Am I Wrong ?

[KSOldham]

I am new here so hello and thank you for all the awesome info. My question here is am I wrong to buy a ls brand tractor from a dealer with a 4.7 rating and not go out of my way to check out the Kubotas because the only dealer near by has a rating of 3.7 ? I have read so many times that the dealer is very important, and I only have a couple to choose from.

 

[Williy]

Personnely I would go with the tractor that you like. How do you know
what happened to the ones that gave a low or bad report? Was it the
dealer or was it the irate customer or just some one that don't like LS
tractors? Do you have Yanmar dealer near you? I would really try
one of their tractors out and you must test a tractor before you purchase
one. You need to test all the controls on a tractor then you can make
a decent decision of the tractor that will fit your needs.

willy

 

[KSOldham]

Funny I was just looking up Yanmar dealers, closest to me is an hour or more away. Over the bridge and into the traffic... ew I don't do well in traffic when I have no clue where I am going. The LS dealer had the best rating it was the kubota dealer people didn't like...

 

[hube2]

When it comes to tractor dealers and service there are only 2 types of people that will leave reviews online. Either the are really happy because the dealer went above and beyond their expectations or they are really pissed off because something went wrong. The second type is more likely to take the time to leave an online review than the first. You need to look at the rating and reviews from that perspective.

There are other ways to find out about dealers that will give you better information, but what that is I can't say for you. For me, I live in a farming community. I know the farmers and I know who they depend on. This is also evident in the brands of tractors they drive because they generally buy the brand that the dealer they trust carries because that's who they're going to go to when they have a problem.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Do your own evaluation on whatever dealers you are interested in dealing with. The problem with to-days tech, any ahole can put whatever they want, for any of a thousand reasons, into a review, and the dealers have very little recourse. Trust your own judgement, on how you fell about different dealers.

 

[ericm979]

I don't take internet user ratings so seriously that 4.7 vs 3.7 would mean not even talking to the 3.7 dealer.

Did you read the reviews? Sometimes reviewers who give low ratings are people who have completely unreasonable expectations or have a grudge against the company or someone there. Or sometimes they're disguised competitors trying to game the ratings.

 

[ericm979]

Things to look for: a real service dept with mechanics. A parts dept with commonly used parts in stock. A lot with a good selection of machines, though with the current COVID related shortages even the best dealers can be low on inventory. A sales person who is willing to listen to your requirements and find a good solution for them.

On your part, spend some time thinking through the tasks you want to accomplish and what you'll need in addition to the tractor to do them. The tractor's only the tool carrier for most jobs. You also need attachments to do the work. The type and size of the attachments you use will determine a lot about the tractor you'll need to run them.

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN.
Indeed the dealer important more so when if tractor out of service,but most of all you should feel comfortable when operating most of all safety...go with your gut feeling.

 

[KSOldham]

Oh, thank you so very much! All good and true, I will talk to all of them but I am really ignorant about so much that I am not sure I will know the difference between a good dealer or a bad dealer. The one I did talk to asked a lot of questions about what I needed it for I felt like that was a positive thing. So when I talk to the next one I will see if they ask, and go from there. I want to run right out and buy one everytime I look out my window lol but I do know I need to stay calm and be patient.

 

[SoCalRedTractor]

I want to run right out and buy one every time I look out my window lol but I do know I need to stay calm and be patient.

Yup, same here. I walk my yard (only an acre, but, its needs a lot of TLC landscaping) and note what I'll do with which implement when I get it - I started my buying process in Feb, latest update is, it will be on the truckload that arrives 6/15 at my dealer. So, yeah, it could take some time. Well worth the wait whichever make & model you bring in to the family, however!!

Pick

 

[wolc123]

If you buy a good tractor and treat it right, the dealer dont matter that much. I didn't buy from my local dealer, but I did get the brand he carries. It has only broke down once in the 16 years that I have had it, and I was able to get the replacement part (starter) delivered the next day from an aftermarket source.

The only time I drive the 3 miles, to my nearest dealer, is to pick up oil filters for the 100 hour services.

If you are tough on equipment, then I can see where a good dealer would be important to you.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I would go to both of them, sit on the tractors, itemize standard features, price sometimes can be wide apart.

I have my second LS tractor. Both have never disappointed me. I am impressed by them so much, and by the customer service that I have received from 2 different LS dealers, I would not hesitate to get a third!

I am biased against Kubota and freely admit it. When I was shopping,(actually ready to buy), 2 local Kubota dealers wouldn't give me the time of day.... what would they be like AFTER the sale. JD wasn't any better!

I do thank them for making me look elsewhere, saving me $6,000.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
That’s understandable, but...that’s a dealer issue, not a ‘brand’ issue.

I wouldn’t do business with a dealer like that too. Plus, it saved you money and that’s never a bad thing if you’re happy with the product and outcome.

Mike

 

[4570Man]

I would place pretty much zero weight on that rating unless it’s a fairly high number of legit customers.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Firstly, not knowing where (generally) you are or what (generally) your circumstances are will equal fairly generic responses. That being said, I'd talk with your neighbours/locals as to 'what the word in the paddock' is about your local Dealerships. ALL colour tractors.

Secondly, you need to sit on various tractors in order to find which one 'fits' you AND what size/hp tractor will do what you need it to do. If you can, invite one of your knowledgeable neighbours along when you go to the Dealership... they don't have to say anything, but can advise you.

Thirdly, expand your range; distance especially, which will also include more brands. A two hour round trip is nothing to a lot of tractor owners. My Dealership is 1.5 hours away. Mind you, ALL of the tractor dealerships are at least 1.5 hours away from me.

Enjoy the site... from wherever in the world you are.

 

[CoyPatton]

Oh, thank you so very much! All good and true, I will talk to all of them but I am really ignorant about so much that I am not sure I will know the difference between a good dealer or a bad dealer. The one I did talk to asked a lot of questions about what I needed it for I felt like that was a positive thing. So when I talk to the next one I will see if they ask, and go from there. I want to run right out and buy one everytime I look out my window lol but I do know I need to stay calm and be patient.

Realize that over the life (decades) of a well informed tractor purchase, you will spend very few of your trips to the dealership saying more than hello to the salesman and owner. So while trying to decide on a dealership, talk to at least the service department (you are likely to deal with them frequently if you buy from them). If you do not plan to turn your own wrenches for repairs talk to the service department also. It is my opinion that these 2 areas give you the best feel for the dealership. Also note what equipment is on their lot (covid has taken its toll on this factor) and in their service bays.

 

[Username Taken]

I would go to both of them, sit on the tractors, itemize standard features, price sometimes can be wide apart.

I have my second LS tractor. Both have never disappointed me. I am impressed by them so much, and by the customer service that I have received from 2 different LS dealers, I would not hesitate to get a third!

I am biased against Kubota and freely admit it. When I was shopping,(actually ready to buy), 2 local Kubota dealers wouldn't give me the time of day.... what would they be like AFTER the sale. JD wasn't any better!

I do thank them for making me look elsewhere, saving me $6,000.

Had that happen to me at a Podunk Ford Dealer that was running a good sale.

I walked.

Went to a Ram Dealer and plunked down $60k cash money for Ram CTD.

And when Ford sent a questionaire about my experience at the Dealer, I SMOKED them. Told them they had no business representing the fine name of Ford Motor Company.

I heard through the grapevine that their entire management had been replaced or retired a few months later.

Bought my Wife a brand new Ford over the Internet and the phone. Drove up to get it, took a couple hours for them to prep it, told the Salesman that if the F&I man bugged me, I was walking. He didn't. He also wasn't happy.

Buying a new piece of equipment used to be fun. It isn't anymore.

I blame lazy management. When I was managing a Sales Floor, if I saw a customer wandering around looking lost and salesmen were nowhere to be found, somebody was getting fired. No second chances. Gone. It was usually because they were out back, smoking, eating lunch (for 2 hours) or on the phone with a girl/boyfriend. Gonzo.

And if a salesman didn't approach you, a manager should have.

Now........ That doesn't mean the Service people suck like the salesforce does. They seldom even like each other. At all. And don't communicate with each other.

A lot of times, in the Mom and Pop stores, they're all the same. And sometimes they're really busy or confused or both. Not everybody is a Multi Million dollar dealer. But they still need to be customer focused. No excuse

I recommend you do as much work as possible over the internet and on the phone before you show up in person. These days especially

 

[tmeric7]

There are plenty of people I wouldn't necessarily trust writing reviews out there. That said, I recently visited two dealers before purchasing a zero turn mower. The one with the higher reviews deserved them, and the one with the lower reviews deserved those too. Consider the reviews, but I think it's best to check out the dealers and decide for yourself whenever possible.

 

[4570Man]

Had that happen to me at a Podunk Ford Dealer that was running a good sale.

I walked.

Went to a Ram Dealer and plunked down $60k cash money for Ram CTD.

And when Ford sent a questionaire about my experience at the Dealer, I SMOKED them. Told them they had no business representing the fine name of Ford Motor Company.

I heard through the grapevine that their entire management had been replaced or retired a few months later.

Bought my Wife a brand new Ford over the Internet and the phone. Drove up to get it, took a couple hours for them to prep it, told the Salesman that if the F&I man bugged me, I was walking. He didn't. He also wasn't happy.

Buying a new piece of equipment used to be fun. It isn't anymore.

I blame lazy management. When I was managing a Sales Floor, if I saw a customer wandering around looking lost and salesmen were nowhere to be found, somebody was getting fired. No second chances. Gone. It was usually because they were out back, smoking, eating lunch (for 2 hours) or on the phone with a girl/boyfriend. Gonzo.

And if a salesman didn't approach you, a manager should have.

Now........ That doesn't mean the Service people suck like the salesforce does. They seldom even like each other. At all. And don't communicate with each other.

A lot of times, in the Mom and Pop stores, they're all the same. And sometimes they're really busy or confused or both. Not everybody is a Multi Million dollar dealer. But they still need to be customer focused. No excuse

I recommend you do as much work as possible over the internet and on the phone before you show up in person. These days especially

I actually like to be left alone while I’m looking and I’ll find a salesman when I’m ready.

 

[SoCalRedTractor]

Had that happen to me at a Podunk Ford Dealer that was running a good sale.

I walked.

Went to a Ram Dealer and plunked down $60k cash money for Ram CTD.

And when Ford sent a questionaire about my experience at the Dealer, I SMOKED them. Told them they had no business representing the fine name of Ford Motor Company.

I heard through the grapevine that their entire management had been replaced or retired a few months later.

Bought my Wife a brand new Ford over the Internet and the phone. Drove up to get it, took a couple hours for them to prep it, told the Salesman that if the F&I man bugged me, I was walking. He didn't. He also wasn't happy.

Buying a new piece of equipment used to be fun. It isn't anymore.

I blame lazy management. When I was managing a Sales Floor, if I saw a customer wandering around looking lost and salesmen were nowhere to be found, somebody was getting fired. No second chances. Gone. It was usually because they were out back, smoking, eating lunch (for 2 hours) or on the phone with a girl/boyfriend. Gonzo.

And if a salesman didn't approach you, a manager should have.

Now........ That doesn't mean the Service people suck like the salesforce does. They seldom even like each other. At all. And don't communicate with each other.

A lot of times, in the Mom and Pop stores, they're all the same. And sometimes they're really busy or confused or both. Not everybody is a Multi Million dollar dealer. But they still need to be customer focused. No excuse

I recommend you do as much work as possible over the internet and on the phone before you show up in person. These days especially

Yup. I was at a Dodge dealer years ago - checkbook was out and open, pen in hand, just needed a $$ amount to fill in - sales guy & his mgr. wouldn't give me a number, not even ballpark - I walked. Brought the new other brand around the following week to see if they had a number yet.