Comparison need help can't decide

[willyc]

i am new to this forum but it seems real informative. i am ready to buy but i cant decide what would be best for me. i have 3 acers some steep hills mowing. i have another 3 that is hilly and wooded that i want to clear. i was looking at a b3200 kubota at 19500 fel and mmm a bobcat ct225 fel and mmm at 18000 and a kioti ck 27 fel and rear mower at 16000. the kioti seems like the best deal but i am thinking a mid mower may suit me better. i like the kubota (free finance )but the extra 1000 lb weight of the other 2 may be better for me stability wise. i am also concerned tht the kioti and bobcat may not have enough power because they weigh more. any help would be appreciated.

 

[TripleR]

I am not going to knock any of the tractors, but having used a MMM and RFM, still do, on this size tractor I much prefer the MMM and it will also help with stability.

I would also take into consideration resale value as well as initial cost unless you know you will run it till it dies.

I thought Kioti made Bobcats.

Anyway good luck and I know you will get some good information from actual owners.

 

[Gittyup]

You generally aren't going to want to take the MMM into the woods due to ground clearance. If that is the case, then you'll be taking it off/puting it back on. This can be a real PITA. That is why most go with RFMs. You have to decide which will work best for you.

The Kubota will be the better mower because it's lighter, but the other two will be better at ground engagement because they are heavier. BTW, the BC and the Kioti are basically the same tractor except for FEL, and the Kioti has a couple more HP. The bota might also be narrower, which can be good and bad.

I have a CK25 and use it almost exclusively for ground work on hills and in woods. It's a great machine for that purpose. The CK27 is a better deal than the BC, and Kioti's warranty is longer. The difference is really the price of that MMM. They are pricey!

For now the Kubota will definitely have a higher resale. But, it should because it is costing you more up front.

The only company that has an "easy" MMM is John Deere. Engineering of attachments is where JD shines. But that shine comes with a price too.

All of them will meet your needs.

 

[Soundguy]

good points brought up... mmm are real maneuverable when mowing around obstacles, however in the woods you don't want a stump, root or rock to hang up on a blade or the deck and bend up a 1200+$ mower.

All the machines you mention will make a decent looking yard and do alot of work. If they all have options you want.. I'd look at the more economical one like the ck27.

soundguy

 

[RTII]

The only company that has an "easy" MMM is John Deere. Engineering of attachments is where JD shines. But that shine comes with a price too.

Gittyup has made a lot of good points, though "Easy" is probably a relative term in this case. Easier than others might be more accurate. The MMM on the Kubota BX series comes off in less than 2 minutes and on in 3-4 minutes. It's actually easier than attaching some of the 3 point attachments (without some sort of quick hitch).

 

[Dmace]

The Kioti CK27 and Bobcat CT225 are both 27HP but if you are worried about power for the hills then look at the CK30. It should still be well under the price of the Kubota but more comparable like 30HP vs. 32HP.

Also look at other specs that might affect the various task you want to accomplish. The Kioti loader lifts more (1155 vs. 1065) and higher (92.5" vs. 82.6"). It has a much higher flow hydraulic pump (12.7gpm vs. 9.9gpm) good for faster loader operations and if you run a backhoe or other attachment off the hydraulics like a wood splitter, that will be faster and stronger as well. The 3pt hitch for lifting that mower, log or whatever is also much stronger, the Kioti is rated at 1,764lbs (24" back) vs the Kubota at 1,300lbs (24" back). Lastly, you will learn to love the extra weight (3,142lbs vs. 1,764lbs.) on those hills when you are going along side them. You can add weight to a light tractor but you are not going to add 1,400lbs easily. I cannot imagine a tractor that light being good for anything more then mowing. I just noticed the Kubota's weight is exactly what the Kioti can lift with the 3pt hitch, wouldn't that be a sight to see.

If you go Hydrostatic transmission, they are both 3 ranges so you have infinite speeds for those hills which I recommend for mowing vs. gear transmissions. I have only used rear finish mowers so I cannot comment on which would be easier or better to use but MMM seem to be more for finish lawns and you typically have to mow slower vs a RFM. The Kioti warranty is much better and as mentioned, the "resale value" is a wash when the tractor cost $3000 more anyways.

Have fun shopping!

 

[Gittyup]

Gittyup has made a lot of good points, though "Easy" is probably a relative term in this case. Easier than others might be more accurate. The MMM on the Kubota BX series comes off in less than 2 minutes and on in 3-4 minutes. It's actually easier than attaching some of the 3 point attachments (without some sort of quick hitch).

I believe JD is the only one with a drive over, automatic connect mower deck without having to get out of the tractor seat. Like most things JD, it's very specific to JD equipment/model numbers. But, again like most things JD, it's very well designed. So, I'd say it's the only "easy" hook up option that I'm aware of.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have the Bobcat 225. I like it just fine. It is just too big and heavy to be a primary mower. It is a bigger heavier tractor which would be handy at first , but would be overkill for the next 15 years when you are through with the other work. A Kubota Bx or Jd 2305 are better mowers. Your tractor of choice and a good used mower( you can buy a nice one for $3500) with a 48-60" deck may be the best solution.

 

[willyc]

I think the bobcat is the best deal for me. After reading post of the mmm and actually looking at one I think i'll go with a rear finish mower. Taking off the mmm looks like a pain. Now i am wondering if i should go with a ct225 or the 230 0r 235 each one is about a $900 jump. I have read the 225 is underpowered. I never thought it would be this hard to buy a tractor.

 

[TripleR]

I think the bobcat is the best deal for me. After reading post of the mmm and actually looking at one I think i'll go with a rear finish mower. Taking off the mmm looks like a pain. Now i am wondering if i should go with a ct225 or the 230 0r 235 each one is about a $900 jump. I have read the 225 is underpowered. I never thought it would be this hard to buy a tractor.

Oh it is hard alright. Even after months of researching and looking at equipment and having operated different tractors for over fifty years, the last two times I went to buy one, I came home with a different model than originally intended.