I just recently looked at a small number of different tractors, based upon dealer availability (limited to one or two hour drive), including Bobcat. I looked at the Bobcat CT440. I compared Bobcat with the John Deere 5045E (45 HP) and the Kubota L4600 (46 HP). I looked briefly at the TYM T433 (43 HP). I wanted to look at the LS U5020 (47 HP) but the dealer did not have one in stock. All models that I looked at were open platform, MFWD, with HST and FEL.
I was very favorably impressed with the Bobcat CT440. The 4-cylinder engine was smoother and quieter than the one on the Kubota L4600. The fit and finish was good (the one fault I found was that the hood did not fit snuggly against the gasket near the dash. This would probably be a ten-minute adjustment job.) Engine access was excellent and adding engine oil would be easier than on the Kubota as the filler was on the engine top. The Bobcat appears more rugged than the Kubota, probably because it is heavier. Listed tractor weights (lbs) are
Bobcat CT440 3847
Kubota L46003187
TYM T4334140
LS U50204280
John Deere 5045E4187
I very quickly ruled out the TYM T433. It had plastic fenders and hood. If they were heavy plastic, I wouldn’t have minded, but they appeared very flimsy. I ruled out the John Deere very quickly also, because the dealer wouldn’t give me a competitive price. (The best I could do was $30,9993, compared to the Bobcat at $24500.)
For me, it came down to a competition between the Bobcat and the Kubota. I ended up buying the Kubota, primarily because I have a Kubota and like it, the dealer is close by and I like them, the L4600 is a lot of tractor and will easily meet my needs, Kubota makes its own tractors and has a large dealer network. However, the Bobcat had a lot of nice features that are extras on the Kubota. (Included in my price were rear light, telescoping three-point hitch, rubber-coated platform, Rimguard in all four wheels, and block heater.) If one can overcome the risk factor associated with the fact that Bobcat is getting out of the tractor business, I think the Bobcat offers very good value for the money.
After an awful lot of arm wrestling, I got the Kubota for the same price as the Bobcat price. The downside of the Kubota for me is that it is the lightest of the tractors I looked at, it didn’t have all the extras that came with the Bobcat, and the step flexes somewhat when I climb aboard. Nonetheless, I bet I will love my new Kubota. I’ll add the rear light and the telescoping lower links at a later time.
