Ultimately, as an engineer I tend to research things (to death as my wife will tell ya). I went in open-minded. The Kubota dealer is 3 miles away, MF about 20 miles, JD, about 14 miles, NH, same 14 miles, so distance wasn't really a factor. I looked at the various options, and capabilities - mid-PTO, rear 3-pt lift capacity, FEL lift capacity, price, etc.
Ultimately, yes, JD may hold their value somewhat better and there is a strong following for JD - but they are the most over-priced of the bunch. So do they really hold their value - or just start so high to begin with? Dealer was unresponsive - called and pestered, tried to check out the models - even when I wanted to check the 3120 and 4000 series. Only wanted to sell the bargain 3005 type models - and while cheap - lack performance and things like ability to remove loader (easily). More of a volume dealer I decided. Tried another JD dealer - and they only wanted to sell what was on the lot - which was the sub-compacts.
Kubota was the most prevalent for compacts and variety on the lot, but lacks some capabilities in comparable models (lift, reach, etc).Dang thing vibrated and it is a known issue on the 3200s, the 3300s lacks some options, and the L-series is "eh" but lacks the ability of a mid-PTO, and heavy capabilities, until you get to the "Grand-40s". $$$
NH - well to be fair - I don't care for Korean stuff so really didn't have much of a chance. Don't care for the new models, but looked at them. Too light weight, lack of quality (dealer stated - not mine), and lack of performance in comparison to the Shinbaura units. Case-IH - has the same LS Korean models now. The dealer didn't think as much of the new models, and had stockpiled some 2010-2011 leftovers from Japan. However - he wanted a premium for them over the cost of a new one since they were better tractors - not even at cost for when they were new - and no special offers since they were older stock. :shocked:
Then MF - I had been watching them - liked the style of the 1600 series (1500 is ok) - the features, the capabilities, and the ability to add a mid-PTO if I need one for snow-blowing or something someday.
Great utility tractor, heaviest lift capabilities, as flexible as the Kubota and JDs, ran solid and strong, no vibration - then with the promotion prices (Free FEL and 0%) just couldn't be beaten. Dealership would order models, has a steady turnover of stock, and great t deal with. Both MF dealers I talked with I would recommend easily - but I got it from my local guy. :thumbsup:
Why did I get mine - because it was the best performing tractor around, great dealer experience, and price was more than just competitive.
And I love it. :cool2:
