Bobcat: first impression

[rwork]

Finally had the opportunity to visit mt Bobcat dealer, to take a look at their tractors. He only had a few available, but the first thing I noticed is that every one of them had surface rust, especially along the loader arms. It appears that a lot of the plate steel used in fabrication, did not have the edges "eased", leaving a rather sharp edge that didn't hold much paint, allowing these edges to rust. It really stood out on the white paint.

The salesman started his presentation about how this is a "deluxe" tractor, and that I may have "sticker shock" if Ive been pricing other tractors??? He had no reply when I commented on the rust.
Is this something that is common on these tractors? Any owners have this issue?

 

[tcartwri]

Yes it is common on the newer loaders. Mine has it, but it has not progressed at all. I did spray undercoating in and around any of the joints that were not boxed.

 

[IslandTractor]

Note that if the rust was on the loader arms, that is a Rhino loader and not manufactured by Daedong who makes the tractor. Good old American workmanship.

 

[lilranch2001]

Note that if the rust was on the loader arms, that is a Rhino loader and not manufactured by Daedong who makes the tractor. Good old American workmanship.

my tractor is 3 years old, no rust except where something has knocked off a bit of paint, and very few of those

 

[milkman636]

I bought my CT335 about 1.5 years ago. It was on the dealer lot for at least 6 months before I looked at it. It has the new style loader on it. There is a definite lack in the paint prep on the Bobcat loaders. That said, the loader is also stout and performs well. With the exception of some normal wear it still looks pretty much the same as when I bought it.

It is surprising to hear that the dealer thought you would have sticker shock. The closest price on any other model that I conidered came in over $1000 more. It offered alot of value for the money. It is comfortable, and so easy to use that my wife will even operate it.

Did you get any pricing? Have you been shopping other brands?

 

[RollingsFarms]

Thats odd he would use the word "sticker shock" as I've always thought one of the main advantages kioti/bobcat had was their lower price and more features then the competition.

 

[rwork]

As far a pricing, no I didn't get a price. I'm in automobile sales myself, and I told the salesman that I was strictly looking at the product. If I don't like what I see, the price is irrelavant. He did surprize me though, that he would come right out with a comment about the price. He was obviously new to tractor sales, as I confused him when I asked about a quick attach loader.
I know there has been a lot of confusion in regards to tractor pricing, with all the finance options. When I decide on what I want to buy, I want to know the SELLING PRICE, then tell me what options I have as far as 0%/ rebate, etc.

 

[jesker]

I purchased a Bobcat ct 450 about a month ago. i also noticed the paint problems on all the loaders at my local dealer. after talking to the salesmen about it for some time he finally told me that bobcat knows they have a problem. He said they were authorized to repaint any loader they wanted. when i finally made my deal with him i told him I didnt want one that was sitting on the lot, that i wanted to order one hoping there would not be a paint issue. The salesman then stated that the ordered tractor would most likely have the same problems. ( crappy ) I finally took one off of the lot, and when the dealer asked if i wanted the loader repainted, Iwas able to get $400 off of the finall price. The tractor that i picked was not really tha bad.

 

[IslandTractor]

The loaders and backhoes are all made by Rhino which is a good company. Odd that they are having paint problems.

 

[DK35vince]

The loaders and backhoes are all made by Rhino which is a good company. Odd that they are having paint problems.

I could be wrong, but I thought I read where they started making their own loaders a year or so ago.

 

[IslandTractor]

I could be wrong, but I thought I read where they started making their own loaders a year or so ago.

My info could be old. Rhino was their original supplier.

 

[Canada_CT230]

The first few years were Rhino loaders (I have one) then about 2 years ago BC started fabricating their own FELs.

My Rhino made loader has no paint issues.

How are the welds these days on the BC loaders? The first few I saw were welded by the blind and spatter was free!

 

[Dream Farmer]

My tiller and and fel were both built by Bobcat. The welds are impeccable with excellent paint jobs. I never realized how good they were until looking at other fels and taking a look the other day at a King Kutter tiller. They really made me appreciate what I got.
Shawn

 

[VictorW]

I also thought Bobcat started with Rhino and then switched to their own design. If you look close from the side you will see a different shape side support where the lift cylinder is pinned to the arms.

 

[Canada_CT230]

There are many differences between the two loaders.