Exciting times at the Deere dealer today

[dusty3030]

Yeah-deleted the post after checking- should have done that first:ashamed: The way JD changes #s it is hard to keep track

It does get confusing don't it

 

[MattLynch]

Go with the Kubota. New Deere's are junk, everyone around here used to run them and are now slowly switching to other brands. Not sure about the smaller tractors but lots of problems with Utility and mid sized ag.

 

[RickB]

Because they were unflappable. They could have had a conniption and made the guy feel an inch tall, but it wouldn't have changed anything. I figure the driver's employer will take corrective action, so why heap another helping on the poor sod.

Interesting that you chose that to focus on...

Semper fi,
Pete

I also reminded you of your success with Kubotas past and the higher price of the Deere.
I've seen too many rookie truckers that can't back into a loading dock to feel too bad. Better for him to get a different job than end up creating accident statistics.

 

[Egon]

A plate of Digby Clams would help in your desision Pete!

Can't really help in your decision but do know you'll go thru all the comparisons in much more detail than I ever could.

A JD 4200 hst with #7 backhoe has replaced my previous Kubota B 7100. The pedals on the JD are much more to my liking. Also seem to prefer Direct injection Engines. That's about the only comment I have.

Enjoy the shopping!

 

[Boondox]

Interesting, what are these features not found on a Kubota?

Pros and cons to both, but the things that caught my attention on the JD were the layout of the controls (different than what I'm used to but it makes intuitive sense), the twin pedal design (I liked the Kubota treadle till it grew so large it took over that entire corner of the cab), the absolute simplicity of FEL removal and reattachment, the rocker switch on the joystick to control the rear remote, the way all the filters are easily reached without removing panels, and the ability to move the tractor back and to raise/lower the lift arms from the rear of the tractor when hooking up implements. The planetary gear design of the final drive is more robust than the Kubota, which would be nice in winter when one tire spins a bit before those ice chains dig in and grip. The tractor also weighs more than the L4060, has a tighter turning radius, and the employees at the dealership seemed genuinely happy to work there.

Things I like about the Kubota are the quarter windows that can be opened when heat or AC is not needed, and the ability to shift from low range to high on the fly with the flick of a lever. That's really a sweet feature that I use a lot! Plus I've very familiar with orange and they have served me well in the past. But it was a bit disheartening to see the drop in morale since the dealership was taken over. They're a great bunch of guys and the drop in wages and benefits clearly hurt them.

 

[brown40]

JD really seems to focus on ergonomics in design, and put things in good places. Like many companies (not Kubota so much though) they've been piecing out their components. If every country of origin had a different color, JD green would be JD rainbow. They do have stringent quality standards, but how much oversight those get, gets more difficult when you have dozens of vendors in different areas. I have a JD--it's been great. The Chinese, Mexican and Indian components seem to have held up as well as the Canadian, Japanese and US ones... the Spanish ones not so much.
I think Kubota tries to keep as much as possible under their umbrella, so the 'best bid' is Kubota. It was the singular point that I 'should'ved' about after purchase, but have had no regrets about the unit over time--to date the concern is unfounded. I understand outsourcing is the new American normal for large corporations--it does not stop my lamenting it.
I'm sure either would serve you well, but am surprised such a great ownership experience has left room for competition... producers hope your kind of experience creates a lifelong relationship. Good luck with the decision.

 

[Garandman]

How's the resale value look for the two models you are looking at? Difference in warranty?

You are looking at two industry leaders, not sure you can go far wrong. The choice was easy for me because the JD dealer was a dolt, the Mitsubishi/Mahindra dealer didn't have any inventory and the Kioti dealer was too far away.

 

[Wagtail]

I've said it several times in the past; whatever colour you decide on, it's the dealership support/service that will serve you in the long run. When I bought my rigs it was (and continues to be) the local dealer (how they treated me and their reputation) that got my money. I'm sure that the other colours could have sold me just as capable tractors but you have to think of your own 'down the road' situation and peace of mind.

It sounds as though your JD blokes are not only knowledgeable but are keen for your business. The treatment of the unfortunate driver also speaks volumes of professionalism.

Personally, I have had zero problems with any of my JD tractors that I purchased from Midland Tractors, here in Tasmania. Mind you, it may be a wee bit far for the majority of my fellow TBNers to get to.

 

[swines]

I would echo the sentiment that the dealer support is as important as the equipment itself.

Where I live, 70% of the tractors sold in the area are John Deere. The JD dealer's parts department is bigger than the entire Kubota dealer - which is why the farmers in the area use John Deere.

The JD dealer has been great about getting parts. If they don't have the parts in stock (they seem to average about 60% in stock), if I order by Tuesday before 10:00AM - the part is in on Thursday afternoon. If I order after Tuesday, the part is in either the following Monday or Tuesday.

The parts orders have included weird things like a lower body panel for a 1997 GT-275 garden tractor - ordered the part on Monday and picked up Thursday. Frankly, I was shocked I could still get that part for a 16 year old garden tractor.

The only downside is cost - they will not discount parts and will only do about 10% off of list for tractors and implements.

I have a John Deere specifically because of the local dealer's customer support.

 

[Blade Breaker]

Go with the Kubota. New Deere's are junk, everyone around here used to run them and are now slowly switching to other brands. Not sure about the smaller tractors but lots of problems with Utility and mid sized ag.

Not true.. Green is still the leader. Others are good but still not close.