Curious about the CK35

[toddler]

Hi,
I went and looked at Kioti tractors again last week. Happened to be in the right area, but sadly that dealer closed at 3pm on Saturdays. So I didn't get to ask for a quote. The Kioti CK30 HST on their lot looked like a nice sized tractor, and looking online, the CK35 HST is a tractor I'd consider buying. I didn't think the CK30 was as nice as the Kubota L3540, which is currently my favorite, but it is a little smaller, and I suspect it costs significantly less given Kioti generally sells more for less.

I won't be out near that dealer when they're open for several weeks, and I don't like asking for a price quote by phone, (I'm currently working out of state) so I figured I'd ask here. Does anyone know about what a CK35 HST with turf's, the mid PTO option, a MMM, and a FEL might run?

I know what the Kubota would cost me, and while pricey, it's in the range I'd pay. You can get some good deals on Kubota here in NC . But if the CK would be several thousand less, I'll drive back to check them out again, and also to meet the dealer.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[wallace]

You are going to have to have the dealer search for a mower deck for it..
Kioti does not have one available for it unless the dealer does a search and locates a deck at another dealer you may be buying a Kubota.
I know that Del Moria is making one so if the Kioti dealer is aggresive he may just be able to work with you.

 

[toddler]

Hi Wallace,

I don't doubt you know your stuff, but Kioti clearly show a MMM in this:

http://www.kiotitractor.com/attach_files/Products/CK25_35_Catalog(5).pdf

Do they only make one for the CK25, or do you think that is a prototype that may be introduced soon? I'm perfectly happy buying various brand 3pt hitch impliments, but I don't think I want to get into buying an aftermarket MMM.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Tony_S]

I have a penny or two to throw in here....
Just in case you didnt realize....
Kiotis are quite a bit heavier machines than "average" and I can only think of one poster here running a MMM on one. And the concensus seems to be that the Kioti is pretty heavy for soft lawn duty.
Then there are the considerations of changing out the MMM when unwanted.
It's more of an undertaking to remove a MMM than a RFM. Some actually prefer the RFM to the MMM.
Like I said....in case you weren't aware.

 

[toddler]

Hey Tony,

Thanks for the input. I am aware of the weight, but the other tractor in the running is about 300# more. I'd get it with slightly wider turf tires on the Kubota than the Kioti wears, and the lawn won't be very soft.

Also, I used to run a MMM on my B2710, so I am aware of the issues in removing the deck. But as long as I can pin it up and run the PTO for the MMM separately from the rear PTO, I'm happy. And heck, even if I can't, I can alway disconnect the PTO fitting for the impliment.

Regards,
Todd

BTW, I'm only about an hour away from you right now. At least I think that is correct. I'm working in Charlottesville for a few months.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Not that I can help you out with your situation, but when I was at the Tulare Ag show last month, I was looking at a CK35 and it sure is one nice machine, very comfortable and controls are in the wright place, for me anyway. It would be on my list of tractors to buy if I was in a position to get another tractor.

 

[toddler]

Hi,

I have another question in case Wallace sees this thread again. Is the mid PTO on the CK's independent, or semi-independent. It sounds like on the L3240/3540, to run the mid PTO you have to have the rear PTO turning. That seems pretty dangerous to me even if you have nothing attached to the rear PTO.

I wouldn't consider it safe to drive my little garden tractor around with a running cordless drill taped to the back, so the idea of having a 28HP bit spinning back there all the time kind of irks me! I know the JD is completely independent, and I think the NH's are, but can't find anything about the kioti online.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Steve_Miller]

My Kioti has a cover that screws on over the PTO shaft if your not using it. I don't know if it's spinning or not most times. I'm sure others are the same or similar. Assumptions can be dangerous sometimes.

Steve

 

[toddler]

Who's assuming anything? I'm asking?

My B2710 had a plastic cover too, although I never actually screwed it on because the rear PTO didn't spin when the Mid PTO was turning. They were independent from each other like on the JD3520. I think the NH tractors are also completely independent.

The Kubota brochure says that with the independent PTO, both the mid and rear PTO can be activated independently without stopping the tractor. But that could be read as they are independent from the tractors motion and not each other. Then below that on the page it says the mid PTO is a semi independent dealer installed option. Someone here posted you can't run the mid w/o the rear PTO turning.

So I'm curious as to how the Kioti works. I'm also wondering more about the DK's. I really think they may simply be TOO big, but they have a MMM that appears to run off the rear PTO. That's a great way to simplify things. Can you pin the MMM up and just disconnect the PTO if you want to use a 3pt hitch impliment on a DK?

Thanks,
Todd

 

[IslandTractor]

So I'm curious as to how the Kioti works. I'm also wondering more about the DK's. I really think they may simply be TOO big, but they have a MMM that appears to run off the rear PTO. That's a great way to simplify things. Can you pin the MMM up and just disconnect the PTO if you want to use a 3pt hitch impliment on a DK?

Thanks,
Todd

I didn't think there was a MMM for the new DK line. The tractors are pretty big to use as dedicated finish mowers so it would be a bit odd.

I just checked the Kioti website and you are correct that they seem to have a 72 inch MMM listed under the DK35 and 40 however the photo they show is definitely not a DK and the specifications for the MMM indicate not more than 20 PTO hp so I think there is a screwup on the website (not the first time). I'm guessing that MMM is the one designed for the CK20 and that is exactly what the tractor looks like in the website photo.

 

[jcims]

So I'm curious as to how the Kioti works. I'm also wondering more about the DK's. I really think they may simply be TOO big

I've been wondering the same thing...trying to compare the CK35 and DK35. The price is a wash after you consider some of the 'freebie' upgrades you get with the DK (at least as far as the dealers are telling me) I just wonder if the extra 900lbs and whatever extra inches of width are going to come back to haunt me.

Realistically i'm probably in over my head anyway, and should be looking at a CK20 or CK25. Unfortunately the closest dealer is ~100miles (and the second closest is ~100 miles from both me and the first dealer)

Does anyone have side by side photos of the CK35 and DK35? Or a CK25 and either?

 

[IslandTractor]

I don't have a side by side photo. Having sat on a CK20 for many hours, on a CK30 for an hour or so and a DK40se for 50 hours, I can make an analogy for you regarding size. Based on the feel and where you sit, the CK20 is like sitting in a Ford Ranger, the CK30 more like a full size pickup and the DK more like being in a larger truck (my experience limited to the big Uhaul trucks).

There is a substantial size difference between the CK30 and the DK. The DK also has a more "modern" control layout as it has fewer levers and more buttons/switches. There is a lot more room in the operator's station. You cannot see forward to the edge of the FEL bucket as well with the DK as with the CK and have to peek around the side of the hood.

From the rear the difference is also quite notable. The DK has a big ole butt compared to the CKs. I am talking about the DK40se/45se though and the DK35se has a more modest rear end. Someone posted that the axle is the same as the CK35...not sure about that but it is certainly plausible. The CK20 has a width of about 48 inches, the DK40 is close to 72 wide as I recall. I'm guessing that the CK30 is midway between those.

The length of the DK40 TLB is at least 5-6 feet more than the CK20 TLB. I could drive the CK20 into my barn and have 3-4 feet of room left. The DK40se TLB barely fits and besides cleaning out some junk, I need to put the grapple in dump position to save a foot or so in order to close the barn door.

 

[toddler]

Hey I.T.,

That DK40 is a BIG tractor. But given what I'm learning now about not being able to run the Mid-PTO without the Rear also turning, and seeing how close a flail mower would sit to the tractor anyway, I'm actually considering forgoing the MMM and just getting a CK35, an L3540 or a DK40SE with a FEL and Flail. If that doesn't cut nicely enough, I could spend the money I planned for the MMM on a used or home zero turn. Caroni's T1900 is available with fine cut blades, and the offset would be nice on a larger tractor. After all, a 72" deck sticks out more to the side on a B3030 than it would on an L3540. Got a quote on the JD 3520, and it's more than any other tractor, so it's clearly out since I consider it to be about equal to the CK35 for my purposes.

I think the DK40 and L3540 with FEL are close to each other in price, and are both way more tractor than I'll ever need!

Todd

 

[ChuckinNH]

I ran a CK35 yesterday. The dealer had one out, and warmed up, and though it is a bit larger than I'm looking for, you just can't turn down a chance to test drive when it comes. I had plenty of time to play in a half frozen snow bank about the lift height of the CK loader high. I found it very smooth, and pleasant to run. The loader felt strong especially the breakout force in that frozen stuff. I wish it were just a little more nimble for my tight places in the woods, but it sure was a nice tractor.

 

[toddler]

I agree. It's an awsome size. I only got to check out the CK30, not the 35, but it's what I consider ideal if I can get a MMM on it.

 

[MDM]

Hey I.T.,

That DK40 is a BIG tractor. But given what I'm learning now about not being able to run the Mid-PTO without the Rear also turning, and seeing how close a flail mower would sit to the tractor anyway, I'm actually considering forgoing the MMM and just getting a CK35, an L3540 or a DK40SE with a FEL and Flail. If that doesn't cut nicely enough, I could spend the money I planned for the MMM on a used or home zero turn. Caroni's T1900 is available with fine cut blades, and the offset would be nice on a larger tractor. After all, a 72" deck sticks out more to the side on a B3030 than it would on an L3540. Got a quote on the JD 3520, and it's more than any other tractor, so it's clearly out since I consider it to be about equal to the CK35 for my purposes.

I think the DK40 and L3540 with FEL are close to each other in price, and are both way more tractor than I'll ever need!

Todd

Does the 3540 have the new HST plus tranny? I test out a 3240 with the HST Plus and it is sweet.

 

[toddler]

Hey MDM,

They're basically the same tractor, the L3540 just has a few extra HP compared to the L3240.

Todd

 

[KiotiDave]

Hi Toddler,
There is an aftermarket(very good quality) mower that is made for the CK line by Del Marino.
Kioti no longer makes a MMM for their tractors, not sure if they will bring them back.
I have talked to several dealers that have sold these mowers and like them, I will likely order some for spring sales.
Good Luck
KiotiDave

 

[Tim M]

The DK35 is not as big as the DK40.

The DK35 has only a 3.4" longer wheelbase than the CK35. (CK25 30 and 35 have identically sized chassis, just different engines).

The DK35 is only 7" wider and 7" longer than the CK35, but it is about 800lbs heavier than the CK.