CK or LB

[ChasK]

I think I have my decision whittled down to two...I am seriously considering moving on the CK20 (not HST) or the LB1914. I have really been looking at a lot of posts and I hear a lot of discussion on the CK20's, but not much on the LB1914. The dealer I'm look at is really, really pushing me toward the LB1914 (despite the fact it is $650 cheaper). He says it is more ruggedly built than the CK20 and says they have sold a lot of LB1914's, have had great luck with them, and the CK20's just haven't sold well for them. I think they are shooting me straight, but just wanted to get some thoughts from you guys. His price on a new LB1914 is $8700 and the CK20 is 9300. Any thoughts???

I am also looking at the Mahindra 2015 at $8500.

I have five acres of former farm ground I am going to convert from weeds to grass, a little landscaping, 200' of driveway to keep clear in the winter. So, basically I just need a residential CUT to help with my work...

Any thoughts?

Thanks...
Charlie
Muncie, IN

 

[bigtractor]

Sinca you are not getting a HST the 1914 does have shuttle shift and the CK does not. Also if you don't care about a floor board model get the 1914.
One thing is a 1914 loader cost more than the CK's and I believe the CK will have better resale later.
If none of this matters go for low cost.

Dave

 

[GerardC]

chas.......
That $9,300 price is for just the tractor; correct?

I have the CK20 manual and I LOVE IT!! The machine is well built and one hell of a worker. I didn't see an LB1914 so I can't compare. I can say though, you wouldn't be sorry if you chose the CK.

Also, what implements are you thinking of getting? I can tell you that the FEL is a must! Hope this helps. G

 

[depratt_equip]

Is that CK20 price with or without the mid-mount hyd joystick valve for a loader. The CK's come either way with or without. One reason why the loaders are cheaper on the CK's is the Hyd joystick valve for the loader comes with the tractor, on the LB1914's they come with the loader. If you aren't ever going to get a loader on that tractor you might get one without the valve. If you get one without the joystick valve it can be added on later, but it is a pain to install(we have done one). Resale would aslo be higher on a tractor that has one.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I was pretty much going to say what Dave at bigtractorsupply said, but I would add that if you ever want a mid mount mower, go with the CK20. I've used an LB1914 and it's a nice tractor, but not any more "rugged" than the CK20. The mechanical shuttle (stop then shift to F/R) is nice, the CK doesn't have that. The 1914 doesn't have the mid PTO. Also, the mufflers may make a difference for you as the CK20 is down low and protected, hood slopes down for better visibility as well. You'll get a little more PTO horsepower from the LB1914. Has this confused you enough? Buy either one you really like, but for me, of course, it's the CK20. John

 

[BotaGuy]

As a car dealer...here is a another perspective. The LB1914 is the old model, the CK series is much improved, and more currently integrates with every other tractor style on the market. The CK series is the model line that finally puts Kioti into the top tier of compact tractors. My feeling is that the dealer wants to get rid of the LB's really bad, does not embrace the new inevitable change and progress, or lastly, they get more money in incentives on the LB series.

Good Luck in your choice.

 

[GerardC]

That's what I was thinking; out with the old and in with the new. G

 

[To20Chris]

Which means, of course, that there is a good deal to be had on the LB - IF it's features / specs match what you want to do with it. They are really quite different machines, but the work capability of both will be similar, so it may be worth trying to see just how good a deal you can get on the LB1914. On the other hand, you may find that the CK20 is just such a sweet tractor that it is hard to pass up!

 

[wallace]

As far as out with the old and in with the new, I find that hard to beleive.
I will still to this day sell 2 Lb1914 to 1 ck. They are my most popular tractor because we price them right and the will handle just a bit more than the ck.
Also Kioti is not going to stop production in the near future of the 1914

 

[GerardC]

I meant it as more of a "design" comment. G

 

[HickoryDean]

Getting a MMM, CK. Otherwise: LB1914. My 2cents.

 

[RMAL]

The CK has a much better warranty,24 months.LB,12 months.I was having trouble picking CK or LB . Kioti website solved this ,with warranty information.Pricing is to close for me to consider the LB models.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think I have my decision whittled down to two...I am seriously considering moving on the CK20 (not HST) or the LB1914. )</font>

<font color="black"> Charlie, just out of curiosity, why not get the HST? Granted it does cost more, and if cost is the ultimate concern then I would understand it. But for the uses you spoke of, it sounds like mowing and light landscaping are your basic chores. That is begging for HST. Don't know if you are looking at a FEL, but if you are then HST will make your work go faster and easier. For mowing most people find HST machines faster and easier as well.

The FEL on the CK line up is very impressive, their design is probably the second best (needs more slope on the arms when in the down position) in the industry and far better than the old style dogleg FEL units and far better than the majority of everythings sold today in terms of visibility and ease of use.

As has been said, if you are mowing, the CK comes with a mid-PTO so you'd have the option of a MMM, which many people prefer and find easier to use.

Given that you are in Muncie, your snow load in the winter is moderately light, I would think either machine would handle clearing the driveway with ease. If the drive is gravel, I think either machine would also handle box blades, rakes, etc equally.

I would strongly suggest you reconsider HST.
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