Bobcat 2_47 Reviews
Great Tractor
Model Year: 2012
This machine is a beast for only 35hp! I upgraded from a 21 HP Kubota, so not a fair comparison but I did a lot of research before my purchase and these machines are among the heaviest for the given HP. Hyd. flow is also among top also. Very ergonomically friendly. I would never say anything bad about my old Kubota, but I needed more HP and this machine is fantastic and dollars per HP, Kubota wouldn't be in the ballpark. Only downside is that bobcat doesn't make CUTs anymore and I would have liked R4 tires but I had to buy the machine as it was.
Pros: Value, strong machine, well built.
Cons: Bobcat isn't making tractors anymore and curious to see how white paint looks after a few hundred hours.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2012
This machine is a beast for only 35hp! I upgraded from a 21 HP Kubota, so not a fair comparison but I did a lot of research before my purchase and these machines are among the heaviest for the given HP. Hyd. flow is also among top also. Very ergonomically friendly. I would never say anything bad about my old Kubota, but I needed more HP and this machine is fantastic and dollars per HP, Kubota wouldn't be in the ballpark. Only downside is that bobcat doesn't make CUTs anymore and I would have liked R4 tires but I had to buy the machine as it was.
Pros: Value, strong machine, well built.
Cons: Bobcat isn't making tractors anymore and curious to see how white paint looks after a few hundred hours.
Photo Uploads:
2012 Bobcat CT 235 4WD Hydrostat
Model Year: 2012
I was aware that these Bobcat branded tractors were actually made by Kioti, but it was definitely the best bang for the buck and when I talked to our local New Holland dealer. He even said that Bobcat would stand behind them and that Kioti has a good market in the U.S. and were here to stay in his opinion would never be an issue getting parts, so I couldn't pass up this tractor for the price, since you can't even buy a Chinese branded tractor with the features and HP that this one has. I have pulled stumps a little brush-hogging and some snow removal with it and has performed well although I have only put 30 hours on it in a little less than a year I love this tractor and glad I bought it and hoping it lasts me the rest of my life.
Pros: Real stable tractor and built heavy compared to similar tractors.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
Model Year: 2012
I was aware that these Bobcat branded tractors were actually made by Kioti, but it was definitely the best bang for the buck and when I talked to our local New Holland dealer. He even said that Bobcat would stand behind them and that Kioti has a good market in the U.S. and were here to stay in his opinion would never be an issue getting parts, so I couldn't pass up this tractor for the price, since you can't even buy a Chinese branded tractor with the features and HP that this one has. I have pulled stumps a little brush-hogging and some snow removal with it and has performed well although I have only put 30 hours on it in a little less than a year I love this tractor and glad I bought it and hoping it lasts me the rest of my life.
Pros: Real stable tractor and built heavy compared to similar tractors.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
Great Tractor
Model Year: 2013
I just hit the 45 hour mark and have to say this is the best tractor in its class. Built like a tank and is able to handle jobs other tractors in its class would not be able to do. I had a new Kubota and a used Ford but they do not even come close to the Bobcat. I purchased mine from Larson Equipment in Lake Havasu City AZ. Curtis Larson was a pleasure to deal with and made sure I was happy with my purchase. Great dealer!
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Nothing yet.
Model Year: 2013
I just hit the 45 hour mark and have to say this is the best tractor in its class. Built like a tank and is able to handle jobs other tractors in its class would not be able to do. I had a new Kubota and a used Ford but they do not even come close to the Bobcat. I purchased mine from Larson Equipment in Lake Havasu City AZ. Curtis Larson was a pleasure to deal with and made sure I was happy with my purchase. Great dealer!
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Nothing yet.
Bobcat CT235 with Front Loader and Box Blade
Model Year: 2012
Really happy with first 10 hours. Cleared land, graded road and love the tractor. Good power, good GPH, thinking of adding backhoe to round it out. Previous experience with Kubotas, older Deeres, and one cranky ford 8N. Medium heavy construction experience, and for the dollar, hard to beat the bobcat.
Pros: Performance, value, comfy seat.
Cons: Attachment cost.
Model Year: 2012
Really happy with first 10 hours. Cleared land, graded road and love the tractor. Good power, good GPH, thinking of adding backhoe to round it out. Previous experience with Kubotas, older Deeres, and one cranky ford 8N. Medium heavy construction experience, and for the dollar, hard to beat the bobcat.
Pros: Performance, value, comfy seat.
Cons: Attachment cost.
Front Loader Mount
Model Year: 2009
CAUTION: Make sure mount bolts are tight. Mine were loose and did not catch until I found 1 in driveway after grading. 9 holes had to be heli-coiled which dealer did on his own Bobcat; said it is owner responsibility to check all bolts before using tractor.
Pros: All but this problem.
Cons: Loader mount bolts.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2009
CAUTION: Make sure mount bolts are tight. Mine were loose and did not catch until I found 1 in driveway after grading. 9 holes had to be heli-coiled which dealer did on his own Bobcat; said it is owner responsibility to check all bolts before using tractor.
Pros: All but this problem.
Cons: Loader mount bolts.
Photo Uploads:
Great Little Tractor, But...
Model Year: 2011
On the surface, Bobcat's compact tractor line appear to be solid and very value-priced compared to other lines of tractors, notably JD. However, with less than 10 hours on my tractor, it would not start. After much anguish and potential remedies (including a new control box which electronically aligns the seat, brake and PTO switches), a different dealer determined there to be a faulty wiring harness. A nearly brand new tractor had to be re-wired. The dealer, who was quite helpful, argued with Bobcat's corporate office who wanted them to find the short in the wiring and do a simple splice. The dealer insisted a new tractor should not have a band-aid fix. And, this was the 3rd tractor they'd seen with similar wiring problems. Two calls by me to Bobcat Corporate were never returned.
Pros: The price, appearance, loader controls, ease of operation.
Cons: Dependability, POOR corporate customer service.
Model Year: 2011
On the surface, Bobcat's compact tractor line appear to be solid and very value-priced compared to other lines of tractors, notably JD. However, with less than 10 hours on my tractor, it would not start. After much anguish and potential remedies (including a new control box which electronically aligns the seat, brake and PTO switches), a different dealer determined there to be a faulty wiring harness. A nearly brand new tractor had to be re-wired. The dealer, who was quite helpful, argued with Bobcat's corporate office who wanted them to find the short in the wiring and do a simple splice. The dealer insisted a new tractor should not have a band-aid fix. And, this was the 3rd tractor they'd seen with similar wiring problems. Two calls by me to Bobcat Corporate were never returned.
Pros: The price, appearance, loader controls, ease of operation.
Cons: Dependability, POOR corporate customer service.
Bobcat CT235 Compact Tractor
Model Year: 2012
I now have 52 hours on my Bobcat CT235 and love it. It seems to have plenty of power. I recently helped my neighbor put in a circular driveway and a lot of the dirt in our area is Caleche Rock, which is very hard when dry. I had very little problem digging this with my front end loader to use as fill for his driveway. I purchased my tractor with a front end loader and box blade. Both work very well and the tractors weight (a little over 3,000 lbs) gives it plenty of traction. I just did the 50hr. maintenance and did not have any problem with that, although I had to purchase a roll around pan with hand pump to drain the 8 gallons of hydraulic/differential fluid in. I am in the process of clearing sage brush off of my 1-1/2 acres and leveling it as it is mostly on a gentle sloping hillside. I also plan to buy a backhoe attachment next spring. A friend gave me a 14" single plow for it and I'm hoping the tractor can handle it! I need to level an area for a garden next spring to give it a try.
Pros: Lots of nice features, lights, horn, turn signals, joystick controls for front end loader, easy access to air clearner, battery, nice hydraulics, adjustable steering wheel and seat, great power and traction, fuel consumption is good.
Cons: A little hard to shift between gears sometimes, but not a big problem. Tool box behind seat is useless for tools of any size. Need to buy some larger metric wrenches and sockets for servicing. Nearest dealer is in Twin Falls, Idaho about 3.5 hours away.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2012
I now have 52 hours on my Bobcat CT235 and love it. It seems to have plenty of power. I recently helped my neighbor put in a circular driveway and a lot of the dirt in our area is Caleche Rock, which is very hard when dry. I had very little problem digging this with my front end loader to use as fill for his driveway. I purchased my tractor with a front end loader and box blade. Both work very well and the tractors weight (a little over 3,000 lbs) gives it plenty of traction. I just did the 50hr. maintenance and did not have any problem with that, although I had to purchase a roll around pan with hand pump to drain the 8 gallons of hydraulic/differential fluid in. I am in the process of clearing sage brush off of my 1-1/2 acres and leveling it as it is mostly on a gentle sloping hillside. I also plan to buy a backhoe attachment next spring. A friend gave me a 14" single plow for it and I'm hoping the tractor can handle it! I need to level an area for a garden next spring to give it a try.
Pros: Lots of nice features, lights, horn, turn signals, joystick controls for front end loader, easy access to air clearner, battery, nice hydraulics, adjustable steering wheel and seat, great power and traction, fuel consumption is good.
Cons: A little hard to shift between gears sometimes, but not a big problem. Tool box behind seat is useless for tools of any size. Need to buy some larger metric wrenches and sockets for servicing. Nearest dealer is in Twin Falls, Idaho about 3.5 hours away.
Photo Uploads:
New Tractor
Model Year: 2011
No problems so far, but there is a lot of flakes of rust dropping out of the hollow roll bar and land on the white fender and the rust was on the finder as it set outside and the dealer. The rust penetrated the white paint on the fender and I cannot remove it even with auto heavy duty remover.
Pros: Clean.
Cons: Distance to dealer.
Model Year: 2011
No problems so far, but there is a lot of flakes of rust dropping out of the hollow roll bar and land on the white fender and the rust was on the finder as it set outside and the dealer. The rust penetrated the white paint on the fender and I cannot remove it even with auto heavy duty remover.
Pros: Clean.
Cons: Distance to dealer.
CT235
Model Year: 2010
Great compact tractor. Has done everything I ask and then some. This is my first tractor and right out of the box I've been very happy. Fuel tank could be bigger but my 5 gallon can is never far. Tool box is useless. Hard to shift between speed settings. I should check to see if a lube point I may have missed needs grease. The FEL & back hoe are great. Bucket on FEL could be bigger. A hydraulic thumb would be great if offered.
Pros: Ease of use, features.
Cons: Tough to shift from low to neutral to medium to neutral to high, small fuel tank.
Model Year: 2010
Great compact tractor. Has done everything I ask and then some. This is my first tractor and right out of the box I've been very happy. Fuel tank could be bigger but my 5 gallon can is never far. Tool box is useless. Hard to shift between speed settings. I should check to see if a lube point I may have missed needs grease. The FEL & back hoe are great. Bucket on FEL could be bigger. A hydraulic thumb would be great if offered.
Pros: Ease of use, features.
Cons: Tough to shift from low to neutral to medium to neutral to high, small fuel tank.
Nice Little Tractor
Model Year: 2009
I noticed 3 complaints about the fuel consumption on the ct235 from the same guy. I own several tractors and have been very pleased with the overall performance of the tractor. All the small tractors in the 35 horsepower class have small tanks Bobcats is 7.9 Kubotas L3400 has a slightly bigger tank 9.0 New Holland 1520 7.1 John Deere 3038e 6.4. When I bought the Bobcat those were the models I considered, I chose the Bobcat because it was built much beefier than the others there is a lot of difference in the weight look at the front and rear axles and you will see why, cast iron not aluminum. I think the fuel consumption is at par with any of the tractors in that class. If a air cleaner is plugged that could cause excessive fuel consumption. I clean the radiator screens often as I use this tractor to pull a Haybob and run a 5, bush hog around the outskirts of my 15 acre field. I also hay some surrounding fields depending on the amount of thistles and dandelions. That determines how often I have to change air filters and clean the radiators screens the same applies to my Kubota. My mowing tractor is a Massey Ferguson 255 I clean the holes in the front and have a vacuum as there are no screens to pull out to keep the radiator clean.
Pros: Beefy smooth hydraulics comfortable with nice features.
Cons: Small toolbox dealer a little to far away.
Model Year: 2009
I noticed 3 complaints about the fuel consumption on the ct235 from the same guy. I own several tractors and have been very pleased with the overall performance of the tractor. All the small tractors in the 35 horsepower class have small tanks Bobcats is 7.9 Kubotas L3400 has a slightly bigger tank 9.0 New Holland 1520 7.1 John Deere 3038e 6.4. When I bought the Bobcat those were the models I considered, I chose the Bobcat because it was built much beefier than the others there is a lot of difference in the weight look at the front and rear axles and you will see why, cast iron not aluminum. I think the fuel consumption is at par with any of the tractors in that class. If a air cleaner is plugged that could cause excessive fuel consumption. I clean the radiator screens often as I use this tractor to pull a Haybob and run a 5, bush hog around the outskirts of my 15 acre field. I also hay some surrounding fields depending on the amount of thistles and dandelions. That determines how often I have to change air filters and clean the radiators screens the same applies to my Kubota. My mowing tractor is a Massey Ferguson 255 I clean the holes in the front and have a vacuum as there are no screens to pull out to keep the radiator clean.
Pros: Beefy smooth hydraulics comfortable with nice features.
Cons: Small toolbox dealer a little to far away.
Fuel Consumption
Model Year: 2009
I was reading the reviews on the 235 bobcat 3 by the same guy. I think he may have some plugged air filters as he mentioned he was having problems with the radiator screens plugging. I use mine to rake and run a haybob along with a 5' bush hog and a 6' boxblade. The radiator screens will plug on any newer tractor that has them they are your friend it is far easier to clean them than your radiator. As for the fuel consumption I traded in a Kubota B1750 hst it used more fuel than my Bobcat to bushhog my 15 acre field, mostly because even with a 42" mower it was overworking the tractor. It also takes 50 to75 hrs to break them in and your fuel consumption per hour will improve. It takes 10 gallons or less to mow my 15 acres which is on par for that size tractor. The tank size average for that size tractor also. John Deere 3038e 6.4 New Holland T1520 7.1 Kubota L3400 9.0 Bobcat ct235 7.9. The overall quality and perfomance has been great for me dealer is further away than I would like but other than that its been all good.
Pros: Beefier built than most, smooth strong hydraulics, comfortable.
Cons: Small toolbox dealer is 60 miles away.
Model Year: 2009
I was reading the reviews on the 235 bobcat 3 by the same guy. I think he may have some plugged air filters as he mentioned he was having problems with the radiator screens plugging. I use mine to rake and run a haybob along with a 5' bush hog and a 6' boxblade. The radiator screens will plug on any newer tractor that has them they are your friend it is far easier to clean them than your radiator. As for the fuel consumption I traded in a Kubota B1750 hst it used more fuel than my Bobcat to bushhog my 15 acre field, mostly because even with a 42" mower it was overworking the tractor. It also takes 50 to75 hrs to break them in and your fuel consumption per hour will improve. It takes 10 gallons or less to mow my 15 acres which is on par for that size tractor. The tank size average for that size tractor also. John Deere 3038e 6.4 New Holland T1520 7.1 Kubota L3400 9.0 Bobcat ct235 7.9. The overall quality and perfomance has been great for me dealer is further away than I would like but other than that its been all good.
Pros: Beefier built than most, smooth strong hydraulics, comfortable.
Cons: Small toolbox dealer is 60 miles away.
Gas Sucking Pig
Model Year: 2011
Not much good to say about this model. It has a very small fuel tank, I get about 4 hrs use between fill ups. Not practical for contracting, and for anybody trying to get a days work without stopping. Everything is cheap on this, and the rad constantly plugs up and is a pain to clear. The shifter is hard to engage. Did I mention it burns tons of fuel? The only thing good is the FEL.
Pros: FEL.
Cons: Everything else.
Model Year: 2011
Not much good to say about this model. It has a very small fuel tank, I get about 4 hrs use between fill ups. Not practical for contracting, and for anybody trying to get a days work without stopping. Everything is cheap on this, and the rad constantly plugs up and is a pain to clear. The shifter is hard to engage. Did I mention it burns tons of fuel? The only thing good is the FEL.
Pros: FEL.
Cons: Everything else.
Very Disappointed
Model Year: 2011
I have owned several tractors and I have large fields to cut 3-5 acres. I have found it only has about 4 hrs of fuel, which is ridiculous when compared to my Bobcat 425X (12 hrs) my Kubota BX1850 (8 hrs) my Kubota L2550 (8 hrs). That is my biggest complaint, smaller issues are the shifter is not very responsive, you have to rock the tractor back and forth to engage the various ranges. IMO this is tractor is very poorly thought out and maybe suitable for a gentleman farmer that puts on 25 hrs per year and thus will ensure fresh fuel at least 6 times. For me I bought this to work and stopping every 4 hrs is unacceptable, I have parked this tractor and hoping the dealer will make me a deal to buy it back.
Pros: Loader is exceptional.
Cons: Fuel tank too small and really burns a lot of fuel.
Model Year: 2011
I have owned several tractors and I have large fields to cut 3-5 acres. I have found it only has about 4 hrs of fuel, which is ridiculous when compared to my Bobcat 425X (12 hrs) my Kubota BX1850 (8 hrs) my Kubota L2550 (8 hrs). That is my biggest complaint, smaller issues are the shifter is not very responsive, you have to rock the tractor back and forth to engage the various ranges. IMO this is tractor is very poorly thought out and maybe suitable for a gentleman farmer that puts on 25 hrs per year and thus will ensure fresh fuel at least 6 times. For me I bought this to work and stopping every 4 hrs is unacceptable, I have parked this tractor and hoping the dealer will make me a deal to buy it back.
Pros: Loader is exceptional.
Cons: Fuel tank too small and really burns a lot of fuel.
Very Hard on Fuel
Model Year: 2011
I have cut four large fields and have found I only get 4 hrs use per tank. Very annoying to have to carry 5 gallon Jerry cans me. Also the hood vents and rad screen are constantly plugging up causing it to overheat. The last 4 acre field required me to stop 3 times to clear dust and debris, and once to refuel. The loader is exceptional. The range shifter needed adjustment, but works well now. The hood latch didn't work at first, the dealer mechanic told me to lean on the hood while opening, almost a 2 man job. Caused me to leave a job as it was overheating and I couldn't get at the rad. I adjusted the cable myself. The paint is suspect, could have used one more coat of paint
Pros: Loader is exceptional.
Cons: Fuel tank too small and really burns alot of fuel.
Model Year: 2011
I have cut four large fields and have found I only get 4 hrs use per tank. Very annoying to have to carry 5 gallon Jerry cans me. Also the hood vents and rad screen are constantly plugging up causing it to overheat. The last 4 acre field required me to stop 3 times to clear dust and debris, and once to refuel. The loader is exceptional. The range shifter needed adjustment, but works well now. The hood latch didn't work at first, the dealer mechanic told me to lean on the hood while opening, almost a 2 man job. Caused me to leave a job as it was overheating and I couldn't get at the rad. I adjusted the cable myself. The paint is suspect, could have used one more coat of paint
Pros: Loader is exceptional.
Cons: Fuel tank too small and really burns alot of fuel.
Every Small Farm Needs One
Model Year: 2010
I have used it for tilling, (5' tiller), snow removal, hauling wood, gravel, dirt work, brush cutting, and plowing. Oh, yeah, hay rides. Very happy with the tractor. The bobcat attachment on the front is very handy, worth the extra few bucks. When I first purchased the tractor, the engine kept dying. Found problem to be the safety switch connection on the seat. There wasn't a lock on the connection. Went to dealer and the tractors on the lot also had the small lock missing on the connection.
Pros: Well built
Cons: Shifting between L,M, and High is not smooth
Model Year: 2010
I have used it for tilling, (5' tiller), snow removal, hauling wood, gravel, dirt work, brush cutting, and plowing. Oh, yeah, hay rides. Very happy with the tractor. The bobcat attachment on the front is very handy, worth the extra few bucks. When I first purchased the tractor, the engine kept dying. Found problem to be the safety switch connection on the seat. There wasn't a lock on the connection. Went to dealer and the tractors on the lot also had the small lock missing on the connection.
Pros: Well built
Cons: Shifting between L,M, and High is not smooth
Working Well
Model Year: 2009
I shopped around a lot. I finally decided to buy the Bobcat CT235. Hydraulics are very smooth and powerful hydrostatic transmission is very responsive and the tractor is comfortable and that's important to me. Telescoping ends on the three point and adjustable lift on one side really helps. It's a strong, well built tractor. Even the front axle is bigger than most. It runs a 5' rotary mower in 2' wet grass like nothing, back blades my long gravel driveway with a 6' box blade,and runs misc. farm equipment along with snow removal, with the loader.
Pros: Tough, comfortable, well built tractor. Nice suspension seat and tilting wheel.
Cons: Only the loader is made in the USA. That hurts. I couldn't find one that was.
Model Year: 2009
I shopped around a lot. I finally decided to buy the Bobcat CT235. Hydraulics are very smooth and powerful hydrostatic transmission is very responsive and the tractor is comfortable and that's important to me. Telescoping ends on the three point and adjustable lift on one side really helps. It's a strong, well built tractor. Even the front axle is bigger than most. It runs a 5' rotary mower in 2' wet grass like nothing, back blades my long gravel driveway with a 6' box blade,and runs misc. farm equipment along with snow removal, with the loader.
Pros: Tough, comfortable, well built tractor. Nice suspension seat and tilting wheel.
Cons: Only the loader is made in the USA. That hurts. I couldn't find one that was.
First impressions after 60 hours
Model Year: 2009
I've just signed up to this website, so hello everyone. I purchased my Bobcat CT 235 in April 2010. I mostly move horse manure, sawdust bedding, mow lawns (3pt hitch 5 foot finish mower) and will clear snow in the winter. I also purchased a 5 ft box blade with the machine. I previously owned a Kubota B7100 (16hp). It would be unfair to compare as the new tractor is quite a bump up from my old orange pumpkin! Mine came with a 68in FEL and for my purposes is great as I mostly move lighter material. The loader capacity and speed/strength is all I need and more and therefore am very happy with the performance. The hydrostatic transmission is fantactic when mowing lawns, no more shifting and the 3pt is live so the mower maintains rpm which makes the job easier and faster. I performed the 50 hour service myself because who can afford today's labor rate? In any event, the manual adequately explains everything and all the drain plugs are painted orange (stupid proof), they obviously had me in mind during the design stage. I replaced all filters and oils as per the manual. The upper hyd. filter might be a challenge but you can remove the seat bolts and lift the seat back (you don't even have to disconnect the kill switch), this takes 5 minutes and fully exposes the upper filter. This tractor is very easy to work on for a novice as everything is quite easy to reach. The only warranty was a replacement of the brake lever. I initially thought it tightened via a cam, in other words the harder you push the tighter the brake applies, but I was wrong--I broke the lever off! It wasn't until I looked under and found that it just slips into a notch. Therefore to easily apply it every time, you just have to apply slight pressure on the lever, apply the brake until it falls into the notch, but hey, live and learn! So far I am very satisfied, but time will tell how it will hold up. My friends with tractor knowledge tell me it is quite a solid, well-built machine.
Pros: Ease of use, power, & it's comfortable.
Cons: Crappy placement of ignition switch and turn signal indicator. Tip: have your ignition key replaced with a short version, Bobcat has the short keys. The tool box is designed for a three year old! I threw mine out and built one, adult sized, out of wood.
Model Year: 2009
I've just signed up to this website, so hello everyone. I purchased my Bobcat CT 235 in April 2010. I mostly move horse manure, sawdust bedding, mow lawns (3pt hitch 5 foot finish mower) and will clear snow in the winter. I also purchased a 5 ft box blade with the machine. I previously owned a Kubota B7100 (16hp). It would be unfair to compare as the new tractor is quite a bump up from my old orange pumpkin! Mine came with a 68in FEL and for my purposes is great as I mostly move lighter material. The loader capacity and speed/strength is all I need and more and therefore am very happy with the performance. The hydrostatic transmission is fantactic when mowing lawns, no more shifting and the 3pt is live so the mower maintains rpm which makes the job easier and faster. I performed the 50 hour service myself because who can afford today's labor rate? In any event, the manual adequately explains everything and all the drain plugs are painted orange (stupid proof), they obviously had me in mind during the design stage. I replaced all filters and oils as per the manual. The upper hyd. filter might be a challenge but you can remove the seat bolts and lift the seat back (you don't even have to disconnect the kill switch), this takes 5 minutes and fully exposes the upper filter. This tractor is very easy to work on for a novice as everything is quite easy to reach. The only warranty was a replacement of the brake lever. I initially thought it tightened via a cam, in other words the harder you push the tighter the brake applies, but I was wrong--I broke the lever off! It wasn't until I looked under and found that it just slips into a notch. Therefore to easily apply it every time, you just have to apply slight pressure on the lever, apply the brake until it falls into the notch, but hey, live and learn! So far I am very satisfied, but time will tell how it will hold up. My friends with tractor knowledge tell me it is quite a solid, well-built machine.
Pros: Ease of use, power, & it's comfortable.
Cons: Crappy placement of ignition switch and turn signal indicator. Tip: have your ignition key replaced with a short version, Bobcat has the short keys. The tool box is designed for a three year old! I threw mine out and built one, adult sized, out of wood.