Has anyone seen any deals due to this pandemic?

[RickB]

The question was about tractors. Not cars, trucks or RVs. Are we seeing an overwhelming inventory of tractors around the country? I am thinking we are not. So when this current brisk demand for TRACTORS subsides will there be an overburdening inventory of tractors sitting around? Probably not. Have tractor manufacturers stepped up and offered dealers extended terms based on Covid19? Yes. That does not keep the doors open and lights on, but it helps.

 

[Hay Dude]

I would find it very interesting if it were possible to track every new vehicle including cars, trucks and even tractors that are presently sitting on dealer lots to-day, and actually see when they finally sell. I,m guessing most people do not have purchasing a new vehicle, or tractor, on any kind of must do list. The lots within a 20 mile radius of my house are plugged full, and I,m guessing it will take years before all that inventory gets sold and replaced with 2023 models. I,m betting by that time, new models will be available to finally replace the old stock. I,ve talked to several dealer priciples, and the honest ones will tell you they are running with a skeloton staff, and are hurting bigtime. They are very worried about their business future, and if they will even still be around in a year or two. I drove by a vehicle auction holding yard a couple of weeks ago, and it is plugged full as well, waiting for the go-ahead to open up and start auctioning off all of its vehicles as well. It used to have a sale once a week, I wouldn,t be surprised to see it start selling every second or third day, to try and clear up the stockpile of vehicles.

And thats why I said I think we are talking about 2 different things. The dealers themselves, and the OPs topic, any good deals out there from the pandemic.
Car Dealers hurting? For sure.
However, I think demand being down because the country is under the covers quivering in fear from the pandemic and not buying vehicles is a bit of a myopic view.
Remember, vehicles are still being driven, totaled in accidents, wearing out to the point of no longer repairable, too many miles, etc.
I just bought a new truck. My wife is buying a new SUV.
The government checks are perfect size for vehicle down payments and everyone under the earnings threshold is getting them, even if they are fully employed! Also, I see a lot of pent up demand. My wife telling me the car she wants is in short supply and the dealers that are open and very busy.

So to say dealers are struggling, I would agree. They are struggling with staffing issues and state governments not allowing them to fully open and a large segment of the population being led to believe simply walking outside will kill them. That IS hurting sales. I mean Im seeing people out walking alone in the middle of nowhere with masks on. :laughing:

But theres no denying that the manufacturers shut down is going to crush supply.

But as far as tractors go, they are viewed as a “ necessary business “ and the folks who use them are mostly also a necessity businesses. I think their demand is as strong as ever. Add to that the wealthy folks stuck on their property with toy tractors being bored and they are also buying, servicing.

 

[rScotty]

I bought a new tractor today. Place was really busy. I don稚 know whether it was a good deal, but I do know that they could have sold it to someone else easily if I had walked. I needed a tractor so I bought one.

What did you get?

 

[rush389]

What did you get?

3025e. place was nuts!

 

[Hay Dude]

Another thought:
Now that everyone has “ pandemic-on-the-brain “ there will probably be a surge in tractor sales from the little bit of “ prepper “ emotions that get stirred up in folks in national emergencies.
Seeds, garden tools, tractors, etc will be in demand. I’ve never seen more 100SF to 1 acre gardens being built.
Realtors really pushing the virtues of homes with large lots.
Farmers and large property maintenance are still going strong in most states.

 

[s219]

GM usually has a 120 day supply of trucks in the pipeline, but were under 80 in April and I am sure it's less now. I think they stopped production in mid March. I am kicking the tires on new trucks and specific configurations are definitely scarce. People I trust are saying the real pinch will come in another month or two, when the inventory bottoms out and dealers have nothing left to sell before production starts pumping the numbers back up.

Some dealers are being frank about this and trying to sell what they can in a tough environment. Others are using it as a sales tactic. I have had one tell me over and over that supply is dwindling and selection is getting worse and worse, so I need to move now. Of course, the trucks I am interested in have been on the lot since February or March, so I am not worried too much (I don't think they know how easy it is to correlate the VIN number with the manufacture date). I flat out told one of them I am not worried, I already own a good truck and this purchase is completely optional for me, plus I am in no hurry. If you want to stymie a car salesman, let them know you're in no hurry .

 

[Hay Dude]

Here’s another aspect to consider from the subsequently added “ car & truck “ aspect: A company that needs a truck built is screwed. I know a LOT of guys that order trucks speced-out a certain way. Can’t do it. Factory closed. Gotta buy the closest thing available off the lot. That’s draining supply down faster, too.

 

[buck12]

I have not read all the posts in this thread. I stopped by the local Kubota dealer last week to get filters for service. I asked the young man at the parts counter about business. He said their business was great and that the pandemic had not had a negative impact on them. This dealers business seems centered on residential property owners and small acreage property owners and part time small farms.

 

[fried1765]

And thats why I said I think we are talking about 2 different things. The dealers themselves, and the OPs topic, any good deals out there from the pandemic.
Car Dealers hurting? For sure.
However, I think demand being down because the country is under the covers quivering in fear from the pandemic and not buying vehicles is a bit of a myopic view.
Remember, vehicles are still being driven, totaled in accidents, wearing out to the point of no longer repairable, too many miles, etc.
I just bought a new truck. My wife is buying a new SUV.
The government checks are perfect size for vehicle down payments and everyone under the earnings threshold is getting them, even if they are fully employed! Also, I see a lot of pent up demand. My wife telling me the car she wants is in short supply and the dealers that are open and very busy.

So to say dealers are struggling, I would agree. They are struggling with staffing issues and state governments not allowing them to fully open and a large segment of the population being led to believe simply walking outside will kill them. That IS hurting sales. I mean Im seeing people out walking alone in the middle of nowhere with masks on. :laughing:

But theres no denying that the manufacturers shut down is going to crush supply.

But as far as tractors go, they are viewed as a necessary business and the folks who use them are mostly also a necessity businesses. I think their demand is as strong as ever. Add to that the wealthy folks stuck on their property with toy tractors being bored and they are also buying, servicing.

Does PA require the wearing of a paper mask, while walking a dog in the bright sunshine, among the flowering trees?

 

[Hay Dude]

Does PA require the wearing of a paper mask, while walking a dog in the bright sunshine, among the flowering trees?

No, they don’t :laughing:

I think wearing masks while walking alone or with your dog is to send a “ message “.