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!