We purchased a home and 50 acres (40 timber/10 open) in southeast Michigan in December, and I have been researching tractors and following threads since that time. I am going to be using the tractor to maintain my 1/4 mile private driveway, clearing brush, making trails in the timber for quad riding, grading around the house, mowing, and probably some other things I haven't thought of yet. Now is tractor decision time as spring is finally coming to Michigan.
I have test driven the Kioti DK45 - really liked it. This is the best price overall as well as on the attachments I would like to purchase (bush hog, tiller, rear blade). The price quoted on the DK40SE HST w/ loader was $20,100+tax , the DK45SE HST w/ loader was 21,300 + tax. Dealer is 30 miles away...seems old school, but very helpful, and willing to answer my questions. Spent nearly 2 hours with him. He didn't give me detailed quotes...just that figure.
I visited the Bobcat dealer and tested a CT235. This was the first tractor I drove, and since this time, I have decided that I need at least a 40 HP model. He doesn't currently have any larger tractors in stock, but several are on the way in the next couple of weeks. He offered me a deal on a leftover CT450 from last year at a different store in Michigan. He has been great answering my e-mails and has provided me several different detailed quotes. $21,400 for the CT 440; $22,700 for the CT445; $23,900 for the 2010 CT450; . These included loader, Bob-tach, and R4 tires. This dealer is 35 miles away in heavy traffic.
I am planning to test drive a NH Boomer 40 this week. The dealer e-mailed yesterday and said that NH has also come out w/ a free loader promotion just like Kioti and Bobcat. The price quoted 2 weeks ago was $24,250. Have not received the new quote yet or price on the attachments, however, using the "build and quote" feature on the NH website, it looks like they are significantly more expensive. The NH dealer is only 6 miles away, but I'm not sure the dealer proximity is worth a couple of thousand dollars.
I tested a Kubota 3940, but eliminated it from the running based on price.
From reading the other threads, it sounds like these are all good tractors, and I will likely be happy with whatever I end up buying. I just want to make sure I am getting a good value and share the prices I have so far. How much consideration should I give to the location of the dealer?...hopefully I won't have to visit them very often. What would you do if you were in my boots?:confused2: Thanks for reading.
I have test driven the Kioti DK45 - really liked it. This is the best price overall as well as on the attachments I would like to purchase (bush hog, tiller, rear blade). The price quoted on the DK40SE HST w/ loader was $20,100+tax , the DK45SE HST w/ loader was 21,300 + tax. Dealer is 30 miles away...seems old school, but very helpful, and willing to answer my questions. Spent nearly 2 hours with him. He didn't give me detailed quotes...just that figure.
I visited the Bobcat dealer and tested a CT235. This was the first tractor I drove, and since this time, I have decided that I need at least a 40 HP model. He doesn't currently have any larger tractors in stock, but several are on the way in the next couple of weeks. He offered me a deal on a leftover CT450 from last year at a different store in Michigan. He has been great answering my e-mails and has provided me several different detailed quotes. $21,400 for the CT 440; $22,700 for the CT445; $23,900 for the 2010 CT450; . These included loader, Bob-tach, and R4 tires. This dealer is 35 miles away in heavy traffic.
I am planning to test drive a NH Boomer 40 this week. The dealer e-mailed yesterday and said that NH has also come out w/ a free loader promotion just like Kioti and Bobcat. The price quoted 2 weeks ago was $24,250. Have not received the new quote yet or price on the attachments, however, using the "build and quote" feature on the NH website, it looks like they are significantly more expensive. The NH dealer is only 6 miles away, but I'm not sure the dealer proximity is worth a couple of thousand dollars.
I tested a Kubota 3940, but eliminated it from the running based on price.
From reading the other threads, it sounds like these are all good tractors, and I will likely be happy with whatever I end up buying. I just want to make sure I am getting a good value and share the prices I have so far. How much consideration should I give to the location of the dealer?...hopefully I won't have to visit them very often. What would you do if you were in my boots?:confused2: Thanks for reading.