Price Check B2320 Price Check and Advice

[elia57]

Hi folks,

Great site, been doing a lot of research and I'm now on my way to pulling the trigger on a B2320 with some implements. Wanted to get some thoughts on the selections and also price that the local dealer is offering.

$12,442 - B2320DT Manual
$2,400 - LA304FL 48" pin on bucket
$7,800 - BH65 backhoe, 12" bucket
$600 - Assembly of loader/backhoe
$2,472 - Landpride RTR1250 50" tine tiller
$3,380 - Rineri TRD100 39" hammer flail mower
($500) - Kubota/Landpride implement discount
($900) - Dealer discount

I'm also looking at the Woodmaxx TM86H chipper for $2849 and maybe a box scraper too.

I'm on 5 acres of field, looking to put in a small vineyard, orchard and food plots. I'm trying to get the most HP for the chipper and mower while maintaining a narrow width for mobility. A bunch of postings talked up the Caroni TL1200FSC flail but the dealer highly recommends paying a bit more up front for the Rineri for a much stronger and durable mower.

Super subjective here... but I'll mention anyways I've driven both the manual and HST and I think I'll be ok with the manual. First tractor so I won't have the long-term experience on the HST to regret it, plus they are much more expensive so I'd rather have the money spent on implements. I think most of my loader work would be for spreading compost/chips so I think I can live with that, rest of work will be working the fields so pop it in gear and let it roll.

Thoughts? Am I on the right track? How do the prices look? Had another dealer quote me out similar gear and came in much higher with delivery/build fees.

Thanks again for an awesome site and great info!!

 

[rngrrymd]

Hi folks,

Great site, been doing a lot of research and I'm now on my way to pulling the trigger on a B2320 with some implements. Wanted to get some thoughts on the selections and also price that the local dealer is offering.

$12,442 - B2320DT Manual
$2,400 - LA304FL 48" pin on bucket
$7,800 - BH65 backhoe, 12" bucket
$600 - Assembly of loader/backhoe
$2,472 - Landpride RTR1250 50" tine tiller
$3,380 - Rineri TRD100 39" hammer flail mower
($500) - Kubota/Landpride implement discount
($900) - Dealer discount

I'm also looking at the Woodmaxx TM86H chipper for $2849 and maybe a box scraper too.

I'm on 5 acres of field, looking to put in a small vineyard, orchard and food plots. I'm trying to get the most HP for the chipper and mower while maintaining a narrow width for mobility. A bunch of postings talked up the Caroni TL1200FSC flail but the dealer highly recommends paying a bit more up front for the Rineri for a much stronger and durable mower.

Super subjective here... but I'll mention anyways I've driven both the manual and HST and I think I'll be ok with the manual. First tractor so I won't have the long-term experience on the HST to regret it, plus they are much more expensive so I'd rather have the money spent on implements. I think most of my loader work would be for spreading compost/chips so I think I can live with that, rest of work will be working the fields so pop it in gear and let it roll.

Thoughts? Am I on the right track? How do the prices look? Had another dealer quote me out similar gear and came in much higher with delivery/build fees.

Thanks again for an awesome site and great info!!

Tractor - high
Loader - about average
Backhoe - definitely high
Assembly - now they're just taking you for extra money
RTR1250 - high

Didn't check the Rineri. Go to Kubotausa.com go to the B series B2320 and select build your tractor. You should normally see around a 15% - 17% discount off of list prices from a dealer.

 

[majorwager]

Why would tractor prices vary a great deal by region? That makes no sense at all? What is the foundation for that reasoning? The interstate commerce laws require all dealers pay exactly the same price for individual tractors. Variances in transportation costs exist, but it is not accountable for significant price swings. Would like to see specific cases for these cost shifts. Sales tax is a cost but not a tractor itself cost. If a buyer knows what the tractor is worth, as rngrr.. demonstrated in his purchase, you will not overpay.

Some new members may be reluctant to disclose location initially, Everyone retains a right of privacy.

rngrry...is a very competent source for pricing, facts in lieu of conjecture and posturing.

Would you consider other brands? If you live in the vicinity of a RK store, look at their website for very candid and discounted pricing for tractors and implements. A competitive tool.


EDIT;
Within the same region there is price fluctuation, ignore list prices and learn the discounts disclosed by savvy buyers.
Patience can be key in selecting the best value.

Woodmaxx has a good reputation. You may wish to look at Woodland Mills as well.

 

[elia57]

Thanks for the tip guys on location. Just updated. Although I totally agree that price shouldn't be effected by location, dealers probably have varying overhead costs... And likely higher out by me.

I hadn't heard of the RK brand, they definitely seen nice but they totally skip the C states so that's not an option for me. Nearby, the only options I really have are Kubota, Deere and Mahindra. Really leaning towards the 2320 do just need to figure out the team prove of this tractor and implements and negotiate to it.

Woodland Mills looks nice too, hadn't seen another smaller chipper with hydrologic feed, cool!!

Any other tips or pricing you guys have for NorCal would be appreciated. Especially he to get the dealer to a reasonable price!

 

[3Lfarms]

Dave’s tractor in Red Bluff is a member here and highly regarded.

 

[jeff9366]

Great site, been doing a lot of research and I'm now on my way to pulling the trigger on a B2320 with implements.

I'm on 5 acres of field, looking to put in a small vineyard, orchard and food plots. I'm trying to get the most HP for the chipper and mower while maintaining a narrow width for mobility.

I've driven both the manual and HST and I think I'll be ok with the manual. First tractor so I won't have the long-term experience on the HST to regret it, plus they are much more expensive so I'd rather have the money spent on implements. I think most of my loader work would be for spreading compost/chips so I think I can live with that, rest of work will be working the fields so pop it in gear and let it roll.

Clutch rebuilds at my Florida Kubota dealer are $1,200. Likely $1,400 in Sonoma. A clutch and gear tractor pretty much precludes operation by another family member or an employee ~~~~~ or you will be paying for a $1,200 clutch rebuild.

The lowest compact tractor resales are for clutch and gear equipment.

Some gear tractors will not travel slow enough for optimum tiller work. Check on this with the dealer.

Last production on the B2320 was 2015. Are you OK with this?

The best way to reduce your acquisition cost is to delete the Backhoe. What specific tasks do you foresee for a VERY PRICEY $7,800 Backhoe? We can probably offer appealing Three Point Hitch alternatives. Try us.

The dealer is charging for the Backhoe as an aftermarket addition. Backhoes are MUCH cheaper included with a new tractor ordered directly from Kubota as an inclusive Tractor-Loader-Backhoe package.

 

[jeff9366]

Were I installing vines, fruit trees and irrigation on five acres in Sonoma County I would use a tractor Three Point Hitch mounted "Middlebuster" and a trenching shovel.

VIDEO: middle buster plow uses - YouTube


Mounted on light tractors it can be difficult to lift a full size Middlebuster high enough to move the tractor.
Discuss with your tractor dealer if you need a Middlebuster with a reduced size frame for a B2320. Or, inquire here via new thread.

LINKS: Dirt Dog Manufacturing >> Disc Harrows Tillage - Compact Lay Off Plow

SMALL FRAME TRACTOR MIDDLEBUSTER - Google Search

 

[majorwager]

Jeffy was CEO of one of the largest vineyards on the Coast but disagree that a clutch tractor is a pending disaster. HST transmissions were not readily popular till the mid 90's. How long have tractors been in production? And yes they were gear tractors !!! If Some folks ride the clutch, that is operational ignorance, and can be corrected.
It is true gear tractors offer lower resale value. A BH is an expensive option. Make an arrangement w/ a dealer to rent a mini excavator, consolidate your tasks, and you will be surprised how much work can be accomplished in a weekend. A BH on small tractors offer limited production. 3 point mount BH is a poor idea for small tractors. Subframe is a must.

Tiller speeds are relative to depth. Simply make additional passes, increasing the depth as necessary.

Don't be afraid to look at mahindra. Take a look at mahindra forum . I will post a screenshot of an excellent new owner's journal that I hope you find quite resourceful under owning-operating. Many smaller mahindra's are either Japanese or Korean produced and re-badged. This journal is now on Page 2 of the forum, many posts on the thread.

 

[elia57]

This is all really good info!! I've actually been looking at the middle busters, they definitely seem to ba a very useful tool.

I guess I'm open to other makes but, my biggest concern is width as I already have some narrow places to mow and also want to keep my rows as narrow as possible, maybe even 5' if I can. All other makes that I have looked at really would push to 6' unless if I went to a sub compact but that's not something I want to do.

Regarding price, I actually checked out another dealer about 60 miles away, prove was even higher for a tractor with a faded loader (old stock)! Guess I need to try another few dealers and see if anyone is up to seeing at a more reasonable price. Any tips on getting the price down? What's the scoop with Oregon purchases and taxes, I read a few threads and wasn't clear if dealers we're sharing their records to CA tax department. Also, how does warranty work if a tractor is purchased from a farther dealer? Dealers are telling me your stuck going back to selling dealer, is this really true?

 

[jeff9366]

I guess I'm open to other makes but, my biggest concern is width as I already have some narrow places to mow and also want to keep my rows as narrow as possible, maybe even 5' if I can. All other makes that I have looked at really would push to 6' unless if I went to a sub compact but that's not something I want to do.

Consider two-wheeled tractors and attachments. There is a dedicated T-B-N forum for two-wheeled tractors.

Subcompact tractors have 7" to 9" ground clearance, probably insufficient for your needs.

There is no substitute for tractor WEIGHT. This is lost on many tractor buyers.

Regarding price, I actually checked out another dealer about 60 miles away, prove was even higher for a tractor with a faded loader (old stock)! Guess I need to try another few dealers and see if anyone is up to seeing at a more reasonable price. Any tips on getting the price down?

Tractor volumes are low relative to car volumes but price negotiation is the same. Start with Kubota's web site and its BUILD MY KUBOTA subsection to determine solid MSRP for tractor with precisely the options you want.

At my Kubota dealer your potential tractor/implement order would win a considerable discount from MSRP, possibly 10%. No $600 assembly fee. On request, fresh, new equipment would be brought in, although there might be a wait.
Some price incentives are provided by the manufactures to dealers.

Shop Kioti and LS tractor brands from Korea.

What's the scoop with Oregon purchases and taxes, I read a few threads and wasn't clear if dealers we're sharing their records to CA tax department.

Buying out-of-state does not exempt you from California sales tax obligation. The weigh stations a truck passes through can check invoices.

Instead, check California sales tax exemptions for ag equipment applications.
In Florida, tractors and implements used in ag and forestry applications are sales tax exempt. In Florida, very simple to obtain sales exemption. Minimal paperwork executed at the dealer.

Also, how does warranty work if a tractor is purchased from a distant dealer? Dealers are telling me your stuck going back to selling dealer, is this really true?

It is a battle for dealers to obtain reimbursement from tractor manufactures for warranty repairs. How much dealers are reimbursed varies, but often less than 100%. Sometimes much less.
"Operator error" is not covered by tractor warranties and therein lie disputes; buyer-dealer/dealer-manufacturer.

So SOME dealers will not service tractors under warranty unless purchase was made from the servicing dealer. Others consider how straight forward warranty repair seems to be, then decide. I am sympathetic with the dealers on this issue.

My local Kubota dealer says his net profit on stand-alone compact tractor sales is $600 to $1,000 per sale. At least some cushion for warranty work.

If you buy Kubota, buy KTAC insurance. KTAC is easy for you to deal with and easy for the dealer to deal with.
LINK: KTAC Insurance Agency - Default

 

[jeff9366]

The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor chassis weight is more important for most tractor operations than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used. The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to list tractor applications first, then determine bare tractor weight needed to safely accomplish your tasks.

Within subcompact and compact tractor categories, bare tractor weight must increase 50% before you notice a significant tractor capability increase. It takes a 100% increase in bare tractor weight to elicit MY-OH-MY!

Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range. I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise. I have a column for cost per pound.

Most tractors under 3,000 pounds bare weight operate in residential or hobby farm applications on one to ten flat acres. Subcompact and compact tractors under 3,000 pounds will enter a residential garage with typical 84" door height.

Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is generally greater than depreciation on a tractor.

Tractors over 3,000 pounds bare weight are generally offered in a utilitarian configuration and a deluxe configuration. Deluxe kit enhances productivity and operating comfort ~~~ but you must pay. Most tractors over 3,000 pounds bare weight are too tall to fit through an 84" height garage door, even with ROPS folded.

Heavier tractors are built on larger frames with larger wheels/tires. A heavier tractor with large diameter tires has more tractive power pulling ground contact implements, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Large wheels and tires increase ground clearance, enabling a heavier tractor to bridge holes, ruts and downed tree limbs with less bucking and disturbance operating over rough pasture and woodland.



Safe hillside operation demands more tractor weight than level land operation. Heavier tractors have adjustable rear wheel spreads; wide rear wheel spreads hugely improve tractor stability. Four wheel drive is essential on hillsides. Four wheel drive supplies increased traction. When descending slopes 4-WD augments rear brakes as tractor weight shifts forward, decreasing rear tire grip.

Tractors optimized for hill work have liquid installed in the rear tires rather than air. "Loaded" tires are filled 50% to 75% with liquid, which lowers the tractor's center-of-gravity, increasing rollover resistance. "Loading" two compact tractor rear tires will increase tractor weight 300 pounds to 800 pounds over weight of identical two tires inflated with air.



A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Almost every new tractor is delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment. Dealer proximity is less important to those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.

 

[jeff9366]

Dave's Tractor in Red Bluff is a member here and highly regarded.

A very well regarded Branson dealer. Approximately 170 miles from Sonoma.

Survived the fires.

Dave's Tractor, Inc - Home

 

[majorwager]

Messick's would REFUSE to perform warranty work on a tractor they did not sell !!! According to jeff, this could be true?
*******************************************************************************************************************************

"Also, how does warranty work if a tractor is purchased from a distant dealer? Dealers are telling me your stuck going back to selling dealer, is this really true?

It is a battle for dealers to obtain reimbursement from tractor manufactures for warranty repairs. How much dealers are reimbursed varies, but often less than 100%. Sometimes much less.
"Operator error" is not covered by tractor warranties and therein lie disputes; buyer-dealer/dealer-manufacturer.


So SOME dealers will not service tractors under warranty unless purchase was made from the servicing dealer. Others consider how straight forward warranty repair seems to be, then decide. I am sympathetic with the dealers on this issue."
**********************************************************************************************************************************

THE ABOVE IS QUOTED CONTEXT FROM POST # 10.
Truth be known, the warranty is NOT issued by the dealer. KUBOTA MUST HONOR THE COMMITTMENT, w/o regard for the location. Jeff has NOT furnished ANY supporting data to substantiate his statement. He had a conversation w/ one , yes just one dealer, who when pressed by KUBOTA CORPORATE, would fold like a deck chair on the TITANIC!!!


NO DEALER will jeopardize their franchise by refusing to honor their legal obligation to Kubota. I challenge jeff to obtain a written statement from Kubota | FL SUWANNEE RIVER KUBOTA, LLC ,

stating that they refuse to honor a warranty for a tractor not SOLD by that dealership !!. Actually, a written statement from any Kubota dealer, stating that the allegation made by jeff is true and accurate. IT is serious and consequential to offer rumors and innuendo that might effect the reputation of a major manufacturer.

 

[jeff9366]

I do not know how vigorous your Vinifera will grow. Sonoma is so variable.

However, with five foot spacing it is unlikely you will be able to drive a tractor down vineyard rows after vines leaf out.

I have been retired from the wine industry for thirteen years. I cannot remember how wide we spaced vineyard rows in Mendocino County when I worked there, 1981-1991, but we were always able to pass (expensive) Deere Orchard & Vineyard tractors down the rows pulling gondolas for hand harvest.

 

[jeff9366]

Is The Rex restaurant still operating in Sonoma?

I made lunch or supper at Rex part of my schedule driving to/from Mendocino from SFO airport.

Fond memories of veal and Petrale Sole at REX in particular.

 

[DavesTractor]

A very well regarded Branson dealer. Approximately 170 miles from Sonoma.

Survived the fires.

Dave's Tractor, Inc - Home

Jeff9366, thank you for the kind words. As I read through this thread, it looks like a lot of good advice.

I note good questions about taxes and appropriate answers that CA tax can't be avoided. It must be paid or evaded, can't be avoided on a new tractor purchase. Farm tax applies to many folks, and that makes the tax pretty gentle.

On warranty, dealers are pretty good about it. They can try to push you to your selling dealer but push comes to shove corporate for any brand is going to get a dealer to help you. We do service work and warranty work for tractors bought elsewhere, so long as they were bought legally, meaning taxes were paid as required. Warranty work brings no profit. It's a necessary evil. It is a service to the customer and we hope to break even. It pays the technicians wages, so not a loss but no margin of profit.

We recommend that folks buy local from a dealer they like. Having said that, we sell hundreds of tractors a year and we are in a tiny community in northern California. To do so means we have some tractors that are not local. But if there is a good dealer in a potential customer's area, we recommend them to stay local.

Kubota builds fine tractors. They got to #1 in the USA by building good stuff at decent prices. There is no denying that. But we sell against them every day. It is because of Mahindra and Branson and Kioti and LS that Kubota has had to stay competitive with their pricing. So if nothing else, you Kubota fans need to thank us. HAHA. In many positions in the model lineup, you can get more tractor for your money with these brands, opposed to Kubota or JD.

One of my friends, Casey, owns Truck Tops - Campway's in Santa Rosa. He sells Branson and Mahindra also. I'd recommend elia57 go see him and do a little comparison. It may be that the Kubota is the right tractor for you in the long run, but it doesn't hurt to check these units out.

On the HST vs gear deal. I'm a gear shift guy, most everything I buy by way of car or truck has a manual just because I like to row the gears. But on a tractor I'll take an HST or a power-shuttle every time over a clutch. You are right in what you said, that if you never had one you will be happy with the gear. You will, just don't borrow an HST. For loader work and many other things for which a small tractor is designed it is hard to beat an HST. There are still tasks for which a gear model is better, but it is mostly real deal farming stuff, like plowing a field.

Best of luck. Seems you are getting a lot of good advice.

 

[majorwager]

Dave's Tractor,

Just for the record, it was 3L Farms in post # 5 that FIRST offered kind words regarding your firm. Others parroted that endorsement.

Also, thanks for reinforcing the truth about tractor warranties. Misinformation can be harmful and your post appears sincere, suggest interested folks read you informative message above..

The thoughts concerning Kubota ring true, it is a fine product yet there is often reluctance to offer competitive pricing in the marketplace.

Certainly other brands have closed the gap on quality, and a wise Kubota should sit up and take notice. Good luck in your pursuits, you seem to possess the type of attitude folks seek out when selecting a knowledgeable dealer.

 

[DavesTractor]

Majorwager, thanks for the clarification. A lot of nice folks here on TBN. I've not been as active on here lately and have missed a few things, maybe quite a few things. I get a little more keyboard time in the winter.