Are Bobcat Tractors Any Good? (Explained for Beginners)
Bobcat makes compact utility tractors.
The machines are designed to meet the needs of both contractors and property owners.
Are Bobcat tractors any good really?
Yes. Bobcat tractors are powerful yet easy to use. They are agile, very versatile, and built to last. The tractors are suitable for landscaping, construction, and farm works. Additionally, they are great for heavy-duty tasks around the home.
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Bobcat Tractors: A Quick Background
Bobcat is a member of the Doosan Group from South Korea. The company is headquartered in North Dakota, where it is one of the top employers of labor.
In addition to making utility and compact tractors, Bobcat is also a producer of utility cars. The manufacturer recently made a defining move back into the market after being out of the game for a while.
Features of the Bobcat Tractors
The manufacturer currently boasts 15 models in its tractor lineup. The tractors are categorized based on their horsepower, which ranges from 21 and 58 horsepower.
The models feature the regular four-wheel-drive pack. This makes it compatible with the extra attachments through a simple mounting system. The extensions include the front-end loader, mid-mount, and the backhoe mower.
Bobcat tractors are built for an easy turn with a radius of about 96.4 inches.
They are available in three different categories, including industrial, turf, and agricultural models.
Most models feature tons of accompanying implements.
In many cases, the tractors come with a post hole digger, rotary cutter, tiller, angle blade, box blade, and quick hitch. Other additional implements include finish mower, tine rake, rear ballast box, quick hitch, and snowblower.
While Bobcat tractors mostly look alike (and are designed to resemble the real animal), they are actually two broad types: the compact and sub-compact models.
All tractors designed for garden purposes fall into the sub-compact class, while the utility tractors are compact.
Types of Bobcat Tractors Available
The 2012 Bobcat CT440
The 2012 Bobcat CT440 is a giant tractor belonging to the horsepower class of 40 and above.
It weighs about 3847 lbs and is equipped with a 9TL Loader that lets it lift loads of up to 2030 lbs with a maximum height of 112.3 inches.
The power of this huge tractor comes from the 4-cylinder Daedong liquid-cooled diesel that produces up to 30 horsepower at its initial takeoff.
Its hydrostatic abilities come in three folds: a low speed of about 39 mph, 0 – 6.7 mph, while the high transmission relates between 16.8 mph. When in reverse gear, it can go up to 11.2 mph.
The machine has lots of good upgrades. The operator seat is firm and comfortable and comes with a mat fitted with a vibration shock absorber.
The dual steering brakes on either side allow the machine to turn quickly, while the control joystick for a loader is embedded visibly in the dashboard.
The 2012 Bobcat CT235 HST
The 2012 Bobcat CT235 HST is one of the models with a lot of class.
Its weight is about 3056 lbs. It is 122.2-inch long and 55.4-inch wide. The turning radius is 114 inches when applied with brakes.
The tractor is designed with a hydraulic strength that provides 4.3 GPM power to the power steering, and an extra 7.9 GPM for other functions.
Controlling the tractor is pretty easy. Returning any attachments to their position is a matter of pushing a button.
This Bobcat model responds to the push of a joystick on the loader stand for increased operator release.
The controls are well labeled. Plus, many of the controls are in various colors for easy identification.
The headlights are perfect for use in the daytime and nighttime.
The CT235 is very reliable even on irregular slopes. It uses a mid-range speed of about 6.4 mph to gain momentum for a seamless operation.
The 2012 Bobcat CT122
This machine may be the smallest in the lineup. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the number of tasks it can handle.
The tractor is powered by a 3C100LWB three-cylinder diesel engine, giving a horsepower of 16.2.
It puts up an impressive performance even on challenging landscapes.
Its in-built two-range transmission with the control tied to the treadle pedal makes it a powerful workhorse.
Operators can reverse smoothly with the CT122 powerful reverse gear.
The platform for the operator is nicely furnished, with an easy-to-read dashboard. Some of the indicators found on the dashboard include:
- An analog tachometer
- Fuel and temperature analog gauges
- Parking brake
- Oil pressure and turn signals
The operator seat comes with an adjustable suspension for increased comfort during operation.
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Do the Bobcat Tractors Come with a Warranty?
All tractors from Bobcat come with a two-year, 1500-hour warranty.
The warranty period appears to be too short.
But the brand is known for manufacturing only high-quality machinery that will last pretty well, so there might be no need for an extended warranty.
As long as you purchase an authentic bobcat tractor, you also get a 12-month replacement part warranty. Also, the emission components of the engine are covered by a 3 to 5-year warranty.
With the protection and planned maintenance, users are protected from unexpected repair costs in the rare case of sudden machine failure.
To claim the warranty for your Bobcat tractor, you will need to fulfill some basic requirements. This is especially the case if you need to replace parts.
The process involves providing certain information such as:
- The particular job the tractor was performing before it developed faults
- Proof of receipt and where you bought your tractor
Affordability of the Bobcat Tractors
After combing through several websites and comparing the final retail prices, it is safe to say Bobcat tractors are affordable.
This is not just about the price tag, but also factoring in the high-quality manufacturing and engineering.
On average, Bobcat tractors cost anything between $25,000 and $90,000. Although some of the models are beyond this price range.
Of course, this price point may not be very affordable to some homeowners, farmers, or contractors.
Thankfully, many dealers offer financing options.
That means you can leverage the opportunity and own one of these highly versatile tractors.
What’s the General Review for Bobcat Tractors?
Bobcat Tractors generally enjoy positive reviews from users.
For example, on the tractorby.net website, the brand’s tractor has a rating of 4.6 stars which is quite impressive.
Many buyers who left reviews had good things to say about the tractor.
Most first-time users report that the tractors are easy to use and user-friendly. This is a point to consider if you need a utility tractor for various jobs around the home, farm, and construction site.
One reviewer commented that it was built like a tank so it excelled where other tractors failed.
But it’s not all peach and cream.
Some users are concerned about loose bolts, so this is something you should check if you opt for one of these bad boys.
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Final Thoughts
Bobcat tractors are among the best tractors out there, and I highly recommend getting at least one.
They come with a reasonable warranty period. But they are generally designed to outlast the warranty.
Overall, these tractors are highly reliable and worth the investment.
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Subcompact and compact tractors