dusty3030
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2008
- Messages
- 2,329
- Location
- West TN
- Tractor
- Kioti NX6010 Cab, Kioti RX7320 Powershuttle/ Cab, Kubota M7040 HDC, Kubota U35-4, John Deere 317G
The thing we don't take into consideration is you can't equate the dollar difference between makes as directly proportional to quality differences. You have to factor in the reality of a global economy.
The relationship of the US dollar and South Korean won gives a US buyer more buying power for a South Korean import versus a domestic product right now. The US has a free trade agreement with South Korea with low tariffs for their goods imported here. South Korea has also been aggressive in growing their economy so there are additional internal incentives for South Korean companies.
Am I saying that the Korean tractors are equal to anything else and it's only currency difference - no I am not. Every companies product has to stand on it's own two feet and has to be judged on the product and how it stands behind it.
There is value in the long established brands and rigorous dealer networks. The established brands are consolidating into fewer independent and more large multi location dealers. This is true for Kubota, Deere and CNH. The mega dealers tend to drive up retails with less competition within that particular brand but do generally give value in better service after the sale (larger dealerships / more employees / multi locations to choose from). The Korean brands don't have the network that Kubota / Deere / CNH do. The level of support is not as consistent. What they do have though is they can make good machinery and that machinery can be a heck of a value to the US consumer right now. It's all a give and take but lower retails for South Korean goods don't justify equating it to proportionally lower quality.
The relationship of the US dollar and South Korean won gives a US buyer more buying power for a South Korean import versus a domestic product right now. The US has a free trade agreement with South Korea with low tariffs for their goods imported here. South Korea has also been aggressive in growing their economy so there are additional internal incentives for South Korean companies.
Am I saying that the Korean tractors are equal to anything else and it's only currency difference - no I am not. Every companies product has to stand on it's own two feet and has to be judged on the product and how it stands behind it.
There is value in the long established brands and rigorous dealer networks. The established brands are consolidating into fewer independent and more large multi location dealers. This is true for Kubota, Deere and CNH. The mega dealers tend to drive up retails with less competition within that particular brand but do generally give value in better service after the sale (larger dealerships / more employees / multi locations to choose from). The Korean brands don't have the network that Kubota / Deere / CNH do. The level of support is not as consistent. What they do have though is they can make good machinery and that machinery can be a heck of a value to the US consumer right now. It's all a give and take but lower retails for South Korean goods don't justify equating it to proportionally lower quality.
So I guess you better buy your Kubota tractor now if you want one!
