Tractor Sizing ct 225 or ct 230?

coldfingers · Feb 7, 2012

Hello, new to the forum. I'm looking at buying a ct 225 or ct 230. Using it around the yard, pushing snow, some dirt hauling, snow blowing, etc. Dealer suggested a 230 if I was going to use a three point snowblower, he thought the 225 would be a little under powered for that job. About a 1000.00 price difference between the two tractors. I also looked at the kubota tractors but keep coming back to bobcats. Thanks for your help.

Skinnyman · Feb 7, 2012

If the $1000 isn't a major concern, I would go with the 230. I assume the 225 also uses the 7TL loader. I have the 235 and love it. I think you will find you will find more uses over time and will like the extra horse power.

SSdoxie · Feb 7, 2012

For $1000 difference you are looking at:
3 more gross HP - 27 vs 30
1.5 PTO HP - 19.5 vs 22.
Everything else is the same.

A lot depends on how much value that is for you. What size blower, normal snow depth blowing, moisture content of snow.

I don't have snow here but I use a 5' tiller on my 225 and have no regrets. It will handle the tiller faster than the tiller can work the ground.

I used a 235 twice, for loader work no PTO application at the time, then bought the 225. For loader work and digging the extra HP was not worth the cost, both tractors loose traction before HP becomes an issue.

coldfingers · Feb 7, 2012

Yes, the 225 uses the 7TL loader also. Thanks for the replies.

Canada_CT230 · Feb 8, 2012

CT230...worth the extra few $ for a little more power. I feel the 225 is marginal. Then you throw in hot summer temps and difficult conditions and the few extra ponies might be the difference.

I am happy with my CT230. I have mostly 60" sized implements but I have a 76" snowbower and a 72" cultivator.

engine29 · Feb 8, 2012

Don't forget the Bobcat is made by Kioti so if you have a Kioti dealer around look into them. They don't have a 25 (used to) but a 27 and 30.

coldfingers · Feb 8, 2012

They call it a ct225 but it is a 27 hp. tractor so you get an extra 3 hp. when you go up to the ct 230, correct me if I'm wrong. It has 19.5 pto hp. and the 230 has 22 pto hp. I think that is where the dealer thinks its a little short for the blower. He was talking about a "66" blower if I'm not mistaking. Canada, I'm surprised you have a "76" blower on yours. Thanks Guys.

Canada_CT230 · Feb 8, 2012

coldfingers said:
They call it a ct225 but it is a 27 hp. tractor so you get an extra 3 hp. when you go up to the ct 230, correct me if I'm wrong. It has 19.5 pto hp. and the 230 has 22 pto hp. I think that is where the dealer thinks its a little short for the blower. He was talking about a "66" blower if I'm not mistaking. Canada, I'm surprised you have a "76" blower on yours. Thanks Guys.

Why are you surprised at the 76"?

Yes...the CT230 has 22HP @ PTO.

coldfingers · Feb 8, 2012

Just cause the way they were talking about 66 inchers, I didn't think you could go much more than that. I'm impressed!

Canada_CT230 · Feb 8, 2012

I could probably run a 96"...It is all based on what you are chewing thru. The max I get is maybe 8-10" and on the average about 4-5". It is also nice fluffy snow.

If I get the need to chew thru a snow bank or large drift then I make the blower only eat half of it. Either by raising the 3pt a foot or so or only feeding 1/2 of the blower. But those times are rare.

bob2299 · Feb 8, 2012

I also have the CT230, with a front snow blower, 6 feet wide, it work good and I get 24 inch of snow here in Northern Ontario. the only draw back is you have to remove the bucket. $1000.00 difference, are you paying cash because if you are making payment what is the difference on a 5yr payment for $1000.00 more, I am only asking because when I bought mine they had a 5yr zero interest payment plan.

coldfingers · Feb 9, 2012

They gave me a cash price instead of the % interest deal. Sounds like the ct 230 would be the better investment in the long run.

Loren49 · Feb 11, 2012

With the HST drive, ground speed can be adjusted to compensate for 3 less hp. Is it worth $1000 to go a bit faster when tilling or blowing snow. Power shouldn't be a factor most of the time.

Loren

Bigasspilot · Feb 11, 2012

I would suggest that you look seriously at the Bobcat CT 235. It gives you an extra 5 hp over the 230. You can never have too much HP!

Dr_Zinj · Feb 14, 2012

Get the 230 or the 235 if you can afford it.

Horse power matters when it comes to responsiveness of the hydraulics as well as the pushing/pulling capacity of the tractor.

The difference between a CT225 and a CT235 running a brush hog through the pucker brush is very noticeable. Ditto running a PTO driven wood chipper.

pharmon · Feb 14, 2012

I have had the 230 for a little over 2 years and am very happy with it. I'm primarily a hobby farmer, but use the tractor as my primary snow mover. I have a 64" rear snow blower and have no problems even with that wet slushy stuff the town plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Good luck with your decision!

bbse · Feb 16, 2012

Just got rid of a CT225 with the 27HP engine. I have to say I was very disappointed. I bought it because I got in on the early deal with the free loader and a $3000 rebate. I have hills and I can honestly say unless your ground is flat, I would not have one of these with less than the 35HP engine. I could not come up my back hillside with the front end loader on without going to low range. I could not brush cut on any of the hills except in low range and I bogged her down bad even them. My old Kioti LK3054 would go up those same hills with the brush cutter and a loader in 5th gear and I could accelerate if I wanted to. There is no comparison. With the hydro go for the HP. Also, the key on these models is in a horrible place. Good luck with the knees. Check your local dealer, the one in Nashville didn't seem to care about tractor customers.......other than that, I will be looking for a good used LK 3054

lilranch2001 · Feb 17, 2012

bbse said:
Just got rid of a CT225 with the 27HP engine. I have to say I was very disappointed. I bought it because I got in on the early deal with the free loader and a $3000 rebate. I have hills and I can honestly say unless your ground is flat, I would not have one of these with less than the 35HP engine. I could not come up my back hillside with the front end loader on without going to low range. I could not brush cut on any of the hills except in low range and I bogged her down bad even them. My old Kioti LK3054 would go up those same hills with the brush cutter and a loader in 5th gear and I could accelerate if I wanted to. There is no comparison. With the hydro go for the HP. Also, the key on these models is in a horrible place. Good luck with the knees. Check your local dealer, the one in Nashville didn't seem to care about tractor customers.......other than that, I will be looking for a good used LK 3054

I have a CT235 and I have hills, and I can go up them in second, and sometimes even third if I have enough of a head of steam built up

:confused2:

bbse · Feb 17, 2012

lilranch2001 said:
I have a CT235 and I have hills, and I can go up them in second, and sometimes even third if I have enough of a head of steam built up

:confused2:

That's why I said get a CT235 over the other 2. I don't see 3 HP making a difference but 8 should. I could put my loader against a tree in the field on dry hard dirt and wide open in low, barely openly the hydro pedal, I could stall the engine before I could spin a tire. Dealer brought another out to my place and he couldn't climb the hill or spin a tire either.....last I ever heard from the dealer.

So, if you really want to work get the 35 HP or get a gear tranny. That is my plan.

Canada_CT230 · Feb 17, 2012

I have no power problems with my CT230. I have spun out and dug many holes with the tires. I've lifted stuff that amazed me. I've pulled a hydro service truck out of the ditch with wet slushy snow on the ground.