 acres is on hilly property, weight and width is a key factor. Not sure i want something that is 48 in. or less in width. Good point on the rocker pedal !! The Kioti dealer has told me they quit making the CK27....

 

[oldpilgrim]

The 3016 HST has a rocker. It is slightly longer than your foot. I have no issues with the rocker. I've driven rocker and double pedal HST's and prefer the rocker. With the 2 pedal system it's easy to move your foot from side to side and hit both pedals at the same time. The side to side foot motion isn't comfortable for me as I never move my leg which can be uncomfortable when using it for hours at a time.

 

[Eric102]

I agree with Paul, really think the rocker pedal idea through. When I've used them I started getting pain in my knee and thigh after a short while. With the dual pedals I can operate a machine all day and at least with my JD's there is no need to lift your foot, just rotate your ankle to the other pedal. Very natural just like the gas and brake pedal in a car.

 

[TJP89]

I have only extensively used rocker pedals, but I can't see my self on a two pedal setup for 2 reasons. Half of my snow plowing is done facing backward, and while I suppose it is possible to press the reverse pedal forward while facing backward, I find it better with the treadle, as I can turn around and my foot is right on the reverse side of the rocker. Also, I have big feet, and often where big boots. I think I would constantly find myself hitting the wrong pedal or both, because my boot hadn't cleared one or the other. No such issue with the treadle.

Kioti calls the CK27 the CK25 sometimes, same tractor. The CK20 is no longer made, replaced by the CS2410, and the CK2510. The Tier IV CK series will be called the CKXX10, but will still be the same tractor.

 

[TJP89]

I have only extensively used rocker pedals, but I can't see my self on a two pedal setup for 2 reasons. Half of my snow plowing is done facing backward, and while I suppose it is possible to press the reverse pedal forward while facing backward, I find it better with the treadle, as I can turn around and my foot is right on the reverse side of the rocker. Also, I have big feet, and often where big boots. I think I would constantly find myself hitting the wrong pedal or both, because my boot hadn't cleared one or the other. No such issue with the treadle.

Kioti calls the CK27 the CK25 sometimes, same tractor. The CK20 is no longer made, replaced by the CS2410, and the CK2510. The Tier IV CK series will be called the CKXX10, but will still be the same tractor.

 

[Pierrepont]

Rocker pedals prove fine for most. I've only had rockers starting with my Toro Wheel Horse tractors and now with my Mahindra 2516, and Bobcat CT230 (the almost twin brother to the Kioti CK30).

I'm 59 years old, 6'6" tall and weigh 270 lbs. with tired size 15 feet and and bad knees. Rocker pedals work just fine for this old Whisker-Puss.

 

[Gittyup]

Rocker or two pedal is a personal preference. You'll find folks on both sides of the fence on that. I prefer 2 pedals, but that wouldn't sway me from buying a tractor with a rocker. I think you'll get used to which ever. And I think you can use a rocker like it's 2 pedals if you want.

As for the Kioti's. CK25/27/30/35 are identical tractors with different engines. That is the only difference. Identical tractors otherwise. If you plan to use the PTO a lot, I suggest the 35 HP. Always good to have as much hp as you can. I have the CK25 in shuttle. Great for ground engagement. I only use the PTO for a chipper and post hole digger. Plenty of power for that. HST robs a few HP too. But, as was suggested 60" mowers are the way to go and that works best with more HP. drag, pull, push implements, you wouldn't notice a difference in any of them.

I have the industrial tires and hate them. Wish I had gotten AGs. The industrials are terrible in the mud and snow. Tough as can be and look good. But, if you want traction in the mud get Ags. If you care more about snow and lawn impact, get turfs. Load the tires and set the Ags as wide as they will go (they adjust to give you the widest stance). That's a really go price on the CK. I would wait too long on that one.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I have both rocker pedals (Kubota BX23 and BX2660) and side-by-side pedals (Kioti DK50SE and John Deere GT 235e). Either one is fine. It is easy to adjust. I would not (and obviously did not) let that the pedal configuration be a deciding factor in a tractor purchase. But your mileage may vary.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Rocker or two pedal is a personal preference. You'll find folks on both sides of the fence on that. I prefer 2 pedals, but that wouldn't sway me from buying a tractor with a rocker. I think you'll get used to which ever. And I think you can use a rocker like it's 2 pedals if you want.

As for the Kioti's. CK25/27/30/35 are identical tractors with different engines. That is the only difference. Identical tractors otherwise. If you plan to use the PTO a lot, I suggest the 35 HP. Always good to have as much hp as you can. I have the CK25 in shuttle. Great for ground engagement. I only use the PTO for a chipper and post hole digger. Plenty of power for that. HST robs a few HP too. But, as was suggested 60" mowers are the way to go and that works best with more HP. drag, pull, push implements, you wouldn't notice a difference in any of them.

I have the industrial tires and hate them. Wish I had gotten AGs. The industrials are terrible in the mud and snow. Tough as can be and look good. But, if you want traction in the mud get Ags. If you care more about snow and lawn impact, get turfs. Load the tires and set the Ags as wide as they will go (they adjust to give you the widest stance). That's a really go price on the CK. I would wait too long on that one.

Now we can turn this into an R4 vs R1 thread.

Based on my experience on snow and ice, I can't disagree more with the above complaint about the R4's vs R1's. I'm going thru the snowiest winter on record and will state that the R4's work exceptionally well.

If I can say that after this winter, that's a good reference, believe me.

 

[PROFarms]

Now we can turn this into an R4 vs R1 thread.

Based on my experience on snow and ice, I can't disagree more with the above complaint about the R4's vs R1's. I'm going thru the snowiest winter on record and will state that the R4's work exceptionally well.

If I can say that after this winter, that's a good reference, believe me.

We have AGs on both our tractors and wouldn't ever have anything different. The neighbour has R4s on one of his tractors and AGs on the others. We had this discussion the other day and he was saying how he hated the R4s and i agree. Whenever i have driven the tractor on R4s, when pulling a weight on any slightly wet ground (we're in some pretty hilly ground) it bogs down nearly straight away. IMHO AGs are definitely the way to go if its even possibly going to have to pull any weight on wet ground. Just my 2 cents here.

 

[Pierrepont]

Ok tractor drivers i did get some seat time on monday. Went to the Kioti dealer,Mahinhdra and Branson dealers. Impressed with the Kioti CK30. Solid tractor frame and controls. The Mahindra 3016 has plastic fenders. Drove the 26hp max. Didn't care for the HST foot pedals or the FEL control lever design...it sticks straight out and interferes with getting on and off the tractor. The Kioti has a nice joy stick FEL lever right at your waist on the right side fender, plus the HST has a rocker pedal which means no lifting your foot to change direction. Drove the Branson 24hp HST. Nice machine but FEL control lever same as the Mahindra and HST pedal is not a rocker type. True the Mahindra has more lifting FEL and 3pt hitch capacity than the Kioti. But the Kioti CK25 weighs 1300 more lbs than the Mahindra 26 Max and Branson 24HST. The Kioti CK25 quote was 14,350 ( free loader ). Mahindra 26Max was 18,000 ( no free loader ) and the Branson 24 HST was 13,600 ( free loader ). The Mahindra dealer ( 90 minute drive) was not real helpful, even though this is where they are assembled in Chattanooga. The Kioti dealer in Cleveland, TN( 60 minute drive ) was very helpful and a full service tractor dealer. The Branson dealer ( 90 minute drive ) in Chatsworth,GA is a family owned dealer and only been selling tractors for the last 2 years with no full time mechanic. As far as workmanship and quality the Kioti was the best then the Branson...thought Mahindra was lacking in craftsmanship and quality. I am still debating whether to go with the 30hp vs. the 27 hp. The 30 hp is definitely a bigger tractor. I have decided to not invest in a BH ( 5,000 add on ). I can rent one when i need to.

If you think the Kioti will do the job and is comfortable to operate I'd nail that one down soon. I have not seen a CK25 at that price in a long time.

A lot of tractor for the money.

 

[TJP89]

I too think that CK price is very good. If you like it, move on it quick.

 

[747driver]

Hadn't given much thought to the tires other than mostly seen with R4s installed ! I will be using the tractor in the mnts . of Tenn. Hilly,stone roads, ground somewhat rocky...dirt can get slick when wet. Yes...the Kioti rocker pedal also has side tabs built on if you don't want to keep your foot on the pedal all the time. Now...a spec i can't find is the 3 point hitch lifting capacity. The Kioti only gives it at the 24 inch mark ( 1764 lbs. ) and the Mahindra gives it at the attach pins ( 2646 lbs. ). I assume its not that big a deal as either tractor will lift the normal implements attached ?

 

[TJP89]

3PT lift is standardly measured at 24 in behind pins, any weight you see for that is measured there. the Kioti 3PT lift is 1764 24" behind pins. The Mahindra measurement is none standard, the actual lift will be significantly less. I can lift my 200# back blade like its not even there, and easily handle the 600 to 800 pound brush hog, so no problems with lift capacity.

 

[tiogajoe]

Thats a GREAT price on the CK2510! I paid 15K for mine. You will be amazed at what this little tractor can do! I will say I had to put chains on my rear R4 tires that are loaded to do any kind of snow removal on hilly terrain. Other than that this thing is a beast!

 

[SnPaC]

On your way down South, stop by and I'll show and tell my Kubota B 2920, 29HP with loader. Maybe not enough HP for you but after two years I like my tractor. Kokomo, IN. 46902. Right off HWY 31, at HWY 22. Stop by anytime, and just chat and coffee. Javahjoe, MIO, aka Don

I am currently looking at a B2620 with loader. I sure would appreciate any impressions you can share. Is the weight ok? Do you have filled rear tires? Do you use a weight box or implement when doing loader work. Would the B2620 pull a 5' bush hog or would 4' be a better choice with 19 HP at the PTO? Finally could anyone comment on price? I was quoted $15800 with loader and filled rear R4 tires (Methanol or Ethanol I think)

 

[Pierrepont]

Thats a GREAT price on the CK2510! I paid 15K for mine. You will be amazed at what this little tractor can do! I will say I had to put chains on my rear R4 tires that are loaded to do any kind of snow removal on hilly terrain. Other than that this thing is a beast!

Is the OP considering a Kioti CK25 or a Kioti 2510?

I pictured a true CK25 in my mind.