About to pull trigger on JD 4300....

[Anonymous Poster]

I was about to get a JD 4300 when my local NH dealer tried to convince me to get the TC33D. Would like to hear from NH owners about why the passed on the JDs and why I should purchase one versus the other.

My Local JD Dealer seems to be a bigger outfit than the NH dealer in both sales and service.

Thanks guys.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've had 2 JD 855 needed a third last year but because of the new 4000 series we didn't want to be a guinea pig so we opted for the NH. It has been good to us, small things but the NH dealer has been excellent to hop right on any problems. Like I said it has been small stuff, a switch, etc. Did have one major, the trany stuck in gear, couldn't start machine or anything. bound up tighter then a bulls butt at fly time.
Hauled it to dealer they repaired and delivered back in about a week, during the heat of their season.
I now need to get another tractor and can't decide which way to go. I'm still partial to JD but affraid they haven't got all bugs out yet. Probably stay with another NH t33.

 

[DVerbarg]

I passed on JD for four major reasons: one-my wife was willing to use the NH because the controls felt more intuitive to her, two-ergonomics of controls, three-all local JD dealers were arrogant (area is predominantly JD) and acted as if there were no other choices, and four-price. JD wanted 10% more (probably due to the dealers' arrogance around the green color). One last reason that helped justify the jump to NH from JD was the problems they had back then with the front axle (which they have since resolved)

 

[IndianaPaul]

Before I bought my TC45D (first true tractor......My 12 hp Wheel Horse somehow just doesn't qualify) I spent about 4-5 months looking at several brands with compacts (JD, Kubota, CaseIH and New Holland). It finally came to the JD (4300 & 4600) or the NH (TC40D/TC45D). Each machine had its strong points and each had local support. This was important as I hoped to get the tractor from someone within 20 miles radius.

the JD dealer was knowledgeable, but was reluctant to let me 'test drive' one. Also, JD was noticably higher for a smaller tractor with fewer implements/bells & whistles (even after 30 days of dickering). Lastly, the JD dealer did nothing but bash the other brands....nothing good to say about anything but JD. While I expect pride in one's product, being so transparently biased made me wonder how truthful he had been with me on other questions.

The New Holland dealership was the exact opposite. Took a great deal of time with me, let me 'test drive', etc.. Suggested I speak to other NH owners to get thier thoughts as well. When it came time to talk price, I got a larger tractor, more implements, etc... While I still paid more than some others on this board, my price was was competitive with other dealers within about a 100 mile radius.

One Point the NH dealer made has stuck with me. He said that all of the companies I had looked at made good products. Each, including NH had had teething pains, some more serious than others. Lastly, he made it clear that he could and would beat JD's prices no matter what. Ultimately, after talking to several JD and NH owners, I went with Blue.

I now have 135 hours on my Blue and love it! No serious maintenance problems (very small 'cold' leak which is to be fixed at 300 hour service).

Good luck with your choice.

Paul

 

[Boondox]

All the Big Boys (K, JD, NH) make good products. Sounds like you have discovered one of the fundamental truths in tractor shopping...the best tractor from a substandard dealer is no prize. Around here, the NH and JD dealers were arrogant in the handling of complaints. My local Kubota dealer sat me down, offered me coffee (our own brand), and had a constructive conversation that lasted several hours. And he did this even though I had already ordered my L3010 from Carver in NC; he wanted my repair and implement business and was willing to establish a relationship based on my future needs. Needless to say, I've bought from him several times since, and my next tractor will probably come from him.

If the tractor and the dealer fit, nevermind the color.

Pete

 

[kcbarnes]

<font color=blue>"If the tractor and the dealer fit, nevermind the color."</font color=blue>
That has been the one statement I could not agree more on. There are many makes of good tractors but it's what you like that counts

 

[MDNY]

I have to agree. I purchase major items in life such as autos (and this year a tractor) based more on how I am going to be treated by the dealer. If they blow smoke and don't deliver, then I don't take delivery.

I have purchased 5 cars from the same dealership and I drive an hour for service. Why? SERVICE. They take good care of me and don't make excuses when they are rushed, they just do it right.

I hope to be looking seriously at the tractor end by summer, and ready to purchse by fall. Can't do much without the new house to put it in. Even building a 3 car garage so everyone is happy and no one is out in the cold.

 

[atomichead]

FIRE AWAY!!!

 

[rancar]

Dave,

One reason may be because you're living right there in JD's backyard (Moline). /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif And they know it. I'll be frank with you. Here in Capital District, upstate New York JD is very competitive with the orange and blue machines and with some dealers they're much less than the other colors. There are alot of different types of dealers, at least 10-15 within an hours drive. JD is forced to compete in order to maintain local market share and just to keep their dealership running. But, I know what you're saying and I sympathize. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I was in the same situation-Blue or Green, until I did an actual side by side comparison. The decision was between a NH TC35D or JD 4400. On paper they look very close, but when actually looking at the size and weight of the two side-by side, there was really no contest. I went with the 35D and believe it was the most tractor for the $. I'd attach some photos I took of the comparisons, but can't find any "attachement" option. (more tractor skills than computer skills.) Good luck.