ck27 or ck35

[fishfamilyracing]

My dad and I are planning on purchasing a new compact tractor with loader. We are down to two, the Kioti ck27 and ck35. The question is, which to buy. The 35 is $1000 higher and has 6 more hp. Is 6 hp worth $1000? What are your opinions on the matter? Anyone have any advise or knowledge of the two? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gittyup]

Yes, if you need the extra hp. Else, buy implements with the money saved. The 6 more hp will let you run a bigger mower, brush hog, tiller, or other PTO driven implement. Otherwise, I don't see where it will matter much. Resale would be better on the 35 for the above reasons.

 

[fishfamilyracing]

Thanks. We have about 4 acres of woods left to clear. The property is very unlevel, we plan on buying a grader box. When the woods is thinned out we will have about 7 acres to mow. We thought about a backhoe attachment also. Thanks again.

 

[JoelD]

I'm of the opinion that typically bigger is better. Took me three or so tractors before I finally landed on the right size. You need to consider what you'll be using the machine for, not sure if there is a difference in loader height, for me that was a key issue, my smaller machines just did not have the reach I needed. Loader capacity is also a key point, not sure if there is a difference, but I've never seen anyone post on a thread that their loader was too strong.

With this sort of equipment, short of cleaning barn stalls, bigger and stronger is more likely than not, better.

Joel

 

[Loren49]

I am a new Kioti CK27 owner so I don't have much experience with the tractor. My 2 cents though - with 7 acres of woods it doesn't seem that the extra power would be needed most of the time. You don't usually want to go fast in the woods. Traction is the issue and would be no different. I didn't want a (physically)bigger tractor for use in my woods. The other thing that effects hp to the wheels is whether you buy a gear or HST tractor (you loose a little over 1hp with HST) I have 10 wooded acres and 2 acres of meadow and decided on the gear transmission. Also all lift capacities are the same.

Good luck,
Loren

 

[Gittyup]

If you are going to eventually be mowing 7 acres, get the CK35. You'll be able to run a bigger mower behind it. And if you find you need a chipper, it'll perform better too.

As was said, loader, backhoe, etc. are identical in size and performance. Tractors share the same frame; so are the same physical size too. It is really only when using the PTO that the CK35 is bigger. I doubt you'd notice any difference in pulling power in most situations.

 

[fishfamilyracing]

Something to remember is that the two tractors are exactly the same physical size. The extra hp would basically be added to the same tractor. Maybe I am just trying to justify the CK35, I don't know.

 

[fishfamilyracing]

Sorry Gittyup, I started typing my last response before your reply came through. I just repeated what you said about the tractors being the same size. Thanks for the input.

 

[jimmyj]

I don't know for sure but for only $1000 I'd get the bigger one. I bet later it would have more resale appeal and given that they are the same size you probably would never be "burdened" by the extra HP except for the price.

It's funny I know "only $1000 more" is easy for me to say!!!

 

[Oldtrout]

Last May I bought a CK 25 gear which the CK 27 replaced, I use this tractor in my landscaping business,I have a 6 foot BB,4 inch chipper,BH,FEL,6 foot landscape rake and a 4 foot rough cut mower. I have tried (borrowed) a 5 foot tiller,just to see how it would work. All I can say is that it has handled everything I asked it to do. I also have about 175 acres of woodland,and in the winter months cut my firewood and drag it out of the woods haven't found anything I couldn't handle yet.The only mistake that I made was not going with a 5 foot rough cutter,I will either trade my rough cutter or just buy another one and use the 4 foot for the real rough areas. This little tractor doesn't even know the 4 foot cutter is even there.
I have R4 tires not loaded,the only problem I had was a nail in one tire however a 2 buck plug fixed that.. One thing I would suggest is some sort of skid pan to protect the HYD filter,I posted pictures of my pan on TBN and a search should bring them up.
My advice go with the CK27 and spend the extra 1000 bucks on some toys,oops tools.
Oh I have just over 300 hours on the clock now,and love my little toy.