going to buy CUT tractor - thoughts on Bobcat?

[wango tango]

Hey all

I've been lurking and reading on this site for a bit now...I love it! This is my first post. I'm so excited. :laughing:

As my title says I'm looking to get a CUT. I recently purchases 44 acres (22 tillable/22 timber) and own 6 acres at my house. My in laws farm is 140 acres too.

Here is what I need out of a CUT -

1. front end loader
2. disk or tiller
3. bushhog and/or finish mower
4. relatively modern and 4wd
5. thinking ~ 35 hp

I've been looking high and low and there basically are no CUT's that have a loader and 30+ hp for under ~12k or so. I stumbled across the Bobcats and they are offering a free loader on a new purchase. So for ~ 17k I could get a brand new tractor vs a 10 yr old used one.

I am not brand loyal and know a bit about most of them, but have no first hand experience with them.

The bobcat i'm looking at (235) seems like it would be a great choice. I understand that the paint and fit/finish may not be up to par with a green or orange tractor. But, the value this tractor provides seems outstanding.

It weighs quite a bit more than the NH/Kubota/JD (which seems a big plus)
The loader has more capacity than the NH/Kubota/JD, although it doesn't go as high as some.

I can also trade in my 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 550, which only has 44 hours.

Any thoughts why I wouldn't go with a Bobcat? I know they have a great reputation in the skid steer market.

 

[Gittyup]

It's a fine tractor. But, then so are others. So, there's no reason not to buy a BC. It'll do what you want. Because they are heavy, they might not be the best finish mower. But, for ground engagement, hard to beat the weight and hydraulics it offers.

 

[Jay4200]

Any thoughts why I wouldn't go with a Bobcat? I know they have a great reputation in the skid steer market.

Bobcat tractors are re-branded Kiotis, and Kioti seems to make a stout tractor. Check the Kioti forum for more details on specific tractors.

JayC

 

[Sand_man]

I am happy with my tractor. I do like the fact that it does weigh more than the others in the same hp range. It feels more stout and durable than others I have looked at and drove when I was shopping for one.

 

[wango tango]

thanks guys. i'm also considering a JD 4410 with a 430 loader. it only has 630 hours on it, but the bucket looks a bit rough (most paint is gone, some dents etc). wondering if it was a rental....

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=6109829&

 

[TripleR]

As mentioned, they are rebranded Kioti tractors which have a good reputation. We have no god local dealers, so I have not given them serious consideration. This may sound nit picky, but I would have to put something on the hood as all the sun bouncing off that white paint would get to me. I have driven a white tractor and it gets old quick, at least for me.

 

[IslandTractor]

thanks guys. i'm also considering a JD 4410 with a 430 loader. it only has 630 hours on it, but the bucket looks a bit rough (most paint is gone, some dents etc). wondering if it was a rental....

2002 JOHN DEERE 4410 Less than 40 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

I wouldn't assume it is a rental. Could be it was simply used to muck out barns for 600 plus hours as that would explain the bucket condition.

 

[DK35vince]

thanks guys. i'm also considering a JD 4410 with a 430 loader. it only has 630 hours on it, but the bucket looks a bit rough (most paint is gone, some dents etc). wondering if it was a rental....

2002 JOHN DEERE 4410 Less than 40 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

The bucket looks like normal wear for the hours to me.
Just needs some new paint

 

[carhartt56]

Just a thought , consider up a bit to a 40 HP .I own only 10 acers all mowed . Half with finish mower and half with a rotary cutter , both 72" . Yes a 35 hp will handle those mowers and smaller . My thought is the more Hp , the less the tractor has to work , and will last me longer . I own a Kioti Dk40SE SS and love it so far.:thumbsup:

 

[slipshot77]

Bobcat tractors are re-branded Kiotis, and Kioti seems to make a stout tractor. Check the Kioti forum for more details on specific tractors.

JayC

Bobcat made by Kioti made by Daedong. Mind boggling ain't it. I agree that they do make a nice machine though.