Need help purchasing a Tractor

[Chiefs fan]

Hello all, I am new to the forum and am asking for some help. I want to purchase a tractor for my acreage (7 acres).

Current Duties Include:

Snow Removal
Driveway Grading
Yard Work
Mowing
Fencing
Planting
General Lawn Maint

I currently own a Versahandler 417 with a few attachments and I want to be able to work these attachments between my two machines. Eventually I see myselft getting a skid steer too, and I would like to be able to share all of the attachments between the machines. I am also looking at this purchase to last me for many years and to eventually hobby farm with it a bit. So, I want a machine that will meet my smaller needs now and also be able to handle a larger workload in the future.

Does anybody have any opinions on which model I should be looking at. My company will be purchasing the machine so money is not the largest consideration for once in my life. I would like a machine that will last me a long time, do everything that I need now and in the future.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,

ChiefsFan

 

[Canada_CT230]

CT230 or bigger. I have 17 acres and use a CT230. Make SURE you get the quick attach option on the FEL...that way you can interchange buckets, etc. between a skid steer and the tractor.

 

[HK45]

I have a CT450 Backhoe loader. I would stay clear of bobcat or kioti. Every-time i have to use my machine, I'm also taking it to the dealer to be fixed. I have 120 hours so far i had to have all the seals on the backhoe replaced. Just had the rear right axle housing was leaking had to pull everything apart and replace the seal. The transmission would not go into high gear. Hydro lines leaking. I just said to the dealer I feel ever-time I take this thing out i have to get it fixed. Overall I think they are junk. My dealer on the other hand is great and never gives me a hard time about fixing anything. I would look hard at the cub cadet yanmar. Wish i would of purchased one over the bobcat.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I have almost 300 hrs on my machine and I wouldn't hesitate for one second to recommend or buy another for myself. I use mine all year round down to -30 degrees to plow/blow snow. Mine does not lead an easy life either.

I think dealer prep has a lot to do with experiences. A good PDI will tighten bolts, lines, check levels and catch problems. A poor PDI will show through very quick.

Let me tell you...I sourced a NH, Case-IH, JD and a Kubota tractor and was looking at $8000 more for the same features.

Kioti/Bobcat and now McCormick and Landini are made by Daedong. They have been making tractors since 1968.

Cub Cadet....are you kidding? Those things have had tons of problems.

Wallace will attest to Kioti and BC quality. He has sold both lines. There are many many many many happy owners here with very few dissatisfied people.

 

[Chiefs fan]

I have had my Versahandler for about 4 years now and have had no problems whatsoever. I am heavily leaning towards the Bobcat machine, I just want to pick the right one for my needs. Thanks for the input so far

 

[amaxwell]

Cub Cadet....are you kidding? Those things have had tons of problems


I own a cub Cadet/Yanmar and beg to differ with the above post. I have not heard or read of problems with the cub/yanmar products. I have read of problems with the Cub Cadets prior to Yanmar ,but not since. Yanmar is now marketing their tractors independently of Cub Cadet and I think they are a great value and dependable product. The John Deere tractor I previously owned was made by Yanmar. A 2900 or3200 would be a good choice in my opinion.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I see your an Edmontonian. I am an ex-Edmontonian myself.

Good luck getting Cub Cadet parts in Canada. I have a CC lawn tractor and I have 6 dealers within about 1.5 hr drive. Two of those dealers are 15 minutes away. I have endless trouble getting parts and usually get them shipped to a depot just south of the border and go get them myself. A real PITA. Then I fix it myself because I can't wait 4 weeks for repair during the grass mowing season.

Go with the BC. You won't be dissapointed and you'll have real dealer support.

Buy a JD if you want to spend $10,000 more. The Case-IH Farmall 30 I was dealing on was $8000 more than my BC and has way fewer features. Then for a laugh I contacted the BC dealer expecting a hefty $$$ price tag but was very surprised. I purchased my BC in 2009 and have almost 300 hrs on it.

 

[Chiefs fan]

As I mentioned, I am already leaning towards the Bobcat Product. I am looking for current and past Bobcat owners to help me choose the correct model for my needs and suggested options at the time of purchase. I dont want to have to keep running back to the dealer to have things installed that I should have had installed in the first place. I am very new to the tractor world and am just looking for some input from others so I dont have to research this for the next year on my own.

Cheers,

Chiefs Fan

 

[gumshu]

The bigger the better... for me anyway. I have a CT235 and wish I had just a little more Horse power. I'm looking at the Mahindra 4035 which has more lift capacity. However, with 7 acres you should be able to get by with horsepower in the mid 30's.

 

[Chiefs fan]

I was thinking of the CT235 or the 40. But how big is too big for my lawn? What are my limits before I start to mark up and rut my lawn?

 

[Canada_CT230]

Check out my signature line in my postings...you'll see I have a ton of implements to maintain our 17 acre property.

I use it to do tons of work! We have about 1500+ feet of gravel driveway, 7 acres of agricultural fields to cultivate, bush and grassy areas to rough mow. Then winter comes and we blow/plow.

As you know Canadian winters (especially Winterpeg) are harsh. I use my tractor year round without worry.

I would stay away from the CT122 and CT225 (too small). As I mentioned before....get good dealer support (anywhere you go) and get at minimum the CT230 model.

I got the cold shoulder from th JD and Kubota dealers here. Not interested in dealing with me. Then I contacted the BC dealer and 7 days later had a tractor sitting in the driveway.

 

[gumshu]

I was thinking of the CT235 or the 40. But how big is too big for my lawn? What are my limits before I start to mark up and rut my lawn?

If you are going to be using a tractor for finish mowing you're not going to want a heavy tractor. You will also want Turf tires on the tractor. Personally, I'd use something else for finish mowing and use a (30+hp) tractor for the other chores. I'm always getting into something where I wish I had the extra HP.

 

[Canada_CT230]

They will all rut up the lawn if it is soft or weak soil type. I stay off the manicured lawn with the CT230. That is why I have a riding mower.

 

[HK45]

Canada ct230,
I purchased mine from Wallace, So I'm sure they went over the machine. But when I called them to fix the leaks on the backhoe they said sorry its out of warranty and it was going to cost me a few hundred to get them fixed. I Went to my local bobcat dealer and they went above the call of duty to make sure they had all the seals replaced for me no cost to me. They called the bobcat rep and told them what was going on and sent some pics. My dealer did tell me he understand where I'm coming from since ever time I use the machine its also going back to get fixed. The dealer I'm working with is the best. They dont question anything they just fix it. If it wasn't for them i would sell this tractor and never look back. Anyways Yanmar also makes the tractors for john deer. Well my buddys john deer has never even seen the service center. I also have a friend with a cub, same thing never had it taken in for service. Im not trying to start a war, I know your a good guy and have already helped answered a few of my question when i posted stuff on the board and i thank you for that. Im just giving this guy my opinion on my tractor and to keep an open mind and check out other stuff before buying.

 

[DK35vince]

Anyways Yanmar also makes the tractors for john deer. Well my buddys john deer has never even seen the service center. I also have a friend with a cub, same thing never had it taken in for service.

And I've had a Kioti DK 35 for 11 years now and its never seen a service center.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I am not offended but one bad lemon out of all of our tractors does not warrant a blanket "DO NOT BUY" statement.

If you buy a JD, KUB, NH or Case you can have problems....major ones too. I remember reading a lot about NH's breaking the engine mounts on the engine block and the tractor had to be split and repaired. A huge cost if not under warranty. That problem would also run into the Case-IH line as they are the same manufacturer.

They are mechanical devices designed by man and things can go wrong or be designed wrong. I hope your machine gets these issues sorted and then you can see how much of a work horse these machine are. Problems like yours are not common but I understand your frustration. I have the wife's VW Jetta and that thing is gonna be the death of me. A real POS that I fix all the time and then can't fix because the problem can't be found or duplicated. I also run into people that have NO problems with VW products. So what is it?

You can also get one disgruntled worker in there. A friend of mine knew about a guy in a Ford engine assembly plant that was purposely sabotaging the engine builds. He got fired but not before tons of engines went out the door with problems.

Now, if there were 50 of us with the same problems and constant breakdowns I'd be in the same boat as you....sell and run!

 

[DK35vince]

I have one of the Yanmar made John Deeres. A JD 850. I've had it for a long time and its been good (1800+ hours).
I've had my Kioti for 11 years and its been just as good.
Like I said earlier, in 11 years (1650 hours) my Kioti has never been back to the dealer.

 

[Chiefs fan]

Gentlemen, thanks for all the input. Point well taken about mowing the lawns........I have a small Garden Tractor for that and it makes sense to keep using that and use the tractor for all the other stuff.

Does anybody have any input about must have options?

Thanks in advance.

Chiefs Fan

 

[Canada_CT230]

Bob-Tach quick attach, block heater, deluxe suspension seat, slow moving vehicle sign (if road travelling) and at least one set of rear remotes. Industrial tires are good too...less damage if you cross turf but still fairly good traction in dirt (best of both worlds - AG vs Turf).

Useless items...Mid-PTO and belly mowers. They don't work great, hinder the tractor and cost lots of $$$.

 

[SSdoxie]

Does anybody have any input about must have options?

Thanks in advance.

Chiefs Fan

What kind of attachments are you thinking of using? In the original post you mentioned having a V417 and have some attachment interchange. keep in mind the loader weight capabilties. The CT235 has roughly 1000 lb. lift and carry capacity, the CT440 is rated around 2000 lb. but your V417 is 4000 lb. lift. Buckets and grapples for V417 are much heavier duty and won't work very well on the tractor.

I agree with options Canada listed. If you put rear remotes on go with the 2 remote kit set. The second remote valve is only $150 -$200 more than each of the single valve sets. If you plan of having a grapple, get a 3rd function installed for front hydraulic couplers.