ck20 or ck27 that is the question.

[treman]

So this is my problem. I'm ready to buy and the wife is on board. We have both operated both tractors and I feel as though they will both do what we are asking of them.

The ck20hst ($12,999 + 2k for the mower)currently has a MMM and mid pto. I like it but it just feels small to me(6'3 and 230lbs) The problem with this one is that it feels very tempting to buy it with the mower but that would mean that we would have to try and sell our current mower, which we would most obviously loose money on and that's not something I'm very interested in since its only a couple years old. We do not need to replace the mower so I would most likely buy the 20 without it. Do most of you guys that own a ck 20 mow with it? It just seems a bit heavy for the lawn to me.

The other option is a ck27 shuttle($13,999) this feels more comfortable to me since it is slightly larger and I know that it would have no problems as far as being capable to do the work I need to do around the house plus any future projects I would like to tackle.

My wife likes the hst but doesn't mind driving the shuttle and says its up to me to decide and she will get used to either one with some practice. My dilemma is that we have just over 2 acres to maintain and do regular maintenance. We do heat with wood and that is a consideration for me. and I know your all going to say that the 20 is more than enough and to be honest your probably right but I feel more comfortable on the 27. So i'm leaning larger and I was wondering if I am crazy for thinking that or if its within reason for us and our property. It also seems that 4ft implements are almost more expensive due to a more niche market. has anyone else noticed this? I just don't want to decide in a few years that I should have gone bigger and I feel that with the 27 I will never feel that way at our current place.

So I apologize for the long post but I would appreciate some input. Anything constructive or destructive even would help me wrap my head around this decision a little bit better. Thank you all in advance very much.

 

[BelarusBulldog]

Happy wife, happy life. Let your wife choose. If she decides on the ck20 and it doesn't work out, she can't get mad when you up-grade! :thumbsup: In all fairness, I think the 20 would be fine, except too heavy for mowing. I have a Bobcat ct122 with FEL and use a 7' landscape rake and a 5' box blade with no problems. What tires are on the ck20 now?

 

[Gittyup]

I'd go with the CK27. I am in a similar situation 2.5 acres. I have a great mower (JD 425). So, I wanted a real tractor to do real tractor work: heavy with good hydraulics. And this is what separates it from the CK20. I bought the CK25 shuttle. Hasn't been too big at all on my little property. Outstanding loader/digger, especially with loaded tires.

Yeah, in the used market there is usually more to choose from that is more appropriate to the CK27. But, the CK20 will handle 5-6' implements pretty well.

Also, by going shuttle you'll have quite a bit more HP to work with. Mine seems unstoppable at times. Plenty of power on the gear models.

I agree the CKs are too heavy for finish mowing. The 20 might be OK, but I'd actually want more HP than it delivers for finishing mowing. I wouldn't give up my finish mower to go with a CK20 for mowing. .

The 20 is easier to store and haul, and might fit a few places the 27 can't. If they'd put 27 hp on the 20 frame with a 3 range tranny, that'd be an awesome setup.

 

[VictorW]

The CK20hst at 2138 pounds plus mower deck weight is a bit much if you are trying for a nice yard. I have a JD X540 riding mower at @850lbs that will make marks sometimes. Being that you have a good mower now and you're apparently happy with it, I wouldn't think about mowing with either CK. If it was a one size needs to fit all, then you would have to compromise in various areas but luckily you don't. The CK27 will give you 6hp more, 1000lbs more in weight. I think that price was without the fel but it has 100lbs more in lifting. Members say the CK20 is a little tank but if you feel better on the CK27, I'd go that way. Not many here say they wish they would have gone smaller. I have an hst because my wife detests a clutch and shifting. I think your wife would get use to a shuttle very easily.

 

[treman]

The ck 20 has r4 tires on it right now the ck27 has r1s which is more what I want. I am thinking of sticking with my mower and going with the 27 wife seems to think this is smarter in the long run and as you guys have said and I have read many many times. there are few people who wish they had gone smaller/less power. also, do those prices seem fair? they are both with loaders and otherwise standard equipment. nothing additional(except for the 2k for the mower deck). Thanks for the responses. it seems to be what I thought I was going to get. Also I like the "let her pick it then she can't blame anyone but herself" thought process. She also thought it was funny and immediately said "well you know hes married" Thank you all once again. It helps to hear other input as I tend to way over analyze and over think things.

 

[Kiotikarl]

I've had all 3, CK20S HST, CK30 gear, and DK45SEC The CK20 is a real powerhouse, don't let it's size fool you. WE did end up selling 2 of our tractors, and kept the CK30, due to it's size for working around the house and PTO HP (compared to the CK20). Bigger isn't always better, the DK had 148hrs in 3 years. I think you can't go wrong with the CK27, but i would look at the CK30 also for PTO HP.

 

[VictorW]

I can't advise on the CK20s price but the CK27 price is very good. With loader, that price is closer to several years ago prices. I understand Kiotikarl's advise about the CK30 but probably for another $1000, you would only be going up 2hp (28 to 30). When Kioti had the CK25, prior to the CK27, the 5hp jump did make a difference.
I think I'd listen to your wife. A win all the way around.

 

[jobguy]

Get the tractor that fits your size or you will always be dissatisfied. I have the Bobcat CT 120 which is the same size as the ck 20. My knees keep hitting the key (very painful) and the light switches (not quite as painful) and turning on the lights. Otherwise I love the small tractor. It is small enough to haul in my 6ft wide stock trailer and get around in the trees. I wish I had R1 Field tires though rather than the Turfs. I'm thinking of getting a larger tractor but doubt the wife will agree.

 

[gkm]

I have mowed my lawn (> 3 acres) for the last 3+ years w/ the ck. I previously had a JD 455 and I can say that the ck doesn't do any more damage (or lack thereof) than did my JD; however, there are situations where if not careful I could damage the lawn, e.g. turning too quickly on up-hill turns. I have absolutely no regrets other than mowing around trees, etc., which we all know can be a real PITA w/ a 3pt finish mower.

Greg

 

[grampastractor]

I did not price the 20 but the price you have on the 27 with fel is in the ballpark that I was seeing, didn't get exact price as I was looking for hst.
Good luck
Don va3any