Anyone familiar with General Truck & Equipment or Orchard Hill Sales

[davepays]

I'm getting ready to purchase a 2015hst after looking at mahindra, kubota, montana, and kioti. Mahindra really seems to be the most bang for the buck AND the most comfortable machine. (although I do prefer the FEL control location on the kioti)

I'm struggling to choose a dealer to purchase from and here are the issues.

1. Both dealers are about 35-40 minutes away.
2. One dealer offers the machine for $12,900 with loader and loaded tires including delivery
3. Other dealer was offering for 13,995 but was willing to do $13,000 with no loaded tires or delivery after I told them I could get it for $13k elsewhere.
4. The more expensive dealer has a good reputation, I know nothing about the reputation of the cheaper dealer but was comfortable working with them.

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about Orchard Hill Sales in Belchertown, MA or General Truck and Equipment in Westminster, VT?

 

[Downeastah]

I bought my 6030 4WD from General Truck and Equipment. They have been excellent with me! I had one warranty issue that they took care of immediately and they have been a pleasure to deal with. They get my vote!

 

[LarryRB]

My take on it is Belchertown dealer has a "yuppie" attitude about it,, Just because UMASS is around the corner and the attitudes a huge college can have about it. I'm willing to bet he was the higher dealer., I could be very wrong about the pricing., I've never been there myself and I am about 45 miles or so from him.. I do know a neighbor who went there some years back, (maybe 3 or so) and when I saw him, he is the one who told me about the yuppie, I am better than you attitude, therefore I am passing on hearsay as I haven;t been there myself.

 

[shvl73]

I stop at various dealers in my travels. The one in Belchertown gave me a simple fix for my leaking site glass when I inquired about buying a replacement. The one in Springfield told me my 10 series has a Kubota engine, it doesn't.

 

[jimb1724]

I can't say anything about the service department, but I purchased a used puma blower from them a couple of years ago. They were willing to move a little on the price. I know they have been at that location for 15 years plus. Seems like they would be a good dealership toi work with.

I can't say enough good things about my Kioti CK20HST.... four years - over 300 hours not one problem..... it's a tank.... just in case you are still on the fence....

good luck with your purchase...
Jim

 

[davepays]

jimb, which dealership are you talking about?

 

[wallace]

Davepays
Are you financing or using your own money?

 

[LarryRB]

Looking back what I wrote is most unfair. Even though in the post I was specific about passing on hearsay, I was still wrong, Both dealers are probably great dealers, I will be careful not to pass on a neighbor's comments again..

 

[boatyard]

I looked at the Kioti at Orchard Hill. The only issue that came up was transportation. It was my understanding that they have none. I live 30 miles away and would have to find my own. Even upon purchase, no delivery. I purchased a used New Holland that can be serviced at Keats in Easthampton, Ma., or Keats in Keene, NH, both also about 25-35 miles from my house. they can and will pick up the tractor. I do have to pay them. Check out the New Holland. Many of farmers here in the hilltowns own New Holland and speak well of Keats. Mine is great. Keats has been very helpful.

 

[davepays]

Rick,
I'm financing, why do you ask?

I didn't realize that New Holland had a machine in that size/price range, maybe I should check one out.

Orchard Hill has a guy that works there that does delivery for them, although they do charge for it and you pay the guy directly. He told me he'd deliver for $100.

 

[NEFirewood]

I bought my 2015HST from Orchard Hill. Ed Kirby is what I would consider to be a great dealer. He doesn't sell junk equipment, or junk 3 point attachments. I've been back there several times after the sale of my tractor. Plus my 2015 has been literally bullet proof in 1.5 years of operation so far.

 

[davepays]

Bought the 2015hst from Orchard Hill yesterday with a woods 52" tiller and woods 4ft brush hog. It should be delivered friday or saturday! I haven't had a tractor (or a farm) for about 3 years now and I can't wait to get back to playing, er, I mean, working in the dirt.

 

[NEFirewood]

I hope you are happy. I have done so much work with my little Mahindra I can't believe how I got along without it. I especially like using the rear mower to keep a small field cut short for an elderly woman that lives close by. She's so happy I do it for her, she stops by the house and brings me pies in the summer that she bakes. I've dug out my new 2 car garage last summer, hauled cords and cords of firewood, moved snow, leveled land. It's been a great machine so far.

 

[jimb1724]

jimb, which dealership are you talking about?

oops.... sorry that wasn't much help at all, was it...... I was out of town for a few days and just re-read my post.... I was talking about General at exit 5 in Vermont.... anyway, I see you ordered your machine.... congrats..
Jim

 

[retired_young]

General T & E is solid. Great reputation in the area. Always getting "new" used merchandise offered at a decent price. Never personally worked w/ them on a service issue, but my dealings with them in past (while shopping thier lot) has been good. They go head to head with a Kubota dealer couple miles across the river in NH. Given there's no sales tax in NH the GT&E guys have still been able to hold thier own. I'm a bit biased too... I try to make all my big and small ticket purchases locally.

Impressive model train collection too, worth checking out.

M