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I love the name-brand chest-thumping that is going on and is quite the clever way to essentially bash all other brands without actually coming out and doing it. . .
there really isn't much difference between the alleged Big 3 and the Korean/Indian tractors - in my humble opinion. . .
The reference to Ebay as far as the sale of used tractors, particularly non-name brand, is a little stilted. . .
If you feel like you gotta spend the bucks, that's cool...hey man, that's what America is all about. And if you want to trumpet your opinion about the alleged superiority of the Big 3 versus all other comers</font>
I'm obviously condensing down some of your points, and I won't speak for the rest of the "Big 3" owners, but I don't understand why I can't have it BOTH ways? I've already pointed out I would buy a Branson, but ONLY because I trust the local dealer (also happens to be a NH dealer, well established and well run). For some reason, some folks consider this to be a MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE arguement, either you get a Big 3 brand or you get a crappy dealer and a minor brand. Others take the same arguement but state the Big 3 dealers are the ones going broke. Seems to me I won't buy from any crummy dealership, and I will buy any brand that is a quality tractor with the features I want. I've yet to actually see an Indian made tractor, but I have seen both Korean (TYM) and Japanese (Mitsu) made Mahindras (Indian company) and they look great, lots of features, etc. I've seen the Bransons and they also look good. Kiotis are also nice. But why does this discussion have to be split on such rigid EITHER - OR type boundries? I think some minor brands can have good dealerships and some of the Big 3 can have lousy dealerships. I still will only buy from a "dependable dealer" and no matter what, I won't over pay for my tractor, regardless of brand.
My TC24 was just a bit over $13K delivered with the FEL & weightbox, that is a price that is very competitive with the minor brands. My
B2910 is old enough that the price is irrelevant. The same dealer also has Cub, but why would I pay more for a Cub (made by Mitsu & Kioti depending on model) than a Kubota? In both cases the dealers are amazingly responsive, competitively priced, and very dependable.
The local Mahindra dealer is a garden center. Given the choice I would rather buy a Branson/New Holland/Cub Cadet/Case/Kubota from a real established dealership than a Mahindra from a garden center that also sells fruit trees and flowers. But that is just my LOCAL experience. Others can have lously dealerships of any color. I just don't think the discussion should be so cut and dry.