City boy shopping for first tractor

[geedub]

Have them drop the $$ by 800-1000 and it's a decent deal.

That statement seems inconsistent with everyone else's. I don't think anyone has mentioned getting a new TC45DA w/loader for less than $25K. I assume that the dealer will come down a little, but even at their asking price almost everyone has called this a great deal.

It's almost as if you have a strong preference for another brand or something...

 

[john_bud]

I think I said that before. I prefer the Kubota over the FNH tractors. It probably does shade the judgement. It's a bias, but there are worse biases to have!

A slightly used (demo?) tractor from 2006 that is still sitting unsold at the end of the 2007 model year is prime for getting a decent deal on by using aggressive negotiating tactics.

 

[JiminGa]

geedub, I got my 2305 for $8000, they list at $10750. it was a demo with 33 hours on it. I know it's too small for your needs, just giving a real world example. I love the HST, grew up on collar shift fords and JD's. my little 2305 will spin the tires, no problems with hst and torque. just remember, every tractor has it's limits and size the tractor for the work.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Geedub,
despite his admitted prejudice in favor of Orange, John Bud does have a point -- if they really want the '06 off their lot, they'll either come down a bit in price or throw something else in to sweeten the deal. If they don't pony up, you're not losing anything by asking. (and no, that's not a comment against Kubs)
I'm not a fan of hydrostat, but for your intended use and the size of machine you're looking at, you should have plenty of power to do any job you will likely be looking at.
my 35 HP w/shuttle shift will pick up enough on the loader to float the back tires and 800 or so pounds of ballast. It'll pull my 5' HD brush cutter through chest high pasture & weeds in 6th of 12 gears without hesitation - even late in the season when everything is dry & tough. I would be surprised if a 45 HP hydro machine couldn't match or better that performance.
I highly recommend at least one set of rear remotes. (negitiation point, maybe - instead of price break?) I also encourage you to lean towards machines with universal quick attach buckets instead of brand specific ones, because it will give you a lot more versatility in the future -- and buying front implements is a lot cheaper when you can buy used skid steer attachments from rental yards and auctions.

the big 4 all make nice machines - I didn't buy one because I didn't like my local dealers and wasn't finding a deal w/in my budget from them. There is a large pack of "not big 4" brands out there who also make reliable units, and depending on where you live, the support network is as good - and these machines are often significantly lower priced, which makes it easier to stay in your girlfriend's budget.

Good luck and have fun shopping!

 

[davitk]

Hasn't your girlfriend spent that $$ yet, geedub?? Better hurry her up, she might find a cute little blue sporty convertible she needs even more than a tractor!!

I'm still kicking tires, like you, but in the smaller hp range - looked at a Case DX35 today, with hydro and loader 20,450.00. Apparently Case and NH are the same, but Case does not offer super steer. They also had a McCormick on the lot, smaller framed tractor and not as nice (IMHO), about the same price. Then I went down the street to look at the orange one again... man, that Grand L sure is a nice package.... L3240 HST with loader and QA 66"bucket, 18,750.00. One, of many, features I liked is the adjustable "HST Response" where you can adjust how abruptly the tractor slows when letting off the HST pedal. Case stops rather abruptly, probably more due to my lack of finesse than any fault of the tractor .

Just some thoughts. Good luck!

 

[geedub]

Well davitk, I don't even know if she's made an offer on that tractor or not. It's her decision so I gave her the info and my opinion (and a print out of my threads here).

I keep being tempted to look at smaller tractors, but I think around 45 HP is still the size. Cindy has a few other properties and there may be others in the future. We tend to think big so there's a good chance that we would outgrow a smaller tractor.

 

[davitk]

by all means, go big. would if I could.

 

[john_bud]

Geedub,
despite his admitted prejudice in favor of Orange, John Bud does have a point -- if they really want the '06 off their lot, they'll either come down a bit in price or throw something else in to sweeten the deal.

{snip}

Good luck and have fun shopping!

Good points Erik! Actually, not just the ones I listed, but all of the ones you made.

jb - the orange guy


(psst! -- I have 2 blue tractors from Ford too. Don't let it out!)

 

[geedub]

I still don't get it.

If this will be a "decent" deal if and only if the dealer discounts it further, then that must mean that never owned TC45DA's with 5 demo hours on them are fairly common at this price.

Throw me a bone here people.

 

[davitk]

just like anything that has been sitting on the market too long, people get leary 'cause there must be something wrong with it. I looked at a TC35DA a few weeks back, apparantlety last year's model. Hadn't weathered too well - If I am going to buy something "new" it should look new. I garage my stuff, and expect my tractor to be delivered show room new. Faded/flaking paint/plastic, rusted metal, don't give me those "goosebumps" I need to be willing to part with that kind of cash. If your tractor is looking anything like that, it is "used" and shouldn't command a "new" price, previously titled or not.

How about that for a bone. New isn't always new.