Buying Advice Bobcat vs Kioti

[poolguy]

Being a newbie to tractors, I'm trying to absorb as much info from you guys as I can. I appreciate all the info thus far. I was very close to making the decision to get a new 2011 Kioti ck30 hst, but my local dealer has offered me a 2009 never used Bobcat ct230 for $3,000 less than the Kioti. The only thing the Bobcat doesn't have that the Kioti does is the QA loader. The Bobcat has the pin attachments.? I have never used either so I'm wondering if this is a deal breaker. Which tractor seems like the best deal?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jay4200]

Being a newbie to tractors, I'm trying to absorb as much info from you guys as I can. I appreciate all the info thus far. I was very close to making the decision to get a new 2011 Kioti ck30 hst, but my local dealer has offered me a 2009 never used Bobcat ct230 for $3,000 less than the Kioti. The only thing the Bobcat doesn't have that the Kioti does is the QA loader. The Bobcat has the pin attachments.? I have never used either so I'm wondering if this is a deal breaker. Which tractor seems like the best deal?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Bobcats are re-branded Kiotis, so I'd imagine they are pretty much the same tractor. The Bobcat loader is free with purchase, so unless Kioti is giving away a free loaders too, your dealer isn't giving much of a deal. If that is the case, I'd look at newer machines - probably just about the same price.

JayC

 

[nybirdman]

QA is probably worth a $1,000 alone....both made by the same manufacturer so the Bobcat isn't that great of a price.I would have to go with the newer tractor.The Bobcats I looked at had poor paint jobs..showing rust brand new on the lot.

 

[poolguy]

The quotes are $16k for the Kioti and $13k for the Bobcat. Both after all rebates and free loader program.

 

[Martian]

My money's on the Bobcat, for the same tractor, just a different color, for $3k less for just the quick attach. I would look into swapping for the QA, but sounds like a good deal at $13k to me.

 

[Loren49]

The value of the QA depends on how often you'd use it. I think the loaders are made by different companies so you may want to compare them. Other than that, both tractors are made by Daedong and are nearly identical.

Loren

 

[poolguy]

I don't see me taking it off very often. If it's too big of a hassle I could get the clamp on forks and just be careful not to lift too much. Are there any other changes between the two model years that the dealer hasn't disclosed?
Thanks for the help.

 

[DK35vince]

For $3000 less I would go with the Bobcat as long as its not weathered from sitting outside for several years. You can always add a QA later if needed.

 

[foreman Etexas]

4yr old tractor for 3,000 less and doesnt have QH ldr,my money would be on the Kioti...

 

[Dmace]

Keep in mind, if you don't use the QA feature much it's just wasting lift capacity. The QA setup weighs more so it reduces the total lift capacity of the loader.

I thought the Bobcat also didn't come with the suspension seat or something like that...?

 

[Gittyup]

Seems like a split on which to chose. I agree with dmace and Loren. If u dont need the qa, 3000 is A big savings. I don't have qa and havent missed. Depends on uses I guess. I do think the orange is better looking though.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Seems like a split on which to chose. I agree with dmace and Loren. If u dont need the qa, 3000 is A big savings. I don't have qa and havent missed. Depends on uses I guess. I do think the orange is better looking though.

I think your overlooking its already 3yrs old...

 

[Gittyup]

Didn't miss that point

 

[DK35vince]

It may be 3 years old.
But it is new/never used and should have full warranty.

 

[Loren49]

The Bobcat is 2 years older (actually between just over 1 to just under 3 years) (example Dec 2009 to Jan 2011).

I have not removed my loader (3 years) and have had very few occasions when I would have removed the bucket if it was easier. I believe the QA actually moves the bucket forward a few inches which reduces lifting capacity slightly (along with the extra weight)

I'm probably wrong but I thought the Bobcat had a "better" seat?? It would probably pay to sit on each and check out the loaders (different manufacturers I think).

Loren

 

[MossflowerWoods]

There are Three differences between Bobcat and Kioti tractors.

1 - The FEL (For my DK50 the Kioti FEL had over 100 lbs more lift)
2 - The Dealer (My local bobcat guy was nickle and diming me on options etc, the Kioti guy was better).
3 - The Dealer (See #2). Check the warranty. Kioti was 4 or 5 years, Bobcat was only 3 last time I checked.

Daedong makes a solid tractor.

Make your choice based on the dealer, but FIRST compare all the "extras" to make sure there is only one difference.

Happy Tractoring!

 

[foreman Etexas]

It may be 3 years old.
But it is new/never used and should have full warranty.

Hope it had STA-BIL:laughing:

 

[SSdoxie]

2009 vs 2011? There have been no design changes in the tractor since 2008 when Interim Tier 4 engines were introduced. So they are the same other than some aspects particular to Bobcat and/or Kioti.
The question to ask yourself, if the price difference was $3000 on an 2009 "new" Kioti vs 2011 Kioti which one would you buy?

The loaders are different manufacture and do have significant difference in load ratings.
Bobcat 7TL has 1605lbs. lift capacity @ the bucket pivot pin.
Kioti KL130 is lsited at 1155 lbs. @ bucket pivot pin.
Subtract weight of QA and bucket to calculate net load capaicty for both.

 

[poolguy]

Am I wrong when I assume that the number of hours is more important than the model year? It seems that these diesel engines last for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours and that seems to be the main number that everyone talks about the most.

One more consideration: The Bobcat has turf tires and the Kioti R4's. I'm in Florida so snow is a nonissue. I will be using it mow 75% of the time and the rest will be divided among normal "estate" maintenance, i.e. tilling the garden, adding compost to the garden, and maintaing the gravel driveway. Our soil is mostly sand and we obviously get a lot of rain in the summer. Does this info lead to one tractor over the other?

 

[SSdoxie]

In your particular application I think the turf tires may be better. Mowing - turf is plus, and in hard pull condition on sand the lug tire will dig itself in faster when starts slipping.