Kioti CK20 Reviews
No Dual Clutch
Model Year: 2006
I love this little work horse. I have a LandPride rake/blade combo to maintain the road & driveway…it works well for a small tractor. Then I found a good deal on a 3-point snow thrower, it turned out that it needed auger bearings and some routine fix in'. After getting the snow thrower all ready to go, I mounted it to the tractor in the fall to check that everything was good. It ran perfect, but then came the 1st big snow fall. Naturally I was excited to try the new toy. As soon as I backed into the 1st snow bank, I realized that when I push the cloth to stop the tractor, it would also stop the snowblower PTO. Then when I let the clutch out again, the auger/impeller/shoot were all packed with snow, and the shear pin on the pro shaft let go. Bottom line is that i could not figure a way too use the snow thrower attachment so I gave it to my friend in Vermont to use with his Massey (that does have a 2-stage clutch feature). So I was disappointed to learn that my Kioti was missing that important feature, not to mention the $$ and hours I put into the snow thrower. Now I'll go back to pushing the snow around with the bucket (unfortunately).
Pros: Superb built quality, very reliable, good size to get in the woods for trail maintenance.
Cons: No 2-stage clutch.
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Model Year: 2006
I love this little work horse. I have a LandPride rake/blade combo to maintain the road & driveway…it works well for a small tractor. Then I found a good deal on a 3-point snow thrower, it turned out that it needed auger bearings and some routine fix in'. After getting the snow thrower all ready to go, I mounted it to the tractor in the fall to check that everything was good. It ran perfect, but then came the 1st big snow fall. Naturally I was excited to try the new toy. As soon as I backed into the 1st snow bank, I realized that when I push the cloth to stop the tractor, it would also stop the snowblower PTO. Then when I let the clutch out again, the auger/impeller/shoot were all packed with snow, and the shear pin on the pro shaft let go. Bottom line is that i could not figure a way too use the snow thrower attachment so I gave it to my friend in Vermont to use with his Massey (that does have a 2-stage clutch feature). So I was disappointed to learn that my Kioti was missing that important feature, not to mention the $$ and hours I put into the snow thrower. Now I'll go back to pushing the snow around with the bucket (unfortunately).
Pros: Superb built quality, very reliable, good size to get in the woods for trail maintenance.
Cons: No 2-stage clutch.
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Problem City
Model Year: 2003
I have had my tractor for about 10 years and only put about 15 hours a year on it. I keep it in a garage out of the elements and have had it serviced by the dealer at 75 and then again at 150 hours. My major complaint is that the shifter for the front wheel drive keeps disengaging while running and I am constantly pushing it back down into position. I also had a number of the wires in the engine compartment (for the head lights and the temperature gauge) fray and disintegrate due to vibration and rubbing on the radiator hose. Another problem is that the pre-heat coil light stays lit after the engine is started and the key is in only the run mode. All this with less then 200 hours on it and very light yard use.
Pros: Cost of tractor was about half of that of a Kubota
Cons: Numerous mechanical problems and not stable on hillsides or going down steep grades at an angle.
Model Year: 2003
I have had my tractor for about 10 years and only put about 15 hours a year on it. I keep it in a garage out of the elements and have had it serviced by the dealer at 75 and then again at 150 hours. My major complaint is that the shifter for the front wheel drive keeps disengaging while running and I am constantly pushing it back down into position. I also had a number of the wires in the engine compartment (for the head lights and the temperature gauge) fray and disintegrate due to vibration and rubbing on the radiator hose. Another problem is that the pre-heat coil light stays lit after the engine is started and the key is in only the run mode. All this with less then 200 hours on it and very light yard use.
Pros: Cost of tractor was about half of that of a Kubota
Cons: Numerous mechanical problems and not stable on hillsides or going down steep grades at an angle.
Bought Used
Model Year: 2004
Good size for small horse ranch, not a problem getting through gates, but can carry a bale of hay. No problems so far, starts right up and runs like a champ. Bought with 328 hrs, now has 350. My only complaint is that it appears to only has 2 speeds, fast and very slow. Maybe I'm doing something wrong.
Pros: Size, reliabilty.
Cons: Only 2 speeds.
Model Year: 2004
Good size for small horse ranch, not a problem getting through gates, but can carry a bale of hay. No problems so far, starts right up and runs like a champ. Bought with 328 hrs, now has 350. My only complaint is that it appears to only has 2 speeds, fast and very slow. Maybe I'm doing something wrong.
Pros: Size, reliabilty.
Cons: Only 2 speeds.
CK20 with Front End Loader
Model Year: 2008
I purchased the tractor after getting snowed in and having to clear the driveway (approx 400 ft) by hand. Since then it has hauled a lot of rock, dirt, gravel and stove wood. The 4 stars for Build Quality is due to the factory forgot to seal the ignition system and the tractor refused to shut-off. Local dealer (Run-away Tractor) replaced the wiring harness (under warranty) and the tractor has worked great since. I also have a scraper blade, a turf buster plow and driveway scraper box.
Pros: Very maneuverable, plenty of power with 4 wheel drive.
Cons: No rear view mirror.
Model Year: 2008
I purchased the tractor after getting snowed in and having to clear the driveway (approx 400 ft) by hand. Since then it has hauled a lot of rock, dirt, gravel and stove wood. The 4 stars for Build Quality is due to the factory forgot to seal the ignition system and the tractor refused to shut-off. Local dealer (Run-away Tractor) replaced the wiring harness (under warranty) and the tractor has worked great since. I also have a scraper blade, a turf buster plow and driveway scraper box.
Pros: Very maneuverable, plenty of power with 4 wheel drive.
Cons: No rear view mirror.
CK20hst
Model Year: 2006
I have owned the CK20hst for just over 4years, in which time I've not had any real problems from the Daedong Manufactured parts. I had it fitted with a Daedong mid mounted mower deck and a front end loader again a Daedong option. I believe the mid mounted mower deck was manufactured in France and this is what has gives me the problems. In 400 hours I've put two sets of bearing into the blade hubs. This is the cheap part its the drive belt for the blades that costs a lot ($650 AUS). At the beginning of this year, I purchased my second Daedong (Kioti), which is a EX45HST and have already got 200 hours up with out a problem.
Pros: Price/quality/size of front axle with using front end loader.
Cons: Mower deck.
Model Year: 2006
I have owned the CK20hst for just over 4years, in which time I've not had any real problems from the Daedong Manufactured parts. I had it fitted with a Daedong mid mounted mower deck and a front end loader again a Daedong option. I believe the mid mounted mower deck was manufactured in France and this is what has gives me the problems. In 400 hours I've put two sets of bearing into the blade hubs. This is the cheap part its the drive belt for the blades that costs a lot ($650 AUS). At the beginning of this year, I purchased my second Daedong (Kioti), which is a EX45HST and have already got 200 hours up with out a problem.
Pros: Price/quality/size of front axle with using front end loader.
Cons: Mower deck.
CK20HST
Model Year: 2006
Excellent little tractor that I have owned since new. Primarily it is used to do various landscaping tasks on approx 2.5 acres--lots of dirt hauling and rock moving with the loader (KL120) and backhoe (KB2365) attachments. Cat1 3 point hitch adequately powers our post-hole digger, log splitter and 60" snowblower. Local dealer(Kerby Independent Tractor Service) provides excellent service and has taken care of the few issues that have come up over the past 4 years. Tranny rad failed(leaked)do to extreme cold.
Pros: Meets my needs: moving dirt & rocks, tree planting, wood splitting and sowblowing.
Cons: Tranny rad does not like Canadian winters.
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Model Year: 2006
Excellent little tractor that I have owned since new. Primarily it is used to do various landscaping tasks on approx 2.5 acres--lots of dirt hauling and rock moving with the loader (KL120) and backhoe (KB2365) attachments. Cat1 3 point hitch adequately powers our post-hole digger, log splitter and 60" snowblower. Local dealer(Kerby Independent Tractor Service) provides excellent service and has taken care of the few issues that have come up over the past 4 years. Tranny rad failed(leaked)do to extreme cold.
Pros: Meets my needs: moving dirt & rocks, tree planting, wood splitting and sowblowing.
Cons: Tranny rad does not like Canadian winters.
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Excellent little tractor
Model Year: 2010
I replaced my old Ford 2N with the Kioti CK20S. What an improvement. No problem mowing with a 6' finish mower or a 5' bushhog. I picked the Kioti over the Massey and Kubota because of its extra weight and lift capacities. So far I'm very pleased.
Pros: The price couldn't be beat.
Cons: None at this time.
Model Year: 2010
I replaced my old Ford 2N with the Kioti CK20S. What an improvement. No problem mowing with a 6' finish mower or a 5' bushhog. I picked the Kioti over the Massey and Kubota because of its extra weight and lift capacities. So far I'm very pleased.
Pros: The price couldn't be beat.
Cons: None at this time.
Kioti CK20 Review
Model Year: 0
Have not had this tractor long, but very impressed so far. Bought under Free FEL program. Primarily used for a field, mowing 5 acres and moving by-products from 4 horses. Has great power and torque. The seat is comfortable and controls are well placed. Time will tell on the reliability, but it looks good so far. I spent a lot of time researching tractors, but kept coming back to the Kioti. My previous tractor was a 1952 Ford 8N so this is a huge improvement. I plan on keeping this tractor a long time and would recommend to anyone
Pros: Competitive Pricing. Good power and torque.
Cons: Somewhat limited dealer network.
Model Year: 0
Have not had this tractor long, but very impressed so far. Bought under Free FEL program. Primarily used for a field, mowing 5 acres and moving by-products from 4 horses. Has great power and torque. The seat is comfortable and controls are well placed. Time will tell on the reliability, but it looks good so far. I spent a lot of time researching tractors, but kept coming back to the Kioti. My previous tractor was a 1952 Ford 8N so this is a huge improvement. I plan on keeping this tractor a long time and would recommend to anyone
Pros: Competitive Pricing. Good power and torque.
Cons: Somewhat limited dealer network.
Kioti CK20 Test Drive
Model Year: 2010
Overall Bottom line: This tractor can actually do everything I need, and is offered at a fantastic price. If you don't have much slope I'm sure you'll be happy. For me, I have some pretty steep areas, so I chose to step up to the CK30 instead primarily for the increased speed - i.e., to save time. My opinion: You probably don't want this one if you want to do finishing mowing - this tractor is MUCH heavier than it's competitors. A minor issue - could be just my unit-the PTO is noisy when engaged but with the clutch in, I tended to drop the PTO out instead.
Pros: Loader and Traction - this thing bites into a pile of dirt effortlessly. The bucket size is well matched to the tractor power, in fact if, like me, you're not moving stone/s and you can go bigger and still be happy. Handles side hills well with the industrial tires.
Cons: Too slow on the hills - in other words needs a 3-range HST.
Model Year: 2010
Overall Bottom line: This tractor can actually do everything I need, and is offered at a fantastic price. If you don't have much slope I'm sure you'll be happy. For me, I have some pretty steep areas, so I chose to step up to the CK30 instead primarily for the increased speed - i.e., to save time. My opinion: You probably don't want this one if you want to do finishing mowing - this tractor is MUCH heavier than it's competitors. A minor issue - could be just my unit-the PTO is noisy when engaged but with the clutch in, I tended to drop the PTO out instead.
Pros: Loader and Traction - this thing bites into a pile of dirt effortlessly. The bucket size is well matched to the tractor power, in fact if, like me, you're not moving stone/s and you can go bigger and still be happy. Handles side hills well with the industrial tires.
Cons: Too slow on the hills - in other words needs a 3-range HST.
Kioti CK20S
Model Year: 2010
My first tractor. The landscaping needs extended beyond the capabilities of my lawn tractor and myself. As a subcompact it's well-suited for the relatively close quarters of our 5+ acres. Its primary use will be to maintain our 1000+ feet of gravel driveway and as such. I went for Kioti's "free FEL" purchasing option. It was also the most cost effective purchasing plan. 4WD and an added toothbar have been invaluable towards managing by school bus sized brush piles. I've also been able to uproot invasive shrubs (3" diameter trunks) and even pushed over a shallow rooted tree. I also purchased a Woods BSS54 box scraper which is useful for clearing strips of overgrowth and bulldozing debris and gravel as much as it's good for grading the driveway. It's comforting ballast too. (In addition to the CK20's fluid-filled tires). Complaints about being underpowered in high, while true, are what I'd expect of such a "gear". I use it to get from point A to B quickly but not for heavy lifting. Maintenance has been simple enough so far. The oil dipstick is sort of awkward to reach but that's about the closest thing I have to a complaint. My dealer (Lavoie Equipment) is conveniently 5 minutes away and very responsive to my newbie questions.
Pros: It's a stout little machine. Well-priced too. I can get my money's worth each month out of it.
Cons: None so far. Just remember that it's not a tank. I learned that the hard way.
Model Year: 2010
My first tractor. The landscaping needs extended beyond the capabilities of my lawn tractor and myself. As a subcompact it's well-suited for the relatively close quarters of our 5+ acres. Its primary use will be to maintain our 1000+ feet of gravel driveway and as such. I went for Kioti's "free FEL" purchasing option. It was also the most cost effective purchasing plan. 4WD and an added toothbar have been invaluable towards managing by school bus sized brush piles. I've also been able to uproot invasive shrubs (3" diameter trunks) and even pushed over a shallow rooted tree. I also purchased a Woods BSS54 box scraper which is useful for clearing strips of overgrowth and bulldozing debris and gravel as much as it's good for grading the driveway. It's comforting ballast too. (In addition to the CK20's fluid-filled tires). Complaints about being underpowered in high, while true, are what I'd expect of such a "gear". I use it to get from point A to B quickly but not for heavy lifting. Maintenance has been simple enough so far. The oil dipstick is sort of awkward to reach but that's about the closest thing I have to a complaint. My dealer (Lavoie Equipment) is conveniently 5 minutes away and very responsive to my newbie questions.
Pros: It's a stout little machine. Well-priced too. I can get my money's worth each month out of it.
Cons: None so far. Just remember that it's not a tank. I learned that the hard way.
Kioti CK20S excellent little tractor
Model Year: 2010
We are very pleased with our Kioti CK20S 21hp gear-driven tractor. We haven't had it very long, but we've been able to do lots of different jobs with it. I wish the shifting was smoother/easier. I wish it was heavier, but it's already the heaviest 20hp out there, so I just need a ballast box or some fluid in the tires. Anyway, don't hesitate if you're considering this tractor, it's a gem. Oh, and buy the pallet forks! VERY useful!
Pros: Easy to manuever even without hydrostatic tranny.
Cons: Shifting is a little cumbersome/sloppy.
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Model Year: 2010
We are very pleased with our Kioti CK20S 21hp gear-driven tractor. We haven't had it very long, but we've been able to do lots of different jobs with it. I wish the shifting was smoother/easier. I wish it was heavier, but it's already the heaviest 20hp out there, so I just need a ballast box or some fluid in the tires. Anyway, don't hesitate if you're considering this tractor, it's a gem. Oh, and buy the pallet forks! VERY useful!
Pros: Easy to manuever even without hydrostatic tranny.
Cons: Shifting is a little cumbersome/sloppy.
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Love my Kioti CK20 HST
Model Year: 2007
After nearly 2 yrs & 400 additional hrs Ive had no problems with my Kioti. It works very well for me doing landscape & small excavating jobs & lots of bushhogging. It is a real little workhorse, good strong loader, compact enough for getting into subdivision backyards, light enough for lawn work, but heavy enough to be very stable and dig in and work.
Pros: almost everything, exceptional value.
Cons: a little weak in high range, could use another range in the middle.
Model Year: 2007
After nearly 2 yrs & 400 additional hrs Ive had no problems with my Kioti. It works very well for me doing landscape & small excavating jobs & lots of bushhogging. It is a real little workhorse, good strong loader, compact enough for getting into subdivision backyards, light enough for lawn work, but heavy enough to be very stable and dig in and work.
Pros: almost everything, exceptional value.
Cons: a little weak in high range, could use another range in the middle.
Kioti CK 20 HST
Model Year: 2003
After 800 hours of very hard use loading dirt, digging ditches, box blading, raking, plowing and blowing snow. The only major problem has been the infamous cracked loader problem, subsequently remediated by Kioti. With all the work I've done with this tractor my only complaint would be the need for a middle speed gear, for medium load work like snow plowing or moving dirt a distance, low is too low and high is too high. Very pleased, would buy again or another Kioti tractor.
Pros: Reliable, well built, all cast iron, best lift capacity loader and 3 pt
Cons: Needs 3 speed ranges, sticking hydro pedal, cracked loader, closer deale
Model Year: 2003
After 800 hours of very hard use loading dirt, digging ditches, box blading, raking, plowing and blowing snow. The only major problem has been the infamous cracked loader problem, subsequently remediated by Kioti. With all the work I've done with this tractor my only complaint would be the need for a middle speed gear, for medium load work like snow plowing or moving dirt a distance, low is too low and high is too high. Very pleased, would buy again or another Kioti tractor.
Pros: Reliable, well built, all cast iron, best lift capacity loader and 3 pt
Cons: Needs 3 speed ranges, sticking hydro pedal, cracked loader, closer deale
An excellent tractor with a few problems, possibly now fixed
Model Year: 2005
Bought a CK20HST after considerable research. This was then the only locally tractor that could fit in my garage with BH attached, lift half a ton in the bucket and break out a ton with the loader. Only related experience is with skid and track loaders, so can't compare with other models/brands. One or more valves in the KB2365 blew out after a few hours, pouring fluid everywhere. Dealer took tractor back for repair, but never resolved an annoying residual drip. Kioti USA was unresponsive and unhelpful. A sticky pedal later turned out to be a serious tranny problem that required taking the whole tractor apart. The whole loader-arm cracking deal was handled poorly. Being told that loader and BH were made by others and covered by a short warranty did not make me happy. The machine itself has been very satisfactory, other than BH frame bolts that I cannot seem to keep tight. It took about 50 hours to break in, after which power increased noticeably. High speed range is still nearly useless for anything but flat-ground travel; a lower top range would be more useful. Loader speed is slow but power is fine. BH is also very satisfactory. I bought mine with 12" and 24" buckets; smaller for hard-ground digging and stump extraction, larger for scooping up whole trees and shrubs. Both work quite well. Added a removable toothbar in front, which helps greatly in digging gravel and loading dirt and logs: a must-have accessory, IMO. Also added lights to roll-bar. The one accessory I most wish was available is a light-materials bucket for wood chips. I really wanted a skid-loader, for snow plowing (loader is not very good for this) and general handling and safety. But the CK20HST, at the same price, is a far more capable tool for general use, and much easier on the landscape. Highly recommended, IF the new models have some annoying bugs removed and if factory/dealers have improved service capability.
Pros: Good value for capability.
Cons: Some mechanical/hydraulic problems, perhaps fixed in newer models.
Model Year: 2005
Bought a CK20HST after considerable research. This was then the only locally tractor that could fit in my garage with BH attached, lift half a ton in the bucket and break out a ton with the loader. Only related experience is with skid and track loaders, so can't compare with other models/brands. One or more valves in the KB2365 blew out after a few hours, pouring fluid everywhere. Dealer took tractor back for repair, but never resolved an annoying residual drip. Kioti USA was unresponsive and unhelpful. A sticky pedal later turned out to be a serious tranny problem that required taking the whole tractor apart. The whole loader-arm cracking deal was handled poorly. Being told that loader and BH were made by others and covered by a short warranty did not make me happy. The machine itself has been very satisfactory, other than BH frame bolts that I cannot seem to keep tight. It took about 50 hours to break in, after which power increased noticeably. High speed range is still nearly useless for anything but flat-ground travel; a lower top range would be more useful. Loader speed is slow but power is fine. BH is also very satisfactory. I bought mine with 12" and 24" buckets; smaller for hard-ground digging and stump extraction, larger for scooping up whole trees and shrubs. Both work quite well. Added a removable toothbar in front, which helps greatly in digging gravel and loading dirt and logs: a must-have accessory, IMO. Also added lights to roll-bar. The one accessory I most wish was available is a light-materials bucket for wood chips. I really wanted a skid-loader, for snow plowing (loader is not very good for this) and general handling and safety. But the CK20HST, at the same price, is a far more capable tool for general use, and much easier on the landscape. Highly recommended, IF the new models have some annoying bugs removed and if factory/dealers have improved service capability.
Pros: Good value for capability.
Cons: Some mechanical/hydraulic problems, perhaps fixed in newer models.
CK20 HST
Model Year: 2009
This has been so far a hardworking little machine. High range is basically useless except for flat terrain. Otherwise it has performed well. I may add juice to the rear tires this summer for the next winter. I only have 2 1/2 acres so most of it's use will be snow work. Of course this year we didn't get much of any snow.
Pros: most everything about it is good.
Cons: High range is weak
Model Year: 2009
This has been so far a hardworking little machine. High range is basically useless except for flat terrain. Otherwise it has performed well. I may add juice to the rear tires this summer for the next winter. I only have 2 1/2 acres so most of it's use will be snow work. Of course this year we didn't get much of any snow.
Pros: most everything about it is good.
Cons: High range is weak