I have no idea what the mark ups from cost to retail are on tractors and implements. If it's anything like cars and trucks a $26,400 price on a $30,400 list package isn't impossible at all, even without factory assistance with rebates, etc.
As to us in the Midwest, we're done with most of the big rains so now we'll go to bone dry for a couple months. Last week was really hot with temps in the upper 90's here. I know for lots of folks that's normal, but for here it's hot.
We had a big convention in town last week that was really fun. About 15,000 Goldwing motorcycles descended on the city for the 25th anniversary GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Rider Association) convention. It was truly something to see. These machines were absolutely gorgeous.
It was fun talking with folks from all over the US and Canada, too. They were and incredibly nice group of people, too. Not exactly the stereotypical "biker" image at all. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Mostly it was couples (probably 98% or more) and probably an average age in the fifties. Hell's Angels they weren't.
I had to take my old Wing out and show them what a classic twenty year old bike could look like. That was back when you could really hang some chrome on them. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I got a lot of compliments on the old girl and it made me think I ought to take a llittle more time and dress her out some more. I got lots of ideas for newer light systems like ropes and strobes, etc. Maybe I can incorporate some of those onto my Deere, too.
Did you ever get your box blade? I am anxiously awaiting word on my rotary mower now. I have a real advantage being so close to the manufacturing facility in that it's probably cheaper for the dealer to have stuff drop shipped here than to his place. I seem to recall production on the mowers was to begin sometime early this month so I'm pretty excited about that. I'm sure I'll post some pics of it when I get it. I know you were looking for a new rotary mower, too, so maybe this'll help you with the CFO. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif