Which one to Buy!!!

rapracing · Jun 23, 2005

I had decided on a CK20HST and was prepared to close the deal then the dealer brought one out for an evening. I don't think there would be a problem but not sure. He felt it would do the job I need but that the 25 or 30 might be a better choice due to terrain. Then we thought maybe the 25 but he called this morning and the 25 he has has no 1000 rpm on PTO and the bar is one solid piece unlike the 30 which fold in the middle. Also I am not sure that there would be that much power difference in the 25 due to the 1100+ extra pounds. The 25 is 2000 more and the 30 is 3300 more dollars. What would you all do /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I know "Bigger is Better" HMMMMM! I hate to spend money, especially if I don't have to.

Thanks for advice.

cag · Jun 23, 2005

Rapracing you won't be using 1000 RPM on the pto, has for the rops the newer models folds in the middle, have you tried all 3 models, 3300 more for the 30 is well worth it, like a veteran of TBN once told me, your better off over power with a tractor then under power...cag

rapracing · Jun 23, 2005

I have only really been on the 20. Dealer brought a TLB 20 out and I messed for an hour. I was on a 30 at his shop but could only move around parking lot. The 25 was in a crate. He unboxed it this morning and called with the info. I like the ROPS that folds in the middle. Seems like it would be easier to handle and I will need to put it down to get into the garage.
Thanks again!
Bob

depratt_equip · Jun 23, 2005

The ROPS that fold in the middle is something you will see on the 25's as soon as the current stock is depleted. All new ones will be like the 30's. The 25 does have the 1000 RPM, there is a strap that is bolted on that does not allow you to move it back to the 1000 position, but it is there and does work. All the new CK30's do not have this strap and all the new CK25's coming will not have the 1000 position locked out.

Spray25 · Jun 23, 2005

It is always easy to spend someone else's money, but I would definately get the 25 and if money allows the 30. If you THINK the 20 will do the job then the 25 or 30 will DEFINATELY do it and more if you come up with something new to try. $2000 and $3300 seems like a lot but if you spend the extra money now you are likely to be able to keep the tractor for a lifetime.

TractorLegend · Jun 23, 2005

I started out thinking CK20 just to replace my garden tractor which was overloaded with field mowing duties. A 20 would have likely handled that beautifully. Then I got to thinking what great use I could get from a hydraulic bucket for lifting logs, earth moving, driveway maintenance, etc. Then I thought the 20 would be anemic for those things. And I would have likely always regretted getting less power and weight. So I bought the CK30HST. Now I have nothing to regret but getting in smaller spaces, but I guess I can just make the spaces bigger /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Theres always tradeoffs in life. And clever marketing. This may be the last tractor you ever buy. So dont let a little $$cheese get in the way of getting what works for you. If you get the one you hate it will cost you way more.

KiotiJohn · Jun 24, 2005

I'm limited in what I can say because I don't really know all that you will need to do, but the CK20 is quite capable for many many jobs. That said though, the CK25 or 30 offers a good deal more for the money including the telescoping hitch arms and stabilizers (makes hooking up implements much easier) tilt wheel, more power etc.
1000 RPM ptos are pretty superflous in the US as most implements are rated at 540, but as Jon DePratt posted, both models 25/30 have it. Some people say they run at 1000 but lower the RPM to achieve 540 at the lower engine speed, but I don't recommend it because then the tractor doesn't have the same pulling power. Running a 540 at 1000 can damage the gear box. Most 1000 RPM implements require a different spline on the PTO anyway (often 24 spline instead of 6 spline), so that shouldn't be much of a consideration in your purchase in my opinion.
If I were shopping today for one of these models, I feel pretty sure I would go with at least the CK25, but most likely the CK30. If you keep the tractor for a very long time, the price difference becomes nearly a moot point.
John

HODAK · Jun 24, 2005

Speaking of the new style ROPS, can someone tell me if the new style mounts the same as the old ones? What I mean is, can you remove the old one piece where it pivots and install the new one? I would be interested in that. Thanks

VictorW · Jun 24, 2005

If your leaning towards the CK25, I'd go with the 30. They both have a few more extras as others mentioned. I was stuck with the 25 or 30 question. I'm glad I went for the extra 5 hp. With the extra weight over the 20 giving a little more traction, the extra hp. is definitely put to the ground and you can handle larger PTO implements. I figured the price difference over the years I would own this tractor. Doesn't amount to much but your wallet probably has limits like all of ours. The 30 does have 1000 pto rpm if you remove the lever block. Learned this from another member here.

CK30HST with 23 hours of fun! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif