Hey neighbor, no need to ever apologize to me.
On your question pertaining to the differences in the CT225, and the CT230. There's absolutly no difference in the two models, except in the HP category. Although you would gain a mere 28lbs, tractor weight, with the CT230. Now bear in mind that every single pound will be a great help. Especially if you're planning on digging into the other side of my hill? That said; a cooler full of beer should eliminate the weight difference.
You're only getting 3 more gross HP, with the 230, over the 225. The 225 has 27HP, gross. The 230 has 30 gross. In the PTO category, you'd only gain 2.5HP with the 230. If you want the specs it's 19.5 vs 22. A good analogy of the difference would be the power of your weed eater. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is; Save your money, to fill the cooler.
You're in N.C., and I'm just over the hill. If you plan on using a Bushhog, now, or in the future, the PTO HP will be a huge factor. If you are climbing around on steep hills; especially towards my neck of the woods, then your Tractor's gross HP will come into play.
There will be plenty of members who will tell you to step up to the CT230; but I wouldn't go there. I see absolutly no gain in the numbers. There will also be a few who'll tell you to go with the CT235. Others will tell you to buy the CT450, or maybe even the USS George Bush Aircraft Carrier? It ain't their money.
Now! Just in case you want the numbers, to decide for yourself; the CT235 has 34 gross HP, with 26.5 on the PTO. In other words you're gaining 7HP, dedicated to your implement, which almost triples the gain you'd get with the 230. You also gain 7HP, gross. Other than that, you gain absolutly nothing in your choice of these three tractors. The 235 weighs pound for pound, exactly the same as the 230, 3056lbs. I'm saying that they're exactly the same tractor, in all other categories, besides the differences that I've mentioned. And just in case you're wondering, the tire sizes are exactly the same.
If I were considering the CT230, over the CT225, I wouldn't think twice about stepping up to the CT235. If you'll push the dealer, just a little, I'd bet a dollar to a donut that you can buy the CT235 for a lot better bargain. In other words, if it were me, I'd simply buy the CT225; instead of the CT230, but I wouldn't buy either one. I'd go for the CT235.
Prices will continue to fall, for a little while longer, due to deflation and jobs being lost. By the middle of next year we'll see inflation running a muck, due to our stupid government's throwing money at the problem. Don't get caught with a tractor that's too small. You'll never see them sell; for as low as they will get, sometime later this fall.
Remember: with any tractor you buy, there's freight, handling, and assembly. These charges are about the same, regardless of the tractor's size. The free loader is just as free, regardless of the tractor's size.
Your neighbor, across the hill. Art
