The Deere Sales person speculates that some of the foreign tractor companies may not make the switch to tier IV and so go the way of the dodo bird.
I did notice an LS dealer not too far away. Before I pull the trigger on a purchase I will be sure to test one out and get a quote.
I'm getting frustrated with Deere. The quotes are purposely convoluted. I'll negotiate to a number in one area and just when I think we have a deal they move their numbers up in another area.
Also the quotes between dealers have large discrepancies with layout and price.
I appreciate any and all insights.
I wouldn't be surprise if some of the foreign tractors with a smaller footprint here decide it's not worth the expense, and trouble to make their product Tier IV compliant, but some already have made that switch. LS has updated their website with the new models, and they've had them at farm shows for a few months now.
There is some sort of weird dynamic at many dealers, regardless of brand, that can be frustrating. I talked to some that were very helpful, and others that almost wouldn't give me the time of day. I called one to get a quote, and he simply couldn't do it on the spot, and had to call me back a day or two later..."oh, they just changed the incentive programs". After he called me back, I called another dealer, and that one gave me conflicting info on the current incentive program. It got me to thinking that maybe those programs are more driven by the dealers than the manufacturers. I don't understand how a tractor sales guy doesn't have a list of base prices, and at least a ballpark with the standard options most folks want.
Another TBN member priced out a tractor, and some implements from two dealers within a reasonable distance from him. The closer dealer wanted something like $250 more than the slightly farther dealer. When he asked if the closer dealer would match prices, the dealer told him to buy from the other dealer...it's like they're offended that you even talk to another dealer, much less another brand.
If I was in the tractor sales business, I would eat these guys alive...and sadly, some of the biggest brands seem to be the worst offenders. They must be relying of repeat business, and hoping that name recognition and being the closest dealer will generate enough sales to get buy.
If there is a Kioti or Mahindra dealer around, I'd take a look at those as well...very nice machines.
Told me that Kubota was the only way to go. Needless to say, I did not purchase a tractor from them.