Bobcat Purchase

[Bee man]

Looking for a little help...

I have the option to purchase either one of the following from 2 different dealers. The first is a 2008 Bobcat CT225 with 150 hours for $13,900. The second is a 2011 Bobcat CT230 with 135 hours for $15,900. Now I realize that these are very similar machines and are only asking prices. My question for all of you is, which one would be the better deal? I saw once before on a post here where someone actually knew what factory/dealer cost was on these units. Just looking for a little leverage when negotiating. Thank you

Tony

 

[Fred Barbour]

Looking for a little help...

I have the option to purchase either one of the following from 2 different dealers. The first is a 2008 Bobcat CT225 with 150 hours for $13,900. The second is a 2011 Bobcat CT230 with 135 hours for $15,900. Now I realize that these are very similar machines and are only asking prices. My question for all of you is, which one would be the better deal? I saw once before on a post here where someone actually knew what factory/dealer cost was on these units. Just looking for a little leverage when negotiating. Thank you


I have a 2009 CT235 with over 500 hours and have been very happy. If you read past posts, some Bobcat CT 225 owners have commented that they wished they had a bit more horsepower. If it were me I would choose the newer more powerful CT230.

Fred

 

[tman1020]

That is a lot of price difference for a very small hp difference. I'm not sure if there were any significant upgrades to the 2011model. I think it's only like 2.5 hp difference I not convinced that would even be noticeable.

If they are both hydrostat the relief pressure settings are the same so there won't be power difference noticeable there. Pto will be the only opportunity for felt hp gain. Sure more hp is always cool but I went with the 225 and have no power complaints and I run about everything. As far as price hard to say, that is very low hours. I know original retail was considerably higher, condition would be a big factor for me. For the record I love mine.

 

[powerscol]

Wow I did not know they were holding their price that well. What are your primary goals for the tractor. I have the CT 235 and would not go with any less PTO power. I think both are overpriced.

If you have a Kioti dealer near you , you can compare as the CK units are twins to the Bobcat except for some items as electrical and safety switches.

Once we know what your trying to use it for we can advice better.
Hope this helps.

PS back in 2011 I only paid about 16.5K for my CT235 as a comparison.

 

[Bee man]

Wow I did not know they were holding their price that well. What are your primary goals for the tractor. I have the CT 235 and would not go with any less PTO power. I think both are overpriced.

If you have a Kioti dealer near you , you can compare as the CK units are twins to the Bobcat except for some items as electrical and safety switches.

Once we know what your trying to use it for we can advice better.
Hope this helps.

PS back in 2011 I only paid about 16.5K for my CT235 as a comparison.

Will be using the tractor for primarily loader work...cleaning out the chicken coops, turning compost pile, moving lake weed into garden are. Would also eventually run a garden plow and maybe a tiller. Also looking into rear forks to haul IBC tote (rainwater collection) around garden to water the plants. I met with the dealer today on the CT230. I asked him for absolute best price. Out the door with me paying cash. He quoted me $15000. I told him that I would have to think about it. The tractor is amazingly clean.

 

[Pierrepont]

Bobcat CT prices appear to have rebounded in the past year.

When Bobcat announced that they were leaving the compact tractor market it caused anxiety with Bobcat tractor owners, potential buyers and Bobcat dealers. Many folks were quick to knock-down the value of Bobcat tractor inventory, new and used, and selling prices trended downward. In 2013 brand new out of the box CT230 machines were selling in my neighborhood for $12,000 to $13,500.

CT235 machines were $800 - $1000 more and CT225 machines were were about $700 - $1000 less.

In 2013 a neighbor sold his 200 hour, two year old CT235 for $11,000. Last year you could buy a brand new CT225 at the Bobcat FACTORY DEALERSHIP about 50 miles from me for $12,500. Also last year, I was tempted by a like new 100 hour one year old CT230 WITHOUT loader for $8000 at the local New Holland dealer. (I regret not buying that to mow our fields).

This year used Bobcat CT tractors have almost all trended to higher asking prices. I suggest the price rebound reflects that: all the low priced new units have been sold; Bobcat Corporation is still here and going strong and parts and warranty and regular maintenance service for ALL Bobcat tractors is still taking place everyday; most people who purchased Bobcats like them and are not flooding the market with used ones.

Additionally there is a perception that in many parts of the US the economy is improving a bit -- AND the new Tier IV emissions stuff has raised the price of new equipment.

In a nutshell, The Bobcat tractor situation has stabilized and the marketplace is reflecting this fact.

 

[SSdoxie]

Either one of these will do the tasks listed very well. A few differences besides to think about.
1. Check the 1st 4 digits of serial number on the CT225 - if it starts with "A59B" that is a 25 HP. If it starts with ABFJ - it is 27 HP. Depending on serial number there could be greater difference in HP.
2. The '08 CT225 will have a Rhino built loader and the '11 CT230 will have a Bobcat built loader. The Bobcat built loader seems to have tighter build tolerance, less free-play in pivot pins. The Rhino loader is listed with slightly more lift capacity (about 100 lbs.). Many 2008 loaders did not have Bob-Tach (SSQA) on them but can be added. Cylinder seal kits for the Rhino loader are more expensive.
3. Unless it has been upgraded already, the '08 oil cooler was prone to leaking due to vibration.

With that said, I have an 2009 CT225 (27HP) with Rhino loader and am very satisfied with it. Use it primarily for FEL work with occasional tiller (60") and bushhoging with no complaints.

 

[Bee man]

Either one of these will do the tasks listed very well. A few differences besides to think about.
1. Check the 1st 4 digits of serial number on the CT225 - if it starts with "A59B" that is a 25 HP. If it starts with ABFJ - it is 27 HP. Depending on serial number there could be greater difference in HP.
2. The '08 CT225 will have a Rhino built loader and the '11 CT230 will have a Bobcat built loader. The Bobcat built loader seems to have tighter build tolerance, less free-play in pivot pins. The Rhino loader is listed with slightly more lift capacity (about 100 lbs.). Many 2008 loaders did not have Bob-Tach (SSQA) on them but can be added. Cylinder seal kits for the Rhino loader are more expensive.
3. Unless it has been upgraded already, the '08 oil cooler was prone to leaking due to vibration.

With that said, I have an 2009 CT225 (27HP) with Rhino loader and am very satisfied with it. Use it primarily for FEL work with occasional tiller (60") and bushhoging with no complaints.

Thank you so much for the feedback. It is all very useful.

 

[Nlight]

Either one of these will do the tasks listed very well. A few differences besides to think about.
1. Check the 1st 4 digits of serial number on the CT225 - if it starts with "A59B" that is a 25 HP. If it starts with ABFJ - it is 27 HP. Depending on serial number there could be greater difference in HP.
2. The '08 CT225 will have a Rhino built loader and the '11 CT230 will have a Bobcat built loader. The Bobcat built loader seems to have tighter build tolerance, less free-play in pivot pins. The Rhino loader is listed with slightly more lift capacity (about 100 lbs.). Many 2008 loaders did not have Bob-Tach (SSQA) on them but can be added. Cylinder seal kits for the Rhino loader are more expensive.
3. Unless it has been upgraded already, the '08 oil cooler was prone to leaking due to vibration.

With that said, I have an 2009 CT225 (27HP) with Rhino loader and am very satisfied with it. Use it primarily for FEL work with occasional tiller (60") and bushhoging with no complaints.

Great job in drilling down for the facts while helping a member make an informed decision! Where can the S/N vs. HP information be found? Just curious, I have a CT235.

 

[powerscol]

Serial number should be on a plate attached to the frame. It will be up front on the side near the front corner somewhere. For HP there is a plate on the engine cover. Your loader will also have a plate, usually near the cross member on the inside of the loader arm and/or on the QA plate.
Hope this helps.