NEW OWNER - Pics, and a few Q's

TSO · Apr 7, 2012

Hello - new member and 1st post to the Forum. I shopped around for several months and finally settled on the CK20S (HST). Comparing it to the other "main name-brand" tractors, this seemed like the best value and "bang for my buck" tractor out there. I just got it last week from Van Paemel's in Armada (kudos to a great and patient dealership)! I took the free loader deal and paid $12,463 out the door (with tax). I also picked up a used box-blade for $250.

Anyhow, my home property is about 10.5 acres; about 60% terrain and 40% woods. I have a commercial mower, so I just needed a tractor for the loader, hauling/dragging trees around, grading my 1000' driveway, etc.

My buddy picked up a new Kubota B2920 last year (that's his on the right) and it's amazing how nearly identical these two tractors are.

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OK, so here's a couple Q's that I have. First off, my hour-meter is running like it's on speed

I've probably only put about 10 hours of runtime on this tractor, but the hour meter has gone from 4 hours to 91 in just the last week! What gives? I know I need to do a major fluids change at the 50 hour mark... does this mean that I'm already over that mark, and need to do the change immediately?

2nd: The box-blade I picked up is a 66". It's older, and very sturdy. Reading the manual, it recommends not going over 48" for a box scraper, but this one didn't seem to have any issues in 4x4-LO.

3rd: What are the actual "safe" amounts of what I can lift in my stock bucket?

3a: I'm going to Fab a boom pole for the front bucket, probably using a 2" hitch receiver and 2" metal tubing. I'm thinking of extending it out about 6 feet, similar to this setup: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...y-instead-weld-hooks-p9079739-1200-x-900-.jpg Does anybody know what the maximum weight load will change to at that distance with my loader & bucket? I know the amount I can lift will drop because of the distance from the bucket, but I don't know the formula to figure it out.

Well, that's it for now. I'm sure I'll have other questions in the future. Speaking of that, anything else I should know about my Kioti?

Thanks!

pjbci · Apr 7, 2012

All I can help you with is the hour meter. The last digit is "tenths" of an hr. The 91 you are seeing is actually 9.1 hrs.

TSO · Apr 7, 2012

pjbci said:
All I can help you with is the hour meter. The last digit is "tenths" of an hr. The 91 you are seeing is actually 9.1 hrs.

That make sense... I was wondering that, but there isn't a decimal so I wasn't sure. Thanks

moored4 · Apr 7, 2012

'2nd: The box-blade I picked up is a 66". It's older, and very sturdy. Reading the manual, it recommends not going over 48" for a box scraper, but this one didn't seem to have any issues in 4x4-LO.'

If your machine handles it and doesn't lug down then I would use it!

:welcome: to TBN! :thumbsup:

Happy :tractor: ing!

ccdck20hst · Apr 7, 2012

I have never actually weighed what I have picked up in my bucket of my CK20 but I reckon I have often lifted about 1,000 lbs. of rocks. Remember to try to keep the load evenly spread across the bucket if possible when approaching the limits and of course to keep the bucket fairly close to the ground when fully loaded to keep the center of gravity low. Extremely heavy rocks can slightly bend the bucket if you are not careful. I have the added weight of a backhoe (perhaps 750 lbs.) to counter balance a full load in the loader bucket and counter weights of some kind on the back of the tractor enhance the ability to pick up heavy loads with the front bucket. When moving materials such as gravel and dirt, a tooth bar is very effective at helping you to "cut into " the pile so to speak. Also, when moving large rocks or logs, the extra depth (perhaps 9 inches) added to the bucket by the teeth of a tooth bar is helpful at keeping the load balanced in the bucket. You can do a lot of work with a CK20! Happy Tractoring!

MossflowerWoods · Apr 7, 2012

Just my :2cents: but at $250 you prolly stole that 66" box blade. It will also double as an excelent balllast to aid your FEL work.

Nice pix!

Welcome to TBN, and Welcome to the Pack

!!

Be well,
David

lockhaven · Apr 7, 2012

as far as lifting, the tractor knows.

just do not keep pulling the joy stick when it says no:thumbsup:
They have tenths on the meter now? my CK30 from 2010 does not

TSO · Apr 7, 2012

MossflowerWoods said:
Just my :2cents: but at $250 you prolly stole that 66" box blade. It will also double as an excelent balllast to aid your FEL work.

Nice pix!

Welcome to TBN, and Welcome to the Pack !!

Be well,
David

Thanks! Yeah, I was thinking that was a great price; couldn't find anything close to that on craigslist. They also had 7Ft York rake for $300, but I didn't feel like spending any more money that day

Anyone have experience with those clamp on bucket forks? There are some (new) on ebay for roughly $170...

thanks again!

jpm1 · Apr 7, 2012

Anyone have experience with those clamp on bucket forks? There are some (new) on ebay for roughly $170...

I had a set and notice the "had" they were the biggest pain in the big toe trying to keepem straight, also being out farther on your bucket cuts down on the lifting capacity. I guess if you use them once in a while there alright but mine are used almost everyday for logs so i went with real forks, . . .John

Dingo Man · Apr 7, 2012

Congrats on the new tractor. I did't realize there were any driveways 1000' long in Detriot

Some articles I have read about the city it sounds like they are converting alot of the abandonded lots back to farm land. Maybe you can hire out yourself and your new toy:thumbsup: