long time Kubota dealer

[kenmac]

Local Kubota dealer had been the family business for 70 years sold out recently.
It will remain a Kubota dealership just different owner.

I knew the original owner. It was passed down to his son. Then to the grandson

Grandson isn't that old.. I guess he just got tired of the tractor business, or couldn't keep it going due to covid.

I was sure surprised when I went by yesterday and saw the ''Under New Ownership'' sign.

Any other tractor dealers in your area sold out to someone else recently ?

 

[ljjhouser]

Not that I am aware of, but with the lack of inventory I am surprised there are not. I talked with my Kubota dealer last month and asked how they were making money. He said he was getting some stock of new tractors (had 8 on the lot), but most of the money was coming from parts and service. I hope dealers can stay open.

 

[Jstpssng]

I was surprised to see that a new dealership has opened up in the nearest big town. Now I only have to drive 55 miles if I need anything.

 

[5030]

My dealer was started by the dad and the son took over and the son is now 62 and not slowing down at all. They started as a Case IH dealer and picked up Kubota when Kubota first came here. They have such a reputation and do such a service business, I don't believe lack of inventory impacts them all that much. Mostly into the big stuff but sell little stuff too. Hope they outlast me because they treat my wife and I like family. The owner has offered me a job there. I keep putting him off, don't really want to go back to work anyway. Hell, I'm retired and prefer to stay that way. I do a bit of custom machine work for them. I'm good with that. Only dealership I know of that when I need something, they deliver it to the house.

Know what he wants me to do, he wants me to drive his rollback and deliver units. Only he (owner) has a CDL and he knows I have one as well.

His lead mechanic (technician) and I shoot at the same sportsmens club and have been good friends for years. No one works on my tractors but him. I'm all good with that.

When I bought the open station M9 2 years ago up north, I had it delivered to them and told him to do whatever it needed to make it 100%. Stayed there most of the winter in the corner of the shop, inside and got used as make work when they were slow. Looks like a new unit now and runs like a top too. Hard to believe it's a 2002 with over 6300 hours on the engine meter. Getting new shoes this year.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I'm fortunate to live just 5 miles from a Kubota "mega" dealer that's been in business for 50+ years. It was handed down from father to son about 8 years ago. They're still going strong but, like many other dealers, there isn't much stock on the lot right now.

A Kioti dealer opened 10 years ago in a nearby town. It was sold 3 years ago and the new owner switched to Mahindra. Unfortunately, it went out of business last year, likely due to Covid. Local Kioti and Mahindra owners now have to travel almost 50 miles to the closest dealer.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

The demise (or sale) of family businesses is fairly rapid after the founder sells (or dies). Only 5% of family businesses are operated by the 3rd generation.
To continue, in a depressed economy (i.e. COVID), businesses need to limit their fixed expenses. Rent is the primary burden. If a business owns it's building, it's easy to continue under adverse conditions. Utility costs can be reduced, labor can be reduced. Interest expenses can be renegotiated (though it would have been better to be operating without debt).
I own outright the facility in which I wanted to open a tractor dealership. Contacted the 2 "also ran's" in which I had interest. One called the next day to explain my area had been 'spoken for' by an existing dealer. The other manufacturer, even after 2 contacts on my part, never called me.
On TBN, i do see a correlation between happy customers and the manufacturer that called me the next day.
And additional correlation between frustrated owners and the manufacturer that never called me.
Why so many tractor brands for sale ? I've been looking on Alibaba Chinese tractors are so-o-o cheap in comparison to American prices. High profit industries attract competition. I'm thinking of bringing in a container. assembling, and selling

 

[EddieWalker]

Local Kubota dealer was here forever. They used to sell a variety of brands, but then got rid of everything and just focused on Kubota. I never bought anything from them, but I tried several times. I just couldn't justify paying what they wanted and shopped around until I found something that I thought was a better value. Tractor, UTV, and Zero Turn. When they started selling Landpride, I tried to buy from them, but nothing was in stock and I could get it faster and cheaper online through Messicks.

Two years ago, before Covid, the Kubota Dealer 20 minutes South of this one bought them out. One of the first things they did was add excavators and skid steers to their inventory. The previous owners refused to offer them.

I stopped by there a couple months ago to see about buying a new 7060, but didn't feel very welcome. I had to hunt down somebody to talk to, and it was a struggle to get him to give me a price. I liked the tractor, but not the price. So now I've been there twice in 15 years to buy a brand new tractor, with two different owners, and still haven't bought a Kubota.

I'm semi looking for a Landpride 3712 batwing mower, and I saw that they had a few in stock, but I'm not sure of what model they are. I might take a look next week, but I'm not in any rush.

 

[5030]

far as Kubota dealers go, I don't believe they have a choice as to what products to offer besides tractors, I believe it's a corporate decision. My dealer sell full line, tractors, mini ex's, skid steers and Land Pride (which is Kubota owned) implements plus the full line of hay tools too. He sells Cub Cadet mowers, snow blowers and tillers too and still services Case IH and CNH equipment. Shop is always full of repairs. They go there far and wide, he has a helluva reputation that comes with being in business for decades I guess. Never heard anyone say anything bad about them, ever.

 

[5030]

I'm fortunate to live just 5 miles from a Kubota "mega" dealer that's been in business for 50+ years. It was handed down from father to son about 8 years ago. They're still going strong but, like many other dealers, there isn't much stock on the lot right now.

A Kioti dealer opened 10 years ago in a nearby town. It was sold 3 years ago and the new owner switched to Mahindra. Unfortunately, it went out of business last year, likely due to Covid. Local Kioti and Mahindra owners now have to travel almost 50 miles to the closest dealer.

Has to be Messicks. I've dealt with them in the past but I find Coleman's in Kansas City to be substantially less on shipping on the rare instance I need something my dealer don't have on hand and I cannot wait a week for.

If I can wait, I get it from my local dealer.

 

[HEC]

I have owned several Kubota tractors and products over many years but very disappointed with Kubota and Messick service department as of late. I have a front mounted snow blower which is only 6 years old and they don't even list it for parts anymore. I tried to get help from a Messicks part person for a hyd. hose and he said you will just have to get it replaced somewhere else as I can't help you as I don't list your blower anymore.I tried to give him the dimensions etc. but he would have no part of it. You will have to bring in the hose to have it replaced. I guess this why people like John Deere you can at least get parts.

 

[Fladogman]

I was afraid my dealer was going to shut down and move but a few months ago they started a huge remodel of the premises so I'm thinking they're here to stay. I know they're still having issues with parts delivery , hopefully that will get better soon.

 

[5030]

I have owned several Kubota tractors and products over many years but very disappointed with Kubota and Messick service department as of late. I have a front mounted snow blower which is only 6 years old and they don't even list it for parts anymore. I tried to get help from a Messicks part person for a hyd. hose and he said you will just have to get it replaced somewhere else as I can't help you as I don't list your blower anymore.I tried to give him the dimensions etc. but he would have no part of it. You will have to bring in the hose to have it replaced. I guess this why people like John Deere you can at least get parts.

Every tractor dealer I know of (including mine) has an Aerquip crimping machine and rolls of bulk hose. That is terrible way to conduct business.

Actually, a trip to Tractor supply should garner you a new hose no issue. Lot cheaper too. No shipping, no waiting.

I see Messicks just built a new place. Looks nice but nice don't mean beans when your service goes to hell.

 

[5030]

I guess this why people like John Deere you can at least get parts.

I have JD equipment as well and I will say that most everything at the local JD dealer is luxury priced. Don't even like going in there. In fact if I need a JD part, I order it from Shoup in Illinois.

 

[Jchonline]

Not that I am aware of, but with the lack of inventory I am surprised there are not. I talked with my Kubota dealer last month and asked how they were making money. He said he was getting some stock of new tractors (had 8 on the lot), but most of the money was coming from parts and service. I hope dealers can stay open.

Our Kubota dealer can't keep anything on the lot, but they are selling more tractors than they were in 2019...so it looks like they selling less but they aren't.

 

[5030]

Like my dealer. No floorplanned inventory because everything they get in has already been sold. Why they have no issues keeping my new round bailer on the lot. Gives them something for customers to look at and then order one. Mine went to the local fair as well. I asked Keith (the owner if I was gonna get something more off on it for the fingerprints. He just chuckled.

Couple weeks ago they gave me a rush machining job. They got in a new Kubota MX and the ordered backhoe and were assembling the hoe on the tractor and could not get the dipperstick pivot to engage the bosses so they called me and asked what I thought. Told them to give me the dipperstick and pin and I'd fix it and they wanted it quick, so they dropped it off (I was in my car) and I line bored the welded on bushings oversize and pressed in steel inserts that afternoon and they picked it up that night and the customer got his unit the next day. When Kubota fabbed up the hoe parts, someone didn't align the weldment properly in the jig and welded it in crooked. Back during 'normal' times, they could have called Kubota and gotten a new dipperstick shipped next day but these aren't normal times so no dipperstick was available.

As it was, a nice coat of Kubota Orange 2 and the customer will never know I modified the dipperstick pivot boss. probably never grease it anyway, people are like that today.

On the subject of paint, I've found that Rustoleum Kubota Orange is a dead match for Orange 2 and it actually covers better than the OEM stuff and is a lot cheaper. If you have an older one, Majic Kubota Orange is the same as Orange 1. Hard to beat the OEM Kubota ROPS grey though. Covers well, dries quick and a can goes a long way.

Seen some really run hard and put away wet tractors find their way into their shop in the past. Amazing how people spend 10's of thousands of dollars on tractors and then beat the hell out of them.

The other day, they had an early MX cab unit in the shop and were rebuilding the engine. It had 600 hours on the meter and looked like it had 6000 hours on it. Dennis told me the owner never changed the oil and ran it dry. He said he took the air filter out and it was packed solid with filth. Guess it you have more money than brains you can afford to have your ineptness repaired. I cannot. Even if I could, I would not.

 

[Gregster613]

5030, It sounds like you've got a good deal/relationship with your dealer.. I say "Good for you" I'm envious! All I've got locally for any sort of tractor requirement is TSC; and they aren't really much for anything more than chicken feed, hardware, hoses, gloves.
It would be nice to have something locally available but some of use just do not.

When/if I need something for my TYM I call/text Jordan's in Idaho and have gotten absolutely the best help I've needed. I mostly just try to replace anything I can with whatever I do find available locally at the Napa store. Filters, relays, hardware, etc., etc. it works for me. Greg

 

[Streetcar]

Every tractor dealer I know of (including mine) has an Aerquip crimping machine and rolls of bulk hose. That is terrible way to conduct business.

Actually, a trip to Tractor supply should garner you a new hose no issue. Lot cheaper too. No shipping, no waiting.

I see Messicks just built a new place. Looks nice but nice don't mean beans when your service goes to hell.

It can be difficult to build and ship custom hose.easier to get custom hose local

 

[Cat385B]

I visited Eastside Equipment in Watertown, SD on Thanksgiving weekend. They built a new facility there in the summer of 2020. My BIL was thinking about a tractor purchase and asked my opinion, so we drove over.

Business is good, it seems.

 

[coobie]

Local Kubota dealer had been the family business for 70 years sold out recently.
It will remain a Kubota dealership just different owner.

I knew the original owner. It was passed down to his son. Then to the grandson

Grandson isn't that old.. I guess he just got tired of the tractor business, or couldn't keep it going due to covid.

I was sure surprised when I went by yesterday and saw the ''Under New Ownership'' sign.

Any other tractor dealers in your area sold out to someone else recently ?

Mom and Pop Tractor dealerships in my area are getting bought out by big tractor conglomerates who own many BIG dealerships.Sad IMHO..

 

[coobie]

Like my dealer. No floorplanned inventory because everything they get in has already been sold. Why they have no issues keeping my new round bailer on the lot. Gives them something for customers to look at and then order one. Mine went to the local fair as well. I asked Keith (the owner if I was gonna get something more off on it for the fingerprints. He just chuckled.

Couple weeks ago they gave me a rush machining job. They got in a new Kubota MX and the ordered backhoe and were assembling the hoe on the tractor and could not get the dipperstick pivot to engage the bosses so they called me and asked what I thought. Told them to give me the dipperstick and pin and I'd fix it and they wanted it quick, so they dropped it off (I was in my car) and I line bored the welded on bushings oversize and pressed in steel inserts that afternoon and they picked it up that night and the customer got his unit the next day. When Kubota fabbed up the hoe parts, someone didn't align the weldment properly in the jig and welded it in crooked. Back during 'normal' times, they could have called Kubota and gotten a new dipperstick shipped next day but these aren't normal times so no dipperstick was available.

As it was, a nice coat of Kubota Orange 2 and the customer will never know I modified the dipperstick pivot boss. probably never grease it anyway, people are like that today.

On the subject of paint, I've found that Rustoleum Kubota Orange is a dead match for Orange 2 and it actually covers better than the OEM stuff and is a lot cheaper. If you have an older one, Majic Kubota Orange is the same as Orange 1. Hard to beat the OEM Kubota ROPS grey though. Covers well, dries quick and a can goes a long way.

Seen some really run hard and put away wet tractors find their way into their shop in the past. Amazing how people spend 10's of thousands of dollars on tractors and then beat the hell out of them.

The other day, they had an early MX cab unit in the shop and were rebuilding the engine. It had 600 hours on the meter and looked like it had 6000 hours on it. Dennis told me the owner never changed the oil and ran it dry. He said he took the air filter out and it was packed solid with filth. Guess it you have more money than brains you can afford to have your ineptness repaired. I cannot. Even if I could, I would not.

Please publish the name of your great Kubota dealership.Folks might like to do business there.Is it Carleton equipment in Monroe or redline equipment in Adrain ?