Should I upgrade to a CK30?

[bondo478]

Hi all! I currently have a 2008 CK20S hydro that I bought new in late 2007 along with a KL120 loader, 60" Kioti finish mower and a 60" backblade. I have 170 trouble free hours on it and have been more than satisfied with it and the dealer who sold it to me. I have 10 acres of property, 4 of which is lawn with only one or two trees and no other real obstructions, and the rest is woods. I've often thought a larger finish mower would be great for mowing since I have nothing in the way and my grass get very thick, and a larger bucket and more weight would clear my 200' driveway quicker in the winter. I can't use a snowblower because the driveway is crushed stone and I have too many windows and buildings near the driveway. I also have access to a very reasonably priced quick attach front snowblade, which won't work on my CK20S. I also skid logs out of my woods for firewood, run a PTO powered log splitter, and am looking to get a boxblade in the future for driveway/trail maintenance. I would also like to get a 3pt auger at some point. I contacted my dealer and the free loader program is back, so I can trade my tractor/loader/finish mower/backblade for a new CK30 with loader, new 72" Kiot finish mower and 72" backblade for what I think is a reasonable difference. I know the CK20S is a very capable machine, but would the CK30 fit my needs better? Alot of times, it seems that more power and weight would make my life easier. I grew up on a farm with much larger equipment and sometimes think I may be asking too much of my CK20S.

 

[Loren49]

Bigger tractor means less time to do what you've accomplished with the CK20. If you have more money than time or if there are things your smaller tractor are unable to do then go for it. Over course, if you'd just like a bigger tractor and are satisfied with the extra cost, why not. On the possible down side, the CK30 is considerably heavier and may not work as well as a finish mower.
I think there's no wrong or right - its up to you.

Good luck,
Loren

 

[Dmace]

It's not easy to over-work such a tough tractor like the CK20 but if you don't mind the extra size, weight, and fuel consumption then a larger CK30 would definitely get the job done job faster. The only disadvantage would be if you had to trailer it a lot or store in a small area. If you can swing it, I say go for it! :thumbsup:

 

[bondo478]

Thanks for the opinions! My work schedule is pretty tough, so I usually end up plowing late at night or before work in the morning, so time is definitely valuable. I have to reserve mowing to the weekends, when I would rather be on my boat:thumbsup: I know the heavier machine might give me some soil compaction issues, but I already run alot of heavier things over it very frequently, and haven't had any issues. There are many projects I have been wanting to do around the house for a long time that my CK20 would do, but slowly. I don't really have to trailer it much if at all, and my garages have plenty of room for a larger tractor. I probably already have myself talked into it, but I'm still on the fence.

 

[blueriver]

I probably already have myself talked into it, but I'm still on the fence.

No you fell off the fence .... I see a new one in your future!!!

 

[bondo478]

Ha! You may be right! I just keep telling myself that I probably don't necessarily NEED it, but the WANT it keeps coming back

 

[blueriver]

If you can swing the deal and not put any hardship on you or your family ... DO IT!!!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Well, I would not get the CK30,:thumbdown: I would get the CK35. :laughing: That way you will never want for power. Either one is a big step up from what you have. :thumbsup:

 

[Gittyup]

If you are going to do it, go for the CK35. You bought too small once. Don't do it again.

You can run a snowblower on a stone drive. Just set the shoes so the blower is a couple of inches off the ground.

 

[bondo478]

The CK35 is also a possiblity. I have run a snowblower that way, but if I leave more than an inch of snow on this driveway, it seems to turn instantly to ice