Do these prices sound correct for Bobcat CT225 and CT230?

[STR8OUT]

After doing a LOT of lurking here I've found prices that people posted on these tractors but they are back in April of 2009. People were saying that they got this CT230 for between $9,500-$10,500 with front end loader but that there was a lot of rebates to make this possible. Right now I'm told that Bobcat is only giving a $500 cash rebate plus a free loader which puts the 2 machines about $1000 apart. Prices I received on these 2011 models:

CT225 with Loader: $14,900
CT230 with Loader: $15,800

When I asked dealers about the $10,000 number a few years ago they tell me that Bobcat took a loss on those tractors because of the economy and because they were new to the compact tractor scene so these tractors weren't selling. They said now that they are a key player they have raised their prices.

My other option was the Kubota, L2800HST with FEL for $15,800 so I'm trying to decide between the 3 machines. I hear the new CT225 has 27 HP so its similar to the Kubota and can lift more.

I look forward to your input and I also look forward to posting many pictures after I make a purchase.
Thank you!

 

[bp fick]

I suspect your information is correct, in that the days of being the new kids on the block for BobCat and having to do deep, deep cuts to move machines is over.

If you're interested, there is another company that has taken their place in this posture, another Korean manufacturer. LS. I think you'll find some bargains over there unmatched by any other.

In the end, though, you gotta like your dealer and I have a Kubota dealer that gave me an awesome price and great service before and after the sale, so I have absolutely no regrets. I'd also check out the Daedong (same tractor as Kioti and BobCat) over at McCormick, in red, just because it is sharp!! Don't know if they've hit the lots yet. Best regards.

 

[STR8OUT]

Thank you for the reply, I just went online and looked up the LS tractors and they are quite nice as well. I called a dealer to see what their pricing was and they said they can offer their economy S3010 for $13,500 (not HST) or they can do their cheapest HST model which is the I3030 for $16,500. Both of these have loaders. The S3010 sounds great but its not HST and I'm going to be doing a lot of pallet / forklift work with this so I dont think thats the best way to go. Plus I couldn't find any dealers in Delaware which I want to do to save on tax.

Also, I just called a Kioti dealer in DE and they offered the CK30 HST with FEL for $16,000 even out the door.

So now I have some decisions to make because these things all look the same!