Pulling the Pants down on the CK25

[DAP]

After reading through a recent post about the new CK tractors and after having spent a couple of hours examining the CK20, 25 and 30, I will debunk a few myths regarding the CK25.

The CK25 was included in the model line for the following reasons:

1. It was targeted at the CK20 market who wanted 'something just a bit larger' ..

2. Reason 1 above could be realized because it is EXACTLY the same machine as a CK30 with a different engine. That means the design and implementzation of production and assembly were next to null (engine difference only). Kioti said, "Why not?".

I'll bet that if we had a mole in the engineering room at Kioti we'd find some VERY interesting notions about that CK25 engine's origins. Unless of course it was as unique as the CK30 power plant, but it certainly begs the question.

Kioti ends up trying to clobber the consumer for 1400 UDS for 5 supposed horsepower. This is bad marketing and in general, not a good price/value decision IMO.

Lastly, another poster mentioned doubts that the CK30 was designed for serious ground engagement chores.

After having driven the CK30 (and L3130 or L3140 or JD4310 class machine), AND due to what I think is a VERY heavy machine (CK25/CK30 are both over 3000 lbs), I think it could handle some ground implements with success. Not as well as a utility tractor, but better than most other CUTS of equal gross engine HP ratings.

The CK30 is the right size for me, but it's weight is squeezing it out of my decisions - I think.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Doug, maybe you could get the dealer to bring a CK30 to your place and let you really try it out so you'd know for sure if it's just too much. It's really difficult if not impossible to determine what will work without having the tractor in your location, doing what it is you want to do. I don't know your reasons for not wanting that weight, but keep in mind that that IS spread out over the spread and does not exert tremendous pressure in all spots. I don't know your soil conditions, but here in my area it's pretty much sandy soil and I can even drive my motorhome around in my yard without tearing it up or leaving large ruts unless it's just saturated from days and days of rain, and the MH weighs about 13,000#. I have yet to do any damage other than some tire spin to my lawn on the lighter CK20.
I can't say enough that over all the times I've used tractors, I've always been more satisfied when the tractor had more weight than less.
As for the engine difference, there is very little. Only the bore and stroke are actually different, and I suspect there wasn't a lot of extra cost involved in development.
Between the CK25/30 there just isn't a real difference, so I agree it probably wasn't the greatest idea in marketing, but between the CK20 and the other two, it's enhanced by all the extras the CK20 doesn't have as well as the extra horses, so that's not bad.
It's obvious that you're really thinking this out well, and you'll end up with what YOU really want. That's a good thing. John

 

[To20Chris]

Doug, do you know the price difference between the CK25/30 gear models and the LK3054XS?

 

[Kiohio]

I actually really like the idea of the CK25. With a loader on it, it is only a little more expensive than a CK20 HST with loader. I think that represents a very good value especially for people that need a "live" pto and don't mind gear drive.
Gear drives are pretty popular in my area.

KO

 

[RedDog]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The CK30 is the right size for me, but it's weight is squeezing it out of my decisions - I think.)</font>


I like a tractor with some mass!! People say they do not want the weight for when mowing,,, but if I was that concerned, I would buy a zero turn.

I mow my front yard with a DK65!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

RedDog

 

[readytogo]

Mowing with a Dk 65, sounds like fun!
I haven't posted in a few days, readytogo got up and went!
Having a blast with the CK 30 ~ and the weight has NOT been a problem! Have mowed pasture and do have some mucky spots near the creek. I don"t think we would have gotten closer with a lighter tractor. ~ and the best tool is common sense!!!!!
Moved the manure pile around just for fun, the loader has lots of power and the 4 wheel drive is handy as well.
Now it's time to try to mow the hill ~ any suggestions? Think maybe backing up would be the best way to go?
Will try to post a picture.

 

[DAP]

Chris , I received quotes for

CK20 - 13.3
CK25 - 15.3
CK30 - 16.7

all HST with appr. Loader and R4s.

These quotes are high IMO - due to my regional sales model. To make a comparison to another model in another state would be fruitless with the exception of realizing better pricing in a different region.

Sorry ole chap.

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Doug, I am really starting to feel sorry for you guys. Here in the heart of the midwest, a 24hp Big 3 tractor can be had for not much over the CK20 price you were quoted and quite a bit less than the CK25 price.

How do the Big 3 brands price out for similar models in NY?

 

[To20Chris]

Based on those numbers, I'm gonna hazard a guess that the LK3054XS would come in around the same as a CK25 gear.

 

[DMB]

My local dealer priced me a CK25 gear with ag tires for $10,750. R4 tires puts it up to $11,150. I like the CK25 open platform, but I can't rule out the LK3054XS since it is value for the $$$. Didn't get a price on the 3054, but I will before I make a final decision. Nothing wrong with a few more ponies. KJ from Fla. has made it clear that a CK20HST is very capable and would do what I need to do. I came very close to buying one earlier in the summer, but like many others I wanted to see and try out the CK25 first. I have no fundamental problem with gear drive, although I tried out and loved a New Holland TC29D HST. As much as I liked it the nearly $14,000 price tag was not where I need to be. The boss woman nearly popped a gasket! My delay in purchasing has been driven by the fact that our new house is way behind schedule. We really thought we'd be close to half done by now but the local construction market is red hot and out of six contractors only two returned bids. The guy we went with can start this month. The detached garage / barn will go up first since it's gonna be one of those pole barn type structures. If I had gone ahead and bought earlier I would've needed to make some other type of storage arrangement. Soon that won't be a problem. As it was I had to hire having the property mowed this summer! Does anybody think it may be easier to get any better deal this time of the year?
DMB