Right, until the plastic falls off, the same John deer's your putting down are still working after 50 years and don't fall apart.
I know this is way after the fact of this argument....but everyone here realizes that the small (Compact) JD, NH and Case tractors are NOT made in America....Don't they?!?! Compact JDs are Yanmars, New Holland is a Korean tractor (same as LS). Case is also foreign I believe. I think they are fundamentally LS tractors as well. The parent company of Branson, Kukje, is a heavy agricultural equipment company who has MADE tractors for the JD European market. I think they make some of the stateside models for them as well.
So the US vs. them is somewhat silly. There pretty much is no US tractor anymore. The #1 tractor seller in the world is now Mahindra...of India! Who, by the way...made some of the most popular IH tractors back in the 60's. Many of Mahindra's tractors are actually TYM's (Korea).
One company that is coming on strong is Kioti...again a Korean tractor.
Here is an interesting fact that I'm finding as I'm doing my research though. The tractors that are made to be sold under the JD, NH or Case name by these foreign manufacturers seem to have lighter duty chassis/frames and less lift capacity than the tractors these companies market under their own name. If seems that the US companies are focused on hobby farmers for their compacts. But others have realized that most people don't really need a 50-60hp tractor...but do need a tractor that can lift a fair deal.
That is the market I am in. I don't need a large HP tractor...but I do need relatively high lift capacity on many occasions. First new tractor was a Mahindra. Awesome tractor that served me well. I just bought 40 HP Branson. Lift capacity is equal to what most would describe as a utility tractor...not a compact.
Dealer is half the distance of a JD, NH or Case dealer. Dealer was really interested in what I needed....not touting how wonderful their green machine was.
JD has a great network, but run into the same customs issues as the others since many parts are coming from overseas. Probably a little more in stock and on hand. But my tractor is not my lively hood. If I had to have my tractor EVERY day. I would possibly consider a JD. But more likely a Mahindra. But since I can wait a few days for parts if necessary....Branson made since. Much cheaper for a more heavy duty full featured tractor than a JD, NH or Case.
My 2 cents.