Buying a new B2920

[neilbedwell]

I have been looking to replace my old 1958 Massey Ferg TO-35 with something new. Along with my Massey I have a 60 inch King Kutter II tiller, a six foot rear blade and a middle buster plow. I have been looking at purchasing a new Kubota B2920 and have some questions. I have already compared the B2920 to a John Deere 2520 and, frankly, I like some of the features of the JD BUT the Kubota looks/feels like a much better built tractor to me. I've looked at other tractors similar in size to these and just am not impressed in the same ways. If only the pedal configuration on the Kub was like the JD! My questions are as follows:

1. Will the B2920 run my 60 inch King Kutter tiller?
2. My local dealer quoted me a price of $13,300 for just the tractor and $16,500 for the tractor with front end loader. What do you guys think of these prices?
3. Another dealer from a neighboring state, Tennessee, quoted me a price of $12,900 for just the tractor and $16,100 for the tractor with the front end loader. Obviously, this is less, but do I have to pay TN state sales tax (I'm not a farm, do not file Schedule F)? This dealer is about 2.5 hours from my house (twice as far as the above dealer) so is it worth the extra distance to get a better price? Are Kubota dealers like car dealers and required to work on a machine regardless of where it's bought?
4. My local dealer mentioned insurance on the tractor that is available through Kubota and is not a rider on my homeowner's insurance. It was about $1000 paid over the life of the loan. Is this insurance worth the money?
5. Lastly, I would like to trade in my Massey but my local dealer only offered me $800. I paid $3200 for the tractor a couple of years ago. I feel like this is not a fair price but I have no way of really selling the tractor myself in any reasonable time frame. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much guys! I sincerely appreciate any and all input.

 

[bp fick]

The price difference between dealers you mentioned is fairly typical. Keep shopping and use one dealer's quote in negotiations with another.

As for trading in your Massey, your dealer doesn't see the value in it as you do. To him, it is a piece of iron with his money tied up. His lot probably has all the old iron the market can bear. If you decide to trade it, be prepared to take a bath. I recommend selling it TODAY on Craigs, even it you have to take 1900 to move it fast. Patience is hard, but impatience can oft times be very expensive.

As for Kubota insurance, use the search feature here on the forums and you'll find lots of testimonies of how guys like it a lot!!! Some, still prefer to just contact their own insurance agent. It's a choice.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Agree to try selling your tractor on Craigs list. Also insurance is a choice. Contact your Insurance Agent and ask what your home owners coverage is concerning your tractor then compare Kubota insurance coverage.
I believe the tractor will power your implements.
Next, contact Barlows for a price. I believe they will beat the prices you gave and deliver to you. They may also give you a better price on your trade in, who knows. Well, I guess they do. Kubota dealers are Franchises like car dealers so they do have obligations to Kubota in order to keep their Franchise.
Ky dealers selling out of state do not have to collect sales tax.

 

[bxowner]

For the sake of comparison, I paid $18,000 for B2920, FEL, 60" MMM, loaded rear tires AND a set of very expensive chains for the rear tires (~ $400+). So, given the MMM alone retails for $2500, I think you can do better.

Given the lousy trade value - even if you could get a tax credit on the trade - I'd do as bp suggested and list it on craigslist... you can certainly do better than $800 and, if after a week or two you don't have even a phone call on it, you can trade it. I'm guessing the tractor will take the dealer a week to prep.

As for the comparison, you've got to go with a combination of your "gut" and what you really think is the better tractor for your situation... if the split brakes are an issue for you, but you think the build quality outweighs it, then by all means go with the Kubota. For me, it was a combination of financing and 3-range that made me go with the B2920. If it weren't for the money-factor, I'd have probably gone with the JD, having owned a 2320 a few years ago. Ergonomics on the JD win hands-down for me. i.e. the FEL is much easier to remove (simply life 2 levers while sitting on the seat and back away - compared with the Kubota that requires you to get off the tractor to set up 2 separate stands, then load the loader and pull two separate pins and set them in their brackets, then set the FEL down), the quick-attach comes standard and simply requires removal of two pins, position control on the 3-pt, a one-piece hood (instead of 4 on the Kubota), a dash light that shows when you're in 4WD (a feature I really liked having) and an electric PTO. Finally, I discovered the Kubota cuts the ground pretty good when mowing, even with turfs - an issue that has to do with the geometry of the front tire camber. This was never an issue for me on the JD.

Frankly, I think both units are comparably built. I kind of prefer the steel on the Kubota to JD's fiberglass, but that's me. Perhaps that's something you've noticed? Either way, I'm betting you'll be plenty pleased with the tractor, especially when compared with what you've been used to!

 

[johnw549]

As far as insurance goes: One of the big things for me was if I was transporting the tractor and some how wrecked and destroyed it. I don't think the homeowners will cover that scenario. I think the Kubota insurance is fair and offers more peril coverage than homeowners does.

 

[crbr]

Kubota has the best insurance going, however consider getting the insurance independent from the dealer (one phone call to Kubota will do the trick). I have all that Kubota offers in the way of insurance for $120 per year.

Homeowners will not provide near the coverage from what I have discussed with my agent. Your mileage may vary.

.

 

[AJE]

As far as insurance goes: One of the big things for me was if I was transporting the tractor and some how wrecked and destroyed it. I don't think the homeowners will cover that scenario. I think the Kubota insurance is fair and offers more peril coverage than homeowners does.

I specifically asked that question to my agent and it is covered in that scenario for me on my homeowners insurance.

 

[CJBOTA]

I owned a B2920 for 1-1/2 years so I am qualified to offer some opinions. First, it is an awesome tractor. It did everything I needed to do but I just traded fo a L3700 because my farm has grown more then I expected and I just needed more of a good thing.
I also have a 60" KK tiller, you will find it is alot of tiller for either Tractor. Previously plowed or tilled plots are no problem. Breaking new ground is a slow process. The tractor will do it but you will be approaching tractor abuse. By the way the KK tiller is a great tiller for the price. For best reults on unbroken ground I run mine with an old 45 hp david brown. But once the ground is broken it is hard to beat the B2920 for ease of compactness and maneuverability. If you have to break new ground you might want to use a subsoiler or plow first. I am hoping the L3700 will handle the tiller as well as the old David brown.
The pedals become a non issue. I had the same concern and after 10 hours of use you don't even think about it. I really wouldn't let that affect my decision.
I don't remember if you mentioned financing but it is hard to beat Kubota. The way I see it you have two choices on your trade: 1) you could exercise patience and try to sell it on craigslist, or 2) take your beating and get it over with.
The local dealerships mean alot to me. For me in the beginning Kubota and John Deere were equal. We have 3 JD dealers in the area and none of them treated me very well in past dealings. There are also 3 Kubota dealers in the area. I have done well with two and the other one acts much like a JD dealer.
Again I liked the B2920 alot and hope I feel the same about this new L3700. ( so far so good ) The only problem I had with the B2920 was a faulty switch on the HST pedal that made it tricky to start. I think it was an adjustment thing, you had to tap it before turning the key. My dealer replaced the switch and it fixed the problem.
I hope this is helpful.
cj

 

[fredhargis]

I had just bought a B2920 about a month ago after having no luck searching for a used one. I got written quotes from 2 local dealers, and a phone quote from one very large dealer in a city about 70 miles away. I wound up paying $15,100 for the tractor and FEL, and another $2350 for the 60" MMM. If I could do it over, I would also call Barlows, since they would be within driving distance. For insurance, I put a rider on my home policy. It was free and what Kubota offered was actually about $300/yr. That price might have also reflected the BH and 3 other implements I bought, tho'. As for the tiller, I got the 50" forward rotation tines LP, and I can tell you the tractor doesn't break a sweat using it, I think a 60" would work just fine. I know nothing about tractors (this is my first) but I have to think trading one in is as big a screwing (for you) as it would be for a truck or car. Selling it yourself is likely to work out much better.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

As far as insurance goes: One of the big things for me was if I was transporting the tractor and some how wrecked and destroyed it. I don't think the homeowners will cover that scenario. I think the Kubota insurance is fair and offers more peril coverage than homeowners does.

Kubota has the best insurance going, however consider getting the insurance independent from the dealer (one phone call to Kubota will do the trick). I have all that Kubota offers in the way of insurance for $120 per year.

Homeowners will not provide near the coverage from what I have discussed with my agent. Your mileage may vary.

.

I specifically asked that question to my agent and it is covered in that scenario for me on my homeowners insurance.

Just check with your insurance provider to see what they will cover for you. My agents tells me mine is covered on my homeowners at no additional charge and he owns tractors and farms himself and works for Farm Bureau Insurance, get the drift. Farm Bureau Insurance homeowners and I own a tractor(s). Now the Down Town Insurance Company or the High Rise Insurance Company will probably have very little coverage for a tractor. Check with your Insurance Agent concerning your coverage. Nothing wrong with Kubotas Insurance but why buy something you already have for no additional cost or if there is additional cost, find out how much for equal coverage from your Insurance Agent.

 

[jimjdb]

Just got my new B2920 late this afternoon, mowed-raked the riding ring and stuck it in the manure pile. I had the same feeling about the pedal set-up vs John Deere, but after the first hour I realized I had not once looked down to find reverse-my foot went right to the spot. I really like the MM mower because I can get it up higher than my lawn tractor to clear some rocks and I don't have to use a brush hog. After years of using gear drive tractors I can't believe what a pleasure it is to have a hydro, especially for loader work.

 

[roadhouse]

i went with my home owners insurance, it was cheaper. as far as prices and dealers, i dont always go with the cheapest price, i go with my gut, and how im treated by the dealer/salesperson. better service is more valuable than saving $13-$24 a month on a payment. thats just my opinion though.