Should i buy this Bobcat CT235?

[fatboycowen]

I went and looked at a Bobcat CT235, which i believe is identical to the Kioti CK35. It has a FEL and the 6TB backhoe. The machine's hour meter reads 1222 hours. It's physically in pretty good shape. Dented hood with random scrapes and scratches throughout. I guess the white paint makes the rust really stand out in the scratches, making it look more beat up than a different color probably would, but in person it's nice.

I've looked closely and operated maybe 5 machines in my price range, and so far this one is the best of the bunch, and i'm tempted to jump on it. The price is $15.5k, which is right where i want to be. And this machine is sized exactly where i wanted.

The seller is a very nice guy that buys and sells used tractors. He was super courteous about letting me try everything i wanted to, and even got lost while i was running it to make sure i was comfortable and didn't feel pressured. He said he didn't do anything to it since he got it in. He was very knowledgeable about tractors, but didn't seem to know this model all that well, specifically. I never felt like anything he said was BS, which is a different impression than i got from most of the other people selling. The big negative is that maintenance is unknown.

I am somewhat inexperienced on some things, so i could use some advice.

Pros:
Very good condition backhoe. Teeth not very worn. Works nicely and operates smooth
Nice condition R4 tires
Seat is in great shape, and is comfortable
All ranges work (HST). 4wd works. Diff lock works, but sticks on. It took a few back and forth motions with the tractor for it to release with an audible clunk. (how normal is this?)
Tractor starts easily and appears to run strong.

Cons:
Some of the bolts attaching the loader frame to the machine frame were loose, and one was missing - This is my biggest concern
very slight leak in the fitting that attaches the hydraulic line to the hydraulic steering rack. Mainly just wet around it. Doesn't appear to be leaking fast.
Filters are beat up and look old. Maintenance is unknown. Oil looked dirty, but i'm told that's not abnormal. It didn't feel thin in my fingers.
The ignition key had been relocated. The original was missing, and a key was added above the steering wheel. It seems to operate normally.
Bucket has a bolt on cutting edge, but the cutting edge isn't there.
HST pedal is very smooth and easy to move, but doesn't return to center very well.
I didn't think of it when i was looking at it, but now i realize that i don't think the 3ph is present. I don't anticipate using it, but i thought i would mention it.

The brakes are a little weird. I can't tell if they are working well. The pedal only has an inch or two of travel. I can feel them do something, but it seems like they are not very strong at all. I was stupid and didn't do a good job testing them, and am now regretting it.

Thanks for any advice anyone is willing to give.

 

[TJP89]

Well, it's not a steal, but neither would I run away.

First, I have the CK35 and I really like it, I think the bobcat is exactly the same. Your pros are good. The diff lock is normal, it can take a minute for it to pop out, and it's very audible.

Loader bolts and hydraulics are a worry. I'd check it out very carefully, check for any cracks, excessive wear. Make sure the hydro leak isn't bad, or may become bad. Run it around some and check on it again. I passed on a lawn mower because of a small oil leak in the engine block (although it did have a previous history).
The first thing I'd do would be to do a complete maintenance on the machine, filters, fluids, everything. As long as it wasn't really abused, it should be fine then.
The factory ignition key positions is perfect...for unintentional shut down by knee bump every time you turn around. Somebody likely got irritated and relocated it, no big deal.
Bolt on cutting edges aren't factory, my CK can take one, but doesn't have on. Get one if it bothers you.
I'd be surprised if the HST pedal worked perfectly, lube it up and you should be good.
3PTH are good. definitely figure that out.

Don't know about the brakes, would have to drive it myself to really say.

I'd give it another test run now that you've had time to think it over, and if you buy it, give a good thorough maintenance and once over at home.

If you feel good about the guy selling, I don't see any major warning signs. It's hard to say without being there in person, but in your case I would go ahead with it.

 

[murphy1244]

Torque those loader bolts down to see if they are stripped! Check that 3 point maybe the top link is just missing. I think the price is high.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I don't know about the brand but on mine, you remove the 3pt lift arms to connect the backhoe. After removing the backhoe, I put the lift arms back on.

 

[DK35vince]

Personally if this machine has been run with loose and broken loader mounting bolt, I would stay away.
The bolt holes could be stripped or wobbled out where it will be a problem, and difficult to keep the bolts tight in the future

 

[DK35vince]

Personally if this machine has been run with loose and broken loader mounting bolt, I would stay away.
The bolt holes could be stripped or wobbled out where it will be a problem, and difficult to keep the bolts tight in the future

 

[fatboycowen]

Well, i bought it. Brought it home late last night. I looked as best i could for cracks. Only 2 bolts were loose, and i was able to turn them in and out a little by hand, so i don't believe they are stripped. I asked the seller to replace the missing one and tighten up the loose ones, and to report stripped threads. I'll investigate further later.

Thanks for all the advice. It helped greatly in determining if this was the right machine. I realize i didn't get a bargain. But, it's hard to find a good machine in this price range. I've been looking for months, and the only ones i've seen in my range seemed to have something major wrong. I could have waited longer, and maybe i'll kick myself for not, but only time will tell.

 

[IslandTractor]

Don't worry about the bolts. Loose bolts happen. Ask me how I know. Replacements are metric.

I've learned to check the big bolts each spring using a torque wrench.

Great little TLB you got. Have fun.

 

[ishiboo]

Well, i bought it. Brought it home late last night. I looked as best i could for cracks. Only 2 bolts were loose, and i was able to turn them in and out a little by hand, so i don't believe they are stripped. I asked the seller to replace the missing one and tighten up the loose ones, and to report stripped threads. I'll investigate further later.

Thanks for all the advice. It helped greatly in determining if this was the right machine. I realize i didn't get a bargain. But, it's hard to find a good machine in this price range. I've been looking for months, and the only ones i've seen in my range seemed to have something major wrong. I could have waited longer, and maybe i'll kick myself for not, but only time will tell.

Maybe not a bargain, but I don't think you really overpaid either. Finding the right size machine locally can be difficult, as well as finding one with a backhoe! I have yet to see a single CUT with a backhoe any time I've visited any dealers around here.

 

[tman1020]

congrats on the new machine. i think they are great machines like the kioti and its a shame bobcat quit selling them i liked the little differences and dealer support they offer. I'm very happy with my ct225 and have heard the 235 is a power house. let us know how you like it after you have had a chance to use it..

 

[fatboycowen]

Thanks for all the help so far, and words of encouragement. I ran the tractor a bunch this weekend. Pulled up some rocks, pulled out a huge stump, smoothed some area and removed material, where i plan to place gravel, etc. Machine was great. Starts easy, runs great. Very impressive machine.

I discovered a few things i had missed looking at the tractor, both of which are dumb mistakes by me, but i don't regret the decision, yet.
1. One of the loader bolt holes is entirely stripped. The rest are tight. So, i'll have to plan to remove the loader, then the subframe and repair the threads. I don't think it's an emergency, but i will watch the other bolts carefully and frequently check them.
2. The backhoe has a worn pin, and a very rounded out pin hole. It's the pin that attaches the boom to the dipper stick (probably the most important one). Not sure how i missed it while looking at the machine. It's the outer hole the pin slides through on one side. The other side is pretty tight. Hopefully i'll be able to find or have made a big piece of pipe with the correct diameter, and grind off whats there, and weld this on. It seems like an easy fix if i can find something to weld on, and a new pin.
3. A bunch of the grease fittings won't take grease. I'm going to go through them one by one removing the pins and clearing things up.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks for all the help so far, and words of encouragement. I ran the tractor a bunch this weekend. Pulled up some rocks, pulled out a huge stump, smoothed some area and removed material, where i plan to place gravel, etc. Machine was great. Starts easy, runs great. Very impressive machine. I discovered a few things i had missed looking at the tractor, both of which are dumb mistakes by me, but i don't regret the decision, yet. 1. One of the loader bolt holes is entirely stripped. The rest are tight. So, i'll have to plan to remove the loader, then the subframe and repair the threads. I don't think it's an emergency, but i will watch the other bolts carefully and frequently check them. 2. The backhoe has a worn pin, and a very rounded out pin hole. It's the pin that attaches the boom to the dipper stick (probably the most important one). Not sure how i missed it while looking at the machine. It's the outer hole the pin slides through on one side. The other side is pretty tight. Hopefully i'll be able to find or have made a big piece of pipe with the correct diameter, and grind off whats there, and weld this on. It seems like an easy fix if i can find something to weld on, and a new pin. 3. A bunch of the grease fittings won't take grease. I'm going to go through them one by one removing the pins and clearing things up.

Those are all pretty ordinary issues and solvable. Talk to a couple of good mechanics on #1 and 2 to see if you can do the necessary repairs yourself or farm those jobs out. #3 is easy but be aware that Kioti uses non standard zeros. I haven't needed to replace any on my tractor but I have soaked a number in diesel or used a zerk clearing tool to rejuvenate several.

 

[fatboycowen]

I'll struggle long and hard before farming anything out. Part of the joy of owning things like this, for me, is fixing and making them better.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'll struggle long and hard before farming anything out. Part of the joy of owning things like this, for me, is fixing and making them better.

I agree with your attitude. However there are some tasks that are best done by those who do them routinely. I can weld but I also know welders who replace backhoe bushings in the field on a weekly basis. If I had that issue I just might call them. I also had a FEL bolt come out with partial stripping of the hole threads. The replacement bolt with locktite seems to be holding (3 years) but if it doesn't I might simply drill and tap the hole for a larger bolt. I've never used a helical threaded insert to do such a repair so might well ask for experienced help paid or not.

Certainly figure out the repair and do it if you are reasonably confident but don't make matters worse. "See one, Do one , Teach one" is the old medical school adage about learning procedures.

 

[bspeedy]

For the grease fittings, Loctite makes a new product called 'Freeze & Release'. Makes the job easy because you may be able to avoid removing the pins. Remove grease fitting, pump grease through it to clear the clog, dig hardened grease out from inside with a small screwdriver or dental pick, spray Freeze & Release in hole, reinstall grease fitting, pump grease. A minute per fitting instead of taking the whole thing apart. So far it has given me a 100% success rate with fittings that won't take grease.

Don't forget the red thread locker on the FEL bolts that are holding. I would be tempted to try a helicoil repair on the stripped bolt if you can find one in the proper size.

Good luck.

 

[lilranch2001]

I like my 235, and agree, its a shame the deal with Bobcat fell apart
Loader bolts on these are notorious, just use a torque wrench and torque them every hundred hours of use

I have been doing a project all summer, most people say you cant do on a CUT.....

I have done it with my Bobcat
:thumbsup:

 

[roadhunter]

Glad to hear you are getting to know your tractor. Sounds like it's working out well.

 

[CJONE]

A little heat on the pins will get them to take grease. Go with the next size up U.S. fine thread and retap to save from a Helicoil or Timesert. Sometimes you don't have enough meat left for that. If the holes have been tapped deep you may be able to get a longer bolt the right length with a washer or 2 to tighten up. Like was stated if you know a good mechanic get his/her help if you are not comfortable with doing something like that. I usually get a call after the tap is broken off in the hole! CJ

 

[Buggs67]

I broke one zerk and others were frozen, so I bought a couple bags and nipple covers from here:
Grease Fittings Grease Fittings by Kingfisher | Zoro.com

They are an odd size. 1/8-28 British Tapered Pipe Thread.