Why did Bobcat Stop Selling White Kiotis

[ritcheyvs]

This is just curiosity on my part, but does anyone know why Bobcat stopped selling white Kioti tractors?

 

[k0ua]

Statement from Bobcat:
Five years ago, Bobcat entered into the compact tractor market, using an outside vendor to manufacture the tractors, and branding the tractors under the Bobcat name. The five-year contract with our tractor supplier is ending, and we are not going to renew it. We have made the decision to exit the tractor business and focus on our core products.

Bobcat will continue to serve the acreage owner and personal use market segments with products like utility vehicles, utility work machines and skid-steer loaders. Bobcat is also a market leader in buildings and grounds and landscaping market segments. We will continue to serve those market segments with our core products.

We realize this decision has an impact on Bobcat dealers. We are working with each individual dealer to assist with selling remaining inventory, and to help with the transition from the line of tractors. We will continue to provide customer support for Bobcat tractors through parts, service and warranty.

Posted October 18, 2012

I have heard stories that dealers felt "forced" in to carrying them, and hated selling them and dealing with homeowners etc.. who knows, I sure don't

 

[fieldman12]

I don't think they sold many. Other than at a dealer I never saw them out on job sites except maybe one or two times. I'm sure they where a good machine but between lack of sales and having to re-badge a machine I bet the profits are slim. I know many companies re-badge machines but at times I really wonder if its worth it. Just look at the price difference people claim the LS versus the re-badged New Holland and Case IH. I some times think they do it to claim they have a full line of equipment. Don't get me wrong they like to sale them but it is not like a big four wheel drive tractor or combine sale.

 

[VictorW]

It doesn't seem like Bobcat could get the word out that they were in the tractor business also. Most people just think of Bobcat as heavy equipment or contractor oriented. The local Bobcat dealer near me now has Kioti tractors after their supply of white tractors was gone.

 

[Scooby074]

Dealers didnt seem to want them on the lots and salesmen didnt want to sell them to homeowners etc. At least that was my experience at the local dealer. Looked at them back years ago and nobody would give me the time of day.

 

[TomSeller]

I think the whole rebadging thing leaves little margin for the selling company as was mentioned earlier. The manufacturer (Kioti in this case) does not allow the selling agent (Bobcat in this case) enough of the profit. Bobcat does ot recognize Kioti's value and on and on. This is why I think the Ynamar/JD deal is failing, the LS/ Montana deal failed, the NH/LS is at risk, etc. etc, if Iseki shows interest in the US market directly, the same thing will happen to MF.

 

[avking]

They got out because of Tier IV. They were never a major seller, not like Skid Steers, but they did move a bunch of them.

 

[IXLR8]

I heard Bobcat committed to sell a certain number of tractors, they didn't sell half that number and Kioti didn't renew the contract.

 

[TomSeller]

I heard Bobcat committed to sell a certain number of tractors, they didn't sell half that number and Kioti didn't renew the contract.

It is dangerous for any company to be reselling someone else's equipment when that company has eyes on selling it themselves. Dead end street.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Bobcat was sold and the new owners didn't renew the contract, preferring instead to focus on their own product. Kubota engines are out as well.