Which???? CK20, 25, OR 30 (hst)

[TractorLegend]

I have 5 acres of very terrained recreation property. I get there 1-2 times a month in a good year. Approx 3 acres is needing mowing and I'd like to maintain the gravel driveway from atv abuse, and make some new trails with assistance of a front loader and do lifting tasks with bucket, dragging tree poles and other forest edge fun. All I have currently is a great old Allis garden tractor for mowing which is getting overloaded when I'm not there enough to mow and grass gets tall. So initially I thought the CK20 and a pull behind mower would upgrade mowing task.
Then I thought how useful a front loader would be and how the 20 may be too light to be serious for that weight and power wise.
Then the CK25 is heavier but then it pays to consider horsepower.
Too many choices makes one discontent with any choice!! (read 31 flavors of ice cream).
I'm thinking at least the 25 but am some kind of power freak too. Seems 1000.00 is alot for 5 hp on one hand for the CK30. But over the period of the loan...... (justification)
So I went from 11,500 for the 20 series w/ fel
to 13,336 for the 25 series w/ fel
to 14624 for the 30 sieries HST's w/ fel (plus mower)
plus 355.00 for the industrial tire.
My brother in law daily- tractor- operator thinks ag tires are best for not sliding around while earth moving- my land isn't muddy so footprint not an issue. Please comment. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
OK Your turn to spout off, please........

 

[RedRocker]

I like my CK30, R4's seem to be doing all I want them to. Pretty rough/rocky terrain with lots of brush and brambles.

 

[HODAK]

You're already having second thoughts. Better go for the CK30 or you will always wonder what if...? Get the HST. I can't imagine not having this option. Turning around, backing up, and loader work is a breeze. Take some test drives to see which one fits and feels right.

Happy CK30HST owner /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

I agree that what you WANT is the CK30. What you need, well that could be any of the three. As you said, over the life of the loan, or the life of the tractor, the extra is negligible.

As for the tires, if you don't have any lawn you want to protect, I'd go with the Ags. They will be better traction wise but may be a little thin for working the woods. I have IND tires and sometimes wish I had the extra lug for traction, but hasn't really been a huge problem.

I personally would go for at least the CK25 as it has all the extras not on the CK20.
John

 

[TractorLegend]

Is ther any other difference in the 25 vs. 30 besides 5 hp??
I couldnt see any...

 

[albmn10]

Go with the Ck30 Hst, you can run bigger implements, and have the extra 5hp when digging with the loader,1k is not alot over the life of a loan. You will love the tractor too... Matt

 

[VT_Kioti]

Mowing takes a lot of HP if the grass gets very long or is wet. That seems a little odd but is the truth. I learned that by buying too small the first time. That said you would not be sorry with the CK30 HST. Having owned one for a year I can tell you it is one great tractor. And power is one thing it has plenty of.

Let us know when you buy and post pics when it arrives.

Al

 

[TractorLegend]

I'm going CK30HST I'm pretty sure---only thing holding me back is storage---i'm working on a 40' container install at my rec. property free up storage for Kioti.
I may have container delivered sooner and have excavator guy move it to its final spot so I could have the Kioti in a couple weeks if I find a trucker to move the empty container from Auburn, WA to Packwood, WA
Anybody know available trucker in Auburn area?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[grdngrrl]

In my opinion the CK 30 is well worth the extra $1K. You loose a little bit in the HST compared to a shifter but the right foot rocker is like being in a rocker. I spent most of the day today on my CK 30 HST working the FEL and BH. My previous experience was with an orange 20 hp HST TLB. the difference in power is incredible. I went with Kioti because my primary needs are for landscaping. I needed the weight to go along with the small size. If my primary use was mowing vegitation I might have considered the lighter weight brands (easier to trailer). I think the industrial tires are the best compromise and the loss of traction compared to ag's is insignificant if you have your front wheels pulling. They are much smoother on hard surfaces and they wear longer as well. One last thing... for my kind of work the sloped hood and curved loader arms on the CK's are a wonderful advantage over the DK's and even tho I could have used the extra HP of a DK I favored the visibility afforded by the CK.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is ther any other difference in the 25 vs. 30 besides 5 hp??
I couldnt see any... )</font>
Other than price, no.
John