the old grind
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2012
- Messages
- 5,094
- Location
- Mid-Michigan
- Tractor
- NH T-1520 HST, NH TC33DA HST, Case DX26 HST, .Terramite T5C, . NH L785
Hey folks, new member here on the hunt for a new compact FEL. Looking in the 25 HP range, considering all brands, have quotes from Kubota, Mahindra, Bobcat, Kioti, and waiting for a quote from JD. Long story short, I reeeeally like the Bobcat CT2025. ... Thoughts....?
Still operating (eg: yesterday) my 2nd and 3rd ~30 hp CUTs I got a good look at a Kioti CK2610 when picking up the '04 TC33DA last Sept. (19 yrs with NHs, btw) It's barely different than the CT2025 except for the ghastly color of one of them. (just paint the wheels )
You're considering a capable 30-35hp-class CUT that's just de-tuned to <25hp for compliance. Recognize that 'rated hp' can be misleading as to 'usable torque' when not at full rated RPM. Most of these 1.5 and 1.7 L engines produce peak torque below 2k RPM and we do much of our best work between 1600 and 2200 when not using PTO tools.
Compare tire sizes, loader capacities, and weight (wt=traction) and that Kioti and Bobcat have 3-range vs 2-range HST and I'd bet your list will shrink precipitously.
Did I mention you could paint the wheels?