Dealer BOBCAT COMPACT TRACTOR EXTINCTION

[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