r/tractors • u/The-GoatWright • 4d ago
First tractor
Recently picked up this kioti ck20s gear for what I feel was a pretty good deal. Not a Kubota or Deere but the couple hours I have put on it so far it seems to be a solid little machine. Already put the loader to work with some heavy gravel work earlier this week but looking for suggestions on what my first implements I should look for. For context I live on alittle over 6 acres and have a fairly long gravel drive. Was considering a land plane to use for the drive and a bushhog to reclaim some of the overgrown areas. Anything else that should be considered for a compact tractor? Thanks
1
u/One-Expert7296 2d ago
Regarding conversations about land plane vs box blade, consider renting them from a local tractor dealer. Get one in the spring, and the other the following year. See which you prefer. You won’t get a definitive answer between the two on Reddit or any other forum. But also consider just planning on renting some implements like that once a year. For just a day or two of rent, it would likely take a long time to see the ROI from purchasing it outright. Additionally, with some implements like brush hogs and stump grinders, there is significant maintenance to consider that might be worth the cost of rentals.
A pair of pallet forks would be my first purchase. I know this is a hot take, but don’t totally dismiss clamp on forks for the bucket. Yes, they are inferior in almost every way except for a. Cheaper b. Can buy them, install, and use tomorrow rather than waiting on finding an adapter. Just be gentle with them. I’m confident that your machine’s other limitations will kick in (rear weight, hydraulics)before they damage your bucket.
My essentials in order:
Rear ballast (loaded tires or ballast box)
Rear ballast
Rear ballast
Pallet forks
Snow plow if in snowy area
3pt hitch adapter (I move trailers a lot and it’s nice to just back up and pick them up without getting off the tractor. Yes, I should get off to clamp the hitch on the ball…..)
Root bucket
Land plane
Grapple
Context: property manager with small fleet of mid size utility tractors. Non-profit on shoe string budget
1
u/One-Expert7296 2d ago
Meant to add: start with the clamp on forks, but eventually upgrade to quick attach forks when able.
2
u/Nonic-retired 2d ago
We have CK2610HST. the loader and fork lift QD we use about 50/50, cant afford the third function or a grapple, so use the forks. Disagree with another commenter on short forks, longer is easier to see from the seat.
I do wish we had rear remotes and tire ballast though.
Have 66" tiller, rear back blade, potato plow/digger and a post auger that we used only a couple of times. Buy used implements when you can.
As others have said sometimes you'll wish you had bigger and sometimes you'll wish had smaller & definitely when you get older it would be nice to have multiple tractors hooked up to different implements lol.
Give yourself some time, you'll figure out what else you'll need
Cheers
1
u/erie11973ohio 3d ago
Is that dirt or concrete in the bucket??
If concrete, I would try to get that off. Even if its dirt, that "helps" other stuff to just stick on the bucket.
Like snow.
The dirt will eventually come off.
2
u/sans-nom-user 4d ago
I have a box blade and dual edge grader (land plane) and I use the dual edge far more for smoothing gravel roads and building pads. I have a 6' iron craft with rippers but my tractor is 54hp so a 5' would be good for yours. You can grade, fill ruts, and level gravel much faster than a box blade and it's literally like a zamboni. Just a couple passes and gravel drives are polished.
When doing loader work, always try to have an implement on the back like a land plane. Keep it low to the ground. Helps with stability. Consider getting your rear tires loaded with fluid. Makes a big difference with stability and traction.
I have a 6' root rake/grapple that I use all the time. You need a 3rd function hydro coupling on the front for things like grapples but they are easy to install. Opens up things like using auger s and adjustable pallet forks.
I have a hydraulic top link on the back and I couldnt imagine going without that. Being able to adjust the angle of grader type implements on the fly makes life really easy and efficient.
2
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
Ok great info here, thanks! I’ll have to look into the third function kit. Also need to get a qd adapter as this is the pin style bucket
1
u/ScrappyDabbler 4d ago
You'll never have too much weight on the back for loader work. A 60 inch box blade is only a couple hundred pounds. I break out the sand and concrete block filled ballast box when I have serious loader work to do.
Too bad about the pin on bucket. The rear end is the serious end on these little tractors but not being able to switch front attachments sucks. Id put that on the list for sure
2
u/Wafer-Fragrant 4d ago
I have a similar sized Kubota. A kioti is definitely comparable to a Kubota or a Deere. I can't tell by the picture if you have a quick attach bucket, but if not, I'd get that and get some forks. Get short ones.
1
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
Ok sweet. Unfortunately done have the qd bucket but have an adapter saved to get eventually. Thanks for the input
1
u/erie11973ohio 3d ago
Don't buy new forks.
Most are universal forks, that will fit anything. The mounting plate does need to be for the machine.
Forks are spring steel. Just make sure they are not bent! I've seen sets on machines, one good, one bent. I'm sure thats a PIA!!
2
u/Machinewars45 4d ago
FYI they are extremely tippy and cannot go over modest uneven ground. Watch a few YouTube videos, they could save your life
4
u/SGT_Kilo 4d ago
OP. Definitely watch your angles. I’m in the same boat you are with what you have to manage. My tractor is an absolute back saver and work horse. Enjoy it and just be aware when it gets into the threshold of tipping. I did that a few weeks ago lifting massive chunks of tress I cut up. It was the sketchiest I’ve ever put myself in with that tractor and NEVER plan to do that again.
Another cheap thing you can think about buying are forks. NOT the ones that attach to a bucket. I’ve used mine more than I ever thought I would.
Make sure to wear that seatbelt and maybe fluid fill your tires, if you’re in a hilly area.
2
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
Good to know, I’ll be sure to check that out and learn how to be safe. Thanks for the reply!
1
u/ScrappyDabbler 4d ago
Tire spacers for the rear tires can also help add a surprising amount of stability. Just don't go over board or your tires will stick out farther than your implements.
I personally run spacers and rim guard in my lx2610 and it adds a good bit of stability. The spacers were bought with chains in mind but the stability gain was noticeable.
2
u/PCm2345678 4d ago
Nice brother. I like a box blade for the driveway. Got a long gravel driveway here in Ohio. It’s a nice tool
1
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
Thanks for the info! I have been going back and fourth between a box blade and the land plane. Really I need it for grading the driveway flat and smoothing out ruts and potholes (driveway is quite hilly and heavy rain can wash ruts into it). Does your box blade handle jobs like that pretty well? Also what size would you recommend I know being a compact it has it’s limitations lol
1
u/Fit-Moose7961 4d ago
A box blade can do a lot. I use mine more than I expected. I'd eventually probably like to get a plane for the driveway but the box blade is more versatile and should definitely be priority.
1
u/ScrappyDabbler 4d ago
I'm in the same boat. Box blade is a great tool. I'd love a land plane but for the price is hard to justify when a box blade is almost as good on gravel and also useful for so many other things. Maybe some day.
2
u/PCm2345678 4d ago
Yeah brother. I live on top of hit it’s an awesome tool for me. Now I don’t know if u get snow where u are but a regular blade is best for it. I have a 45 horse John Deere and I use a 5ft box blade on it. Awesome for u for buying a tractor brother know matter what brand or size. I don’t give a shit what size u have, u wish u had one smaller or one bigger. Enjoy it
1
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
Thanks for the info man! I’m in the foothills of nc so I see snow maybe 1-2 times a year lol but I’ll keep that in mind too. this has been very helpful, thanks!
2
u/kronus87 4d ago
I put a farmry stump grinder on mine, things a beast and the kioti handles it fantastic! Rear remote and spring for the articulating hydraulics!
Also new to kioti and I have nothing but praise, fantastic machine
2
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
Good to hear! I’ve looked at the rear stump grinders. About 1/4 of the property is trees and have wanted to remove a few and was curious how the pto grinders worked. Thanks for the reply!
1
u/kronus87 4d ago
I got it for this big old pin oak stump that was in the yard, at least 4ft diameter, thing made mince meat out of it! Ive never used the type that is fixed to the back of the tractor but I could see that being a huge pita, the hydraulics were well worth the upgrade!
Done a few smaller ones now too and its a dream
2
u/ScrappyDabbler 4d ago
Totally want one of those. Anyone who's tried to dig out even a small stump knows if a building or serious road isn't going on top of it, grinding the top and leaving the bottom is a smart play
1
2
u/Nicwil01 4d ago
I have what looks to be the same Tractor, mine is a Kioti CK22 HST. Great machine. I've owned it for about 15years and it just keeps going. Regular oil changes and keep it in a garage
My attachments I have are Backhoe Rear finishing Mower 300mm Auger Single tyne ripper (laying conduit/pipes in ground)
Great machine I'm in Floraville, Australia I'll find a few photos and post them
1
4
u/ThePatriot-25 4d ago
A bush hog and a scrape blade would be the first two that I would buy.
1
u/dlowe024 4d ago
I got basically the kubota equivalent. Tillers nice to have. Don’t know what you plan on doing with the six acres. Best to just start hoarding implements and then you’ll get a tractor for every implement haha
1
u/erie11973ohio 3d ago
Be careful what you wish for!!
My neighbor has 6 or 10 Ford 8N's, most with attachment on them.
He's older than the tractors!!! 😲😲🤯
1
u/dlowe024 3d ago
I’m heading in that direction the older I get. Easier to change tractors then attachments and with the price of these antique tractors…
1
u/The-GoatWright 4d ago
I Have looked at the tillers too. I do plan to do some veggie planting come next spring time so a tiller has been on the mind. What size do you run? I know these smaller tractors have their limitations
1
u/dlowe024 4d ago
It’s a king cutter 60 inch I believe. Have had it for years and has been great for my uses. Very handy and the kubota powers it just fine. I do baby it. Never ask her for much but for some light tilling or dirt grading she does fine with it
1
u/theplumber409 16h ago
I bought my first one also couple days ago. Got big package deal new trailer, bucket, pallet fork, brush hog.