I'm going Bobcat..

[Olympus]

Olympus, That implement information helps me understand your comments. You really couldn't buy the Bobcat given the implement/budget limitation you were under. Prior to gaining that knowledge I was sitting here scratching my head knowing that the Bobcat CT225 and the LS J2023 are not even in the same ball park size and capability wise -- Compact vs. SUB compact. (Do know that I really like and respect the LS tractor line.) By the way, the Bobcat CT225 platform is still in production as a Kioti and other brands. MoPops has a need for a larger/stronger machine for his work and he also selected the Bobcat based upon ergonomics and platform space. MoPops' purchase price reflects a solid value in the Compact tractor arena. Your price reflects a solid value in the SUB compact field. Everyone should be happy!

I agree, however the J series is larger than a subcompact. It fits more closely to a compact than a sub. Almost identical to a Mahindra Max size. They are heavier and larger framed than the SCUTs and have almost double the loader capacity. Full cat 1 3pt instead of a limited cat 1. LS considers the J series as a compact. They are really an inbetweener. A lot bigger than a SCUT and a lot smaller than the CT225 frame and weight wise.

I didn't see that the OP had already bought the tractor. It was probably bad form considering he'd already made the purchase. I thought he was still in the consideration phase.

 

[OHIO]

Going down to southeast Missouri tomorrow to look at a CT225. It's got the industrial tires vs the ag tires I wanted, but I hope to get by with them.
I guy down in Neelyville, Mo bought 50 of them when they quit making them. He's got two left. He had three last week when I talked with him, but he sold the one he had with the ag tires. I wasn't quick enough. I guess he will have one left after Friday.
Hopefully it's ok after sitting around for a year or two. I'll check for leaks, and run it a while to see how it sounds. But I don't know enough to know if it's ok..
Anyone think of anything in particular I should be looking out for? It's a 2012, with zero hours. Deluxe seat, adjustable arms on the PTO, cruise, tilt, (sounds like a car) probably this is all standard.
I've got a lot planned for it.. I was going to try and pull a tiller, but I've backed off on that. I found a guy that'll pay cash rent on my few acres, and plant alfalfa, so he's doing all the hard work with a bigger tractor.
Hope these work as hard as I've heard. I realize it's underpowered, but it has a lot more weight, and lift capacity than other compact tractors I've been looking at. And at $14,000 it's a lot less expensive.
Jeff

I've been shopping for tractors too, I feel that the Bobcats are one of the best values around.
I have a dealer that is about 50 miles away and almost ready to pull the trigger, he has both the CT225 @ $14000 + tax and the CT230 @ $15000 + tax and he wont budge on the price.

@MoPops; you got a decent price just not from a dealer.

 

[Olympus]

They do provide a good value, but there is a compromise to that.

I would suggest first comparing price to a new Kioti CK27. It's the same tractor as the CT225. Then if the price difference is too great for you, I would then suggest calling your area Bobcat dealers to see if any are willing to provide warranty service. Just because it's a Bobcat brand does not mean all Bobcat dealers will provide service.

Most people point out that parts will interchange with Kioti parts. This is mostly true. But consider if the paint color matters. You may end up having to put an orange part on your white tractor. Then think about Bobcat specific parts. What happens when a limb falls on your hood or you tear up fender? What about if a limb breaks out a light? Those are Bobcat specific parts. If you don't care much about cosmetics then this may not be a factor for you to consider.

Think about 5 to 10 years from now if you decide to resell. Not everyone is as knowledgeable about the Bobcat brand. They may not be interested in a 7 to 12 year old tractor that is no longer being produced. You may not be able to get what the tractor would typically be worth. Think about if you decide to trade with a dealer. In 5 to 10 years from now, they may not even be willing to take a Bobcat on trade. If they do, they'll be sure to pay pennies on the dollar for trade value. Just another thing to consider if this even applies to your situation. If you're going to keep it forever, then it isn't a big factor.

What I learned in looking into them is that they are currently a big bang for your buck tractor and you'll likely be fine for a long time. But start thinking about long term, 10 years from now. Will they still be as big of a bargain? That's something you'll have to decide based on your own situation.

 

[murphy1244]

They do provide a good value, but there is a compromise to that.

I would suggest first comparing price to a new Kioti CK27. It's the same tractor as the CT225. Then if the price difference is too great for you, I would then suggest calling your area Bobcat dealers to see if any are willing to provide warranty service. Just because it's a Bobcat brand does not mean all Bobcat dealers will provide service.

Most people point out that parts will interchange with Kioti parts. This is mostly true. But consider if the paint color matters. You may end up having to put an orange part on your white tractor. Then think about Bobcat specific parts. What happens when a limb falls on your hood or you tear up fender? What about if a limb breaks out a light? Those are Bobcat specific parts. If you don't care much about cosmetics then this may not be a factor for you to consider.

Think about 5 to 10 years from now if you decide to resell. Not everyone is as knowledgeable about the Bobcat brand. They may not be interested in a 7 to 12 year old tractor that is no longer being produced. You may not be able to get what the tractor would typically be worth. Think about if you decide to trade with a dealer. In 5 to 10 years from now, they may not even be willing to take a Bobcat on trade. If they do, they'll be sure to pay pennies on the dollar for trade value. Just another thing to consider if this even applies to your situation. If you're going to keep it forever, then it isn't a big factor.

What I learned in looking into them is that they are currently a big bang for your buck tractor and you'll likely be fine for a long time. But start thinking about long term, 10 years from now. Will they still be as big of a bargain? That's something you'll have to decide based on your own situation.

Then why did you even look at a machine that is too big for all your implements and no resale value??? Who knows what's going to happen in all tractor sales anymore. Heck the dollar could be worthless ten years from now.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Then why did you even look at a machine that is too big for all your implements and no resale value??? Who knows what's going to happen in all tractor sales anymore. Heck the dollar could be worthless ten years from now.

10 years from now, your joking right? :confused3: I figure it's not worth all that much right now.

 

[Olympus]

I looked at it on the chance that I could but a bigger machine for less money. It didn't work out that way though.

In terms of probability, comparing the value of a Bobcat to that of the US dollar in 10 years from now is silly. I'll take my chances with the US dollar. It's future is slightly more secure.

 

[murphy1244]

I looked at it on the chance that I could but a bigger machine for less money. It didn't work out that way though.

In terms of probability, comparing the value of a Bobcat to that of the US dollar in 10 years from now is silly. I'll take my chances with the US dollar. It's future is slightly more secure.

Why slam Bobcat owners cause you couldn't afford one? I would not trust the dollar myself. YMMV

 

[OHIO]

Why slam Bobcat owners cause you couldn't afford one? I would not trust the dollar myself. YMMV

If you buy a tractor now and the dollar takes a plunge you will be ahead. It will cost you more should you buy one after it plunges!

What manufacture still produces parts that you mentioned after the tractor is 10+ years old?

 

[Olympus]

Why slam Bobcat owners cause you couldn't afford one? I would not trust the dollar myself. YMMV

I haven't slammed any Bobcat owners. I don't see where I've posted any such thing. I was pointing out some of things that I thought should be considered before making a purchase. Sharing some of what I considered to be potential long term problems.

It has nothing to do with me not being able to afford one. I just wasn't willing to pay a $4000 mark up by the seller after I learned what he had invested in the tractors.

As for your comment about the dollar, send yours to me if you have so little faith. Or better yet, trade your dollars for tractors of any kind and 10 years from now look at their depreciation.

 

[OHIO]

@Olympus:

I reread your post above and you do have some strong points to ponder, and no slamming!

My dealer already said that if I were to replace something that it might be orange in color! He also started carrying the Kioti line.

Just having some friendly banter, hope you are too!

 

[MoPops]

Congrats on the CT225. I've had mine a year and 100 hours later, I'm still impressed with it. I pull a 6' box blade with little strain and run a 6' finish mower in medium range without even breaking a sweat. I drove from western North Carolina to Pennsylvania to get mine from Rick Wallace at Wallace Equipment. I won't tell you what kind of deal he made cause I wouldn't want you to get mad! ;-)

I'm happy with the deal. Lots less than other new ones out there..
I'll let you know how I feel about the tractor after a few months working it.
Thanks
Jeff

 

[MoPops]

I went and looked at the exact tractor at Neelyville last Friday. I was born and raised not far from there. They had one CT225 on the lot. I looked it over and saw what I consider a red flag. The underside of the left loader boom was CAKED in black soot from the exhaust. The hour meter showed only 12 hours on the machine. That was enough to cause me to reconsider.

I then called a friend who is a local Bobcat construction dealer. They never sold the tractors though. He told me the only dealerships that still serviced them were in St Louis and West Plains. Both are too far for me to be taking a tractor. I asked my friend if he would make some calls and find out what cost was on the CT225 when it was new. He called back and said dealer cost back in 2012 was $11K. He said if the guy in Neelyville bought 40, it was likely after they were discontinued and they were bought at close out price. He said that would have been at least 10% off dealer cost.

So I called the dealer in Neelyville and made my pitch. I brought up the concerns with the soot this early, the discontinued status of the tractor, the lack of local warranty service options, and topped it off with my knowledge that I knew within $800 what they have in the tractor. I made an offer of $11,000 cash and could pay for it that day. The guy didn't budget from $14k.

His loss, I went up to Poplar Bluff and ordered a brand new LS from Magee Equipment.

That's not the one I bought. He uses that one around the lot. I did not notice any smoke at the time, but maybe he had warmed it up??
I bought one he had stored in back. He has one or two more. The one I settled on had two hours on it. I assume that was part of a break in.
Were you able to get below $14K on the LS? My dealer up near St Louis was at 19..
Hope you enjoy your tractor.
Jeff

 

[arnoldziffel]

In my opinion, the first major step in Bobcat market pricing correction has already taken place. All remaining new models are selling for significantly less than what they were two years ago. Therefore, the buyer is being compensated for the suspension of tractor production.

My Bobcat dealer is the area distributor of all Bobcat products in the region. He is ready, willing and able to repair and service my tractor for my lifetime of ownership (and any future owners too). He is confident that he can provide any parts for the long term.

The Bobcat company is renowned for exceptional customer support at all levels. The CT tractors, while no longer being made, are not suddenly second class products.

 

[murphy1244]

I haven't slammed any Bobcat owners. I don't see where I've posted any such thing. I was pointing out some of things that I thought should be considered before making a purchase. Sharing some of what I considered to be potential long term problems.

It has nothing to do with me not being able to afford one. I just wasn't willing to pay a $4000 mark up by the seller after I learned what he had invested in the tractors.

As for your comment about the dollar, send yours to me if you have so little faith. Or better yet, trade your dollars for tractors of any kind and 10 years from now look at their depreciation.

If you believe that guy is making 4k plus on the tractor I've got a bridge to sell you cheap.

 

[MoPops]

Olympus,

That implement information helps me understand your comments. You really couldn't buy the Bobcat given the implement/budget limitation you were under.

Prior to gaining that knowledge I was sitting here scratching my head knowing that the Bobcat CT225 and the LS J2023 are not even in the same ball park size and capability wise -- Compact vs. SUB compact. (Do know that I really like and respect the LS tractor line.)

By the way, the Bobcat CT225 platform is still in production as a Kioti and other brands. MoPops has a need for a larger/stronger machine for his work and he also selected the Bobcat based upon ergonomics and platform space.

MoPops' purchase price reflects a solid value in the Compact tractor arena. Your price reflects a solid value in the SUB compact field.

Everyone should be happy!

Thanks.. I let this thread get away from me for a few days. Had to catch up on work.
I agree, I feel pretty good about the price. It was "asking price" but if it's a good deal, it's a good deal.

 

[arnoldziffel]

MoPops,

It's a rock solid deal. You done good.

 

[MoPops]

I've been shopping for tractors too, I feel that the Bobcats are one of the best values around.
I have a dealer that is about 50 miles away and almost ready to pull the trigger, he has both the CT225 @ $14000 + tax and the CT230 @ $15000 + tax and he wont budge on the price.

@MoPops; you got a decent price just not from a dealer.

Since I knew I was going to buy it, if it didn't have some glaring problem, I had already contacted a bobcat dealer in Hannibal Mo about taking care of it.. He said he could. If he can't, I can get it into St Louis pretty easily.
Thanks

 

[MoPops]

In my opinion, the first major step in Bobcat market pricing correction has already taken place. All remaining new models are selling for significantly less than what they were two years ago. Therefore, the buyer is being compensated for the suspension of tractor production.

My Bobcat dealer is the area distributor of all Bobcat products in the region. He is ready, willing and able to repair and service my tractor for my lifetime of ownership (and any future owners too). He is confident that he can provide any parts for the long term.

The Bobcat company is renowned for exceptional customer support at all levels. The CT tractors, while no longer being made, are not suddenly second class products.

Music to my ears! :thumbsup:

 

[Olympus]

If you believe that guy is making 4k plus on the tractor I've got a bridge to sell you cheap.

I know within $800 of what the guy paid for them. Found out from a good friend who is a sales rep for my local Bobcat dealership. He did some research and made some calls for me. Maybe you missed where I explained that already. So at the very least, the guy paid $9900 to $10k for them each.

Keep your bridge...

 

[arnoldziffel]

MoPops,

You are a great example of a "high value shopper". You set a budget and you stuck to it. You did your homework on Bobcat and established that the CT225 would meet your needs. You anticipated the possibility of some dealer service at some point and you established a relationship with the Hannibal dealer.
St. Louis is a fine "Plan B".

The Bobcat company has an exceptional track record and a strong future. They are here for the long term and you will be taken care of if and when the need arises.

You got all of the above for only $14,000! I don't see any downside.