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

[747driver]

When comparing specs the Kioti really is at the top on most items. The BH system looks really solid. How do you like your CK25 ? I think i would get the HST though. Your right....BH can do more than just dig ! Storing won't be a problem...plan on building another shed just for the tractor and implements.

 

[Gittyup]

When comparing specs the Kioti really is at the top on most items. The BH system looks really solid. How do you like your CK25 ? I think i would get the HST though. Your right....BH can do more than just dig ! Storing won't be a problem...plan on building another shed just for the tractor and implements.

I love my tractor. It is one dirt moving little beast. I've had it since 2006. I've moved over 1000 tons of fill dirt and rip-rap, plus many backhoe tasks: tree stumps, buried propane tank, 2 retaining walls, culvert pipe just to name a few backhoe tasks. This spring it's going to be used heavily to build a 6000 gallon koi pond and water fall. It will come in especially handy for setting boulders.

HST is better because of control. But, go to the CK35 if getting HST. I couldn't afford the CK30 or CK35 HST when I bought. So I opted for maximum HP to the ground with the shuttle. PTO HP wasn't a concern for me. I've gotten used to the shuttle. It's not so bad either.

For storage, keep in mind that you'll need space for 2 tractors if you take the backhoe off. That's how big it is. I guess you could park over part of it.

 

[747driver]

I love my tractor. It is one dirt moving little beast. I've had it since 2006. I've moved over 1000 tons of fill dirt and rip-rap, plus many backhoe tasks: tree stumps, buried propane tank, 2 retaining walls, culvert pipe just to name a few backhoe tasks. This spring it's going to be used heavily to build a 6000 gallon koi pond and water fall. It will come in especially handy for setting boulders.

HST is better because of control. But, go to the CK35 if getting HST. I couldn't afford the CK30 or CK35 HST when I bought. So I opted for maximum HP to the ground with the shuttle. PTO HP wasn't a concern for me. I've gotten used to the shuttle. It's not so bad either.

For storage, keep in mind that you'll need space for 2 tractors if you take the backhoe off. That's how big it is. I guess you could park over part of it.

WOW...thats alot of earth moving !! Can you get a thumbnail to fit on the BH bucket ? You just have to learn how to use the equipment at its best limits....something you seem to have mastered !!! Glad you shared your CK25 experiences....this tells me that i wouldn't need more than 30 hp for what i will be doing.

 

[Gittyup]

WOW...thats alot of earth moving !! Can you get a thumbnail to fit on the BH bucket ? You just have to learn how to use the equipment at its best limits....something you seem to have mastered !!! Glad you shared your CK25 experiences....this tells me that i wouldn't need more than 30 hp for what i will be doing.

Yeah. I built a road through a ravine and needed a tremendous amount of fill. I'd run adds on Craigslist asking for free fill dirt. Got many responses. It took 3 years to get all the fill and put it in place before finishing off the road with 140 tons of crush-n-run. And I was doing this on a steep slope. So steep in fact, that at first I couldn't climb to the tope with the tractor. Dig a little. Fill a little, until I could get to the top. The fill, fill, fill. smooth smooth smooth. Over and over again. I don't think I took photos while building the road, but I think I take some of it finished and posted here somewhere. If you care to you can search for threads I started and you'll see what can be done. But this is true of many users on here, no matter the make. Test them all. A different brand/model might suit you best. If money were no object I'd probably get a bigger Massey. They are really nice machines.

Depending on the backhoe, you can get both mechanical and hydraulic thumbs. I never had the need. Most things can be pinned between the arm and the bucket. I'll be moving boulders with straps.

 

[paulfun9]

On my 4020R Branson the backhoe subframe mounts at four places..You remove the lower 3 point arms and the two hooks on the subframe then slide onto these mounting places as you back over the subframe. The front of the subframe mounts to a solid round tube on the loader subframe with two flip over brackets with one pin each. The subframe for the backhoe overlaps the loader subframe and fits inside of it. Tractor still has good ground clearance. I just plug hydraulics into one of my rear remotes. Plenty of flow at 1300-1400 rpm for me.

That sounds too much like work! For a light duty backhoe the two pins and on the kioti and the ability to leave the 3 point arms in place makes it real nice, easy and quick to mount and dismount. It takes less than 10 min to take it off and put it back on with the DK Not sure if all the others are this quick but it sure beats having to remove the 3 point like I used to have to do with the JD.

 

[Tractorrr]

I believe Tyler brothers has an action of tractors/attachments/equipment once or twice a year, that might be a way for you to get a good deal as it sounds like you have Mechanical skills being an aircraft mechanic and might be able to check them out at the auction. You would be limited by what is at the auction though

 

[trollingfever]

im also a new shopper in this size hp and $20,000, and have quotes on 3 small garden tractors between 25hp and 27hp, first was a simplicity legacy xl, diesel 4wd, next was a JD 1025r, last was a kubota b2650. all of these tractors with loaders and mower decks are well under $20,000.
My problem is comparing the specs, and there is no end to moving up. the legacy has a 500lb loader capacity(roll pin 59"high) & 350# 3 pt, the jd has 836lb loader capacity(roll pin 71.2 high) & 681lb 3 pt, the kubota has a 1146lb loader capacity, & 1676lb 3 pt capacity. the tractor physical sizes move up accordingly; simplicity weighs 1130lbs, 58.5" wheel base; JD 1025r weighs 1441 lbs, and a 57.1 wheel base, the kubota weighs 1786 lbs(roll pin 84.6 high), and a 65.6 wheel base. the tire sizes also increase in size.

Dealer service i read is important, from where i live there are 2 dealers of each brand that have good reputations close by(<12 miles). i have owned my JD 420 garden tractor for 28 years, but only have a mower and front snow blade; no 3 point or fel. i have been very happy with it. John Deere is a good company(engineering, parts, service) in my opinion. I have heard the Kubota is also good, but have no first hand experience. simplicity also has a good following, but have a limited offering in equipment the legacy is the largest they offer.

All 3 offer discounts, some more than others; simplicity discount and rebate is about $20,500 list; offered at $18000 or -11% off(maybe more but being the smallest i didn't push as hard)

The JD list for $19745, $17300 or -12.5% off.

The kubota list $23900. offered at $18000or -24.7%.

FROM THE LIST PRICE THE DEALERS ALL ADDED EITHER FREIGHT OR SETUP, BUT THE DISCOUNT PRICE IS NET, NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES). my problem is between the deere and kubota choice; kubota spec's out much better capacity but Deere has the personal name experience. I did re spec a 2 series deere, price went to $22,000 and specs were slightly less than the kubota b2950.

PS, I'm on the fence and sold the faithful JD420 yesterday. ANY ADVISE HERE IN WHICH WAY TO GO?

 

[Gittyup]

Get as much tractor as you can afford, Trollingfever. I do strongly suggest you look at several other brands than the 3 you've looked at. My personal favorite (this month) in the small CUT/big SCUT range is the Mahindra MAX26XL. You should try one out, as well as Kioti, TYM, MF, and LS. If you really are down to those 3 (all different classes ???), the bota is the better choice just because it's more tractor. The little B's are pretty nice.

 

[varmint]

Gee, Trollingfever, based on what I read, the Kubota would be a no-brainer choice. More tractor, about the same money, and better re-sale down the road. Dah.

 

[paulfun9]

if my choice were between those 3 The Kabota would be coming home with no doubts what so ever! I also second looking at other brands before making a final choice if you haven't already done so.

 

[buickanddeere]

Check estate sales for low hour Tier I and Tier II equipment .

 

[TomSeller]

if my choice were between those 3 The Kabota would be coming home with no doubts what so ever! I also second looking at other brands before making a final choice if you haven't already done so.

Agree 100%

 

[oldpilgrim]

check the specs on the Mahindra and Kioti for equal hp engines. The Mahindra way out does the Kioti in all areas....especially the fel/3pt lift capacities.

Someone said he didn't like how difficult it is to remove/put on a Mahindra backhoe. There's nothing easier. Check the youtube videos. I can put mine on in about 2-3 minutes and off in a minute or less.

I had difficulty deciding between the kioti CK30 and the Mahindra 3016. Comparing EVERYTHING, I went with the 3016.. No regrets.

 

[javahjoe]

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

 

[trollingfever]

i would almost make the trip, just to chat with someone that has the experience with the kubota, and maybe the coffee. lol

 

[varmint]

Don- good man! Offering to share knowledge is part of what makes this a great site! I have learned many useful (and many not so useful, but that's cool) things from other's posted experiences. My tractor is something I can play with, work on for useful mods, and not worry about hurting it or putting a scratch on it. What else will plow snow and scrape ice that's also a hobby toy?

 

[747driver]

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.

 

[oldpilgrim]

The Mahindra 3016 has plastic fenders.

that's all you look at before you write it off?

Do not let that dissuade you from SERIOUSLY considering the 3016. It's an excellent machine, strong, well built, powerful and very dependable, being that it's a Mitsubishi. The driving/operating controls, are laid out nice, the tilt wheel and adjustable seat make it very comfortable, the fel controls are right where they should be. The Tier 3 engine is as tough and dependable/long lasting engine as there is available. It starts at below 0 like it's summer, every time.

Look at it closer and give it another chance. Don't throw it away for it's fenders.

BTW, when I was looking at the 3016 and that's the first/only complaint I had. I still bought it and am VERY pleased with mine.

 

[747driver]

that's all you look at before you write it off?

Do not let that dissuade you from SERIOUSLY considering the 3016. It's an excellent machine, strong, well built, powerful and very dependable, being that it's a Mitsubishi. The driving/operating controls, are laid out nice, the tilt wheel and adjustable seat make it very comfortable, the fel controls are right where they should be. The Tier 3 engine is as tough and dependable/long lasting engine as there is available. It starts at below 0 like it's summer, every time.

Look at it closer and give it another chance. Don't throw it away for it's fenders.

BTW, when I was looking at the 3016 and that's the first/only complaint I had. I still bought it and am VERY pleased with mine.

You're right...plastic fenders shouldn't matter but then again why do they do such poor design ! Looks like after looking the 3016 has the FEL controls on the fender area with a joystick. That dealer didn't have a 3016 to look at. That model is no longer going to be built as it is going to be renamed due to the new Tier !V mandate. Does your 3016 have a rocker pedal for the HST or do you have to move your foot from fwd to rev ?

 

[TJP89]

You're right...plastic fenders shouldn't matter but then again why do they do such poor design ! Looks like after looking the 3016 has the FEL controls on the fender area with a joystick. That dealer didn't have a 3016 to look at. That model is no longer going to be built as it is going to be renamed due to the new Tier !V mandate. Does your 3016 have a rocker pedal for the HST or do you have to move your foot from fwd to rev ?

My comment here is if you get the Kioti, go with the CK35 instead of the CK30. The only difference is an extra 4 or 5 HP that brings the ability to easily run 60" implements, which are the proper width for the CK27/30/35. Size wise the 35 is the exact same dimensions as the 30 and 27, with identical hydraulics. The price difference was only about $700 so easily worth it.

From having climbed all over (and under) the Kioti, I am left with the feeling that this is a downsized farm tractor, not upsized lawn mower. The rear axles are hefty, the transmission and frame are real solid, and the fenders and such are all metal. All of the examples in the manual are farming ones. I think if you are looking for a lot of tractor in a small basic frame the Kioti is hard to beat. This is not to beat down Mahindra, they make good machines, but when I looked at the two, I came away much more impressed by the Kioti.