Used Bobcat CT235 vs almost new 2015 Branson 2400h for same price?

[sunstardude]

Which deal should I go with below, both asking $12,900? Is price good / bad? Any other thoughts?

Bobcat CT235 compact tractor loader with under 900 hours
2015 Branson 2400h with 38 hours

 

[SJay]

Do you need the HP? Can you get a warranty with the Branson? I have the CT225 Bobcat with 500hrs on it that I bought used. I love the tractor, no problems with it. Branson makes a nice tractor. If you can - test both of them. Drive them and see which feels better to you. I was looking at a smaller tractor when I got my Bobcat and I am glad I got the bigger unit.

 

[airbiscuit]

Tough call. Nice to have more hp, but also nice to have new. Bobcat is a used to be brand (built by Kyoti), and Branson will become a used to be brand (sold to TYM). I agree, test drive both and see what suits you best.

Bend, Oregon plus a Compact Tractor is pretty close to heaven.

 

[sunstardude]

Is $12,900 a decent price for both of these machines? I want a tractor for around my 1.3 acres of Bend Oregon (yes, heaven!), and also to see if I can get some side jobs doing mowing, tilling, clearing. I'd like to go full cab brand new like an LS xr4046hc, I can get one on clearance for $26,500, but the $12K price-point is much easier on my pocket book. Is 24HP enough for mowing, tilling, clearing, or do I really need the the 35 horse?

 

[Sprinklerman]

Its better to have more hp and not need it than have less hp and want more.

 

[ChugiakTinkerer]

TractorHouse.com has a nice feature where you can see old auction results. If you do that for the Bobcat CT235 you see one sold for $13,000 with only 246 hours and a LandPride seeder. There was also a unit that sold for $10,000 that had 546 hours and rear remotes. That's not much to base a market value on, but based on available info I'd value the CT235 on CL at around $10K. Your local market will vary, and the condition of the tractor itself is the best indicator.

I wouldn't consider the Branson 2400H to be comparable. Bare tractor weight is 2/3 that of the Bobcat, the loader capacity is 2/3 that of the Bobcat, and the 3pt lift capacity is about 3/4 that of the CT235.

 

[mike69440]

TractorHouse.com has a nice feature where you can see old auction results. If you do that for the Bobcat CT235 you see one sold for $13,000 with only 246 hours and a LandPride seeder. There was also a unit that sold for $10,000 that had 546 hours and rear remotes. That's not much to base a market value on, but based on available info I'd value the CT235 on CL at around $10K. Your local market will vary, and the condition of the tractor itself is the best indicator.

I wouldn't consider the Branson 2400H to be comparable. Bare tractor weight is 2/3 that of the Bobcat, the loader capacity is 2/3 that of the Bobcat, and the 3pt lift capacity is about 3/4 that of the CT235.

Branson is a good price in a handy size and new. Small is good around the farm, but the CT235 is bigger and IMHO overpriced.

 

[sunstardude]

I'd love a new tractor but I just think 24hp is too small for my needs. The Bobcat CT235 guy says lowest he can go is $11,500. With 900 hours, how much more life can one expect to get out of this thing, on overage? How many hours should these little tractors go before needing major work?

 

[airbiscuit]

I'd love a new tractor but I just think 24hp is too small for my needs. The Bobcat CT235 guy says lowest he can go is $11,500. With 900 hours, how much more life can one expect to get out of this thing, on overage? How many hours should these little tractors go before needing major work?

With normal maintenance, should still be growing strong at 4,000 hours.

 

[bspeedy]

With normal maintenance, should still be growing strong at 4,000 hours.

Agree. 4 to 5000 hours is usable life.