I have 56 mostly wooded acres on which I have some trails. My house is on about 3 cleared acres. I probably have about an acre of grass that I will keep mowing with a smallish lawn tractor. Our gravel driveway is about 500' long.
I want to use the tractor to clear trails, put in some fruit trees (including bringing in some fill to level out the area around them), and plow the driveway - probably with a back blade. Ideally I would like a backhoe to help clear the trails of small rocks and stumps (anywhere from a couple inches to 6 inches in diameter). I also have a powerline right of way crossing my property that I may brush hog some day. I would also like to get a chipper (something like the Wallenstein BX 42).
I have been looking at a lot of CUTs, including Kubota, JD, Kioti, and Bobcat. I have been leaning toward the Bobcat because of the price, size, and the dealer.
Here are my quotes on the Bobcat line:
2008 CT225 = 15,000 (no quick-attach loader)
2008 CT230 = 16,200 (quick attach)
2010 CT225 = 18,000
2010 CT230 = 18,500
2010 CT 235 = 19,000
I was told that all of these tractors will come with a $2943 rebate on the free loader deal if I pay cash. I was also told that Bobcat is going to start an additional $750 rebate in April (dealer wasn't sure if cash/finance mattered).
I know these prices forgo the backhoe option for now - I would have to get things ready in the woods and rent one some day. I don't know how much extra the backhoe would be, but one Kioti dealer quoted me about $5100 for the smaller one - not sure if it would fit on the Bobcat or not.
So, here are my questions!
1) Am I going too small - especially if I get the 2008 CT 225? This is mostly driven by cost - I don't think I can afford to go to a bigger series. But, am I crazy to think the smaller tractor will do I what I really want the potential digging and chipping?
2) Anyone have thoughts on those prices? When I think about a 2008 CT225 costing $11,307 or the 2008 CT230 for $12,507 it seems awfully good! (I don't foresee taking the loader off much so the lack of quick attach may not matter too much.)
3) Any noticeable differences between the 2008 and 2010 models?
4) This may offend some, but is there any reason to buy a Kioti over a Bobcat if they are essentially the same tractor? My theory is that Bobcat is a huge name in other similar products and it seems like there is no chance they are going away. Kioti? Probably not, but for the same price why even take the chance?
Thanks so much for the help.
Michael in NH
I want to use the tractor to clear trails, put in some fruit trees (including bringing in some fill to level out the area around them), and plow the driveway - probably with a back blade. Ideally I would like a backhoe to help clear the trails of small rocks and stumps (anywhere from a couple inches to 6 inches in diameter). I also have a powerline right of way crossing my property that I may brush hog some day. I would also like to get a chipper (something like the Wallenstein BX 42).
I have been looking at a lot of CUTs, including Kubota, JD, Kioti, and Bobcat. I have been leaning toward the Bobcat because of the price, size, and the dealer.
Here are my quotes on the Bobcat line:
2008 CT225 = 15,000 (no quick-attach loader)
2008 CT230 = 16,200 (quick attach)
2010 CT225 = 18,000
2010 CT230 = 18,500
2010 CT 235 = 19,000
I was told that all of these tractors will come with a $2943 rebate on the free loader deal if I pay cash. I was also told that Bobcat is going to start an additional $750 rebate in April (dealer wasn't sure if cash/finance mattered).
I know these prices forgo the backhoe option for now - I would have to get things ready in the woods and rent one some day. I don't know how much extra the backhoe would be, but one Kioti dealer quoted me about $5100 for the smaller one - not sure if it would fit on the Bobcat or not.
So, here are my questions!
1) Am I going too small - especially if I get the 2008 CT 225? This is mostly driven by cost - I don't think I can afford to go to a bigger series. But, am I crazy to think the smaller tractor will do I what I really want the potential digging and chipping?
2) Anyone have thoughts on those prices? When I think about a 2008 CT225 costing $11,307 or the 2008 CT230 for $12,507 it seems awfully good! (I don't foresee taking the loader off much so the lack of quick attach may not matter too much.)
3) Any noticeable differences between the 2008 and 2010 models?
4) This may offend some, but is there any reason to buy a Kioti over a Bobcat if they are essentially the same tractor? My theory is that Bobcat is a huge name in other similar products and it seems like there is no chance they are going away. Kioti? Probably not, but for the same price why even take the chance?
Thanks so much for the help.
Michael in NH