Evaluating Bobcats

[horticattleman]

There is a little lever just below the joystick which you lock to keep it from happening.

 

[kco]

Jeff,

I evaluated Bobcat (Kioti), Kubota, and Mahindra myself recently.

FYI Bobcat CUTs are made by Kioti except BC uses a different FEL. That is the ONLY difference I could determine other than pricing and options cost.

I was at the Armstrong Fair last week and as usual spent time browsing the dealer machinery displays. It was interesting to see Kioti and Bobcat directly across from each other and the McCormick (also handles Massey,Case, Landhini) dealer separated from Bobcat by the John Deere display. So there were 3 Daedong brands within 200'.

The Bobcat person I spoke with told me there are 51 differences between the Kioti and Bobcat models. But he was not familiar with the CUT line (that salesman was busy with other people) and did not know what they were.

So lack of draft control is one, the white colour is two, I think Bobcat has a seat safety switch = 3, the loader = 4, + ???? (47 more?). Maybe they also count safety decals, name plates, ....?

 

[Z RENCH]

Other differences 'tween Bobcat & Kioti are; Kioti DK35 and larger models come standard with one rear remote; Bobcats have weather proof wire connectors, Kiotis do not. I've heard that there were 2 or 3 hundred differences 'tween them. The seat and steering wheel are different. I believe Bobcats come standard with horns Kiotis do not.:confused2:

 

[kco]

Other differences 'tween Bobcat & Kioti are; Kioti DK35 and larger models come standard with one rear remote; Bobcats have weather proof wire connectors, Kiotis do not. I've heard that there were 2 or 3 hundred differences 'tween them. The seat and steering wheel are different. I believe Bobcats come standard with horns Kiotis do not.:confused2:

My 2011 DK35 has a horn. I could easily do without it.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

... Also the loader joystick is right at knee level, so if you're turned sideways in the seat, blowing snow for example, it is very easy to push the stick with your thigh. A couple of times I have made a pass down the laneway only to turn around and find the loader at full height...

:laughing::laughing:

Another good reason to get a front mount blower instead of the old rear mount version.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

I was test driving a Bobcat CT230 this weekend and I only barely noticed a slight "jerkiness"/"jumpiness" when turning while in all wheel drive. Which is similar to what I've seen when you lock the hubs on 4x4s when you go mudding but are driving on hard surfaces.

 

[Canada_CT230]

That jerkiness will preceed the damage to the front wheel assist. 4x4 and FWA are not for hard surfaces.

 

[bruceha2000]

So lack of draft control is one, the white colour is two, I think Bobcat has a seat safety switch = 3, the loader = 4, + ???? (47 more?). Maybe they also count safety decals, name plates, ....?

You are more likely to lose a Bobcat than a Kioti in a big snowstorm = 5
Oh wait, is that the same as #2 ??

It would be pretty cheesy to say there are 50 differences if most of them were name plates and decals.

So much for them being the same. I need a big comparison spreadsheet

 

[Z RENCH]

My 2011 DK35 has a horn. I could easily do without it.

Then how do you signal to your wife to fetch you another cold beer?:laughing:

 

[Lockport]

Maybe the CT335 has draft control?

I have a CT235 and no jerkiness whatsoever. Range shifter sometimes reluctant but I don't think that is brand specific as it is Hydro technology. My Kubota was like that. Same resolve. I find if its not in gear, perhaps I have just took it out, and it won't go into another range, or AWD, I simply tap very quickly the hydro pedal and that always resolves the issue.

The key is a little close to the knee. Someone said there is a shorter one. As for the horn, I like to wave at my neighbours.

I find the ROPS is high, but has three positions. Up will not clear my standard garage. Partially folded will, once I change the sheet metal weather stripping on my garage with rubber.

That being said, I really like my CT235. Its nice and heavy. Makes an easy meal of a grown over mud pile without hesitation or a need for teeth. Lots of weight to throw in the task. The seat is to die for, hands down. My little BX used to kill my back after cutting an acre and a half of finished lawn and I'd have been the last to admit it, but I could bush hog fields all day with this one. Thats Bobcats skid steer experience shining through. Front mount snowblower or lockout the FEL handle.

As for losing it in the snow, tie a rope to the back door like they used to do between the house and the barn.:thumbsup: