Upgrading my CK20 to a 30HP something.

Rollerskate · May 19, 2004

I have had my CK20 (manual, FEL & BH) since last June and it has been excellent. With all the landscaping work we wanted to do, I got my other half to agree by suggesting that the cost of the tractor would be less than the cost of screwing up my back. I thought that was clever but it is quite true.

Since then we bought a nice 10 acre horse property, which is 9 acres of grass. When I got to thinking about a mower or bush hog I figured I would like to have at least a 60" implement. I looked at the opinions for my CK20 and 60" was the max. I guess that would be OK but I would rather have something with a little more cushion at the top end. Maybe it would be easier on the machinery too. Bumping up to a 25HP machine really did not get me much so I figured go to a 30. Now, thanks to Kioti, I have problem. I have to choose between a CK30 and a 3054XS. The problem is the CK30 is not quite here yet so it is hard to do a side by side comparison. I have looked at whatever literature is available but they don't really do a 1 for 1 comparison. I have talked with two dealers and, people being people, they have two different options. From the posts I have looked at is does seem like people with 3054XS's are pretty happy with them.

To me it looks like the 3054XS is being tailored for more commercial use, while the CK line is more consumer oriented. Don't know if that is true just what I assumed. So I thought I would see if anyone here on TBN had any thoughts, suggestions or things I should be asking myself.

Oh, one plus about the 3054 is the dealer closest to me has one I can try this Saturday. If I want it, it is mine. He has the FEL (quick release) and BH too. I was going to get a finish mower, but after doing some cutting last weekend I found the field to be pretty bumpy. I thought that may not be so good for a mower so I was thinking I should get a bush hog instead.

Any thoughts on the tractor decision or a mower would be appreciated. This kind of tractor usage is new territory.

Thanks,
Rollerskate

JayC · May 19, 2004

If you like the LK3054 I'd say go for that one. The LK3054 is a proven workhorse. Being your CK20 was a gear drive, I assume a CK30 you may get would be gear, too? If I were you, I think I'd just go for the LK3054. I'm not sure of the specifics between the two, but people are very happy with their LK3054s. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think one is intended for commercial use over the other or vice-versa. Good luck!

To20Chris · May 19, 2004

Probably the biggest functional differences between the CK30 and LK3054XS are the availability of hydrostatic, the synchro on the shuttle shift, and the mid PTO. Also the less crowded operator station and imporved hydraulic flow rates. If you want a BH, the Mid PTO is not much use anyway. Personally, while I think the improvements are worthwhile, I wouldn't pay much more for them! The capabability of both machines is pretty much the same, so my advice would be to get the LK - it's a great tractor and you can get it now, probably for less money. Is the one on the dealer lot an XS?

Rollerskate · May 19, 2004

Yes it is an XS. He really likes the improvements. Especially what they did to beef up the front end.

What is the difference between the LK's mechanical shift and the CK's synchro's. No plans for an HST. I have a little Craftsmen 42" for around the house, it is "automatic" and I don't care for it.

shoppintractors · May 19, 2004

<font color="blue"> Craftsmen 42" for around the house, it is "automatic" </font>

Is it a full Hydro or does it have a shifter from forward to reverse?

Don

To20Chris · May 19, 2004

On the LK3054XS mechanical shuttle you must come to a complete stop before moving the lever from forward to reverse. Much as I would really love to have the synchro shuttle (my ideal powertrain), I can't honestly say it would make a big difference in what I can do with the tractor. I grind one now and then, but less and less often as I get more used to it. The XS dash mounted lever addresses the main operator obstruction. You'll have to decide if that is a big enough reason to wait for the CK30. I got my LK3054 (not XS) early in the year, and I knew I could not wait long enough for the CK30. The LK3054 is mainly a bang-for-the-buck tractor, not a state of the art unit. I do not know the price difference, but my main point is that knowing what the LK3054 can do, I would be hard pressed to justify much more money.

Rollerskate · May 19, 2004

Shoppin... It is not a real Hydro. It has the foward and reverse lever. A guy at work bought it, used it 4 times, sold his house, put it in storage for a year. I got it for almost 1/2 price. I changed all the fluids, swapped out the mulching blades for regular blades and away we went. It is a 21HP machine. It tried it out in the fields I want the new tractor for. I actually cut down 15" stuff, though it took a couple of passes. After a couple hours of that I figured no point in killing this little pup.

To20... I never really thought about whether or not I come to a full stop when I change gears. I think I do anyway. I guess I'll have to go find out. I know when I use my friends JD 950 I do.

KiotiJohn · May 20, 2004

At least with the forward/reverse lever, which is located just to the left around waist high, all you have to do is stop, push or pull the lever and go. You can do that in whatever gear you want to be in, which makes it a little easier than looking for the gear you want, shifting to reverse and going back to gear you want. You would adjust to it very quickly and probably really enjoy it. The improvements, in my opinion, have made a very good tractor a great tractor. The 3054 was apparenlty the bread and butter tractor for many Kioti dealers, and I think the new XS will easily continue with good sales. Go get some seat time in one, I think you'll love it. John