Dealer BOBCAT COMPACT TRACTOR EXTINCTION

[Kevko]

Found out an interesting bit of news today when I contacted a Kioti dealer to ask if the Kioti CK20 and the Bobcat's CT122 were the same tractor. The dealer told me that the tractors (no attachments) Are basically the same machine, however cross referencing part numbers to get parts for a Kioti from a Bobcat dealer and vice versa would not be very easy. He also told me that the manufacturer Daedong and Bobcat's contract is going to run out in roughly 18 months, where Bobcat could be getting out of the compact tractor business due to not enough sales of them. Has anyone else heard of this?? I went and checked out there tractors and was very impressed by the beefyness and construction. So Much that they are bringing in a CT122 from another dealer so I can compare it to some of the competition. Trouble is I dn't want to buy something that I am not going to be able parts for in a few years after the warranty runs out.

 

[bp fick]

Kevko,

Kioti dealer propaganda and sales pitch, I'd guess.
Yes, this has been brought up before. The dealers here on TBN discounted any concerns whatsoever.

I wouldn't worry one moment about it.

 

[DK35vince]

Found out an interesting bit of news today when I contacted a Kioti dealer to ask if the Kioti CK20 and the Bobcat's CT122 were the same tractor. The dealer told me that the tractors (no attachments) Are basically the same machine, however cross referencing part numbers to get parts for a Kioti from a Bobcat dealer and vice versa would not be very easy. .

I'm not sure why there would be an issue cross referencing part #'s.
If I felt it was nessasary and I had a Bob Cat I would just buy a parts manual for a Kioti (or vice versa), look up the part I wanted and I have the part # .

 

[Sabretooth]

oh no not this again why cant all the Rainbow dealers play nice together Rumor dismissed over and over One just opened here East of Dallas. Here go read some
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/bobcat-tractors/194935-what-happens-bobcat-when-kioti.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...siness.html?highlight=Daedong+contract+bobcat

On another note About parts I called a Kioti dealer in Tx they had no problem gettin me a part for a 230. I just told them what I wanted in the Kioti equivalent
ie:230/ck30HSt tractor.

 

[Kevko]

Input well taken. Thank you. Being a salesman myself, I know th drill for discouraging from competition, which is why I like posting for feedback to determine credibility on things. I planned on confronting Bobcat with the statement when I go check out the tractor today, For almost the same price it seems like it is much more machine than the Kubota BX's The CubCadet Sc2450, The Massey GC2410, and Deere isn't able to compete at this point without their new subcompact model. I also am affilitiated with contacts for marine diesels who may also be able to assist if engine parts are ever needed not sure until I check on that. plus on-line almost anything can be found if it exists somewhere.

 

[Sabretooth]

Input well taken. Thank you. Being a salesman myself, I know th drill for discouraging from competition, which is why I like posting for feedback to determine credibility on things. I planned on confronting Bobcat with the statement when I go check out the tractor today, For almost the same price it seems like it is much more machine than the Kubota BX's The CubCadet Sc2450, The Massey GC2410, and Deere isn't able to compete at this point without their new subcompact model. I also am affilitiated with contacts for marine diesels who may also be able to assist if engine parts are ever needed not sure until I check on that. plus on-line almost anything can be found if it exists somewhere.

I found the same I could build the same tractor in a different color but that by the time added the extras(biggest for me extendable liftarms on 3pt,adjustable seat, Remotes, comfortable operating station, and the #1 price) to the other brands they just could not compete and most of all the ones out here in the rural country that I visited are family owned so I wound up talkin to the lazy bothered that you woke him from his slumber second cousin that could give 2 ***** if I brought there after bad mouthing everything else I would get prices on a peice of ripped paper no breakdown on what I was paying for. All wanted more for this or that something **** Bobcat even delivered the tractor when it came in(what a wait 6months) included in price about 70miles depending on route. Now I think they got a handle on that from what I have been reading on here


Not saying all family dealers are like this but fair share are they know who they are.

Good luck in your search BTW You never said what would be you using the tractor for. The guys in the forum are very helpful go checkout and lookup Wallace He is very helpful here and is a Bobcat dealer if you decide you want one How could you not.

 

[Kevko]

Everyone thus far on this web site has been fantastic with replys, information and experience on these small tractors. It is not that I have cold feet, but when dumping a small fortune into something, I tend to make sure I do my homework first not to end up in a situation from not knowing or making a bad choice. I know nothing is full proof, but at least I can say I didn't just jump in blind. The whole idea of this started after a guy I work with got a steal of deal on a 98 or 99 Kubota B series FEL along with an unusal overload of snow this past winter and difficulty to knock down plowed up 8+ ft piles of the stuff to see getting out of my driveway without getting clipped. Then I took things a step further with finally having the funds to add a second bathroom to my small home, which requires a foundation to be added. I figured I could dig that hole since were are talking on 12x6X 4 deep. Then the lis of yard projects began grwoing from re-graveling the driveway to removing some rocks and stumps, and digging out a well hole, grading the yard with new loom. removing the patio after the deck is added onto the bathroom addition, etc, etc, Nothing super huge but well suited for a subcompact to do the work and saving what is left of my deteriorating low back. I got to look at the Bobcat CT122 tonight with the FEL. (they didn't have the BH for it yet so I could see the whole unit. Bobcat head quarters called me today as well to put the rumor of them getting out of the tractor business to rest and that they support disconntinued products for at least 20 years. The more I looked at the CT122 It honestly is way more machine than I need and Doubtful it will fit in my shed to be stored safely. I'd look pretty silly running around less than a 1/2 an acre on that monster. I might be passing on this one and leaning back at the BX25

 

[leveller]

I bought my 235 Bobcat from my local Bobcat dealer only because of the low price at that time.The Bobcat dealer that I bought my tractor from is not very helpful and does not seem to be too interested in the compact tractor market. I have never gone back there after I bought the tractor and go to the local Kioti dealer instead. I have never had to buy any major parts, but for maintenance parts such as filters, etc., they have always been able to cross reference parts with no trouble. If Bobcat stops selling tractors, which I don't think will happen, I am sure you will be able to get parts for many years, either from Bobcat or Kioti.

 

[Sabretooth]

Me I could not even see a BX for a 1/2 acre think overkill comes to mind have you considered just renting something a weekend at a time takin the money and buying a nice zeroturn or something a little more fitting and pocketing the other 6k. Flashback:confused2: when I was a kid I did about 15ac with my dads setup a reel gang mower set up 1-3-5wide pulled by a little Sears SS12 when I left NY I gave it back he just moved and sold it all off I just could not justify the 2k in fuel to go get it even at 45yrs old still ran better than my new Husqvarna. Now I do 15ac+ with a 230 and 5ft rotarycutter

Think it dont cost nothin till you sign on the line

 

[milkman636]

Kind of funny to see a post with extinction in the name, and then see the last post was by "Sabretooth":laughing:


I plan to keep my Bobcat alive for quite a while. Extinction will be a long way off.

 

[Kevko]

I also found out another interesting bit of information tonight from another local Bobcat owner that had some rough engine issue which required replacing injectors and it came at the tune of $1200.00 from the Bobcat dealer. That is steep! As far as the comment about overkill due to small yard size. I want to have it when I need it and not have to deal with renting and getting an abused machine that doesn't always function right, Plus the machine will be used at two other family member yards, and I would have it for back up measures should something happen to my full time job, (I do occasional landscape side work)

 

[kco]

I purchased a Kioti last week. I traded in a Kubota 1981 L275DT and was originally concerned about parts and service since Kioti is just getting started in Western Canada. That concern diminished when I discovered (on TBN) that Bobcats are Kioti's.

Kioti's are also now being rebranded as McCormicks, which I believe is owned by Landini.

So parts and service should not be a problem, and I think Kioti will grow in North America.

 

[Gittyup]

Property size doesn't dictate the size of a tractor. Tasks at hand do. I'd go for the CT122 vs. any BX unless mowing is a big part of your tasks.

However, within a year or two, you'll most likely finish your major tasks and won't need the big tractor at all. So, rather than take the depreciation hit if/when you go to sell a "nearly new" tractor, I'd consider a 5+ year old tractor that already has taken the depreciation hit. Then when you sell it, you might not lose any money at all. Sometimes, you can even make money.

I wouldn't be ashamed of tooling about on a CT122 on a half acre. I'd just feel like Tim-the-Tool-Man!

 

[bp fick]

However, within a year or two, you'll most likely finish your major tasks and won't need the big tractor at all. So, rather than take the depreciation hit if/when you go to sell a "nearly new" tractor, I'd consider a 5+ year old tractor that already has taken the depreciation hit. Then when you sell it, you might not lose any money at all. Sometimes, you can even make money.[/i]

I so agree. When you take the house, garage, flower beds and driveway out of a 1/2 acre lot, you are down to lawn tractor at best. For such a small lot, the purpose seems to be a few excavation projects and then done. A guy can talk himself into anything, that's for sure. We all do.

100% agree on either renting or buying used and saving a ton of money. Don't forget the lost sales tax, alone. If you end up keeping it, great. If not, and decide to sell, you'll break even. FWIW

 

[jrpat]

No matter the lot size. If he has the tractor there will be uses for it. You always find a use for one IF you have one. My brother has a used, small Kubota (23 or 24hp) tractor that I could find no use for. I have a ct235 that works great for me. I wouldn't want anything less (for my uses). I say if the tractor is affordable , buy it ! If later on down the road he finds that it's in the way and not needed, sell it. I would only regret buying a too SMALL tractor. Just my 2 bits. ( I see your 2 bits and raise you 2 bits!) JP

 

[milkman636]

Property size doesn't dictate the size of a tractor. Tasks at hand do........

Whoa!!! Since when do we have to justify our tractors? I'd probably end up having to sell one of mine if we go there.

 

[Kiotikarl]

Whoa!!! Since when do we have to justify our tractors? I'd probably end up having to sell one of mine if we go there.

I'd probably end up with a divorce and sell a tractor or two, if i really have to justify my tractors :laughing:

 

[bluechip]

We were told similar things (as KIOTI dealers) a couple years ago when Bobcat was undercutting KIOTI pricing so severely. The contract was up and wouldn't be renewed, then it was. Will it happen next time the contract is up?, we don't really know. we were told at the Kioti dealer meeting that Daedong has more capacity than thier own distribution channel can absorb, and until their channel grows to use that capacity, Daedong would supply other brands with tractors. Hopefully this will keep manufacturing costs down and keep all Daedong brands competitive.

I do believe there is a risk to any "badge engineered" tractor in that the suppliers may change and that could be some inconvenience for owners, and bigger headaches for dealers as they change over parts inventories and techinical experience to a new product. McCormick/Landini is an example, last year their compacts were LS, this year Daedong. Even new holland is experiencing this as some models change from Shibaru to LS built units. I like to sell products made by the company who's name is on the hood when possible, I think support is most likely to continue long term. That said, I don't imaginge any time when parts and support wouldn't be available for Daedongs Bobcat Tractors as long as KIOTI's own dealer network remains active.

 

[SPYDERLK]

2 is a pretty high tractor to acreage ratio.
larry