What is the deal with tractor websites?

[Mark Page]

I wish they would include pricing. What point is there in building a machine you can't afford.
It also sets me crazy when they list used tractors for sale without mentioning the hp. It's like they expect you to know what a 1972 JD 7865 is.
Just the horsepower can tell you a lot about a machine.

 

[sweettractors]

When you guys build a tractor online from the company website, you are getting MSRP price. No dealer can get that high price for a tractor. 25,000K New tractor, the dealer is lucky to make $2500 profit. I just built a new car on the company website and then I bought the car for $8000 less than MSRP. Ken Sweet

 

[lumberbean]

A while back I went to Massey's website and built my own 1529 HST w/ loader. The MSRP price came out to 19,733 and I went to the dealer thinking he could take the price down some.

The dealer ended up quoting me a price of 20,000 and started wheeling and dealing. Didn't feel comfortable at all talking to him and he came off as a slimey used car salesman.

I thanked him for his time and haven't been back since.

 

[tcartwri]

..... No dealer can get that high price for a tractor....

They do in our area. you'll get laughed at if you lowball them at all.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

there is good reason why there is no good web config tool... its because the attachments and options don't fit a predictable model that can be easily programmed. There are too many gotcha's to try and code around.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm trying to build and compare tractors over the internet, every tractor manufacturer website I have been to has major problems.

John Deere - can't get their "build my tractor" to work at all

New Holland - got the tractor built, can't easily add the implements I want and get it all in one easy quote. Get an error message when I try to send it to dealers for a quote.

Massey Ferguson - General poor website design, I didn't even see a "build my tractor option"

Kubota - I'm having the best luck navigating their website, but it leaves a lot to be desired, definitely not an award winning website.

You would think major corporations could be able to hire some decent website builders.

This may actually be resulting from your browser or virus scanner/firewall settings and nothing to do with the websites. Many sites won't work properly unless you're using Internet Explorer and your Security Settings are not too high (I leave mine at medium).
Not saying this is the problem...but it is something to consider.

 

[Jay4200]

I just checked out bobcat's website, I agree it's the best one I have been to so far.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem my money is going very far for the tractor's they are offering. I sent it to the dealer anyway, maybe he will come back with a deal.

Bobcat's are re-branded Kiotis, I assume that Kioti prices are similar to what Bobcat's site barfs out.

I use 85% of the MSRP that the sites generate as a ball-park realistic price. That is consistent with what people have been paying at local dealers, at least for the Kubotas.

JayC

 

[MasseyWV]

there is good reason why there is no good web config tool... its because the attachments and options don't fit a predictable model that can be easily programmed. There are too many gotcha's to try and code around.

You'd be amazed at what can be coded. Trust me, I know.

Tractors and their available options have a myriad of factors that make them very predictable, horsepower, PTO, 3PH, etc... It's just a matter of getting the right programmers, which don't come cheap. Considering that most of the coding behind many of the websites is probably farmed (forgive the pun) out to third world countries, it's no surprize that they don't always work properly.

 

[RoyJackson]

there is good reason why there is no good web config tool... its because the attachments and options don't fit a predictable model that can be easily programmed. There are too many gotcha's to try and code around.

Also, prices and discounts can be regional...putting fixed pricing on a website could tie a dealer's hands somewhat...especially an independent (not company owned).
It also gets a potential buyer to the dealer...
I'm fine with this...if I want to buy a Blu-Ray, or a Book...online is fine. But a more substantial purchase, I want to touch it.

I think Messick's is independent, isn't it? I know you guys have been selling blue for a lot of years, but there's no actual affilliation with CNH, is there?

 

[2458n]

It is hard to offer anything other then the MSRP. If you low ball some with a fake number the buyer cries foul for false ad. If the dealer shows a price the customer , goes and beats it because now they have a target. It is a no win for everyone involved. Some of the happiest buyers are ones that paid top price. They simply do not know any better. Not sure there is a good answer to this.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I would be willing to bet that the website builders never sat in a tractor or hooked up a implement. Hen Sweet

Ken, I think one of your chickens hacked your TBN account. :laughing:

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

You'd be amazed at what can be coded. Trust me, I know.

I am a developer myself, I write code about half my day any more... plus I sell tractors, so I'd say I'm uniquily qualitified to say that writing a config tool for tractors that actually works is a momumental task.

I think Messick's is independent, isn't it? I know you guys have been selling blue for a lot of years, but there's no actual affilliation with CNH, is there?

No affilliation. There where factory stores 20-30 years ago, but those where all sold to private owners.

 

[oldballs]

I've been to the Kubota site several times to guesstamate a certain model and attachments. It always works for me and I don't know squat about computers.:thumbsup:

 

[DavesTractor]

AMEN!!! they actually loose my business if they don't post the price. i won't even look their way.

I totally understand that sentiment. But most of the major manufacturers prohibit dealers from advertising anything other than MSRP on the web. If a dealer lists price, he gets in trouble, and loses co-op funding or whatever other mechanism the manufacturer uses to enforce this rule.

I think it made sense at one point, but things have changed drastically in the last few years. It is probably time to revisit that idea. I'm a tractor dealer, but I know when I shop on the web, I want to see prices also.

For those that don't like phones and prefer a keyboard, an email to a dealer will get you a price. If you want the most accurate price, give your zip code, tell whether you are farm tax or not, and tell them what pricing options you want. Its not too much for a dealer to ask for this info, because he is going to spend some time pricing out your package and responding to you.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Never met a dealer willing to dicker over the internet. Besides, those builds are for MSRP, which invariably means what the dealer wants to sell for as a bottom price.

 

[jlsmith]

When you the "Build your tractor" option you are getting the MSRP. I have yet sold a tractor at MSRP. If you want a real price call the dealer and talk to them or email them. I do a lot of pricing over the phone or threw emails. :thumbsup:
Good luck with your search and if I can be of any help to anyone just PM me.
Jeremy