Kubota vs. LS

[krullro]

Don't post much but really enjoy this forum. Lot's of info and well moderated. Or maybe it's just more adults on here? But anyway I'm moving to the Big Bend area of Texas. Closest dealer is a Kubota dealer 80 miles away. Midland/Odessa would be the next closest. The closest LS dealer will be in Austin, 500 miles away.
I'm looking at the L2501 and the G3033. The LS is a bit less but Kubota has 0% financing. I really like the LS dealer, RCO but again, he will be 500 miles away.
Also, Kubota has been around a long time and resale value seems to be very good.
So basically I guess what I'm asking is Kubota worth the extra money for a slightly less capable tractor but a much stronger dealer network?
Robert

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

In your situation, I'd go with the Kubota. LS is a good tractor and RCO is an exceptional dealer. But I wouldn't want my dealer to be 500 miles away. It wouldn't bother some people, but it would bother me. 80 miles to the Kubota dealer is do-able.

If you're concerned about the capabilities of the L2501, then spend a little extra and upsize to the next larger size.

I've got a Kioti and two Kubotas, so I'm not brand loyal.

 

[krullro]

I really considered the Kioti also but again no dealer close by. I'm in the Austin area at the moment and only Kubota and LS have seemed to really want to sell a tractor. But Kubota has the dealer network and I assume better resale down the road. But if RCO had a location closer to Big Bend I would already have an LS.
Robert

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much what Poopdeck Pappy said, LS makes some nice tractors, but 500 miles is too far, just get a bigger Kubota. My brother has Kioti and I have Kubota and John Deere, we jointly own Case, Massey Ferguson and some old Fords, so no real brand loyalty here as I believe my brother's next tractor will probably be an LS.

 

[ishiboo]

I'm in the Austin area at the moment and only Kubota and LS have seemed to really want to sell a tractor.

Just a heads up... many implement dealers operate on a much lower pressure sales tactic than a car dealer, for example. They're used to working with farmers that generally know what they want, and don't want some annoying salesperson bugging them.

I found buying my Kioti a much better experience than buying my last vehicles. Just went to the dealerships, took keys to what I wanted to try and did my own thing. They were more than willing to price things out and work with me on what I needed.

 

[GManBart]

So basically I guess what I'm asking is Kubota worth the extra money for a slightly less capable tractor but a much stronger dealer network?
Robert

I don't think so, but I'm not using my machines to make a living and an extra day or two to get a part to me won't cost me money. Keep in mind that Case/IH and New Holland dealers can get most any part you need for an LS....you just have to find the correct part number (not hard). Further, those same folks can do warranty work on an LS if you get it cleared in advance.

As far as resale value, LS seems to be doing very well. I sold my R4047H for $2K less than I paid for it, after putting 215hrs on the clock, and I've seen similar sales reported here. I thought that was pretty reasonable.

 

[coobie]

Don't post much but really enjoy this forum. Lot's of info and well moderated. Or maybe it's just more adults on here? But anyway I'm moving to the Big Bend area of Texas. Closest dealer is a Kubota dealer 80 miles away. Midland/Odessa would be the next closest. The closest LS dealer will be in Austin, 500 miles away.
I'm looking at the L2501 and the G3033. The LS is a bit less but Kubota has 0% financing. I really like the LS dealer, RCO but again, he will be 500 miles away.
Also, Kubota has been around a long time and resale value seems to be very good.
So basically I guess what I'm asking is Kubota worth the extra money for a slightly less capable tractor but a much stronger dealer network?
Robert

If it was me kubota would be my choice because dealer is 80 miles away.Just curious why are you worried about resale?Do you plan on selling the new tractor in the near future after you purchase it?

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Can't go wrong with Kubota. Period. Buy the one that fits, that all.

 

[krullro]

I'm leaning toward the L2501. In my younger days I had hundreds of hours on JD 3020's and 5020's but totally out of the tractor business since. And it has changed. The local LS dealer and one Kubota dealer has taken the time to help educate me on the current tractor world. I like the LS line but I'll be 500 miles away from them. And I see way more Kubota's doing light commercial work than anything.
And no, I don't plan on selling it in the near future but if I decide I need something else used Kubota's sure seem to bring a premium.
But next week I'll be testing out both brands. Going to be fun and interesting.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Just don't buy too small of a tractor. Here on TBN, the common wisdom is that tractors shrink when you get them home. The L2501 won't have anywhere close to the weight or power of the 3020 you used in your younger days.

I don't know what you're going to be using the tractor for, but don't make the mistake of buying one that is too small, or even marginal, for your needs.