Why did you buy 'that' brand of tractor?

Curt · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I knew I wanted a compact tractor, but had absolutely no knowledge. A friend of mine at work had just bought a MF1240, and extoling its virtues told me to call his dealer. Because of previous encounters, I didn't want to "bother" the NH and Kubota dealers, and dismissed Deere in my own mind as too expensive.

When I called the MF dealer, I spoke with the (4th generation) owner, who couldn't have been more pleasant. He said he had a new 1225 that he would bring over the next day. He did, and spent about an hour explaining its operation. He left it for the whole weekend. When he picked it up we spent some time talking about my requirements; he walked the property with me and answered my concerns. I finally decided on the MF 1215 (18 hp). The first time I visited the dealership was when I brought the deposit check over!

When he delivered my tractor, he spent more time explaining the controls, safe operating, and even took off the MMM and reinstalled it, just to show me how.

This was before I discovered TBN, so I ended up buying a tractor with no comparisons and no haggling, which most people would regard as foolish. Sorry this this turned out to be such a long story. It's obvious that I put a lot of emphasis on the dealer experience, and three years later I still have no regrets.

Curt

markie61 · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

( Sorry this this turned out to be such a long story. It's obvious that I put a lot of emphasis on the dealer experience )

Actually, I am happy to see many of these stories have a great deal to do with the dealer experience. I think many of us were influenced greatly by the people we dealt with more than the machines themselves.

Mark

BobReeves · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I think every dealer in the country should read this thread. Look at how much business was lost to the competition simply because of poor customer service.

hillslider · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

Well I am just like some of you. Looked at a lot of different tractors and bought the tractor from the dealer that wanted my business. I new what I wanted as far as size and options I just refused to beg someone to buy a tractor. I work hard for my money so I think dealers should work hard for theirs. Found a great dealer and bought a Kubota L3130. Love the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

cowboydoc · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

My "trail" to deere is completely different. Many people here think I bleed JD green but that wasn't always the case. Growing up we ran alot of different machinery. For haying it was all Gehl and New Holland. Tractors we had AC, JD, Case, Ford, and International. Implements we also different mfg.

When I first got out of school I couldn't afford much. I bought an old Massey Ferguson Super 90 that did the job for a few years and traded with a guy for a Gehl skidsteer. In the winter both of them were like waking a bear in the middle of hibernation. I wanted a good reliable tractor that I could start everytime in the winter. The first tractors I went to look at were Kubota. I was looking for the most bang for the buck. The Kubota guys were like some of you are saying the deere guys are in your area. I got prices and compared to deere and NH. NH forget it I couldn't even get them to give me a price. Deere prices were better than Kubota so I went with Deere.

As I started buying more machinery I shopped around for the best deal. In my area deere was cheaper than everyone else and used deere equipment sold very well. In addition to that deere is a local company and I began to want to give back what I was getting in business. Most of the dealers I could take or leave there was nothing special. I went for the best price. Then I happened on a dealer that is 50 miles from me. These guys not only gave me the best prices but their service was above and beyond. Even though they drove an hour each way for service calls there was never an extra charge. On equipment I had recently bought from them there wasn't even a charge!

Over the last couple years they have provided service above and beyond. I don't even shop around for prices anymore. These guys treat me right from the start. There is no dealing anymore. They give a substantial discount right off the top. With the great dealer and the above and beyond treatment I recently got from JD corporate I doubt I'll even look at any other equipment for a long time to come.

Tonester · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

Ditto here...
The dealer made the difference.I knew from all the posts here that any of the tractors in my range would be excellent machines. I shopped for a dealer. Got a Massey. The other guys weren't even close for service and reputation.

All dealers should read this forum, they might learn something.
My dealer does.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

tdenny · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

Good topic. I had been wanting a tractor for a long time and when we finally built our dream house in the country on our little 5 acres I finally had a reason to get one. I looked hard and fast for a used machine but was stupified by the high cost of them. I was a huge Kubota fan and therefore started shopping new Kubotas (specifically the B7500). The local dealers didn't really seem all the anxious to get me on one, let me test drive one, or really take time out of their busy schedules to go over the merits of their product with me. The other problem I have is that I am totally opposed to the massive taxes that our governments have bestowed upon us these days, so I decided to drive to Oregon (no sales tax) and pick up a brand spanking new B7500. Well two days before I was to leave I found my used JD 855 in the want adds for a price well withing my range and low enough hours to lead me to believe it wasn't abused. I knew nothing about the particular model but went and checked it out and the rest is history. Now I'm a green and yellow tractor guy. (Still like the Kubota's too). I didn't get a chance to test any NH's out although I got a nice quote on a TC30. I did test drive a couple of greys. I really wanted a hydro though.

Golfgar4 · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

( I think every dealer in the country should read this thread. )

I couldn't agree with you more Bob!

I don't have a tractor yet, but I've learned one very important thing as I progress through my quest. When I run across a dealer that doesn't seem to care if I'm visiting, or isn't willing to give me a little of his time to talk, then I won't go back there. I figure there are plenty of other dealers who would care if I walk in the door, and those are the guys I'm going to want to spend my money with.

I've said many times that I'm not locked into any one brand of tractor. I know what I want on the machine, and I will consider any color, as long as it has what I'm looking for. I have accepted the fact that I may have to travel a little bit like Richard does, but if the dealer is as good as Richard's, then it's well worth it. I've decided that I'm willing to travel up to 1 hour (one way) from my home to find a good dealer. I figure that there are a whole lot of dealers within a 1 hour drive, so I have my work cut out for me. But I've already eliminated about 6 dealers, and have found 2 that I'd buy from in a second.

So, getting back to the topic of this thread, once I am finally able to buy, I'll have an interesting story to add to everyone else's! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MarkV · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

My story is that we bought 14 acres in the mountains with the intent of building a weekend home. It took us almost a year to get an excavator to come and build an entry road (300 ft) and cut out a spot for a house. When it became evident that he was going to have to bring in different equipment for the house site he lost interest. In an effort to follow forum edict I'll just summarize our conversation by saying I told him I was VERY upset. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif That left me without the house site I expected and an excavation contractor so decided I would do it myself. Knowing nothing about tractors I figured with a backhoe and enough time any tractor would do the job. So I bought a Terramite very used from a rental yard and started digging. It did pretty well for a few years but had many limitations as my enthusiasm and experience grew. This forum and the desire for a more versatile small TLB led me to the Kubota B21 four or five years ago. It has done things well beyond what its size would lead one to think it capable of. No regrets.

Now, as of two weeks ago, we have acquired 32 acres with a different set of needs so the shopping process starts again. I am sure this group of most knowledgeable tractor owners can understand the need for two tractor if one has two properties, even if my wife is being slow to understand. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

MarkV

JDGREEN4ME · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

Will believe it or not my JD dealer talks to people and is willing to deal! As a Ford man I looked at New Holland (even though Ford is out of the picture) but at the time I was looking the JD dealer gave me the best deal. Not too many other brands in my immediate area. At the time I did not look at Kubota but I think I would have been very happy with the B7500/7800 set-up.

fivestring · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

"I am sure this group of most knowledgeable tractor owners can understand the need for two tractors" 

Yep....
Henro showed us all that value!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

yellowsocks93 · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

You guys know that when you grow up on a farm as a kid and if you leave you miss the old farm. This is the way my dad felt so we bought our farm in 1991. We needed a tractor so we bought a JD970. I was fairly young then and this is the first tractor I got to drive and my first time being around a farm. Then back in 2000 I wanted my own tractor so I bought a 790. That got traded in for the 4300 and then I traded for the 990. I have never looked at anything but John Deere. Johnno, I would be interested to hear when you get your 4310 and compare it to the 1070. I find the 990 is way better in terms of power.

B7500 · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

Billy,
It was simple for me. I was sick and tired of seeing the smile on my brother in laws face when he used his beloved Kubota.
Now I smile a lot!

BrentB · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I grew up on the farm with Olivers, including two 550's and a real oddball 1450 from Italy. The 550 was a great little tractor except gear shift would sometimes come out of track, and hitting a ditch with the wheels turned could about break your fingers if you weren't careful.

Now I have 4200 Deere because it's operator platform fits me better, and I liked the looks and ergonomics.

BubbaJr · Sep 5, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

In early 2001 we bought 23 acres to build a house and barn on. The land where we intended to build was a former cornfield, and was surrounded by 18 acres of woods. I knew I needed a pretty good sized CUT, so I started looking. I started at a Kubota dealer because I had always heard good things about Kubotas. I also looked at NH & Agco at one dealer, and John Deere at another. The NH/Agco dealer was absolutely no help at all in answering my questions and pricing the tractor and attachments I needed. He acted like he really didn't need my business. I liked the Boomers, until I climbed up on one and the plastic fenders and platform creaked and groaned with every movement. It sounded like the joints of the plastic/fiberglass were rubbing together. I knew that my land was pretty rough and I figured that with all the movement in the chassis it would probably eat itself pretty soon. If they had an all metal body I might have gone with NH.

I went to the JD dealer and priced a 4310 and my heart skipped a few beats when he handed me the price. I liked the tractor and especially the forward/reverse setup for the hydro, but I felt the price was too high, and my CFO confirmed this.

Then I went back to the Kubota dealer and we started some serious dialog about the price and throwing in a complete set of parts and service manuals (the same ones they use in the shop), and a new hat /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. The bottom line is I bought the B2910, 72"MMM, and FEL, and I feel I got a good deal, and I've been very happy with my purchase. But I also feel I would have been happy with a NH or JD too. I think overall they are very similar in their capabilities.

rockyridgefarm · Sep 6, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I bought a Yanmar 186D for my 75 acres, to do mowing and dirtwork. We loved that little machine! But parts got scarce, and I had to do all the service. It almost flipped, and so did I. It was time to step up.

I looked only at "major" brands, because I didn't want to even take a chance on getting another orphan. I really liked the Deeres, but "everyone" knows the're overpriced. But when all the testing and price quotes came in, the Deere was our favorite and the cheapest. Go figure.

My father in law was an IH dealer who sold a ton of Kubotas. He is an avid DeereHater with many years of practice. But he recommended the deere because of their staying power. Course, he'd deny it, now.

I started out sure that I'd buy a Kubota. NH got me to look around. Deere got my green.

F350driver · Sep 6, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I bought a 2WD Farmtrac 60 with loader/bushhog/boxblade from the Long dealer 14 miles from my place. I like blue and white. I like the old fords. I like the interchangeable ford/farmtrac parts. But most of all I like the Long dealer.

He replaced a neighbors tractor (not a Longtrac, Landtrac or Farmtrac...another brand) after the engine counterweights came loose due to manufacturering problem. The neighbors tractor had 40 hours on it and was out of warranty. My neighbor has a replacement tractor. The Long dealer says he'll quit selling the other brand because the other brands manufacturer won't pay for an obvious manufactures defect. The Long dealer is paying for the repairs at no cost to my neighbor.

So, I like blue and white, I like the old ford style and most of all I like a dealer who is honest. That's why I bought a Farmtrac 60.

Jim

fom · Sep 6, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

We moved to our current house on 5 acres 10 and a half years ago.I had the owner include his old Craftsman garden tractor in the offer.I stuggled starting that beast for a month before deciding to trade it in(it throw a rod when the dealership moved it for the first time).All of my new neighbors had glowing reports of their JD lawn or garden tractors so I bought an 18 hp.JD.It was a fabulous machine.In 9+years and close to 900 hrs.it had ZERO problems but was just too slow.I traded for a Ferris ZTR w/front suspension last fall.About 2 and a half years ago I purchased 87 acres of recreational land with about 20 acres of pasture.I NEEDED a tractor(I also had wanted one since I was a little boy).I started looking at used Ford N series tractors but was shocked at the $2500-4000 they were asking AND receiving.One thing led to another and after 2 plus years of looking and not finding the right used tractor I decided to buy a new CUT.I never had a doubt about the brand.It just had to be a John Deere.I got the shock of a lifetime when I visited the dealer-there was something wrong with the color of my money!!!After almost begging the sob for a quote on three tractors for almost three weeks I went down the street to the Kubota dealer.He called me back in the car 10 minutes after leaving the dealership.His price was several thousand dollars less than JD and I got more tractor to boot.Extremely happy owner of a L3830. Now I wouldn't buy a green tree !!!

ebeacham · Sep 6, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I bought a Mahindra 4110 because of price and weight of the machine. I didn't know anything about tractors at that time except that I wanted one. It just made sense to go with a reasonably priced tractor since my research indicated that the motors were all built in Japan, Korea, or China. A friend of mine said: "Just get a heavy one so you can put the power to the ground" I was like OK; whatever. The mahindra was just shy of 4000 lbs the price was right and it had a reliable Korean powerplant. If I were buying one today I might go with a KIOTI because ther is a dealer 23 miles away instead of 100 miles /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

RichNJKubota · Sep 6, 2003

Re: Why did you buy \'that\' brand of tractor?

I ended up with a used L4310 HST Kubota.
Got it because all the other colors were more money. Also the local Kubota dealer was very nice and took lots of time to help me in making the proper choice of tractor for my needs.

Rich