Looking for a tractor

[farm23]

I have a small place in the mountains and am looking for a tractor. The local Kubota dealer has quoted me $11500.00 for a new L3400 gear drive and $3500.00 for a LA463 loader. This seems like a reasonable price but I am new to buying a tractor and do not know if the dealers will negotiate like car dealers. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[linpat]

what r u using the tractor for and is there any other brands in your area?

 

[farm23]

linpat, local Kubota dealer has best rep in area and is 20 miles closer than any other. If there was a really good reason I could go to a MF dealer further away. Will use to maitain approx !/4 mile drive, drainage ditch, large garden, apple orchard, and general work around area.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

We don't know where you are, and pricing is somewhat regional, but it sounds like a pretty good price for the L3400. Here's a recent discussion with several $ quotes on that particular tractor.

 

[SWB]

The price sounds OK. How good the dealer is should be a factor. There aren't as many to choose from as there are car dealers. I personally think that an important factor is how comfortable the tractor is for you. I would urge you to drive the tractor around the dealership at a minimum and see if you could use one awhile before you decide which to buy.

 

[grandad]

There is probably less markup for a tractor dealer to play around with than his counterpart selling cars, and car dealers also have a lot more volume, so you probably shouldn't expect the same kind of "wheelin' and dealin'" on a Kubota that you might find at your local Ford or Chevy lot.

But that's not a reason to avoid shopping around, if only to make sure your preferred dealer is being straight up with you on the price. As long as the price is reasonable, it's worth something to me to buy from someone who will be there to back up the product if needed, but that's just my opinion.

 

[MVVineyard]

I shopped around our area and drove multiple different brands of tractors.
I finally narrowed it down to a Kubota, so I started calling dealers from all over the state and even some out of state in neighboring states.
I told them exactly which tractor I wanted and with what features, most of them gave me a quote on the spot and some of them called me back.
The best price I found was about 150 miles away and I asked my local dealer to match his price or I was driving to the other dealer.
He matched it after one day of consideration.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Kubota B7510 HST, FEL, R4 tires, Foldable ROPS (Paid in Cash $12350)

 

[MVVineyard]

Oh and guess what else?

He is also throwing in a 48" Land Pride tiller and a 48" Land Pride brush hog for another 1700 bucks.

I have looked all over and that is by far the best deal I have found on those two implements.
I take delivery on everything in about two weeks. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ronjhall]

Congrat's on the new tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
The normal reply is we need pictures. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif But I did a Google search for MV Vineyards. Got lots of hits for Martha's Vineyard MA. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Then did some looking for Rouge River Valley wineries. Found a few. But not yours. You are just starting out? Do you give tours?

 

[MVVineyard]

Yes I am just starting out with the Business. Stay tuned though because I am starting a website for the business. The full name of the vineyard is Monte-Vista Vineyard & Cellar.
The website I plan to start will be for friends and family and potential future customers. I will be posting progress notes and pictures for all those who are interested.
The vineyard will start small and grow. We are going to remain small so that we can yield high quality hand crafted wines. We will specialize in Syrah, and will make other wines from the purchase of grapes from other vineyards.
I am excited about the tractor and I look forward to taking posession.
Don't worry I plan to post pics.
Don't expect wine any time soon though, it takes awhile for this sort of thing. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Airmale]

You may want to move up to a 60 inch brush cutter

 

[rox]

Congratualtions on your vineyard project. i wish you much much success. You might want to have a look at this webstie for products that will help you in the vineyard.

http://www.pellenc.com.au/

I use the secature, like a hand held power prunners and could not operate without it. They are pricy though, but they are priced right in line with the other manufacturers. I know the people who farm grapes use the machie that automatically ties the vine onto the guide wire. This might be off in the distance for you, but it doesn't hurt to have information.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[daTeacha]

Hey MVVineyard -- One of my former students got into wine making as a junior high science project. He went to Ohio State, got a degree, is now the owner/operator of two pretty nice wineries here. His wines have won several awards in state competitions. Keep it small like you said and focus on quality and uniqueness, and you'll be fine. BTW, Andy has a Massey of about 35 hp which serves his needs well at the smaller vineyard/winery of about 6 acres.

 

[MVVineyard]

Rox,
Wow that's a cool website, I will add it to my favorites. Thanks for the encouragement. I have a long way to go and allot still to do.

 

[MVVineyard]

Dateacha,
My tractor is even smaller than Andy's but I think it will serve me just fine.
If I need more power during seasonal times, (ie harvest) I will contract that labor out to someone who has the man or horsepower /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I also have a fourwheeler that lugs around a 4x8 foot trailer and the quad is rated to pull up to 1100 lbs.