New tractor, new tractor home

[JonKioti]

Hi everyone,

Well, I had wondered about replacing my Woods BH6000 with the Kioti KB2465. After some discussion with my dealer I decided the relatively small difference to replace the whole CK-20 would be worth it.

My last CK-20HST had 180 hours on it, but had been stored outdoors most of its life (26 months). Add in a few niggling things like the dent in the hood (firewood coming back over the bucket), the torn seat (frickin' cat) and a tail light that would never work, and this looked like a good idea.

I managed to get what I wanted for the original one, but due to a slight oversight by my dealer I missed the free loader promotion. This caused me much chagrin, but I needed the tractor now and I wanted to keep the peace with my dealer who did what they could to make up some of the difference.

Anyhow, I now have the CK-20S. Besides a new tractor (which now has a horn!), I believe the PTO has a bit more horsepower. Perhaps someone can tell me any other differences.

I went with the industrial tires instead of the turfs on my original, then promptly got the tractor stuck in the first snowfall of the season. My Michigan Iron snowblade continues to work perfectly.

I also finished the tractor garage, complete with heated epoxy floor. I keep the temperature at 14 C, (about 56 F), and have a remote for the door. For now, the BH2465 is crated; I intend to build some outdoor storage for the implements later.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and thanks everyone for contributing to one of the more pleasant sites to visit regularly.

Jon

 

[eastpointer]

I have the exact tractor as you and so far I love it. I have a 54" puma snowblower and have been playing with it the last couple of days as we had our first snowfalls here in canada. The snow I was blowing was up over the top of blower and the tractor had no trouble blowing it, never slowed the idle of the tractor at all. I have the agriculture tires on it and was actually in my back field trying to get it stuck and could not, seems to be very good in the snow. Got it stuck once in some mud, but with the differential lock got out of it with ease. I really like the blade you have on yours, is it run by hydraulics or electric ? Have fun with your new tractor.

 

[rimshot]

A great looking bright shiny new CK-20 (S). So far as I'm concerned the industrial tires are best for my needs. Now you can store your investment inside. That will obviousy be paramount in extending the life of your tractor.. I know folks usually do their best with what they have but I just can't see leaving an expensive piece of equipment outside if you can possibly help it.

Having said that there are still lots of farm equipment that has been used for years after withstanding all sorts of weather.

rim

 

[jimmyj]

Nice! "heated epoxy coated floor".....wow, that's awesome too.

What does the S stand for on the model number.

 

[Thomas]

Looks like Santa starting to make his arounds..congrats on your new investmet Jon.

Looks little close roll bar to bottom of door..nice work area.

 

[Patches]

Nice parking garage! What kind of radiant heating are you using in the floor?

 

[Coyote machine]

JonKioti,

Nice everything!
Could you say more about the snow blade- what size, cost, features, all angle, etc.
What epoxy coating did you use on the floor? Did you do it yourself or turn to pros? Aside from aesthetics, and ability to keep floor clean is there any other reason you went the epoxy route?

Thanks! And Merry Christmas to you too
Hope you get a TON of snow to play in.....

 

[JonKioti]

Questions are good. Here are some answers:

SNOWBLADE

The snowblade is from the fine folks at Michigan Iron; normally the 66" would be coupled with the CK-20 but I ended up with the 72". It can push 72" just fine, but if you are snow blowing in reverse, a bit more of the blade will catch on the snow bank if you are tight to a side and the snow is deep enough, even with the blade angled.

The blade uses the same hydraulic controls as the loader; you remove the loader and loader arms, then install the blade. The blade mounting has four flat pieces which remain on the tractor; these did not get in the way of anything else I did throughout the summer.

I used a freight/customs company I have as a client to bring it in for me to Eastern Canada. Trust me - power angle and power lift are the cat's derriere.

HEATED FLOOR:

I installed a ground source (geothermal) heat pump a couple of years ago as part of the major expansion of the house (a project still underway). The heat pump model is optimized to make hot water suitable for in-floor heating. I had the dealer install the ground wells and in-ground piping; I did all inside loops, manifolds, electrical and controls. I like it.

EPOXY FLOOR:

A do it yourself kit for those who are reasonably proficient, the stuff comes in several premixed colours and two sizes. With limited working time (45 minutes, allow 8 minutes of stirring), it rolls on with a standard roller (which will be a write off when you're done) and usually takes two coats. Fumes are minimal and non-toxic, be sure to take extra steps to keep overzealous dogs (picture #5) from running through it before it's dry. Note, my floor has three coats in places and there are distinct paw marks on the cobbles outside the door. Enviro Epoxy Products Inc

OVERHEAD DOOR:

Suffice to say, showing the overhead door guys the tractor and telling them "This needs to fit in there" still didn't get a door that went high enough. Anyhow, they eventually (9 months later) got it replaced with what I wanted in the first place. There's as much clearance there as I could possibly get with a 96" ceiling.

CK-20 "S"

I'm not sure what the "S" stands for. Did the "A", "B", "C" models represent ones that didn't work? Or does "S" refer to a Korean word that means horn?

Thanks for your comments!

Jon

 

[lakngulf]

Did you switch to the Kioti tractor so you could use the clever forum alias?
"Tilting at snowpiles.....it's JonKioti"

 

[Coyote machine]

JonKioti,

I'm confused is: "the cat's derriere" a technical term?!