anybodys' 2 cents worth CK30/3015/TC30

[vtwinkicker]

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

Drove both the 2615 hydro and gear this weekend. Should have played with the gear first then the hydro. After a half hour on the hydro switching to the gear wasn't easy.

One thing I noticed was the noise the hydro makes. Reminds me of a power steering pump when the fluid is low. Is this typical of all hydros? Don't recall the TC-30 being nearly as noisy.

Really powerful hydraulics on the Mahindras. I was in the dirt with that bucket and it never once winced. Oh yeah, if you overfill the bucket and lift it up then tap the joystick to the wrong side it will dump dirt all over the hood of a nice new tractor!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
The sales guy didn't seem TOO upset though.

Think I may have to pay another visit and play with the gear first then the hydro. Would be nice to use that savings to pay for the snowblower.

Right now the 2615 seems to be out in front. It fits the budget and will most likely do what I ask of it. Looked at the 3510 briefly. A nice jump up in frame size and $$. However I think the smaller unit will have its merits in tight places. My property is heavily forested and the maneuverability of the smaller tractor may be an advantage.

Just a little background for some of the replies so far.
Turn a wrench? Vtwinkicker comes from having a kick start Harley (V-Twin Kicker). I have at least 2 of every size wrench.
Learned the hard way with the Ollie (it's gas engine BTW) that you have to stop before changing gears. Locked up the shifter blocks at the last moment plowing the driveway. Good thing it wasn't blocking the driveway when it happened. Don't think my 4wd Chevy S10 would pull it out of the way.

And thanks to all on the site. Great help and info. I now know what I've been saving that swivel rowboat seat for in the basement. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[George2615]

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

Greg,
I sent you a PM. Like I said, my hydro only makes the noise you describe when outside temp. is cold.
George

 

[BamaRob]

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

I have the 2615 gear that I bought back in August. Just over 20 hours on it. One of the things you mentioned, being able to get around in the woods, was a reason I went with the 2615. The "boss" had given the go-ahead on the 3015. But, after driving them, I preferred the 2615 gear. The significant difference in price could be used on implements.

The 5' KK cutter I have seems perfectly matched to it and does a great job. It handles softer (gum & pine) saplings up to 2" diameter with no problem. I used it today to move some dirt. You're right, the hydraulics are impressive.

Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted.

BR

 

[Varmintmist]

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

This is just a thought, did you look at the 3510 gear?

When I was looking the price difference between it and the TC30 was 500 bucks. If that is still the case then it is in the ball park. Once you get to the woods the little extra ooomph might come in handy.

 

[vtwinkicker]

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

Latest Update:

2615HST still winning. Can't beat the price, have 2 dealers nearby and I like it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tried a Kubota 7800, very uncomfortable seating and $1000 more than 2615.

Didn't bother with Kioti since there is no dealer relatively close.

Saw Cub 7530/32, didn't drive either since the dealer was closed. A Mahindra 3015 in Yellow? Price comparable too.

There's a 2004 leftover 2615HST with 50 hrs and FEL that beats new by several hundred $$ so that one is attractive. Has turf tires though, if the dealer will put on industrials without too much added cost it might be a go, otherwise I'll buy the new one.

Buying a new truck was so much easier!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[DrewL]

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

not worked but played



..........and the difference is? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[DrewL]

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

and so that nobody's feelings get hurt.............I'm looking at that statement of playing vs working as playing you don't own the machine and wouldn't take care of it as a working owner

 

[MotorSeven]

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

VT,

I just put 18 hrs on my CK30HST. The hydro does whine if the rpm's are set too low . When i set the R's at 25/26 everything is normal sounding. I chose the CK because it had more standard features then the competition for it's price. So far i am very pleased with the performance. All 3 that you mentioned are good machines, so it really comes down to a Dealer that you trust and one that fits your budget . I think Bob is right in my case also(20 ac pasture), but i just couldn't swing a bigger machine. Now when that lotto # hits........ /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RD

 

[daTeacha]

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

Okay Vtwin, I'm late to this party, too. I'm on the site because I've been looking to move up a bit from my late '70s Kubota B7100DT with loader.

This post is to let you benefit from the experience I have had with that little tractor, so let me briefly describe it first, just in case you're unfamiliar with it. It's 16hp, 4x4 permanently locked in since I don't think it's worth the cost to fix it. Gear tranny, 48 inch wheelbase, 500 lb lift capacity on the bucket, about the same on the 3 pt. cat. 0 hitch. The hitch has been modified by someone fitting larger holes to allow the use of cat 1 equipment. Soaking wet, the tractor and loader weigh in at about 1250 lb., maybe. In addition to the loader, I have a 6 ft. back blade, a heavy Huskee brand 4' brush hog, and a 3 pt. carry-all. I also have a 16' tandem trailer that either carries or is pulled by the tractor.

I have about 14 acres of wooded Ohio land, average slope between 3/12 and 5/12, but some steeper. I've used that little beast to clean up after logging, plow snow, make trails, haul logs, haul firewood, move dirt, move mulch, move large rocks (glacier debris), etc. etc. I used it to pull the trailer loaded with green lumber up the driveway when the Dakota pickup wouldn't handle the job, and to pull the same trailer loaded with 1200 lb. of green pine logs up the drive in winter, which did get a bit interesting when the thing jacknifed while trying to turn the load around. I think the tractor did pretty well considering that the trailer and load outweighed it about 2:1. On the other hand, sliding down and icy driveway sideways on the two right side wheels (left side in the air) while being pushed by a ton or so of trailer and logs is not something I'd like to repeat.

I want to move up a bit simply because my carcass is getting too beat up to sit on the more or less solidly attached seat while running around the woods, my feet are too big to easily fit in the space provided, and the thing has a tendency to lift a hind leg now and then while moving a bucket full of heavy stuff, like a 12' long 15" diameter green hickory log. I know that's asking a lot of that little tractor, but my point is that unless you're unusual you will occasionally ask any tractor to do more than you should. I want something longer, about a 60 inch wb, and heavier, but not too much of either. I'd like to stay around 48" wide, but can go a bit bigger if needed to get other features I want.

I'm looking to move up a bit, but the handiness is a major item. I'm looking real hard at a Case DX26, and have found myself swayed by the DX29/33 mostly because it doesn't look much bigger on paper -- it's shadow is only about 5 inches bigger in length and width isn't even that much. The weight, however is a serious consideration.

I have helped out my real farmer neighbor on a few occasions simply because his equipment is too big. Most of his stuff is in the 100 to 150 hp range. I've used the little 'bota to make drag paths in the woods for him to use the big stuff to move real logs, for example, and have gone in places and done jobs where his machinery would have simply buried itself in the soft ground.

Since you're dealing with woods, think about weight pretty seriously. For me, it's a plus and a minus. More should be better when moving heavy stuff with the FEL on slopes, but it will be worse when the ground is soft. It also increases compaction, which I would like to avoid.

I've made a chart of features of basically all the major colors and brands, and currently am thinking that a loader equipped DX26 with an aftermarket suspension seat looks pretty good. The NH equivalent is there, too, but my Case dealer has a better reputation around here and I've dealt with them for years. Another serious contender is the Agco ST series. I've ruled out Mahindra because they're so heavy for their size but mostly because the dealer is a new start-up with essentially no service department. I've pretty much ruled out Kubota because they're too light and really have nothing in the size I'm looking for. The B's are too small and the L's are too big, but I really have a soft spot for them from my experience with the 7100 and the dealership, which is the same one that sells the Case units.

I don't know if all this sunrise Sunday rambling has helped clear things up or muddied the water for you, but have fun looking and don't second guess yourself after you make up your mind. They're all good. It's like deciding what you want from the menu at your favorite restaurant. Everything's good, it's just up to you to make a choice.

 

[vtwinkicker]

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

To all following this thread,

Back from my 10 day vacation in the woods. While away I checked several models again. As in the past I kept going back to the Mahindra 2615.

Dateacha, I looked at the Case DX29 and thought about that one but the $$more than the 2615 squelched that. Nice machine though. As you said they are all good.

In the end I found a 2615HST with FEL and 3PH snowblower being delivered last Monday. I put it to the test right away and I am pleased. Presently I am clearing an area for a garage in the spring. Ripped out stumps and moved large rocks and piles of brush out of the way. I can see where the toothbar would make this work easier.

The maneuverability amongst the dense pines was excellent and I think the size is right for the tasks and terrain.

Just want to thank everyone for their input and comments. Also thanks to Ricky at Wallace tractor. He was a wealth of good information but in the end I chose my local dealer at a slight cost to me. I bet I'd enjoy sitting by the campfire with a bucket of cold beers with Ricky. I think we'd have a bunch of laughs!! Unfortunately Ricky doesn't take days off! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Definitely check Ricky out for a good deal on a tractor or implements.

See you all around the forums!
Vtwin