Buying Advice Bobcat tractor's new "Orphan Brand" status.

Pierrepont · Dec 9, 2012

I have a Bobcat CT230 and for many months have been thinking about a new, larger tractor. This past week I started to get serious and while discussing a possible trade-in at the Kubota dealer I was told my machine is now an "orphan brand" and therefore not worth what it was as recently as September. I next spoke with the New Holland dealer about a trade-in and he brought up the same topic. After my initial shock I don't know whether to be disappointed or angry. I had the impression tractors held their value well.

The Kubota dealer said I should act quickly if I'm going to trade or sell outright as he forecasts Bobcat values are going to plummet. He suggested that I might have a little more luck on trade value at a Kioti dealer as they are a very similar tractor. His bottom line: Do something now or get ready to live with my Bobcat for a long time.

Is this the common sense out there? Anyone else thinking of trading and experiencing this line of thinking? After some hard thinking this weekend I believe I'm going to cut my losses and get rid of this machine ASAP while I can still get a trade offer (low) of any kind.

CurlyDave · Dec 9, 2012

I don't know if it is everybody's sense, but I sure think those dealers are right.

It may be a white Kioti, but not everyone is as knowledgable as people on this board. So, the prices offered will go down.

catdozer · Dec 9, 2012

Why not trading for a larger bobcat? Bobcat has been around for a long time and will not leave people hanging with an orphan tractor. All they did was stop selling them. You still have a very large parts source. if your looking to trade for a bigger tractor go with a larger bobcat

Bob77064 · Dec 9, 2012

Just like car dealers the tractor dealers will use any reason to tell you that your trade is worth less. Then will say something else when they sell it.

hosspuller · Dec 9, 2012

Since you're already thinking of trading... Do it soon. Otherwise, keep it. Since it is really a white Kioti, parts and service will be around for a while. I've heard that parts are interchangeable.

Tractors that were sold in years past like Ford's 9N had many thousands of units. Parts are sourced by many as will fit. That's why the 9N and its ilk hold their value as your impression.

You're depending on Kioti to build the same sort of following. At least in the near term, Bobcat & Kioti will support your tractor.

Be glad you don't have a Montana brand tractor.

EddieWalker · Dec 9, 2012

Why trade it in and take a huge loss on what you paid for it? Why not list it for what you think it's worth and then see what buyers are willing to pay? If you are not in a rush, and you don't have to have a bigger tractor right away, it seems that taking your time to get as much out of your tractor will give you more money when you decide to buy. Another thing to remember is that the more cash in hand that you have, the easier it is to deal with a dealer on the price and financing of a new tractor.

Eddie

94BULLITT · Dec 9, 2012

How much would your Bobcat dealer charge to sell it on consignment? They should be able to get the best price out of it.

Pierrepont · Dec 10, 2012

Neither the Kubota Dealer nor the New Holland Dealer suggested that the Bobcat was a bad tractor. The Kubota dealer was just expressing concern that he would have to work harder and wait longer for a sale at a lower price as he likely will have to try to overcome a buyer's objections/concerns when considering an orphan brand purchase. It was this opinion, coupled with the declining Bobcat values already evidenced on the internet for used and new Bobcat compact tractors, that he is wrestling with. He does share confidence that most parts can be found if needed.

I've not yet found a larger Bobcat available to demo within my area, (dealers don't have inventory of new, larger machines), but I've also not yet looked hard. I've emailed 3 Bobcat dealers asking when they will receive more inventory and have not received a response in over 10 days. I have limited time to do this research and in that there are Kubota and New Holland dealers not far away and these brands were on my radar when I bought the Bobcat I think I'm just going to take the hit on my Bobcat trade now and be done with. It's a darn shame.

jonnyc1999 · Dec 10, 2012

It's too bad, even Bobcat is lowballing their trade-in offers on their tractors. I made a call a few weeks ago to look into trading in my CT122 for a new CT335, and the offer they gave me on my one year old tractor was ludicrous!!! He actually didn't even want to tell me the offer! My dealer, whom I really like, told me to try and sell it privately, and come see him in the spring when they'll be selling tractors for 50 cents on the dollar. Its sad, but if we wait a few months there might be opportunities for great deals!

RDrancher · Dec 10, 2012

"Orphan brand"?..maybe to the dealers, but in the real world Bobcat has a darn recognizable name. I'd advertise it privately and see what happens.

94BULLITT · Dec 10, 2012

jonnyc1999 said:
It's too bad, even Bobcat is lowballing their trade-in offers on their tractors. I made a call a few weeks ago to look into trading in my CT122 for a new CT335, and the offer they gave me on my one year old tractor was ludicrous!!! He actually didn't even want to tell me the offer! My dealer, whom I really like, told me to try and sell it privately, and come see him in the spring when they'll be selling tractors for 50 cents on the dollar. Its sad, but if we wait a few months there might be opportunities for great deals!

The 335 was discontinued so if they sell that one they would probably have to locate one at another dealer.

Gil Case · Dec 10, 2012

Pierpont, What do you want for your Bobcat? My son is in northwest CT and is looking for a used tractor. He would not be afraid of the orphan status.

jonnyc1999 · Dec 10, 2012

94BULLITT said:
The 335 was discontinued so if they sell that one they would probably have to locate one at another dealer.

Yeah, how about that! I wanted to trade my "orphan tractor" for a "double orphan"!!! I don't need a bigger tractor whatsoever, but the CT335 and 440 cabbed would be sooo nice!

BigBoyinMS · Dec 10, 2012

hosspuller said:
Be glad you don't have a Montana brand tractor.

I guess that comment is strictly concerning resale value. Although I would think spending a little time educating a potential buyer can make that less of an issue than most seem to think. Which is exactly what the dealer will do to get the price up.
As far as Montana parts availability and quality... I have had -0- problems. LS stocks all the Montana green body parts along with their blue body parts. A lot of the mechanical, electrical and even some body parts are the same as on current LS's. And the prices I've paid are well within reason. Comparing Montana's and Bobcat's situation... I don't see much difference... other than the Bobcat name. I'm sure that has to be worth a nickle or two.

Pierrepont · Dec 11, 2012

On Tuesday I spoke with a Bobcat dealer about a possible trade or consignment sale of my ct230. He was not very interested nor optimistic. While they sell a wide range of Bobcat brand equipment, the Dealer indicated that they were not going to order anymore compact tractors for inventory and that they were not very interested in trying to locate a larger tractor for me. "We're Done!" with the compacts was his comment.

Gittyup · Dec 11, 2012

Pierrepont said:
On Tuesday I spoke with a Bobcat dealer about a possible trade or consignment sale of my ct230. He was not very interested nor optimistic. While they sell a wide range of Bobcat brand equipment, the Dealer indicated that they were not going to order anymore compact tractors for inventory and that they were not very interested in trying to locate a larger tractor for me. "We're Done!" with the compacts was his comment.

Wow! While Bobcat might stand behind them, it doesn't look like the dealers are. I think the BCs are good tractors. But, anyone that wants to sell theirs had best consider private sale. And buyers need to understand what they buying into. OK for some; maybe not for others.

k0ua · Dec 11, 2012

OK, so you go down to the Kioti dealership and get a few decals, then to your paint supplier and get some Kioti orange, then after a good spray paint job... Who would know? Oh sure I know there are a few minor details, fraud and all of that, but... just saying

James K0UA

kiotiken · Dec 11, 2012

IMHO, it's nuts to take a giant hit. Bobcat dealers aren't interested in your tractor and that's exactly why Bobcat is getting out of tractors. Dealers sell construction equipment not ag. equipment and there's very little cross sales between the two types of equipment, it never was a good fit for Bobcat. They don't know tractors, and they don't want to know tractors.

Sell privately, these dealers are selling you a line.

BleedingOrange · Dec 11, 2012

To the OP, Rather than having us speculate on what crazy offers you are getting from the different dealers on your tractor, can you actually tell us what they are offering ? And also tell us you think it is worth. Some numbers might clear things up a bit.
What all equipment do you have that will go with it, and how much do you want for it ?

wallace · Dec 11, 2012

I'm not done selling them!!!
I will also take any and all Bobcats in on trade!

Just let me point something out here.
I will use the CT335 as a example.
The 335 with R4 tires, a loader w/quick tach bucket. Lists for $27,372.00 less dealer set up.
Now with todays incentives I am able to sell that machine for around say $17,500-18,500
So you are already seeing aprox $10,000 of the list price! Now go to Kubota or Deere and ask them to give you 10K off list!!!!!!!!!! Tell me what they said!!
So in a nut shell..
I can give you $20,000 on your CT230 if you want to trade it. As long as you let me sell off of list price!
Or mayb you would liketo look at it this way. I will give you $16,500 for your trade and you can buy the CT335 for $24,500 and your still getting a big dicount off of list!
But wait I'm not done yet!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, Yes I am!
Here is the reality of it all.
Your CT230 is worth around $9,000-10,000 on trade in.(not sure about the hours or condition)
I will sell you a new Bobcat with todays incentives for thousands less than you can buy a new Deere, Kubota or any other brand out there.
Look at it how ever you want, its just flipping numbers.
If you trade in your machine for a new Cat, You will be the winner in the end! Your are going to save a boat load of money.
One other thing I will point out to everyone out here.
Its called Tier 4.
You want to see your resale values go up. Hang onto your machines untill the new emissioned tractors start hitting the lots. We complain about prices now! Imgine looking at the same tractor in a year in a half from now and seeing them for 3-5k more in price.
The demand for used compacts will drive the values way up.