Which would you pick and why?

[coasterez]

I never called YOU stupid. I simply stated that to argue that the CK's should be compared to a ZTR or other garden tractor is so illogical as to be absurd (and so is comparing a mustang to a pickup). And so is stating things you do not know first hand without qualifying them as such....And not all dealers are "experienced experts" on the machines they sell... I certainly know a few that don't know hoot about their machines and what they can and cannot really do on a job. This is my opinion and I make no apologies for it.

And my recommendation to Jordanh was stated long ago in this thread... It was to buy a Kioti, and that it's really about buying the right tool for the jobs to be accomplished. HP/weight ratio as a selection metric is about as useful as muffler bearings! Does your ZTR have those too?

 

[bearhawk]

I am close to making a deal with our friend Jon at Depratt Equipment.....and I can't say enough good things about him by the way.

cripes.....I hate out thinking myself on things.

Get what makes you happy, pay no attention to the non Kioti owning posters that just like to stir things up.

I think you can tell who that is.

<subliminal message> We want pictures of that new CK30 ! </subliminal message>

 

[Highbeam]

Does the CK20 use regular cat1 tractor implements or do you need funky cat0? If you can run the cat1 implements and are using mower width as a criteria then I would propose that the grass growing under your trees in the orchard will not be of such height and thickness to stop a 20 HP machine from using a 5' mower. Maybe even bigger if the 3PH can lift it. My CK30 doesn't even wince in deep grass with a 5' mower, now mowing brush is a different story, you'd need to stick to the 5HP per foot rule for the brush.

I trailer my tractor 100 miles every time I use it. The big CKs are heavy and that is good for most things but the weight makes trailering tougher. Not jusrt the weight of the tractor but also the heavier duty trailer to haul that extra weight. The trailer and tractor tip the scales at 7000 lbs. A lighter tractor, lighter trailer, shorter trailer, and even a smaller truck will make for easier transport. Nah, scratch the smaller truck part, everybody loves high HP to weight ratios.

 

[Dargo]

Gees, I'm at an absolute total loss as to why dozens and dozens of people say that the Kioti bunch are an such unhappy group and the only group that doesn't get along with others. I just don't see it when they say that there is not any other brand on TBN that as many unhappy people as the Kioti group. I sure see them as a friendly group when you recommend one of their tractors to a prospective buyer over and over.

 

[bearhawk]

Gees, I'm at an absolute total loss

You are well known around here for doublespeak.

Meaning it's hard to tell what end you are speaking out of.

I know.

KiotiJohn knows.

 

[IslandTractor]

Does the CK20 use regular cat1 tractor implements or do you need funky cat0? If you can run the cat1 implements and are using mower width as a criteria then I would propose that the grass growing under your trees in the orchard will not be of such height and thickness to stop a 20 HP machine from using a 5' mower. Maybe even bigger if the 3PH can lift it. My CK30 doesn't even wince in deep grass with a 5' mower, now mowing brush is a different story, you'd need to stick to the 5HP per foot rule for the brush.

CK20 uses regular Cat 1 implements. Regarding the mower size in an orchard, I believe there is a TBN member with a CK20 who uses a five foot Carboni flail mower in his nut tree orchard.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's my rule of thumb...

Always get the most HP that is available in the frame size that you want, if at all possible financially. You will never regret that decision, unless, of course, you choose the wrong frame size for your tasks to begin with.

I have never heard someone here complain about too much power. I have heard them complain about the frame of the tractor being too big to get into the places they need to do work, or too heavy to drive over their lawn, or too heavy to trailer, etc... but never too powerful.

 

[coasterez]

Right on, MossRoad!

 

[jordanh]

Now you boys play nice......beat on each other all ya want but no need to get personal and stuff. sheesh

Dargo....you **** malcontent....LOL! Always stirring the pot......

Anywho......RIGHT ON Moss! If money were no object and there was a location in the midwest to get one I'd forget all about KIOTI and be sporting a new POWERTRAC....but alas. They are TOO spendy for me and TOO far away. sigh..

I may price a ck 20 just to drive Jon a little farther down the road to insanity. When he delivers he will probably stomp a mud hole in my.....well....you know. I'm still of a mind to get the CK30 gear. I can get a **** of a deal on a used hydro 30 with 147 hours but I am just unsure about getting used to the hydro thing........

 

[depratt_equip]

LOL.... I'll send you the price for a CK20 here in a bit.... I would really rather see you go with the gear CK30 or the used HST... For what you are doing I really think you would regret the CK20. Its a fine machine but really would just get you by for what all you are going to do... I think the larger CK25 or 30 tractors fit your needs much better...

 

[MossRoad]

Hey Dargo... I FINALLY realized that it supposed to be a dead horse in your avitar. For the life of me, I could not see that and wondered why you had smiley faces being mean to a mule with bent legs!!! Oh my goodness!!!!! I ain't the sharpest tack in the box, now am I???

 

[IslandTractor]

For what you are doing I really think you would regret the CK20. Its a fine machine but really would just get you by for what all you are going to do... I think the larger CK25 or 30 tractors fit your needs much better...

Jon, it is nice to have your input into this debate. As you know I have been making the arguement for the CK20. Given the relatively small plots of land, in different places, that Jordanh will be working over time, why do you think the CK20 with 48" implements would be "just get you buy"? What ballpark figure do you use in calculating acreage to be worked by a 21hp vs 30hp machine?

 

[Highbeam]

Hey Dargo... I FINALLY realized that it supposed to be a dead horse in your avitar. For the life of me, I could not see that and wondered why you had smiley faces being mean to a mule with bent legs!!! Oh my goodness!!!!! I ain't the sharpest tack in the box, now am I???

I couldn't figure it out either. I thought maybe there was ******** involved. Beating a dead horse is a much better interpretation.

 

[IslandTractor]

I thought maybe there was ******** involved. Beating a dead horse is a much better interpretation.

Trust your first impressions. Over analyzing a situation is usually misleading.

 

[coasterez]

Not sure why Jon would steer you away from the used HST.

As always, there are pros and cons to buying new vs. used and gear vs. HST. However, if it's a better deal, you'll love the hydro. It'll take you about 10 minutes to "get used to it" and you may never go back. Nothing wrong with gear. But, if I had had the choice between a slightly used CK30HST for less than my new CK25 gear. I wouldn't have hesitated to buy the HST (or If I had had ~$2-3K more to spend, I'd be in a new 30HST). And for the tasks I bought the tractor to do, I don't really need HST. But, I like it so much better that I would have spent the money if I had had it. Anyway, I just don't want you to be "afraid" of HST. I have machines with both types of trannies and the HST is awesome for mowing, loading, and plowing snow. It can be a real time (and body) saver.

 

[coasterez]

Oops! Misread Jon's recommendation: misread "or" as "over". Sorry all.

 

[depratt_equip]

Just from talking with him on the phone, what he is going to be doing it really sounds like the 25 or 30 would fit his needs better. 48" implements really aren't much cheaper than 5ft so no real savings there...

I think he will be getting it to more and more work over time and its always good to have a little more power....

Normally a guy in his spot a CK20 would be fine, but mostly folks with a few acres only mow or do some landscape. Where Jordan is going to getting into the fruit business it sounds, and will likely need the added HP in the future.

Could he do everything he wants to do with the CK20.. yes.... would he still be happy in 5 years with the purchase? Or would he be left to think.. "boy if i only had 5-10 more HP" " I should have stuck to my orginal thinking"..... I try to get a feel for what the customers needs will be down the road.. in Jordans case the 25 or 30 would be the way to go... Me I would go with the CK30

 

[IslandTractor]

Could he do everything he wants to do with the CK20.. yes.... would he still be happy in 5 years with the purchase? Or would he be left to think.. "boy if i only had 5-10 more HP" "

OK, so what we need is a turbo kit for the CK20. 5 more Hp in a CK20 would be nice. I don't think I would care that much about 5 or 10hp in the CK25/30 as the added tractor weight would to some extent nullify the gain but 20 more HP, now you're talking.

 

[jordanh]

Thanks Jon. I don't want no stinkin' CK20....LOL!

I've been there done that on the "wish I had more power" thing with my itty bitty kubota.

LOL.....beating a dead horse....has there ever been a more apt avitar in the history of the internet??? Kinda like mine ought to be the guy with his head stuck in his bum.....LOL!!!

Anywho....if the dang bank and insurer will get back to me i'll HAVE to make up my mind.

hydro or gear? Gear or Hydro?

ARRRGGGG!!!!!!

:^D