Brand new Branson 3015R or a Very Low hour CT235 - Sell Me!

[HawkinsHollow]

My options have been narrowed down to a brand spanking new Branson 3015R for $18K, NUF SAID!! Or a yet to be seen 2009 Bobcat CT235 with less than 200 hours for an asking price of $12.5K maybe with bushhog, might be able to get them down a bit. It is from a co-workers inlaw; garage queen, elderly owner, low hours. Both are very capable machines, not sure I need the extra HP of the CT235, but cold forsee myself needing the extra lift capacity of the Branson. This will be used on my property for tree clearing work, dirt moving, firewood, road maintenance, tilling and food plot work. What says ye? I guess I am leaning towards going used and using the difference to get a grapple. But i'm torn, I think I'll know when I see it.

 

[EddieWalker]

Where will you buy parts for the Bobcat? They abandoned them years ago and every year, parts are going to be harder and harder to find. Branson isn't much better, their parts support is why I wont buy another.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Where will you buy parts for the Bobcat? They abandoned them years ago and every year, parts are going to be harder and harder to find. Branson isn't much better, their parts support is why I wont buy another.

I'm believe these are the exact same as the Kioti CK35H of the same year. My research tells me they have the exact same build just different paint and decals.

 

[sbronemann]

My options have been narrowed down to a brand spanking new Branson 3015R for $18K, NUF SAID!! Or a yet to be seen 2009 Bobcat CT235 with less than 200 hours for an asking price of $12.5K maybe with bushhog, might be able to get them down a bit. It is from a co-workers inlaw; garage queen, elderly owner, low hours. Both are very capable machines, not sure I need the extra HP of the CT235, but cold forsee myself needing the extra lift capacity of the Branson. This will be used on my property for tree clearing work, dirt moving, firewood, road maintenance, tilling and food plot work. What says ye? I guess I am leaning towards going used and using the difference to get a grapple. But i'm torn, I think I'll know when I see it.

Where are you located at?

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Chattanooga, TN.

 

[sbronemann]

There are definitely deals out there. Have you checked out tractorhouse? There are some package deal combos on there from some Branson dealers that include 6' box blade, brush cutter, loader, and trailer for about $22k and that's a 4015R. That $18k seems a bit high for a 3015 just from what I have seen on Tractorhouse.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Be wary of anyone's "package deal" equipment. Not speaking about any brand specific things here at all. But a lot of these "packages" are put together with the cheapest quality attachments they can find, lightest duty, least expensive, etc. Also make sure the "package tractor" has the options you want. It may just be a base model tractor, no rear remotes, no linked pedals (brands will differ here), no turning brakes, R-1 tires instead of R-4's or turffs. Also look closely at the trailer, make sure it's actually built well enough (and rated) to haul your actual tractor load.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

My options have been narrowed down to a brand spanking new Branson 3015R for $18K, NUF SAID!! Or a yet to be seen 2009 Bobcat CT235 with less than 200 hours for an asking price of $12.5K maybe with bushhog, might be able to get them down a bit. It is from a co-workers inlaw; garage queen, elderly owner, low hours. Both are very capable machines, not sure I need the extra HP of the CT235, but cold forsee myself needing the extra lift capacity of the Branson. This will be used on my property for tree clearing work, dirt moving, firewood, road maintenance, tilling and food plot work. What says ye? I guess I am leaning towards going used and using the difference to get a grapple. But i'm torn, I think I'll know when I see it.

Hard to say on the Bobcat, until you see it. It is now 10 years old. Being stored in a garage is a plus, no doubt. Sitting for 10 years almost unused is not. Seals and gaskets dry out and start to leak. For how many years have the same fluids (and fuel) been sitting in this thing? Maybe go with all new fluids and filters when you get it home? Pull and clean the fuel injectors? When was the last time this thing was run long enough to get it good and hot (working it hard)? May need a battery too.

Just things to look at and consider, not trying to talk you out of it by any means.

 

[Jchonline]

I'm believe these are the exact same as the Kioti CK35H of the same year. My research tells me they have the exact same build just different paint and decals.

It also sounds like that relationship is starting again. Bobcat has announced they are getting back into the tractor business.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Well... I filled out the credit paperwork on that new Branson 3015R. I like the tractor more, !!WARRANTY!!, free delivery, great dealer, a brand that is still making tractors, a brand that in my opinion is only going to get better, National HQ 1.5 hours away, did I say WARRANTY?!? This way I won't have to clean out the bank account, put 25% down and finance the rest. I will send some pictures when I get it home tomorrow. Thanks again for all of your wisdom. VERY excited to join the Branson club!!