CK 20 HSTw/BH

[craigw]

All,

I just want to thank all for all your help/opinons through this very sometimes difficult decision making process. With that said, I have another question. How hard is it to remove the backhoe? I have decided with your input that the CK 30 is to big for what size property (3 acers, 2 are pasture) I have. A dealer is making me a great deal on a CK 20 HSTw/BH. Also, is there a reason why I would want a gear model, would that little extra power saving help with the BH?

As always, thanks,

Craig

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Craig, I'm sure you will be much happier with the smaller tractor in the long run. There will be moments when you'd prefer a larger machine, but overall I think you're choice is very wise. As for the GEAR versus HST as it relates to the backhoe, no you will not notice any difference. The BH is powered by hydraulics, there is a separate pump to power the hydraulic portions of the tractor (actually most TLBs either have 2 or 3 total pumps) but the very small difference in PTO HP between the GEAR and the HST won't affect the ability to dig with the BH.

 

[craigw]

Bob,

Thanks. What about the removal of the BH, difficult, easy?

Craig

 

[GerardC]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( All,

How hard is it to remove the backhoe?

As always, thanks,

Craig )</font>

Not hard at all. Once you do it a couple of times, it should take only minutes to attach or detach. There are only 2 pins that need to be installed/removed in the rear and the 2 hydraulic hoses up front. Feel free to PM me with any other questions you may have.

 

[Steve_Miller]

Put my hoe on the other day for the first time since early November. It took me about two minutes to line it up and back in and tap the pins (it was still muddy from when I took it off) in place. Did a 15 minute job and dropped it off again, which took about a minute or two, at least thats all the longer it seemed to be. I have the gear version as I personally didn't feel comfortable with the HST version, so for $1500 less I got what I was more comfortable with. PM me if you have any questions or ask here if you like.

Steve

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Thanks. What about the removal of the BH, difficult, easy? )</font>
I'll add my voice to the BH is easy crowd. As long as you get good at backing the tractor directly over the subframe, straight, it's a quick hook up and disconnect.
Before you even get it, let me remind you that to disconnect the hoses you need to turn off the tractor, operate all the hydro controls to release pressure and then disconnect the hoses. Piece of cake as long as ou do that.
If you don't release the pressure, you'll have a hard time reconnecting the hydraulic hoses.
I'm sure you'll find this out, but it's been a question many times so I'm giving you the heads up.
Congratualtions on the decision, you're going to have a lot of fun. The gear will be a little stronger as it will keep going, or trying to pull in situations where the HST would hit relief and stop. That said, it hasn't been a problem for me with my HST.
The gear is synchroed between first and reverse, a little slow for loading, but you can always use another gear and reverse by stopping the tractor between movements. You'll be good on either one. Bob's right, it won't affect the BH use. John