Buying Advice Bobcat CT 225

MoPops · Mar 9, 2014

TSO said:
I also agree that you should be looking a little larger. I understand budgets, but you can spend just a couple grand more and get way more tractor from either Kioti (same tractor as the Bobcats), LS, TYM, Mahindra, etc.

You can get a new LS G3038 (38hp) with loader for around $15k.

General rule of thumb, especially on your first tractor purchase ... buy one size larger than you think you should.

Where can I find a deal like that? I'll check it out.
Thanks

TSO · Mar 9, 2014

MoPops said:
Where can I find a deal like that? I'll check it out.
Thanks

Here's a local ad, looks like prices for LS are still going up, but there should be some wiggle room in that price.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/grq/4333532782.html

k0ua · Mar 9, 2014

MoPops said:
Where can I find a deal like that? I'll check it out.
Thanks

I priced one for my brother in law at Marshfield, Mo, for about 15K and that was a hydro.. But Marshfield is a bit far for you... See if you can find an LS dealer near you.
Supposed to be one in Shelbina. and one in Freeburg mo.

	Four R-D Repair
Address		351 Fairground Rd Shelbina, MO 63468
Phone		573-588-4444

Gittyup · Mar 9, 2014

My first reaction was that you need more tractor. But, the CT225 should be OK. The price is excellent. It loader height is plenty high enough unless you need to load a dump truck. One suggestion option: rear remotes. I'd get at least one, and preferably 2. Also, for your needs, I'd go AG tires. R4s are terrible in the mud. Good idea to check out LS. I also think a gear version might be a better match for you and save some money. Kioti has geared models of these tractors. Not sure if McCormick is offering geared versions.

arnoldziffel · Mar 9, 2014

I don't use my tractor for 10 acre tilling. Forgive my ignorance, are you considering a rototiller or a plow to till the 10 acres? How much horsepower is needed for either attachment?

How much time does it take to till 10 acres? With more horsepower are you able to move faster and finish sooner? A ct225 is probably only going to pull a one (single) bottom plow, a two bottom or more will of course get the job done sooner.

MoPops · Mar 10, 2014

TSO said:
Here's a local ad, looks like prices for LS are still going up, but there should be some wiggle room in that price.

LS G3038 tractor loader, 38hp, 4 wheel drive

Ok, I am going to try and find a dealer a little closer to me. Thanks again for the help.

Jeff

MoPops · Mar 10, 2014

k0ua said:
I priced one for my brother in law at Marshfield, Mo, for about 15K and that was a hydro.. But Marshfield is a bit far for you... See if you can find an LS dealer near you.
Supposed to be one in Shelbina. and one in Freeburg mo.

I'll be calling these guys today.
Thanks

MoPops · Mar 10, 2014

Gittyup said:
My first reaction was that you need more tractor. But, the CT225 should be OK. The price is excellent. It loader height is plenty high enough unless you need to load a dump truck. One suggestion option: rear remotes. I'd get at least one, and preferably 2. Also, for your needs, I'd go AG tires. R4s are terrible in the mud. Good idea to check out LS. I also think a gear version might be a better match for you and save some money. Kioti has geared models of these tractors. Not sure if McCormick is offering geared versions.

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.

MoPops · Mar 10, 2014

arnoldziffel said:
I don't use my tractor for 10 acre tilling. Forgive my ignorance, are you considering a rototiller or a plow to till the 10 acres? How much horsepower is needed for either attachment?

How much time does it take to till 10 acres? With more horsepower are you able to move faster and finish sooner? A ct225 is probably only going to pull a one (single) bottom plow, a two bottom or more will of course get the job done sooner.

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