LK3054XS vs CK25

[IXLR8]

Hi, I was comparing the LK and the CK. With loader and backhoe, I can get the LK3054XS for less money than the CK25, both gear. Is there any reason to consider the CK over the LK? Somebody here posted that they would get the CK30 over the LK3054 due to more features, they didn't say what features. I don't think finances will allow me to go to the CK30. The only difference I know of, from reading these forums and doing some searching, is you can get a cab for the CK and not the LK. The loader bucket is a little bigger on the LK compared to the CK, it seems to be the same size for either the CK25 or 30. Am I missing something with the CK series or is it a no brainer to go with the LK? Other than looks.
Most of my work will be loader, backhoe, BoxBlade/rear blade for 1/3 mile long dirt road maintenance, front blade/snowblower for snow removal, in about that order. Still deciding on implements for road maintenance and snow removal.

TIA

 

[mike69440]

LK3054XS

No front PTO to use with a snowplower. crank is splined but no way to disengage.

Old design tractor and huge turning radius for its size. A crude machine, but still a rugged tractor.

CK 25
Seems underpowered?? Back Hoe not well intergrated. Still both are a lot of tractor for the dollar, but have poor resale.

Consider a used machine also.

 

[IXLR8]

LK3054XS

No front PTO to use with a snowplower.

I was quoted $211 for a kit to add mid PTO so blower could be used.

crank is splined but no way to disengage.

I have no idea what this means.

Old design tractor and huge turning radius for its size. A crude machine, but still a rugged tractor.

testing one out in 2 weeks, will keep this in mind.

Consider a used machine also.

I see used LK3054's with 175-200 hrs on them going for 17,500, I can get new for 19,500, having a warrenty is worth that to me.

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[mike69440]

I did not know you could get a mid point PTO take-off. I have only seen them with rear PTO Snowblowers. Driving in reverse in a storm gets old fast.

The engines have at PTO spline on the front of the crank. I guess for a PTO Aux pump etc.

The 3054 Plastic parts fade and crack in the sun. I'd paint them with the Krylon Plastic paint.

 

[IXLR8]

Mike,

I did not know you could get a mid point PTO take-off. I have only seen them with rear PTO Snowblowers. Driving in reverse in a storm gets old fast.

You are not the first to say no mid PTO for snowblower... the dealer I went to is a bit clueless... I would not be surprized if he was mistaken. I like the fact that rear blowers are half the cost of front... but I do suspect that clearing a 1/3 mile long dirt road in reverse would get old fast, especially without a cab.

The engines have at PTO spline on the front of the crank. I guess for a PTO Aux pump etc.

thanks

The 3054 Plastic parts fade and crack in the sun. I'd paint them with the Krylon Plastic paint.

Krylon is cheap... to bad it might be necessary.

Thanks again,

Jim

 

[Patches]

IXLR8; I don't think a mid-PTO is available for this unit as I asked when I purchased mine, but they may now be? I read a post somewhere else on TBN that a front-mount sno-blower is available which is powered by the rear PTO via a drive shaft. Must be a pretty pricey unit.I park my unit in a garage so have noticed no fadeing of the plastic yet and have around 200hrs. on it. As I mentioned previously, my biggest gripe with the unit is the cold start problem,which for me is no more than an inconvenience, but could be a major problem if no electricity is nearby

 

[IXLR8]

IXLR8; I don't think a mid-PTO is available for this unit as I asked when I purchased mine, but they may now be?

After all the comments I have got, I suspect it is not... I am now looking for a dealer that has a clue about their tractors.

I read a post somewhere else on TBN that a front-mount sno-blower is available which is powered by the rear PTO via a drive shaft. Must be a pretty pricey unit.

Yup, reportidly the best is an Erskine unit, I was quoted $6100 for the smaller of the two that would fit the LK3054!! I didn't believe him until he showed me his price sheet. A search shows there are others, I have no idea on their pricing. I thought a mid-PTO unit was expensive at $3200!! Does make a rear mount at $1600 look tempting.

I park my unit in a garage so have noticed no fadeing of the plastic yet and have around 200hrs. on it. As I mentioned previously, my biggest gripe with the unit is the cold start problem,which for me is no more than an inconvenience, but could be a major problem if no electricity is nearby

So the glow plugs don't do the job of getting it started in the cold?? You need a seperate pre-heater? Dealer assured me that starting in the cold was a non issue. Hmm something to consider, I have no garage for it yet, no power to where I will be parking it. Plan on using it for all my snow removal... this could be a problem.

Thanks for all the comments.

Jim

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

I have a LK3054. The only plastic body parts on it is the dash and the front grill. The fenders and the hood are steel. Starts in the cold (10 degrees F) just fine if you know how to use the glow plugs and set the throttle and I normal switch to 10w-30 in the winter which helps mine crank over much more easily. I did have to put a new battery in it.

Turns very tight without 4wd engaged. Works like a sledge hammer. Does whats asked of it. Plenty of power. Don't know about the mid PTO but that would be great to have front mounted blower.

Yes it is crude. No cup holder, sexy curved fenders, or sloped hood.

 

[Patches]

It will start in the cold,BUT,very reluctantly and when it does, runs on one/two cylinders for quite a while,belching black smoke and shaking like leaf, even though I immediately turn the key switch back to the glow-plug position. I leave the "plugs" on for two or three 10 second intervals depending on the temp before I attempt to start.It will eventually clear up and run normally but I'm afraid it's going to hurt itself in the interim. The dealer eventually changed out all three glow-plugs which didn't help much That being said,I use the hose heater for 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour before I attempt to start and it fires immediately

 

[mike69440]

It will start in the cold,BUT,very reluctantly and when it does, runs on one/two cylinders for quite a while,belching black smoke and shaking like leaf, even though I immediately turn the key switch back to the glow-plug position. I leave the "plugs" on for two or three 10 second intervals depending on the temp before I attempt to start.It will eventually clear up and run normally but I'm afraid it's going to hurt itself in the interim. The dealer eventually changed out all three glow-plugs which didn't help much That being said,I use the hose heater for 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour before I attempt to start and it fires immediately

My excavator and Kubota B7200 have glow plugs, the L39 has Air heater.

I forgot the L39 was a deisel the last time I started it after sitting a week in avg 40F, just turned to to crank and the thing started instantanly.

The other two start in cool /cold weather, but shake, blow smoke & a bit of oil for a while. I've seen a lot worse, however a good air preheater is much better than glow plugs IMHO.

Regarding the plastic, Things like seat, knobs, even the steering wheel are not as nice as even my 1984 B7200. Not that big a deal.