Buying Advice CT230 / CT235 questions

azop · Feb 22, 2011

Next stupid question.

What would I need besides dual remotes so that I can change the adjustment of the box blade or scrapper blade without getting down from the tractor?

Dmace · Feb 22, 2011

azop said:
Next stupid question.

What would I need besides dual remotes so that I can change the adjustment of the box blade or scrapper blade without getting down from the tractor?

Just one of these little guys in place of the top link.
Tractor Hydraulic toplinks, Top-N-Tilt, Side link cylinders

Fred Barbour · Feb 23, 2011

Regarding a box blade for snow removal. I have both a snow blade and box blade but actually prefer the box blade for snow removal. I hate the windrows and the gravel fired up on the lawn over a winters plowing. The box blade pulls everything out to the street and I use my loader to push the snow into the ditch.

The box blade if properly adjusted will NOT pull your gravel out of your driveway. I extend the top link to the max. This lifts the front cutter off the ground by at least two inches. The box blade then drags on the back blade. In the first part of the winter I leave the front blade raised to the max, after a half dozen plows the driveway is now frozen and the snow has been built up because the back cutter has been dragging and packing. I then gradually lower the front cutter to remove the excess and voila, your driveway is perfectly plowed.

I find the box blade indispensible, winter and summer.

Fred (Bobcat CT235, Bobcat 5 ft box blade)

94BULLITT · Feb 23, 2011

You may want to get general purpose tires. They give you a wider stance which is more stable for a loader. They are also easier on the turf and they provide more traction than turf tires. Most compact tractors already have general purpose tires on them. You will also want fluid in the tires which is usually standard for a tractor with a loader.

azop · Feb 24, 2011

After talking to the dealer there is only one tractor left that has the FEL program, a 2010 CT230. I wanted a CT235, but the free FEL was a big selling point. The CT235 would only come with a $2150 rebate.

It already has GP tires, so I guess I'm going to go with that model.

birddriver · Feb 24, 2011

I agree that the free loader is a key item. I went with the 230 and I took delivery in Dec. of 2010. I paid $15, 300 for it. I have really only been using it for snow plowing and right now without a blade or box Iam using the 62 inch bucket that it came with. While not ideal it is getting the job done. The only problem with using the bucket has bene with heavy snow or ice. I need a ballast box or an attachment to keep those rear tires planted. I am going to use the $1500 or so dollars that I would have spent on the 235 to get me a box and blade for the upcoming year. At 3800 pounds with the loader I have been rutting up my grass whenever we get a melt. If I do mow with it I will be getting a used 3PT finish mower. At 2 or 3000 for a new one they can keep it. I do like my machine and good luck with yours.

azop · Feb 24, 2011

birddriver said:
II have really only been using it for snow plowing and right now without a blade or box Iam using the 62 inch bucket that it came with. While not ideal it is getting the job done. The only problem with using the bucket has bene with heavy snow or ice. I need a ballast box or an attachment to keep those rear tires planted.

Thanks!

How many inches of snow have you used the tractor with? I imagine I'll just have to try it out and see, but I'm hoping that a decent six inch snow won't be a problem if I have a rear box blade on it.

Canada_CT230 · Feb 24, 2011

I have a CT230 and use it for cultivating my 7 acre field, tilling and snow removal (blower and bucket). I've never had any problems with its power or capability. Get it and enjoy.

birddriver · Feb 25, 2011

I live in N.E. Ohio and have moved as muck as 14 inches of snow at a time. When it is powder it is not a problem. We had an ice storm and had 2 inches of snow and 2 inches of ice. The tractor and the bucket did fine with it. The problem was traction. I need to add a ballast box or an attachment to lift the heavier loads because my tires are not filled. I have not really needed chains on the machine but my land is flat. With hills you might need them.

70stang · Mar 10, 2011

I did not have much time but I stopped at the Bobcat CT235 and CT335 for the first time. I like the smaller size of the CT235 but I have never driven a tracotr with teh toe/heel control and brakes on the same side.
I like the CT335 controls which are just like Jdeere.

Any Comments on these?

Price for CT235 $16,900 with FEL
Price for CT335 $19,800 with FEL

I also looking for a backhoe. Delaer had a used BH to fit the CT335.

CT335 with Used 8TB BH, tax & Delvery = $26,818
CT235 with New 7TB BH, tax & Delvery = $26,335

Just unsure of the size of the CT335 -- sitting side by side that CT335 looks BIG.

I have been to JD & Kobuta dealers who are nervous just letting me run the tracotr around the parking lot. The Bobcat dealer told me to stop in when I had more time and I could take them both up to the dirt pile out back and play.
Has anyone heard of this?

How do you guys like the hel/toe and brake on same side.

Does the CT235 have seperate brakes, how do you use it with only one foot?