Bobcat CT440 or JD 4105

[CBR Farmer]

Thanks again everyone! I appreciate the comments and tips. This is a great website for a newbie tractor buyer.

MountainView - I am with you on the price. I just wasn't that familiar with Bobcat, so I was worried about them long-term.

I am about 95% set on the Bobcat now. It definitely has more usable features than the 4105 for less money. I was more worried about long-term parts and service since I hopefully will not need to buy another tractor. From the comments here and additional research on Kioti, I think I am set. My sales guy is out until Wednesday so I will be playing the waiting game until then.

One more question for Island Tractor. What do you mean by the statement below? If I can get the same tractor for a lower price because it looks differnet, that works for me. I don't care what it looks like as long as it runs good and for a long time.

Originally Posted by IslandTractor

Tremendous value from Bobcat on their different paint/decal version right now too.

[tornadowatchranch]

here in Kansas if you have more than 10 acres and are using it for farm type work it is tax free. Not sure on the exact details but something to look into. We are set up as a USDA farm so that was easy here.

[IslandTractor]

Originally Posted by CBR Farmer

One more question for Island Tractor. What do you mean by the statement below? If I can get the same tractor for a lower price because it looks differnet, that works for me. I don't care what it looks like as long as it runs good and for a long time.

My sentence wasn't clear. What I meant was that you can currently get the best deal on that tractor (DK40se/CT440) from Bobcat due to their promotional program. The only difference from the Kioti version is the color and decals on the tractor. The loader manufacturer is different but I'd trust Bobcat to choose a reasonable loader source.

I love my Kioti and my Kioti dealer but I'd have a hard time justifying an extra several thousand bucks just to have orange paint.

[some zilch]

i work at a bobcat dealer, and our customers love the tractors. several have traded in deeres for the bcats. sveral of our employees have bought bobcat tractors for their own use at home.

[CBR Farmer]

Thanks again to everyone. I do appreciate it.

I have made the decision to go with the Bobcat. You all have helpped me a lot. I like to buy it once rather than buy cheap and buy twice. From what everyone has said, I am not worried about the quality issue anymore. The Bobcat is just less expensive not cheaper than the deere.

TWR - we have a similar program in NC but you have to have a minimum amount of revenue from agriculture which I do not meet. The revenue from the horse riding lessons my wife gets does not count unfortunately. It sure would help.

Island Tractor - thanks for the clarification. The free FEL is a huge discount in Bobcat's favor.

[IslandTractor]

Originally Posted by CBR Farmer

Island Tractor - thanks for the clarification. The free FEL is a huge discount in Bobcat's favor.

Actually, Kioti has the same "free FEL" deal going. What Bobcat has done is throw in some rebate cash on top of that. I don't know how they are making a profit but they are offering great deals. I hope our poor Kioti dealers can weather the storm as Bobcat cannot keep this up forever.

[chazzy]

Why not consider a Bobcat CT445 which has the $2000 rebate PLUS free FEL right now? All the other CT models's rebate is only $500 except for CT230 ($3500 rebate) which would be too small for your intended use. Today my local BC dealer gave me a quote of $18,900 for the CT445 w/ FEL. That's a lot of tractor for that amount of $$.

[powergod]

Originally Posted by chazzy

Why not consider a Bobcat CT445 which has the $2000 rebate PLUS free FEL right now? All the other CT models's rebate is only $500 except for CT230 ($3500 rebate) which would be too small for your intended use. Today my local BC dealer gave me a quote of $18,900 for the CT445 w/ FEL. That's a lot of tractor for that amount of $$.

excellent point on the rebates makes it worth considering IMHO

[CBR Farmer]

Chazzy - great point. My sales guy went on vacation last Thursday after we talked about the 440 price. He stayed late that day which impressed me since a lot of guys would have rushed talking with me. He said there might be a better deal on the 445. I told him we could talk about it when he gets back since I had kept him late already and the discounts are good for a few more weeks.

I didn't realize it would be a $1500 difference in the discount. That would be a no brainer to get the extra horses for roughly the same price. Now that I have made my decision it is just getting better. I can't wait for him to get back and get this thing ordered.

[carpenter383]

Originally Posted by CBR Farmer

Chazzy - great point. My sales guy went on vacation last Thursday after we talked about the 440 price. He stayed late that day which impressed me since a lot of guys would have rushed talking with me. He said there might be a better deal on the 445. I told him we could talk about it when he gets back since I had kept him late already and the discounts are good for a few more weeks.

I didn't realize it would be a $1500 difference in the discount. That would be a no brainer to get the extra horses for roughly the same price. Now that I have made my decision it is just getting better. I can't wait for him to get back and get this thing ordered.

Be sure to let us know how you like it and post some pics! Are you getting hydro or shuttle shift?