Came across what I think is a pretty good deal on a mice looking 955. It’s the tractor class I’m the most interested and would really enable me to do a lot around the property. For only 411 hours, bucket, snow blower, forks, 3pt hitch, and York rake, their $12.5k asking price seems reasonable although I’d probably rather have a backhoe than snowblower. Thoughts? Obviously firewood work, snow clearing about 160 ya driveway with two turn arounds, plus landscaping projects like gravel grading and property drainage work. I think the hours are really low for this model from what I’ve seen and they are known to be pretty bullet proof and user serviceable but I’m not well versed enough in the particulars. I’m most experienced with the Bobcat CT235 from renting several times.
Seems like a good price. The Bobcat you rented, although similar horsepower, is quite a bit bigger and more powerful in terms of lift capacities. Did you find the Bobcat to easily handle your chores? If not the JD will be even less "impressive". The Bobcat was made by Daedong who also make the Kioti tractors. With that said, the 55 series are well regarded machines. I know two people who have owned them (one a 855, the other a 755) for many years (over 20 each), and like them a lot. My biggest concern would be to make sure the engine and hydro components are working properly. No leaks, no knocks, no obnoxious squeals, etc.
Thanks for the reply. I found the Bobcat to be a good fit for our place. I didn’t think they’d be that far apart in terms of performance. The seemingly increased service required by dealers makes the 55 series attractive for the shade mechanic like me
