Bobcat Subcompact Tractors: CT1025, CT2025, CT4045 Compared (2026)
Bobcat is best known for skid steer loaders, but the company has built out a tractor lineup under its parent brand Doosan (now part of HD Hyundai) that competes directly with Kubota BX series and John Deere 1 Series machines. For buyers who already own Bobcat skid steers or compact track loaders, the CT series tractors offer a familiar attachment interface and a single dealer relationship for service. For buyers without existing Bobcat equipment, the question is whether the CT series holds up on price, performance, and dealer support against the dominant brands.
This guide covers the three Bobcat models most relevant to small acreage owners: the CT1025 entry-level subcompact, the CT2025 mid-range loader-ready model, and the CT4045 compact utility tractor for heavier implement work.
How Bobcat CT Series Tractors Fit the Market
Per Bobcat’s product documentation, the CT series was designed to bridge tractor and compact equipment operations. The loader attachment system uses Bobcat’s Bob-Tach coupler — the same quick-attach system used across Bobcat’s skid steer and compact track loader lines. For operations that already stock Bobcat-compatible buckets, grapples, and pallet forks, this standardization reduces attachment inventory and simplifies operator training.
The trade-off is dealer network coverage. Bobcat’s primary dealer presence is in construction and industrial markets. In rural agricultural areas, Kubota and John Deere dealers are far more common than Bobcat dealers, which has practical implications for warranty service and routine maintenance.
Bobcat CT Series Compared
Bobcat CT1025 — Entry-Level Subcompact
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine HP | 24.7 HP (gross) |
| PTO HP | 17.1 HP |
| Loader Lift Capacity | ~800 lbs |
| 3-Point Hitch | Category 1 |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| MSRP Range | $13,000–$16,000 |
According to Bobcat’s specifications, the CT1025 runs a Tier 4-compliant diesel engine with a hydrostatic transmission. At 24.7 HP gross, it sits at the upper end of the subcompact HP range. The Category 1 three-point hitch accepts standard subcompact implements — box blades, tillers, finish mowers, and light rotary cutters.
The ~800 lb loader lift capacity is competitive with the Kubota BX2380 (656 lbs) but trails the John Deere 1025R (843 lbs) and the CT2025’s significantly stronger loader frame. Per the product data sheet, the CT1025 is sized for properties in the 1–5 acre range where the primary tasks are loader work, grading, and light implement use.
Best for: Buyers wanting the smallest Bobcat tractor footprint for basic acreage maintenance, particularly those with existing Bobcat equipment on the property.
Bobcat CT2025 — Best Overall in the CT Series
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine HP | 25 HP (gross) |
| PTO HP | 19.6 HP |
| Loader Lift Capacity | 1,411 lbs (BL-125 loader) |
| 3-Point Hitch | Category 1 |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| Mid-Mount Mower | Compatible |
| MSRP Range | $18,000–$22,000 |
The CT2025 is the most capable model in Bobcat’s subcompact lineup and the clearest competitor to the Kubota BX2380 and John Deere 1025R. Per Bobcat’s specifications, the BL-125 loader raises the CT2025’s loader lift capacity to 1,411 lbs — substantially more than the Kubota BX2380 (656 lbs) and the John Deere 1025R (843 lbs). That loader advantage is meaningful for operations moving heavy materials: gravel, compost, firewood, or large bales.
At 19.6 PTO HP, the CT2025 also leads the subcompact class on rear PTO power, which translates to more consistent performance when running rotary cutters, tillers, or other PTO-driven implements near their rated capacity. Mid-mount mower compatibility expands the machine’s use as a primary property mower, not just a utility tractor.
According to Bobcat’s documentation, the Bob-Tach front loader attachment interface allows the loader to be removed and reattached without tools — useful for operations that frequently switch between loader work and rear implement use.
Best for: Small acreage owners who need strong loader capacity and PTO output in a subcompact frame, particularly those already in the Bobcat equipment ecosystem.
Bobcat CT4045 — Compact Utility for Heavier Work
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine HP | 44.9 HP (gross) |
| PTO HP | 36.3 HP |
| Loader Lift Capacity | 2,623 lbs |
| 3-Point Hitch | Category 1/2 |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| MSRP Range | $28,000–$34,000 |
The CT4045 crosses out of the subcompact category into compact utility tractor territory. At 44.9 HP gross and 36.3 PTO HP, per Bobcat’s specifications, it has the capacity to run larger rotary cutters (5’–6’), heavier box blades, and implements that would overwhelm the CT1025 or CT2025. The dual Category 1/2 hitch accommodates a wider range of implement sizes.
The 2,623 lb loader lift capacity places it in a different class than the CT1025 and CT2025 — this is a machine for moving significant material volume, not just occasional loader work. Per Bobcat’s product data, the CT4045 targets operations in the 10–50 acre range that need more implement muscle than a subcompact can provide.
Price at $28,000–$34,000 positions the CT4045 against compact utility tractors from Kubota (B3350, L3902), John Deere (3025E, 3032E), and Kioti (DK4210) — all of which have deeper dealer networks in agricultural markets.
Best for: Operations that need compact utility tractor capability and already have a Bobcat dealer relationship, or construction-farm crossover properties.
Bobcat vs. Kubota vs. John Deere: How They Compare
| Model | HP (gross) | PTO HP | Loader Lift | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat CT1025 | 24.7 | 17.1 | ~800 lbs | $13–16K |
| Bobcat CT2025 | 25 | 19.6 | 1,411 lbs | $18–22K |
| Kubota BX2380 | 21.6 | 16.6 | 656 lbs | $16–20K |
| John Deere 1025R | 23.9 | 18.0 | 843 lbs | $17–22K |
| Kioti CS2520 | 24.5 | 18.9 | 793 lbs | $16–20K |
Where Bobcat wins: Loader lift capacity on the CT2025 is the standout advantage — 1,411 lbs is nearly double the Kubota BX2380 and 67% more than the John Deere 1025R. If loader performance is the primary selection criteria, the CT2025 deserves serious consideration. PTO HP on the CT2025 (19.6) also leads the comparable models.
Where Kubota and John Deere win: Dealer network depth. According to industry data, Kubota and John Deere have the most extensive rural dealer networks in North America. For a machine that requires periodic hydraulic service, filter changes, and occasional warranty work, dealer proximity within 30–40 miles is operationally important. In many agricultural areas, the nearest Bobcat tractor dealer may be 60–100 miles away. Kubota also offers a broader third-party implement ecosystem, with more aftermarket implement manufacturers specifying Kubota compatibility.
Where John Deere wins exclusively: The AutoConnect mid-mount mower system (seat-on attachment without manual pin connections) remains unique to John Deere in this class. The 1025R’s iMatch quick-hitch also simplifies rear implement swaps in a way no other brand matches at this price point.
Implement Compatibility and Attachments
Bobcat CT series tractors use standard Category 1 three-point hitch geometry, meaning most aftermarket implements designed for subcompact tractors will physically attach. However, some implement manufacturers specify compatibility by tractor brand (particularly belly mower decks), so verifying compatibility before purchase is important.
For implement options available through Amazon, the following categories are broadly compatible with Bobcat CT series Category 1 hitches:
- Rear box blade — for grading driveways and managing topsoil: Check price on Amazon
- Rotary tiller — for garden and food plot preparation: Check price on Amazon
- Rear finish mower — for mowing under fences and tight areas: Check price on Amazon
For a broader look at implement options across tractor brands, see the farm implement guide for small farms.
Who This Is NOT For
- Buyers in rural agricultural areas without nearby Bobcat dealer access. Per industry availability data, Bobcat’s tractor dealer footprint is concentrated in construction and suburban markets. Buyers in farming communities should verify dealer distance before committing — warranty service and hydraulic system maintenance require periodic dealer visits.
- Anyone prioritizing third-party implement compatibility. Kubota’s implement ecosystem is the most developed in the subcompact class, with more aftermarket manufacturers specifying Kubota compatibility. Bobcat’s smaller market share means fewer implement-specific compatibility confirmations.
- Buyers wanting the deepest used market. Kubota BX series and John Deere 1025R tractors dominate used listings in most markets according to equipment listing data. Used Bobcat CT tractors are less common, which limits resale price benchmarking and makes quality used examples harder to find.
- Anyone needing more than 45 HP. The CT4045 is the top of the Bobcat CT line. Buyers needing 50+ HP for larger implements should look at full utility tractor options from Kubota, John Deere, or Mahindra. See the compact tractor comparison for coverage of the 25–60 HP range.
- Budget-first buyers without a specific Bobcat reason. At comparable price points, the Mahindra eMax 20S offers more 3-point hitch capacity with a longer warranty. Without an existing Bobcat dealer relationship or attachment inventory to leverage, the CT series pricing premium has less justification.
Buying Considerations
When a Bobcat CT Tractor Makes Clear Sense
The Bobcat CT series has a genuine use case for operations that already run Bobcat skid steer loaders or compact track loaders. Per Bobcat’s product documentation, the Bob-Tach coupler standardizes the loader attachment interface across Bobcat’s equipment line. Farms or small construction operations that already stock Bobcat-compatible buckets, grapples, and pallet fork sets can add the CT tractor to the rotation without duplicating attachment inventory.
The single dealer relationship also simplifies service logistics for mixed-fleet operators. A dealer who services the skid steer will service the CT tractor, using the same parts and service infrastructure.
Pricing and Negotiation
Per dealer pricing data, Bobcat CT series tractors are sold through Bobcat equipment dealers, not traditional ag equipment dealers. Pricing is typically fixed closer to MSRP than brands like Mahindra or Kioti, where dealer negotiation is more common. Package deals (tractor + loader + implement) may offer better overall value than purchasing components separately — ask for package pricing explicitly.
Maintenance Items
Maintenance consumables for Bobcat CT series are sourced through Bobcat dealers or compatible aftermarket suppliers:
- Hydrostatic transmission fluid: Check compatible fluid options on Amazon
- Diesel engine oil 15W-40: Check price on Amazon
- Category 1 quick hitch (for faster implement changes): Check price on Amazon
What You’ll Also Need
Beyond the tractor, the practical ownership costs include implements, fluids, and hitch hardware purchased on a recurring basis:
- Category 1 quick hitch — allows rear implement changes without crawling under the tractor to set lower link pins. Standard on most subcompact implement setups. Check price on Amazon →
- PTO shear bolt assortment — shear bolts protect the PTO driveline when an implement hits a rock or obstruction. Keep a kit on hand; they consume regularly. Most subcompact PTO shafts use 3/8” or 7/16” Grade 5 bolts. Check price on Amazon →
- Diesel engine oil 15W-40 — most CT series diesel engines call for 15W-40 at 100-hour service intervals. Shell Rotella T4 is widely used. Check price on Amazon →
- Rear ballast box — adds rear weight for loader work, improving front-axle steering and reducing rear wheel lift. Essential when running heavy front loader loads. Check price on Amazon →
Sources
- Bobcat CT1025 product specifications (bobcat.com)
- Bobcat CT2025 product specifications (bobcat.com)
- Bobcat CT4045 product specifications (bobcat.com)
- Kubota BX2380 specifications (kubotausa.com)
- John Deere 1025R specifications (deere.com)
- Kioti CS2520 specifications (kioti.com)
- ASABE tractor classification standards