Which BH? Help me spend my money

[hosejockey2002]

After months of consideration and research I'm ready to pull the trigger on a CK20 HST TLB. I plan on using this machine for part time, light residential landscaping. I'm normally a decisive guy, but I'm having a tough time making up my mind about whether to get the Kioti KB 2365 BH or the Woods BH70X. I've looked at the specs for both so many times I practically have them memorized. I know that the Woods has higher performance numbers but one downside is that the stowed stabilizer width is around 10" wider than the Kioti backhoe. This could make the difference between getting into a spot and not being able to. The Woods backhoe is also more expensive. I really like the curved boom of the Woods and the thumb option, however. I've changed my mind a couple of times and now I'm leaning toward the Woods. I've probably read every post concerning a CK20 with a backhoe, but I'd appreciate any comments, especially from users of the Woods BH70X.

 

[Dmace]

No woods bh here, just the Kioti KB2365. I tell you what though, I have never found a weak point about it. It has pulled every stump, rock, and culvert I have needed it to.

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with Dmace. My KB2365 has done the job for me. I've thought about adding an aftermarket thumb but haven't done so yet.

For someone who needs to get through gates etc it would seem that 10 inches of extra clearance would be a real problem. All things being equal I suspect I'd also like the Woods BH better but not if it prevented me from getting to a job site.

 

[hosejockey2002]

After literally sleeping on it, I'm going to go with the Woods. The main reason is the thumb availability. It's going to come in handy for some cleanup jobs in the pipeline. I could probably get an aftermarket thumb for the KB 2365 but I don't want possible warranty problems by adding one. The Woods also has a higher loading height to make it easier to load my pickup with the BH. One downside is my dealer has everything in stock to install a KB 2365 but will have to order the subframe for the Woods. Looks like I'll have to wait a little while.

 

[albmn10]

Hello hose, i have the 80x and its a very nice hoe. I dont know the weight difference between the kb65 and the 70x. I know that there was a previous poster , i forget his handle , who does have the 70x on his ck20.. I will say that my hoe seemed like it had pretty good reach when i got it. now i find it just enough.. If your machine will handle the 70x id get it, more reach, a thumb, which is extremely useful. I used mine all weekend picking up trees to cut logs into 16" lenths, it makes a great set of extra hands.. Get what you feel youll be happier with, a few hundred dollars is nothing compared to getting what you want. Good luck

 

[hosejockey2002]

I see you have the 80X on your CK30. My dealer said that the 70X is a good match for the CK20. I considered the 80X, but that's probably too much hoe for the CK20. I also considered stepping up to the CK25 or 30, but then I'm starting to get away from a very compact machine that can get into small spaces. I'd have to buy a bigger trailer, too. You're right about a few hundred bucks (actually closer to $1K) being a small price to pay for getting what you want. Are you pretty happy with that mechanical thumb?

 

[albmn10]

Hello Hose, yes your dealer is right, the 80x would be too much for the ck20.. As far as the thumb goes, i like it alot. I mainly use it for cutting firewood. Ill down a tree, grab it with the hoe and thumb, cut it into 16" logs, throw the logs in the loader and off to the firewood pile. Im sure you will like the setup... Good luck

 

[hosejockey2002]

Well, the final decision is made. Here's what I'm getting:

CK20 HST
KL 120 FEL
subframe mounted Woods BH70X with thumb, 9" & 16" buckets
Landpride 48" box scraper

It's going to cost quite a bit more than the KB 2365 but I think the extra lift height and thumb will be worth it. Pictures forthcoming when it shows up, hopefully not more than a couple of weeks.

 

[IslandTractor]

Sounds like a great set up. That new Woods hoe is definitely sweet.

You might want to think about a 60" box blade though as it will cover the track a bit better and most people who have them seem to like the 60". I don't have personal experience but I can say that my CK20 has no trouble pulling an aggressively digging 60" rake. I'd say the major issue would be what type of soil you are trying to move. Sandy loam you should be able to handle easily with the 60"; if you have solid clay or very rocky soil to deal with maybe the 48 is the better choice.

Don't forget photos, we love photos.

 

[hosejockey2002]

We'll see how it goes with the 48" box. Soils vary around here from sandy loam to inpenetrable hardpan. Maybe I'll check with my salesman to see if he can get a 54" box. He'll probably strangle me because I've changed my mind about 10 times already.