Evaluating Bobcats

[MtnViewRanch]

Maybe the CT335 has draft control?

I am fairly certain that none of the Bobcats have Draft Control.

 

[bruceha2000]

Maybe the CT335 has draft control?

In post #8 MtnViewRanch said one of the differences between Kioti and Bobcat is the Kioti DK35 and up DOES have draft control (maybe an option?) and the Bobcats DO NOT.

 

[Das Karl]

I have a CT 230.with 189 hrs on it. Great tractor, but the lack of draft control is a real PITA when you are trying to grade the road, use the rear blade to plow snow, or keep the tiller in the ground. Everything else rocks. The loader will lift enough to pick rear wheel up (oops), the 3 position rollbar is key- the mid position fits in the barn. I added a light bar to the top of the ROPS because the headlights are blocked by the loader. I wanted green, but the 230 was way more bang for the buck.

 

[milkman636]

I actually prefer my CT335 without draft control over my 5210 with draft control for grading.

With its quicker hydraulics and variable ground speed capability it's pretty easy to let the blade dig when your cutting material, take the weight of the box back onto the hitch when you have a full blade, and simply slow up and lift a little to deposit and spread material where you want it on the fly. I've done much quicker grading work on the smaller tractor without draft control. It also works very nicely pulling a straight blade on my gravel drive.

Running 4-5 mph over a field pulling a plow draft control is awesome. It keeps you from bogging down or digging in by transfering weight from the implement to the tractor to reduce the draft load. Pulling snow over frozen ground or a running a 3 pt. tilller shouldn't require draft control at all.

PS...you can find my Bobcat easily in the snow. Just follow the purring diesel sound you hear coming from nice clear path between the snow banks.

 

[bruceha2000]

PS...you can find my Bobcat easily in the snow. Just follow the purring diesel sound you hear coming from nice clear path between the snow banks.

I meant finding it when you come out of the house to START clearing the snow

 

[Canada_CT230]

The big orange disc on each corner will give it away.

 

[lilranch2001]

I find it humorous when all everyone can find fault about a Bobcat is the color.

Every time I read the "losing the Bobcat in the snow" joke, I laff, just cuz that is all they can whine about

:thumbsup:

 

[Canada_CT230]

Yup, pretty hard to fault these machines. I love my CT230. 250+ hours.

 

[kco]

The hydro should be smooth, although in low range it is sensitive.

My only complaint so far with my 235 is the key switch placement. I broke the key off after about 10 hours. Haven't replaced it yet.

Also the loader joystick is right at knee level, so if you're turned sideways in the seat, blowing snow for example, it is very easy to push the stick with your thigh. A couple of times I have made a pass down the laneway only to turn around and find the loader at full height...

:laughing::laughing:

It was similar on my DK35, and it looks like the CK35 (Bobcat CT235) may be even more vulnerable. I cut off the key and turn signal switch arm as shown in this post:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/206080-my-dk35-modifications.html

 

[milkman636]

I meant finding it when you come out of the house to START clearing the snow

the Bobcat is actually the only white thing in the barn. It stands out nicely even before the lights are turned on.