I would personally say no, it isn't. The CK 25 was discontinued because it just didn't have enough power for suck a heavy tractor.
A new CK 30 hst is about $18K and they run the free loader program all the time (it may wrap up after Dec 31st until the spring according to my dealer). The hst option is a little over $1000 if memory servers, so now you're down to $17K for the gear. The CK 27 is the next size down and now the smallest hp offered on the platform. I don't know how much less it would be, but probably $500-$1000.
So, for $15K - $16.5K, you'd end up with a 2011, 27hp tractor with a 4 year warranty. You'll easily make that difference up when you go to sell it.
I wish I had gone for the CK 35 over the CK 30, but I'm still very impressed with my CK 30. Depending on what you're doing, 5hp would be too much of a hit IMO.
No idea about the CK 20.
Actually, the CK25 was not discontinued due to being under power. New emissions standards forced Kioti to make changes that resulted in a design that produces a couple more HP; that's all.
I own a CK25 gear, and believe me it's not lacking for power. I've moved well over 1000 tons of material while operating on some very steep slopes, and power has never been an issue; not even close. Overloaded bucket, big boxblade, scraper, toothbar, rake, posthole digger, 5"
chipper have all been used to great effect on this tractor. It's a beast of a digging machine. The only reservation I would have with the power is if you uses require significant PTO HP, as in a lot of bush hogging where you'd want to run a 6 or 7 footer. The CK25 will handle a 5' bushhog just fine. In HST, I also would want more HP as this robs power from everything. And that's exactly why I went gear.
With the 4n1 bucket and low hours, the price is OK, provided it has the new style loader. It may or may not in that model year. If the 25 gear meets your intended uses, I'd try to get him down a little on price, or throw in some extras.
The CK25 is also a whole lot more tractor than the CK20, and is a better option at that price. The loss of warranty is the only issue.
On the CK25, I would require that the dealer cover the fuel injector for 2 years or 350 hours, as there is a known material defect that has been failing in these tractors at around 300 hours. It's been remedied in new tractors, but not sure in what model year they put the new part in. Mine is a 2006. The pump failed in 2008 almost exactly at 300 hours. Big expense if you have to pay for it. His willingness to cover this would a make or break for me on the deal.
