“Buy the dealer, not the machine” is outdated

[slingha]

When I was looking for a new tractor I kept seeing posts that you should be less picky on brand and more picky on your dealer. This is such antiquated thinking imho.
Buy the tractor that feels good and provides the best combination of quality and price, wherever and whatever it is.
Do you buy a car that costs 2 grand more from a local dealer because he’s local? I know I don’t.

 

[rademamj1]

I think that's accurate for most utility tractor buyers. And so far my tractor has not needed any major repairs, only very minor issues and basic maintenance, which I have been able to handle myself. So in 3 years, I have not spoken to my dealer. Buying a well built tractor that never breaks down, means your dealer won't be needed for anything more than the original sales. I order all my parts online. Tractor owners in this category typically average 110 hrs per year.

Large farming operations are the exact opposite of this strategy. They need to purchase a reliable tractor from the most reliable dealer, who is able to send mechanics out 24/7 for any possible tractor or combine repairs. Service is critical. Relationships with the dealer are absolutely necessary for successful agriculture operations. Tractor owners in this category typically average 800 hours per year, and not uncommon to find 4000+ hours on their tractors.

 

[shooterdon]

I was lucky enough to do both. LS was thousands less than green or orange, and the dealer was head and shoulders above the others.

Funny thing is I started the search wanting a Kubota, and the dealer was such a jerk I decided to expand my search.

If a person is mechanically adept and talented maybe the dealer does not matter. Some of us are not willing to learn or do the wrenching so we depend on a decent dealer.

You are neither wrong or correct. Like in most blanket statements....your opinions are good for your circumstances but not applicable to all.

 

[MoKelly]

When I was looking for a new tractor I kept seeing posts that you should be less picky on brand and more picky on your dealer. This is such antiquated thinking imho.
Buy the tractor that feels good and provides the best combination of quality and price, wherever and whatever it is.
do I buy a car that costs 2 grand more from a local dealer because he’s local? I know I don’t.

I was fortunate in that we had most of the major brands relatively close - except Kubota. I excluded Kubota as the nearest dealer was 70 miles away.

There seems to be a car dealer every other block.

MoKelly

 

[k0ua]

I have a good dealer for the Kioti, that was 35 miles away so not super close. Then a couple of years ago they have opened another dealership here in Branson about 5 minutes away. I haven't needed them, but nice to know they are so close now.

 

[RSR]

I think Shooterdon is correct. Each situation is going to be different. But, it's nice to see a counterpoint to what can sometimes be espoused as incontrovertible doctrine.

When I started looking at tractors, and reading here about things to consider, there was an overwhelming majority of individuals saying "buy the dealer." I bucked the trend and bought from a new dealer and saved about $6k. 1.5 years in I have no regrets.

I think buying a dealer versus buying a brand can be loosely related to buying insurance. Some good advice I once got was "If you can afford to outright replace X, then insurance is not a good use of money. If you can't, then get insurance."

I think the corollary would be "If you can afford to do work yourself (both time, mechanical aptitude, lack of work during down times, etc.) then a local dealer with excellent service is probably not necessary. Otherwise, seriously consider it."

Everyones situation will be different. I think most posters, and readers, recognize this point.

 

[bunchgrass]

Hmm - where I live, all the Kubota dealers w/in 150 mile radius (3) are owned by the same dealer. Worse with JD --- most of the dealerships in the PNW are owned by Pape' Machinery. That said, IMO, it comes down to the actual people working at the specific dealership. EX - the JD dealership nearest me (35 miles) are jerks who seem to cater to the rich large farmers and those who are now rich old retired farmers buying JD riding mowers. So I end up using the next closest dealership, (60+ miles away) as they provide much better service and the mechanics have been there/done that and know WTF they're talking about.

I should add that IH/Ford-NH is similar in consolidation of dealerships.

 

[slingha]

Ive also seen some people mention that if you purchase a tractor from a dealer that's 200 miles away with a better price that your closest dealer won't service your tractor. Im sure their agreements with their respective brand strictly forbids that(like a car dealer).

 

[Racenut]

It's not outdated at all. It just depends on your particular situation. If you have the time, tools and skills to do all your own maintenance and repairs, then you're less likely to need dealer support. But if you don't, then having a good dealer nearby is something that's worth factoring into your decision on where to purchase. My tractor is at the family ranch that we plan to retire to someday, but for now I only get up there for a a few days or maybe a week every month or two. I also don't have all my tools and what not up there. So knowing I have a dealer close that is willing to do service onsite when possible or can load up my tractor and take it their shop was certainly a benefit of dealing local.

 

[hube2]

I bought my tractor because of the dealer, but it wasn't just the dealer, they had several brands to choose from. I did the research on the tractors they had as well before deciding. Like someone else said, I do all my own maintenance and I order my parts online because I can get them faster than going to the dealer. I will rarely need the dealer, but I have, and I can count on them to send someone the same day to deal with any problems I may have. I already knew the dealer and their rep for service in this case. If I had not liked any of the choices of tractors I would have talked to farmers in the area that had the brand I was looking for to see who did their service and if they were any good. But the dealer did have a lot to do with my final decision.