2010 bobcat ct225 vs 2006 JD 2520 price/use

QuasarZ · May 14, 2014

I think I have narrowed down my search and it is between those two. I will first explain what I want to do. I will be mowing about 3 acres all the time. I will also use the tractor to haul firewood, pull trees, remove small stumps/shrubs, clear buckthorn, drag driveway, plow snow, maybe post hole drilling, pulling fence out, moving mulch etc. Basic 6.5 acre use. I am just concerned the bobcat ct225 weighs too much for the mowing aspect and also just driving on the yard and on/around septic field. But the price is hard to beat.

The bobcat ct225 is a 2010 with 140 hours with FEL for $12250. The JD 2520 with loader has 740 hours for $12500. I think the deere will do what I want, but it has quite a bit more hours. How many is too many? How long will it go for? I am afraid of resale after it hits 1k hours; but I don't know if I will ever sell it. I plan on keeping either for a very long time.

What do you all think?
Thanks

Gittyup · May 15, 2014

Because mowing is job one, I'd go with the deere. I have a Kioti CK25 and it stays off the yard as much as possible. It will compact your soil quickly.

QuasarZ · May 15, 2014

Gittyup said:
Because mowing is job one, I'd go with the deere. I have a Kioti CK25 and it stays off the yard as much as possible. It will compact your soil quickly.

Ok thanks. That is what I had figured.

GManBart · May 16, 2014

QuasarZ said:
Ok thanks. That is what I had figured.

It's not that simple. I mow my front yard with my Massey, which weighs 4250lbs without the mower, and it doesn't cause any problems....500lbs heavier than that Bobcat, and it has R1s on it which should make it even worse.

For doing everything else you mentioned but mowing, the Deere is going to be much, much slower.

QuasarZ · May 16, 2014

bobcat weights in I think right at 3091 or so. Other concerns I have read is the power to weight ratio is a tad lacking.

roadhunter · May 16, 2014

I have one of the heavier bobcat tractors and it does tear the yard up a bit but not bad. I would imagine that being lighter the CT 225 would not be much of a problem. The weight difference in the 2 tractors is not going to be much so the PSI under the tires should be fairly close. I've never bought a piece of equipment and wished it was smaller so I'd go with the bigger model if it was me. The resale value on the tractors with green paint is good but if you plan on keeping it for a long time that should not be an issue.

Gittyup · May 16, 2014

My CK25 weighs about 5000, with the FEL and loaded R4s tires. First hand experience with the tractor you are considering, on my type of soil (a lot of red clay): serious compaction in no time. You are buying a lawn mower, above all else. Go with the lighter tractor.

tman1020 · May 16, 2014

i have the a 2012 bobcat ct225. i love it, plenty of hp for me (27 hp) though it is NOT lawn mower. it does everything i ask it to and does it well i think it is to much tractor for cutting grass in finished yards when it is a tad wet or soft. not sure u would want to use the johndeere for that either the loader would be in the way a bit for cutting up close to buildings for me. both nice machines but ct225 nice heavy compact utility tractor , 2520 also nice and about 1100 pounds lighter(this is a negative in my book though) and a great motor(yanmar). if mowing is your main job get a 0 turn. for the price both sound nice but don't forget bobcat no longer makes tractors jd does. good luck let us know what u decide.

Creamer · May 17, 2014

tman1020 said:
i have the a 2012 bobcat ct225. i love it, plenty of hp for me (27 hp) though it is NOT lawn mower. it does everything i ask it to and does it well i think it is to much tractor for cutting grass in finished yards when it is a tad wet or soft. not sure u would want to use the johndeere for that either the loader would be in the way a bit for cutting up close to buildings for me. both nice machines but ct225 nice heavy compact utility tractor , 2520 also nice and about 1100 pounds lighter(this is a negative in my book though) and a great motor(yanmar). if mowing is your main job get a 0 turn. for the price both sound nice but don't forget bobcat no longer makes tractors jd does. good luck let us know what u decide.

Agree! The 2520 is a toy for most of the things you talk about whereas the compact tractor will be much more useful. But if it is a lawn mower you want get a lawnmower - you will be much happier!

charleyfarmall · May 17, 2014

My 2720 IS my lawn mower. and my utility tractor, and tiller , snow blower, and firewood getter, post hole digger etc etc. It is actually a very good lawn mower and keeps me from having too many engines to take care of.