Hi all, newbie here! I am looking into the CT225 or 230 just unsure as to what would fit me best for what I am looking to do, so asking for your help! I have a 100 acre property in NY, looking to do some brush hogging, putting in some food plots so figure I can use the Tiller. My questions are on the attachments and if the 225 can handle the tiller and brush hog fine. I am a weekender so not like I am going to be tearing up 50 acres, but don't want to get the 225 and not have enough power. I don't think the price difference between the 225 and 230 is that much of a difference and not sure how much more the additional 3 hp on the 230 would make a difference. Also, I was just quoted about $21K for CT230 by a NJ dealer. This includes the free FEL, 3pt. Auger, 5 Ft. Brush hog, and 5 ft tiller. Seems a bit high to me but not sure as I just started looking into the bobcats! Any information would be helpful!! Thanks!!!
CT225 or 230
- Thread starter tonydn6
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Canada_CT230
Platinum Member
I love my CT230 on my 17 acres. My personal opinion is to get the extra 5 HP. I believe the 225 is 25 and not 27.
Hi Tony!
Congrats on the land situation! How much of it do you think you'll be regularly tending to with the tractor?
The price does sound a little high, do you know if the dealer included both the free front end loader and the rebate (which i believe is $900 on the 225). Also, I started the process using Bobcat implements, but found it can be substantially cheaper to get them elsewhere. If anything, unless you're in a rush, i'd say have them work up a quote for the tractor (plus whatever options you're interested in) separate from the attachments. It will help you compare apples to apples.
My gut reaction is that you're going to want to go to the 230 at a minimum in that chassis, and that you may be looking at altogether too small a tractor, but that's based on not much.
Either way, definitely make sure you get the good seat, it's plush.
MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
I have a 225 and it is up to all the tasks that you mention. I would consider going up to a ct235 if I was looking at more HP. I am sure that 8 would make quite a difference. The newer model 225s hav a 27HP motor, so not much gain on a 230. You can probably save enough money on non-branded impliments to make up the difference. I would think you could get all three for less than $3500 total. Good used might be found for $2000-2500. I don't know your market that well.
Gittyup
Elite Member
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I too suggest going with as much HP as you can afford, preferrably the 235. The Bush hogging and tilling require a good bit of HP and you'd do better with the 235. And with that much land, you don't want to buy too small where it limits the size of your attachments such that every chore is long and hard.
I also think the price is a bit high. The 225 with loader should be under $13K or there abouts. Even new, those implements shouldn't be more than about $4.5K total. You can pick up those attachments used for less than $3K, maybe even under $2K if you shop hard. Used bush hogs are always for sale ($400 - $700). Post hole diggers are less common ($350 - $700) used and Tillers are even a bit harder to find ($900 - $1500). I suggest that because tillers are hard to find that you go ahead and get a new one (maybe not from that dealer). Get a used bush hog and be patient while looking for a PHD. Or if there is a lot of fencing to do, consider a post driver instead. It'll be much faster, but is only for certain kinds of fencing.
A lot of NY is mud control in the spring. So, consider Ag tires rather than industrials too. And Ags are usually cheaper.
I also think the price is a bit high. The 225 with loader should be under $13K or there abouts. Even new, those implements shouldn't be more than about $4.5K total. You can pick up those attachments used for less than $3K, maybe even under $2K if you shop hard. Used bush hogs are always for sale ($400 - $700). Post hole diggers are less common ($350 - $700) used and Tillers are even a bit harder to find ($900 - $1500). I suggest that because tillers are hard to find that you go ahead and get a new one (maybe not from that dealer). Get a used bush hog and be patient while looking for a PHD. Or if there is a lot of fencing to do, consider a post driver instead. It'll be much faster, but is only for certain kinds of fencing.
A lot of NY is mud control in the spring. So, consider Ag tires rather than industrials too. And Ags are usually cheaper.
qed-cat225
Gold Member
I have the 25HP CT225 with 60" brush hog, its tooooo small go with the 235 if at all possible, I am looking to sell my 225 to go to the 235
I have a 27hp 225 and I love it. I use a 60" King Kutter finishing mower, a 60" bush hog, a 2 bottom plow, and a 7' disc harrow. I bush hog about 8 miles of woods roads 3 times a year and plant about 15 acres of food plots every year. The only time I have ever wanted more hp is when I was clearing some of the food plots. Other than that, I have not had any issues with my 225.
Loren49
Veteran Member
The difference between the 27-30-35 hp models is how fast you can travel when tilling or brush hogging. For many jobs the hp makes no difference because traction is the limiting factor. (or safety - faster is not always better) If you have more time than money the 27 will be fine and with more money go up to the 30 or 35. I agree with an earlier post that AG tires may be better for you. I am very pleased with my CK27 gear but it may be different with the HST.
Loren
Loren
Thanks all. I am hoping to check out the 225, 230 and 235 soon. May have to check with Wallace Tractor in PA and another dealer in NY see what they can do for me. The only thing I think I am hung up on is the use of the tiller and having enough hp but from what I have read looks like the 230 should be adequate. Have plenty of acreage in fields that are just overgrown with weeds so I think after brush hogging, roundup and then use of tiller should be good for food plots. Plus looking for something simple for my dad to handle, 66 years young.
MESSMAKER
Veteran Member
Well, any of the above will be comfortable and easy to handle. Everyone that gets on mine comments how everything is right where it should be.
Anyone know where to find videos of the CT225 , 230 or 235 in action other than the bobcat videos that come up on youtube? It would be nice to see these machines in action using some of the implements I mentioned in my original post...tiller, brush hog, etc. I can't find anything online from bobcat owners posting their use of their machines.
There really aren't many, certainly none to help you with the decision between the three. All i can say is that I've had a CT235 for about two weeks and there's no way i'd sell back the extra horsepower at what the sticker shows, and if I could buy more at the going rate, I would. Unfortunately the only way to really do that in the Bobcat line is to step up to the CT4xx series, which begins to become too physically large for me to use in many of my applications (working in dense woods).
Honestly if you're shopping around a budget, I'd say pick up used implements and apply the savings to the extra horsepower.
So far i've bought:
Rotary Cutter: Bobcat list - $1450, I paid $650 for a next to new Howse
Box blade: Bobcat list - $776, I paid $450 for what turned out to be a ~$2K Gannon
Finish Mower: Bobcat list - $2317 (lol), i paid $400 for a beat up KingKutter that works great
Not sure if that helps, good luck with the decision!
wallace
Veteran Member, Approved Advertiser
Hi Rick, I have been meaning to give you a call. I am about 1/2 hour from binghamton which puts me at about 1 1/2 hours from you, not too bad but will have to set something up with you since I am one of those weekend warriors! I'll give you a call sometime this week so we can talk pricing and test drive!
