What can anyone tell me about a tractor called "Long". A friend found one in the 30+ HP range, 4 wheel drive, built in the 90's and has about 400 hours on it. I never heard of it.
Long Manufacturing built its first tractor in 1948. The company, however, soon stopped building their own and began importing tractors from Uzina Tractorul Brasov (UTB) and some Landinis. Long filed for bankruptcy in 1985, but returned by 1987 after a reorganization. In 1998, Long Agribusiness was purchased by the Escort Group of India. The Long name was dropped in favor of the Farmtrac brand. And we know what happened to them...
Long tractors are great tractors when there running. Since the buy out if you have a true Long it is difficult to get parts. Myself I have a Long that is a 64 hp 4wd w/ loader. It will out work any tractor of similar hp. To give you an example on the parts I broke a bearing on the drive shaft it only took 9 months to get a replacement. On average it takes 3 months to get parts. Like I said it's a great tractor when its running. There is almost no resale on them which is a shame.
I had a poor experience with a local dealer. I only wanted information, and 2 phone calls got me promises and little else. I'd look hard at the dealer support, which is just as important as brand choice.