Bobcat CT2035 tractor 2023 Review

If you’ve driven Bobcat-branded equipment before, you know the quality of its machines is second to none. In addition to its iconic compact loaders and excavators, Bobcat now also offers a wide range of machinery including tractors, mowers and telescopic handlers that cater to a variety of industries such as construction, agriculture, landscaping, councils and more.

Bobcat was established back in 1958 after the founders invented the first-ever compact loader and it soon became a hit. In fact, the original compact loader was designed to help a turkey farmer clean his livestock pens and stalls, so Bobcat’s venture with tractors is somewhat a return for the brand to its roots.

While it has significantly expanded its offerings over the last 60 years, Bobcat applies its ‘one tough animal’ principle to everything it makes and sells, ensuring each and every piece of equipment is built to work and to last.

Bobcat’s current tractor offering in Australia ranges from 26hp to 55hp and are all ROPS models.

We had the opportunity to look at Bobcat’s CT2035, courtesy of Clark Equipment.

Straight up, I could tell that Bobcat tractors are sturdily built and feature a high build quality. This tractor does not have that clunky, cheap feel that some other compact tractor brands may present.

The CT2035 runs a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 35hp and a hydrostatic transmission with three speed ranges.

According to Bobcat, one of the drawcards of its compact tractors is the number of standard features that customers get with the machine – features regularly only offered as options on other brands – such as cruise control, linked pedal, industrial-spec tyres, loader with 4 in 1 bucket, integrated joystick and adjustable suspension seat.

In addition to front-end loader work, the tractor can be used for a variety of other jobs on the farm, such as mowing and slashing and even digging with a backhoe attachment, thanks to a three-point hitch, rear hydraulics and rear PTO of 540rpm, which all come standard with the CT2035.

With the two-pedal design and hydrostatic transmission, driving the tractor couldn’t be any easier. You certainly do not need any prior experience driving tractors or any kind of machinery to be able to operate the Bobcat, meaning even the teenager in your home can hop on and give you a hand around the farm when needed.

The hydrostatic transmission operates just like an automatic vehicle, and you only need to stop when you need to change range. Forward and reverse is controlled via foot pedals on the floor of the tractor. This transmission is great for loader or mower work when you need to constantly go back and forth.

It is capable of a top speed of 24km/h in forward, which is more than enough for what it needs to do around farms.

Driving the tractor is not only easy, but rather smooth and comfortable as well. Power steering affords effortless driving and helps to reduce operator fatigue.

The tight turning radius on the CT2035 is another point worth mentioning. According to Bobcat, its turning radius is as little as 2.4m, meaning greater maneuverability. This allows operators to drive the tractor through gates and around buildings with confidence, and mow around poles and trees with ease.

A loader joystick which comes standard with the tractor lets you control the loader movements. It is located on the right side of the operator, freeing up the left hand to steer and the feet to control forward and reverse on the tractor, making for very ergonomic operation.

A ROPS bar comes standard and is foldable when required, such as when driving under trees or when entering a shed, for example.

The adjustable operator seat also comes equipped with a seatbelt.

If you need more than the standard offerings, which are already plentiful, Bobcat offers a range of options for the CT2035 including front weights, sun canopy, mid-PTO kit, rear weight, toolbox, rear-view mirror kit and more.

In addition to the standard industrial tyres, there are two other tyre options to choose from, including turf tyres for less disturbance on the green as well as agricultural tyres with deep lugs that deliver more traction when pulling heavier implements.

Maintenance on the CT2035 and the rest of the Bobcat tractor range is easy. The servicing points are all easily accessible via one side of the machine under the one-piece engine hood.

Clark Equipment is offering a two-year or 1500-hour general warranty, as well as a four-year drivetrain warranty with the Bobcat tractor range.

Bobcat’s tractors are built for work but they are so much fun to drive around too. When work is fun, it is easier to get stuff done.

For me, it’s the CT2035’s ease of operation that truly stands out. It allows pretty much anyone in the family to help out with chores around the farm, as long as they’re old enough to drive it.

The CT2035 is a sturdy, premium offering with plenty of standard features. For those reasons alone, I can see this appealing to plenty of farmers unwilling to fork out more money for what are otherwise essential features like cruise control.

This Bobcat sure is one tough animal, and it’s likely just the machine you need to get the job done.