Bryan,
There is something to be said in having a product that is different from the competition. When everything else is the same, then price becomes the main point of focus for most buyers, one has only to look at the many posts on this web site to see that buyers will buy from a dealer many miles away to buy the same tractor at a lower price.
I looked hard at the TY294 from Weifang, at least on paper, and it compares well, and competitivly priced. I have talked with Mr. Barrett and beleive him knowlegeable. If you go that route, you will want to stock lots of parts. Customers are very concerned about parts avialability, and since there are few importers of that tractor, there are few containers coming from China on a monthly basis, so parts waits could get long.
After much procrastination, In the end, I elected to go with LENAR for my dealership here in Arkansas. You might want to look at their webste if you havn't,
www.lenartractor.com. I like the features of the tractor, its looks, better fit and finish, USA parts support, exclusive marketing agreement (single tractors are not sold in the crate to retail buyers) etc.
Because LENAR currently has only one model, I have also became a dealer for Homier's FarmPro division.
www.farmprotractors.com The great advantage to their program is that they assemble and stock the tractors in Indiana. I recieved my first order on the Monday following the Wed. that I wired my payment! The wholesale cost is higher than buying direct from China, but they pay warrantee labor and I don't have money tied up 60 to 90 days before I see tractors. There are other distributors of Jinma tractors with dealership programs as well.
the CTOA is a great source of information, primarily for JIMNA tractors.
What ever you decide, I wish you the best of luck in your new venture!
