Attacking that power problem CT225

[Gittyup]

Yep. I went with gear for that very reason. Don't feel mine lacks in power at all. If I were going HST, I'd go with the highest hp per frame size due to the weight of these tractors.

They are heavy tractors. So, obviously this will subtract from their nimbleness.... especially in the HST. I find it's really noticable with the backhoe on. When I take that off, it feels like a sportscar.... well in a relative sorta way.

 

[bbse]

Most of you guys know Bobcat doesn't offer this model in gear, only HST. I will do more test driving next time before I buy anything. Called the dealer today and so far I am getting the "there is nothing wrong with the tractor, you can't work in high range" answer. I never tried to work in high range, heck, this thing can barely move in high range. I have a call into the service manager for the morning. We are fixin to have a serious talk. They were bragging how strong there CT225's were when I was out there dropping mine off, we are going to do some comparing if I have to drive out there. I'm not mad-mad yet but I am on my way. This could get ugly, I will let you know.

 

[bbse]

The problem is those power sucking hydros.
Get the shuttle shift gear model and your power problems will disappear..

BTW Vince, my LK3054 Kioti is gear drive and it is a little tank. I have a good mind to load it up and take it over to the Bobcat lot and start taking bets...

 

[DavidNPro]

This is interesting reading as I am waiting on my new Kioti. I opted to go with a DK45 same as the CT445 I believe. But, in my journey many dealers and other owners I talked with said that the DK40 (Bobcat CT440) would be plenty and the 5 HP (actually only 4 based on the specs) wouldnt be needed.

Just kinda wondering if this is an across the board problem with these tractors. I know the HST does rob some of the power, but is this an issue with all Kioti/Bobcat tractors?

 

[DK35vince]

This is interesting reading as I am waiting on my new Kioti. I opted to go with a DK45 same as the CT445 I believe. But, in my journey many dealers and other owners I talked with said that the DK40 (Bobcat CT440) would be plenty and the 5 HP (actually only 4 based on the specs) wouldnt be needed.

Just kinda wondering if this is an across the board problem with these tractors. I know the HST does rob some of the power, but is this an issue with all Kioti/Bobcat tractors?

Not with the gear models. The gear models seem to have plenty of power.
My DK 35 shuttle shift gear model is strong.
Seems like I read a fair amount of complains on the hydro units though.

 

[CT230 Fan]

I can't complain about my CT230's power. I think there is a give and take with the Hydrostat Vs. Gear. With the hydrostat, I can mow without pause. I can speed up, slow down, come to a complete stop, go into reverse with nothing more than the movement of my right foot. This makes mowing, brush hogging, loader work, ect. much easier and faster. You obviously loose some of the HP to the hydrostat, but again, a trade off for improved funtionality. My tractor runs very well, High Range should be called road gear. That is basically all it is good for, but that is why it is there. Mid range is good for most work. I do all of my mowing and brush hogging along with blading and disking. I do most of my loader work in Mid as well. Low is really best for digging w. the loader. That is the only thing I have found I can't do in Mid, and that would probably improve if I had teeth on my bucket.

 

[Grand_Pooba]

I can't complain about my CT230's power. I think there is a give and take with the Hydrostat Vs. Gear. With the hydrostat, I can mow without pause. I can speed up, slow down, come to a complete stop, go into reverse with nothing more than the movement of my right foot. This makes mowing, brush hogging, loader work, ect. much easier and faster. You obviously loose some of the HP to the hydrostat, but again, a trade off for improved funtionality. My tractor runs very well, High Range should be called road gear. That is basically all it is good for, but that is why it is there. Mid range is good for most work. I do all of my mowing and brush hogging along with blading and disking. I do most of my loader work in Mid as well. Low is really best for digging w. the loader. That is the only thing I have found I can't do in Mid, and that would probably improve if I had teeth on my bucket.

I have to agree withCT230 Fan. I have had no power issues with my CT230. I can 90% of my work in mid range with no problems. I plowed a lot of snow this winter and never needed Low. I did do some of the lighter (2-3 inches)stuff in high gear. I can go up steep hills in high range and have never stalled it. I plan on getting a finish mower for the 3 pt this spring, hopfully I don't change my opinion after I try it out.

 

[bbse]

In response to the CT230 owners, I envy you. In high range I can barely go up a slight incline on a paved road. I cannot get it past 2500 rpm in high range with the throttle wide open on flat road.

I spoke with Bobcat today, not a lot of progress. According to them everything is "in Spec". The service manager is going to test the engine HP on his own, says the warranty doesn't cover this. I am not holding out a lot of hope. They don't seem to really want to attack this as a real problem. Anybody have any idea what a like new CT225 would sell for used with 50 hrs on it. I got a felling this one may wind up on the market.

 

[galaxie428]

I don't have much issue with my 230 either. As said before, I do most of my work in M. Very seldon am i ever down in L unless I am digging into the dirt. I was moving some around last night and used L just because it was heavy and a little wet so I needed the extra power to get a full scoop full. A lot of my mowing I do in H but my ground is mostly flat. I have a 72" 3 point finish mower.

I have a three story barn with a ramp up to the 2nd floor, my guess is that the ramp is around 30 degrees or so. I don't have any issues getting up in in M but I don't know that I have ever tried it in H. I will do that tonight just to see.

I have not owned any other tractors so I have nothing to compare it to but overall, I am very happy with my 230. There are times I wish it had a little more lift to it but most jobs I have used it for, it has plenty.

 

[qed-cat225]

thought about getting rid of my 225 cause it cannot go up a slight incline in mid range when running the belly mower and on High you all are correct, its a highway gear only but I do need to run at 2500 rpm to get her to go