past ck20 hst problems?

rickster · Jan 3, 2006

I saw that some guys had troubles with the hst on there ck 20's
back in 2004. Not wanting to go up inclines and having troubles
making it over a simple 2x4. I really like this tractor and was wondering if this has been an on going problem with the hst?

Thanks!
Rick

cag · Jan 3, 2006

I recall of only one hst problem with the CK20 and it was with Getut tractor, he got it repaired under warranty, the CK has no problem climbing over a 2x4 in low range, some did this test in high range, and were unable to go over, here is the test I tried myself with the ck20, I used a 4x4 and it went over in both ranges, but if I was leaning (stopped) against the 4x4 and tried to go over in high range it wouldn't.. The tractor I tried performed very well in High range but it has it's limits, and when that happens I just pop it in low, don't worry it's a good little tractor ...cag

Dargo · Jan 3, 2006

I don't think you are hearing a problem about the hst, I think the "problems" are with a small 20 hp engine. That is less than the power in a diesel Gator or a diesel RTV, or many ATV's, which all weigh much less. Most decent sized zero turn radius mowers have more hp. Realistically you are just not going to have a huge amount of power with a 20 hp power plant. Twenty hp is twenty hp. I don't think there are any issues with the transmission or engine. I don't see any rap against the ck20 transmission or engine. There simply are limitations to what you can expect with 20 hp. You may want to look to the ck30 or so.

Maineiac · Jan 3, 2006

Trouble going over 2x4s or 4x4s? Is this something related to the HST transmission system? My gear drive LB1914 has the same engine as a CK20 and it will go over stumps, logs, 10-inch rocks--it would have NO trouble at all with a 4x4. I'm not trying to tout my machine, I'm just describing it's capability.
I don't know how the differences in the HST and the gear-drive transmissions affect performance; maybe someone could illuminate this for us!

Highbeam · Jan 3, 2006

It's trouble going over obstacles in high range. Try rolling that LB up to a 4x4, push in the clutch, now put it in the highest gear and try letting out the clutch. With the right gear for the job, it is butter.

HODAK · Jan 4, 2006

I would say that there are those who need to learn how to drive an HST tractor /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. It just takes a little practice. Less pedal = more power, (similar to a lower gear). More pedal = less power, ( higher gear).

CK30HST..........

IslandTractor · Jan 4, 2006

I am inclined to agree with Dargo. The CK20 is probably the heaviest 21hp tractor out there. It reasonably has some limitations related to this hp/weight ratio. As others have noted, the issue is not a defect, just a performance matter and can be overcome by using low "gear". I don't find any difficulties getting my CK20HST to do the work I need it to do but I don't use the HST high range for much more than road travel on flat ground or mowing.

I'd be interested to hear from CK30HST owners about how well that machine works in high going up a hill. The weight/hp ratio with the CK20 would be about 100:1 without counting the FEL (650lbs plus 75lb toothbar), BH (~900lbs with bucket) or other implement, loaded tires, chains, operator etc. Given my set up I imagine the real number is closer to 180:1 with the BH/FEL and operator (and not counting loaded rear tires). I calculate a ratio of about 170:1 for a similarly equiped CK30HST TLB. And the CK25 would have a ratio of 200:1. I wonder if the CK25/30 TLB guys are all traveling uphill in middle "gear".

My conclusions: 1) the CK20 works well but could use a three range HST transmission just as much as the CK30/CK25. 2) I'd prefer to give up a little on the top end road speed to have a slightly lower high range.

Highbeam · Jan 4, 2006

On my CK30 with no BH, yet????, I almost exclusively use the middle range. No hill is too steep. Low gear for pushing out stumps and high gear is the road gear, good for flinging the mud out of the tires at high speed. It will run up modest hills at lower speeds in high range but from a stop it is hard to get going on hills, momentum is helpful and a little speed in high range gets you up into the power.

Maineiac · Jan 4, 2006

I guess I didn't understand the operation of the HST. I didn't grasp that the power is related to how hard you push the pedal. And you're absolutely right that my tractor wouldn't go over a 4x4 in from a dead stop in the highest gear.

To reveal further ignorance, let me ask this: do you drive an HST model exactly like you would an automatic transmission on a car? Or do you do something with your left foot on the "clutch" simultaneously? I've never even seen one, so bear with me! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

IslandTractor · Jan 4, 2006

Maineac,

Driving an HST is pretty much like an automatic transmission except that you don't even need to shift into reverse, you just push the reverse pedal. Some tractors (not Kioti) have separate forward and reverse pedals but the CK20/25/30 have a single long pedal that you push with your toe to go forward and with your heel to reverse. Clutch is not involved at all in driving, just in switching from high to low or from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive.