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.