Will the CK20 do for me?

KiotiWarhawk · Aug 27, 2004

I am in the big debate - what size tractor to get. The biggest / toughest job I face is digging up and moving boulders on my property. Largest ones I am guessing weigh about 1000 lbs. Most weigh 200-400 lbs.

I don't expect to actually lift the 1K's but just dig them up and push them around with the fel. Anyone have any experience or comments about wether the CK20 is big enough?

I'm not one of those "buy the biggest you can afford" types. I want to spend what I NEED to spend in order to do the job. With the 0% financing, I am sure I could afford much more than I need. I am trying to spend wisely so the kids can still go to college.

To20Chris · Aug 27, 2004

I don't know if you are looking at the CK20 gear or HST, but for less than $2k more than a CK20HST, you should be able to get an LK3054XS with a 60" FEL. It is 1000lbs (50%) heavier, and has more lifting power. The CK20 is a great tractor and will do surprising things, but for that duty I'd go bigger.

Welcome to TBN!

Bob_Skurka · Aug 27, 2004

I'm a big fan of the Kioti loaders, but I'm going to say you will likely be disappointed. The 120 loader is theoretically rated at a shade over 1000# lift capacity. But that capacity is measured at the pivot point, it is probably realistically capable of lifting about 750# at the bucket center, and that won't likely lift to full height, so the capacity is dimished as the need to lift increases. This same depressing news is true for all loaders of all brands. In the small tractor sizes, the Kioti and the New Holland loaders are probably the best on the market; Kubota, in this size class is pretty weak, JD's spec's don't easily lend themselves to honest apples-to-apples comparisons but seem to be pretty strong. I've never looked at other brands.

So what I am saying is that the loader will easily handle the 200# rocks, it will strain a quite a bit as the rocks climb up over 400#, and likely if you were to try to pry up a 1000# chunk of earth you will be fighting that for a long time but you will have a heck of a time rolling it on the ground.

To realistically achieve the type of results you are probably looking to achieve, you might want to seriously consider moving up to a mid-size frame. Again, the smaller 200# rocks will move, but if you encounter more of the 1000# rocks, or even 600# rocks than you are guessing then you probably are going to be frustrated.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 27, 2004

for less than $2k more than a CK20HST, you should be able to get an LK3054XS with a 60" FEL 

Chris, I tend to agree with you, but I'd opt for the heavier of the 2 available loaders.

To20Chris · Aug 27, 2004

Agreed Bob - even if your not trying to lift the 1000lb rocks directly, you'll want as much lifting power as you can reasonably get.

Also, you'll want filled tires on what ever you buy to keep the center of mass as low as possible. The feeling when those rear wheels come off the ground is not enjoyable!

JayC · Aug 27, 2004

If you will be digging up large rocks I think the best machine for you would be the LK3054XS with the optional TLB package. The backhoe is integrated into the machine better and the FEL is beefed up to make it more rugged. It also comes with a FOPS. The backhoe is removable so you can use the 3PH if you need to. This is part of the description from the Kioti site:

( The flip-over style seat may allow easy setup for backhoe operation without leaving the tractor. )

Here is the link to the LK:

Kioti LK3054XS

Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KiotiJohn · Aug 27, 2004

I have to agree with part of Bob S's post. The 1000# boulders will be difficult. However, the idea that the load won't go to full height when you get that much load is not something you're going to try to do if you have any sense at all. Once just doesn't try to go really high when transporting a really heavy load. I know for a fact that 750# is possible in the bucket because I've done it. I've even lifted about 600# on bucket forks (55gal drum full of diesel fuel, the forks, the pallet) came just under 600. That's pretty way out in front so you can see that it's not a great stretch to get 150# more in the bucket. Keep in mind I had a backhoe on the back so it was well ballasted, a must with that kind of front weight.
All that said, I think you'd be better with the LK3054XS or the CK30. I'm not really sure how that KL130 would do with it, but if you're not in a big hurry, I'll go out to my dealers and play with one (HST) and see just what it will do.
I'll try to use something to simulate a huge boulder although we just don't have them here in Florida unless we BUY them!
John

To20Chris · Aug 27, 2004

You pay the shipping and I'll send you some! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KiotiJohn · Aug 27, 2004

( You pay the shipping and I'll send you some! )
Shipping? I'm coming up to get em! John /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KiotiWarhawk · Aug 28, 2004

Thanks everyone for all the info. I think this is the first time I read some information that made sense when it comes to tractor size. I will call the dealer and discuss the 30 HP model.

The other thing of interest to me regarding tractor size is what does a 20 hp vs a 25 vs a 30 HP machine do for you from a workhorse standpoint. What benefit do I get for the extra 5 to 10 HP?

If you send me your address, I will send you the boulders (COD of course!).

Thanks again