Buying Advice Bobcat CT 225

[TSO]

That's a question I seriously need to get answered. The Kubota dealer told me to go with a LS3800, and roto-till it, with a reverse tiller. I don't know if a ct225 could pull that off, as apparently, the Kubota can.

It's appearing as there is no sure fire right decision, unless you pull the $$$ out of the equation, then it's easy. Ha

I think you mean "L3800" right? Not to be confused with the LS G3038

 

[jimmysisson]

With the Bobcat, you may get service while it's in warranty (probably won't need any) but a few years from now, when they are long gone from the tractor business, how much will it be worth to sell or trade? Kind of hard to sell an orphan model.
Jim

 

[MoPops]

I think you mean "L3800" right? Not to be confused with the LS G3038

YES!! L3800, sorry about that..

 

[MoPops]

With the Bobcat, you may get service while it's in warranty (probably won't need any) but a few years from now, when they are long gone from the tractor business, how much will it be worth to sell or trade? Kind of hard to sell an orphan model.
Jim

I agree.. Another part of the decision. I'm hoping the bobcat name, and the link to kaoti, will help hold up the value.

 

[motownbrowne]

Whatever you get, if you're doing any work in soil, tilling, plowing, etc. ag tires will be better. R4s are better for lots of loader work and not denting your wet lawn. R1s are better for traction.

 

[Gittyup]

I was suggesting gear, not to save money, but more to give you extra power for your tasks. The geared models have more PTO power, and might yield more power to the ground too.

The guy I'm talking with about the ct225 seems like a buyer/reseller, he's got three left, I think there are no other choices. From all I've read, if I can afford the hst, I'm going for it. Just depends on how much more tractor I can buy by giving it up.

 

[k0ua]

I was suggesting gear, not to save money, but more to give you extra power for your tasks. The geared models have more PTO power, and might yield more power to the ground too.

This is very true, BUT, if you are going to operate a tiller, or snow blower or rotary cutter, the HST will shine because you can infinitely change ground speed if you hit a hard spot or thick brush with a rotary cutter and speed up a second later all without changing your RPM on the implement. Sometimes with gear drive it is hard to find the exact speed you want, and when that exact speed you want is constantly changing, then that is what you are doing, constantly changing gears trying to find that "best one". You cannot always do that, so you give up and choose the lowest one that will work. This results in less efficiency. I mowed 7 acres every 2 weeks or less with a gear tractor, with a 6 foot mower, and then switched to a 3 less horsepower HST tractor with a 5 foot mower and cut the total mowing time from 7 hours to 5 hours. Yes it makes a difference. A loader is another area that HST shines, it is just faster and easier on the operator. BUT if is was plowing straight furrows, and wanted the maximum power the tractor makes put to the ground, this is where gear drives are Superior.

 

[arnoldziffel]

The Bobcat name and reputation for exceptional customer support coupled with the fact that this tractor series is still in production, (sold under different labels), goes a long way to support future resale value. If the ct225 fits your budget and meets your basic needs I would not hesitate to buy it.

 

[DK35vince]

I mowed 7 acres every 2 weeks or less with a gear tractor, with a 6 foot mower, and then switched to a 3 less horsepower HST tractor with a 5 foot mower and cut the total mowing time from 7 hours to 5 hours.

I'm just curious, what in the world are you mowing that it takes 7 hours to mow 7 acres with a gear machine.

 

[k0ua]

I'm just curious, what in the world are you mowing that it takes 7 hours to mow 7 acres with a gear machine.

A lot of trimming around trees with the finish mower. That is one reason the HST was so much quicker.

 

[MESSMAKER]

That's a question I seriously need to get answered. The Kubota dealer told me to go with a LS3800, and roto-till it, with a reverse tiller. I don't know if a ct225 could pull that off, as apparently, the Kubota can.

It's appearing as there is no sure fire right decision, unless you pull the $$$ out of the equation, then it's easy. Ha

10 acres is a lot to till. I can till about 1/2 acre per hour if it is new ground. Might be able to almost an acre per hour if it has been tilled before. I don't think a reverse tiller is necessary.

 

[MoPops]

10 acres is a lot to till. I can till about 1/2 acre per hour if it is new ground. Might be able to almost an acre per hour if it has been tilled before. I don't think a reverse tiller is necessary.

I'm trying to do a bit more research. I'm planting alfalfa. Possibly I can just pull a disc through?
Thx

 

[MoPops]

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Bobcat CT225.
Stopped by the seller yesterday, and checked it out.
The biggest change in the decision making process was finding a guy that wanted to plant my 10 acres of alfalfa. I'm just going to get cash rent ok the acres.
So my main tractor needs are going to be, cleaning up brush and tree tops, mowing and pulling a box blade.
I also went with the industrial tires.
Thanks everyone, for all the advice.
Jeff

 

[Gittyup]

Congrats. That's a nice tractor. You'll be happy with it.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Check the Bobcat tractor forum on this site. Downloadable service manual and service tracking form was available. Both are very handy.
I have the same tractor. let me know if I can help.

 

[MoPops]

Check the Bobcat tractor forum on this site. Downloadable service manual and service tracking form was available. Both are very handy.
I have the same tractor. let me know if I can help.

I need to download it. Thank you.
Played around on it a bit yesterday. It's my first tractor, I know my opinions will change, but it seems perfect for what I want it to do.

 

[k0ua]

I need to download it. Thank you.
Played around on it a bit yesterday. It's my first tractor, I know my opinions will change, but it seems perfect for what I want it to do.

Since you mention this is your first tractor. Just remember, you do need rear ballast before you take on any heavy loader work. I use my ballast barrel and also have loaded tires. But if you remember nothing else, to keep the shiny side up, never travel with a loaded FEL bucket above the level of the tractors hood. This is the number one mistake newbies make and it leads to tractor rollovers. With your loader up high, you raise your center of gravity considerably and all it takes is a small depression in the ground on the low side or a small rock on the high side to start your tractor into a roll over condition. Keep in mind that the front axle is on a single pivot bolt and when a rear tire leaves the ground the tractor will pivot one way or the other. Keep the shiny side up and happy tractoring!

 

[MoPops]

Thanks!
A few times yesterday I'd try to lift the loader, and the bucket would be hung up on the stump. I was very surprised at how easy it was for the rear end to lift.. Got a immediate reaction from me..
I need to work out rear ballast, and get tires loaded. What's easiest, best way to get the tires loaded? Will a tractor tire service come out and do it, or should I take it in?
Thx

 

[arnoldziffel]

May I suggest an immediate purchase of a properly sized ballast box. Your owner's manual will instruct you in how much weight to ad to the box. I have 1,100 lbs. in mine.

Affordable ballast boxes are frequently available on Craigslist.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks!
A few times yesterday I'd try to lift the loader, and the bucket would be hung up on the stump. I was very surprised at how easy it was for the rear end to lift.. Got a immediate reaction from me..
I need to work out rear ballast, and get tires loaded. What's easiest, best way to get the tires loaded? Will a tractor tire service come out and do it, or should I take it in?
Thx

The best way is to do it yourself.. Do not let them put in calcium chloride unless you use tubes in the tires.. it will rot the rims. Calcium chloride is a salt. I don't like to use it at all even if it is still an industry standard. One reason is if you do have a puncture even with a tube, it sprays salt water all over your tractor, and on the ground. It will kill vegetation also. Rimguard (beet juice byproduct) is good and must be put in by a tire service (they wont sell it to individuals). You can put in Windshield Washer fluid (low temp kind) or methanol mix or RV antifreeze (propolene glycol) yourself Now is a good time to buy the RV antifreeze and the low temp Windshield Washer fluid. You can buy the simple tire fill/burp adapter for about 10 dollars at Tractor supply and other locations.

Slime® Air/Water Adapter Kit with Bleeder Valve - Tractor Supply Co.