anybodys' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

vtwinkicker · Nov 4, 2005

anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

Ok, read just about every post and searched many topics. Looked and drove several tractors and it seems to boil down to these 3(or 5). Mahindra3015 (or 2615), Kioti CK30 (or CK25), and the NH TC30. Haven't driven the
CK's yet. Thought the 2615 was real nice. The TC30 was nice but as it's supposed to be, no frills.

50 acres of which maybe 5-10 will be played on. More as time goes on I hope. Pond and stream take up a bunch. Snowblower for the 500 ft of non-paved driveway, maybe a brush hog to open up some of the woods.

Going with 4WD and Ag tires, FEL and probably the Hydro trans.

Let's here what you all have to add. Hope to drive a few more tomorrow! Let's spend my money!!

hunterridgefarm · Nov 4, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

Well if we are going to spend your money /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.

What do you have as a budget, how much we working with here?

Do you have prices on models you are looking at, plus attachments?

What is the reputation of the dealers you are considering?

Are you set on 25-30hp or would you consider input on a larger HP model?

I am sure you will get plenty of suggestions, just give us a little more info. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif and you will be able to hear the adding machines working /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

vtwinkicker · Nov 4, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

Ah the budget! The budget dictates the HP range I mentioned. Also I think 25-30 HP will be the right size. Currently using a Oliver Super 55 which I beleive is in the same range maybe low 20's.
I tried and priced Mahindra and NH both with FEL. Priced the Kioti via phone. All three brands in 25-30 HP come between $14000-$17000. In the right range for what I've been seeing on this site and about maxxing out what I'm willing to spend.

Like everyone else this is already more than I want to spend but I feel going new with the warranty and nobody else's headaches is the way to go.
Already have a back blade on the Oliver. Thinking of a rear snowblower and maybe a brush hog. I think the snowblower will be first.

vtwinkicker · Nov 4, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

Let me also add in about the dealers. There's an NH dealer right in town and I'm comfortable he's a reputable sales and service location. Unfortunately I'm not as hot on the TC30 as the others. Leaning that way for the dealership but still think there might be more tractor for the money with Mahindra and Kioti. Mahindra dealers 30-40 miles either side of me and Kioti is a haul, up to 2 hrs depending on direction.

PBinWA · Nov 4, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

My 2615 Gear has worked great for me but I only have 5 acres. The Brush hog can bog it down a little when the field is really high. I think the extra HP from the Turbo would have been nice but I really haven't found anything my 26 HP model can't do. It just has to slow down on really thick tall fields but I think that isn't too much to complain about.

The 2615 and 3015 are made by Mitsubishi and were sold for 7-8 years by Cub Cadet so there are lots of parts and third party add-ons for them (Cab's, remote hydraulics, back-hoes). Filter's are overly expensive though.

Dealer support is pretty big if you aren't comfortable working on your equipment. I'd check out the two Mahindra dealers and see what you think of them. Go with the one that looks like they will be around the longest.

Hope this helps,

PB

George2615 · Nov 4, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

Greg, I have the 2615HST. Just posted a review of sorts. Mainly used for landscaping, yard work, log dragging, snow removal. Will be buying a bush hog / rotary cutter toward spring. Have 3 properties (about 36 acres combined) with heavily wooded lots and neighbor just requested me to cut his 6 acres a few times next spring thru summer. I'd recommend the 2615 to anyone. Also have various pics in member photos.
George

Bob_Skurka · Nov 4, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

All 3 are too small for your needs but as the budget requires it, I understand why you are looking at them.

First I would rule out the NH TC30, it is simply outclassed by the other two tractors, both of which are a more modern design. The NH TC29 is the one you'd want to compare to the CK30 or 3015 but if it is out of your price range then remove it from consideration.

The CK30 is a good stout machine, I've seen and played (not worked but played) with one and it is reasonably impressive. It has a couple weak spots but nothing too serious. Tie rods and exposed filters on the underside need to be watched but nothing that seems to be a huge problem. The loader is very good the design is very good.

I tend to like the Mahindra's beefyness but in the case of these 3 choices I'd probably choose the CK30.

In reality I'd probably look up in size to 40+hp.

As for your Oliver Super 55, if its a gas engine it is likely in the range of 22 to 24 hp. Older engines lose compression, loosen up over time and tend to lose a bit of their original HP. The diesels, if they are maintained hold their hp better with age. My favorite tractor of all time is the Super 55 diesel. A nice capable tractor but nothing that will compete with the newer units you are looking at. The Oliver will be the best for pulling power, none of the 3 you are considering can compete with it for that. But the other 3 will easily outwork the old Ollie in just about every other way.

RoyJackson · Nov 5, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

"All 3 are too small for your needs but as the budget requires it, I understand why you are looking at them."

I don't know, Bob...I think the TC 30 is a great machine for up to 10 acres. More then that might be a stretch. I've always figured my Deere 790 a great machine for a property up to that size.

Of course, this depends upon the expected tasks. I took a good look at the TC 30 (gear transmission) before I went for the Deere. It's a nice tractor.

Of course, Greg did say he wants more improved land later, if possible. In that case, if it's a budget issue, I'd say take a good look at used tractors...late 90's to early 2000's. My personal choice for up to 20 acres of improved property would be a Deere 4300 or 4400 or equivalent. Nothing wrong with used...both my tractors were used..no problems with either.
Or, take a hard look at the Deere 990! That's a mighty stout tractor, but you'll be shifting gears. Not much more money then the TC 30...maybe less if Greg can use a clutch.

As for the Mahindra or Kioti...depends if you've got the dealer support and they can work on the tractor. Since Greg has an Oliver, I reckon he knows how to turn a wrench, so the only issue would be parts availability.

DavesTractor · Nov 5, 2005

Re: anybodys\' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

Just FYI, they turbo'd the 3015 about a year ago to meet emission standards and dealers have reported dyno results 3-5 HP above ratings as they have not yet revised the literature. Nearly 35 HP. It's quieter than the 2615 for some reason also, but it is also noticably more expensive. It's my favorite of the Mitsubishi built Mahindras.