L3400 vs CK30

[Ski21]

I've been looking at these 2 tractors and can't decide which one. I was wondering if the 5-6Hp difference makes that much of a difference.
The CK30 is rated 30hp, and L3400 is 35.7HP. The CK dimensions make it a little bit bigger, and heavier by 500lbs. Which is what got me worried. The CK is a heavier tractor with less HP, would this greatly reduce the effectiveness of the tractor. The L3400 with the extra HP and lighter tractor, would it be able to FEL more then the CK30, or would the CK do to it being a heavier tractor be able to FEL without any added weights needed. Who ever has owned or does own either of these models, could u comment. I'm mainly doing work around the house, mostly FEL with moving rocks and dirt, brush hogging and I have some hills, snow removal in winter, I may start a garden so will be doing some minor plowing and tiling, and some backhoe digging too. Thanks for any info and advice. I'm looking to buy within the next 2-3 weeks or so.
I've looked at the CK30 and the price I got with loader and hoe is 23400 for HST. The L3400 HST is 22900 with loader and backhoe.

 

[Baldyonthehill]

I had an L3400 but had to get rid of it because I needed a front mounted snow plow and you can not get a mid PTO with the L3400. I loved the tractor as it had plenty of power. I used it to fill in all of the utility trenches, about 400' and the water trench was 5' deep. It took a while to say the least but the FEL would easily lift a bucket load of dirt. I didn't get the rear tires filled which was a mistake because the box scraper wasn't heavy enough to provide the counter weight necessary. Many times I lifted a rear wheel which made Momma nervous but I had gotten used to it.

The L3400 could plow a foot of snow going uphill with my rear blade faster than I can go on my L3240 with filled tires without doing any work. I do notice the horse power difference and would have bought the L3920 if money were no object to keep up with the L3400.

 

[Ski21]

Thanks Baldyonthehill, that's the information I'm wanting. When u say fill the tires, what's that mean. I'm totally new to tractors, this will be the first one I own.

 

[TripleR]

Thanks Baldyonthehill, that's the information I'm wanting. When u say fill the tires, what's that mean. I'm totally new to tractors, this will be the first one I own.

Liquid ballast in the rear tires for traction and stability.

 

[TheRegMan]

I've had a L3400 and it is a good tractor. If I was comparing the 3400 against the CK30 I would take the L3400 but; the pricing you have on the CK30 is way out of line. You should be able to get a DK45SE HST with FEL for that price. I know because I have been doing a lot of checking myself since I am also in the market for a new tractor again. The DK series is a much more capable tractor than the CK series or the L3400, even if you bought a DK35 which is a 38 HP tractor. It is significantly heavier than the L3400 which is important for maintaining traction while doing ground engagement work and has a much stronger front end loader. If you are going to be doing a lot of front end loader work, you would be wise to seriously consider the Kioti DK40SE. It lifts 2761 lbs which is more than any of the Kubota utility tractors. From my research, I would say you should be able to get one for around $20,000. That's with HST and FEL. Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

[Ski21]

I guess with the loader free option that would make it about 20400 for the ck30 loader and backhoe. I wonder how much the dk35 would be with loader and backhoe. I see that kioti is offering 3500 off DK attachments. Is a loader or backhoe considered an attachment. If I can get a DK with loader and ho for around 24 or 25k, I think I'd definitely go that route, but I don't think I'd be able to get that.
Also how far would you all be willing to travel to get a deal. I live in WV and one of the kioti dealers is located in virginia about 96 miles away. Would u guys travel that distant to save 1000.

 

[firefighter jim]

I would say that 22900 is a pretty good price for the L3400 with loader and backhoe.

 

[TheRegMan]

Ski, I didn't catch the fact that you were looking at the backhoe also. No wonder the CK30 price seemed so far out of line.

The closest Kioti dealer to me is about 225 miles. I don't like the idea of not having a closer dealer but my confidence in the reliability in the Kioti and the value of the Kioti tractor outweighs the inconvenience. I'm not the kind of guy that will be taking the tractor in for regular service anyway. I'll just do those things myself. Besides, if you get the tractor out of state, you probably will not have to pay sales tax.

I have a price of 19,500 for a DK40SE, HST tranny and the KL401 FEL. Don't quote me because I am not sure but I believe the BH is about 6K. That would put you almost where you want to be.

My understanding is that there is about $1,500 difference between the DK40SE and the DK35 SE so it is probably not unrealistic for you to get the DK35 with the HST, FEL and BH for about $24,000. That would definitely be a nice package. If you can swing it, I would try to get the DK40SE though. There is only 3 horsepower difference between the two but the DK40SE comes with a stronger loader. I think the DK35 loader still lifts between 1400 - 1500 lbs though so it is still quite capable. Just not as capable as the DK40 with it's 2761 lbs of lift.

Good luck to you.

 

[TheRegMan]

I agree also that 22900 is a good price for the L3400 with a backhoe but it still is not a DK40

 

[Ski21]

Just got a price for a DK35 at a different dealer and TLB package would be 24500. So that's only 1k more then what the dealer closer to me quoted me for the CK30 TLB, and 26500 for the DK35 Isn't that crazy. I don't think that I would be doing that much more that I'd need the DK40, but I'll check into it too. How big of a trailer would I need to haul the DK35 with backhoe. I'll be traveling about 2.5 hours, but to save 2k, I think it's worth it.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The DK40, it's waaay more machine than the DK35 for only a little more $$$$.

 

[TheRegMan]

I'm not sure about the required length but I suspect an 18' would do you just fine. I used an 18' for my L3400 with FEL on the front and a bush hog on the back and it worked fine. See what the dealer has to say about that.

I also think for the price difference, the way to go is the DK40SE but the reality of the matter is that we all have a budget to work with. If a DK35 is what fits in your budget, I don't think you'll be disappointed with it. I'd love to have the backhoe but, I can't really afford it especially since I don't really have a use for it.

Good luck on your purchase!!

 

[Ski21]

If I forgo the backhoe, I'm sure I can go a lot bigger. My budget is around 22k and max at 25k. I probably won't use the backhoe too much, but when I do need if I don't get it now, I'm sure I'll be pissed that I didn't get it. I thought about maybe not getting the backhoe now and waiting until next year to get it. If I did that I'm sure I can go with a DK40 or bigger.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

There is a guy on another tractor board that bought a DK40SE with loader back in March for the mid 19s. That was including tax, out the door. I bet that you wouldn't be to far from 25k with the backhoe. That would be one heck of a machine to have. :thumbsup:

Good luck

 

[Gittyup]

I like the way this started out as a consideration of a CK30 or L3400, and now we are all the up to the DK40! While obviously the DK40 is a beast of tractor at a great value price, does the OP really need that? You could take the price difference, or evan portion of that, and buy some extra goodies for a CK or the L3400. If you don't need the weight, HP, and the super high loader capacity of the DK40, wouldn't this make more sense?

The smaller tractor is easier to manuever. Attachments will be smaller and cheaper too. You'll need at least a 3/4 ton truck to tow the DK40 too. BTW, all of kiotis will require an 18 ft, 10K trailer to haul.

Me, if I didn't need the bigger tractor would consider these goodies added to a CK35 (the CK35 gives you the most hp available on the CK chassis):

2 sets of rear remotes (should get one with the backhoe anyway)
top link and side arm hydraulic cylinders
filled tires (a must, I think for loader work)
skidplate to protect filters
toothbar for the FEL bucket
big foot outrigger pads
2 hooks and a tow hitch receiver welded on the bucket
1 hook on backhoe bucket
backhoe thumb
sunshade
snowblower
grapple
pallet forks
posthole digger
log splitter
rake
boxblade
backblade
chipper/shredder
bushhog
finish mower


Obviously you couldn't get all this for $25K. But, you could pick what you need/want most. The point is that sometimes it's better to spend the money on attachments and accessories rather than pure HP/lift. After all, tractors are only useful with the proper attachments. Just something to think about.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The only reason that I was pushing the DK40 was that he was talking about getting a DK35 and for a little more money the 40 is a lot more tractor. As far as the original size asked about, I agree, the CK35 would be the way to go, and bigger is not always better. It all depends on the needs and circumstances that you have to work with.

I have no idea what the price difference is between the CK35 and the DK40, but for me those would be the two tractors that I would be considering.

 

[Gittyup]

Brian,

I agree. And if serious about the DK35, then the DK40 is a better value. I'm just not sure the OP really needs that, nor have they given good thought to implements needed and their associated costs.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

This is very true. People buy bigger tractors and a lot of them don't consider the higher cost of the implements that should be used with that bigger tractor. And very often, that higher implement cost is substantial.

 

[Ski21]

I settled on the DK35. The CK30 would probably be sufficient, but after seeing the DK35 beside the CK, the DK35 will be more then enough for now, and be good for any future stuff I can get into I'm sure. I should have it delivered next saturday.

 

[TheRegMan]

I'm sure it will do you just right. Nice Tractor!!