Are you guys that Loyal??

Turfman · Mar 5, 2002

I stepped into the shop at my Kubota dealer today. He had a "Bison" in there, working on the transmission. We talked about working on outside brands and he said that no one else would touch them, and that they (the Bison) were very poorly made. He was not too thrilled about being stuck with the job.

I guess there are good tractors and poor tractors out there. You just have to decide what is right for you and live with the results of the decision. I am fortunate that my CEO (wife) would rather have me spend the money up-front for a known commodity than chance a problem later. With my Kubota I know I can get service and parts. I thought about a gray market unit, or a cheaper Chinese tractor and chickened out. I guess we all pays our money and takes our choice.

Kevin

Golfgar4 · Mar 5, 2002

Yeah, I was real disappointed once I found out there were no dealers around. I have decided to expand my search a little bit to see if I can find one a little closer. I really WAS impressed with what I saw about Kioti and their prices /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Cost is a major concern, so I might be able to compromise a little. But I will not buy any brand if I can't have good, solid dealer support.

Ob1Kioti · Mar 5, 2002

Can't blame ya for that./w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif/w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif
Ob1

Golfgar4 · Mar 5, 2002

Well, I just located the closest Kioti dealer through their web site. It's only 9 hours away /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif!! I guess that's just a little farther than I wanted to drive - but only by about 8 hours 30 minutes /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif.

Ob1Kioti · Mar 5, 2002

1 word UPS. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Titanic · Mar 5, 2002

I did look at the kioti's before purchasing the B-2410 this week. However the 1914 needs some updating before i would consider it. The dealer i spoke with said they are in the process of changing the smaller compacts but would not be out until early 2003. From what he told me i think everyone will have to take a good look at this line of tractors in the near future.

Ob1Kioti · Mar 5, 2002

Yes, the 1914 is a little "long in the tooth". All dealers I'm sure are anxiously waiting for the updated tractors. Along with the new tractors, Hydros will come./w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

TWINKLE_TOES · Mar 5, 2002

Ob1Kioti,

From "Unregistered" to "New Member" in one thread, not bad. Welcome to TBN/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Al

Ob1Kioti · Mar 6, 2002

Thank You.

ewoss3 · Mar 7, 2002

Ob1Kioti, no someone didn't hit my cornflakes. Yes, I have been to 6 kioti dealers within the last 9 months, 1 in KY, 3 in TX and 1 in KS. Most still have blue undersides. Kioti was my first choice when looking due to the good comments that I kept hearing on TBN. I went to the dealership and even test drove one for about an hour. Then I rented a Kubota L3010, a JD4300 and a NH TC33d on three different weekends. I filled out an evaluation for each tractor after 1 hour of usage.
The battle was over as soon as I drove a hydro. IMHO for Kioti to be competitive with the BIG 3 they need to step up to the plate and offer a tractor with comparable features. Local dealers here seem to order hydro over gear by 8 to 1. Some dealers did not even have 1 gear tractor on their lot.

As far as the dealers(Kub, JD, and NH) service bays that I have gone to in Bartlesville and Tulsa OK, things are well organized, in good repair and the mechanics take pride in their working enviroment. One dealership in Tulsa even has white painted floors which are kept meticulously clean(it's run by a retired Navy MasterChief).

Several of the Kioti dealerships really need to work on their sales technique. This would include greeting cutomers on the lot, sell your brand on its fine points(not down play others) and good follow-up with information promised to a customer. BTW I did let the mangers know when we were not treated correctly and I also wrote a letter to Daedong.

When Kioti does get a comparable new model out, I will be on their doorstep trying to check it out. Orange is good