Dealer deals…(newbie questions)

MaineTWLSB · Apr 12, 2005

Hello all

Just getting into this tractor stuff, before this site I didn’t know there was a whole tractor sub-culture (and sub-compact-culture…very bad play on words…I digress /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif). I think I’ve narrowed down my choice of tractors but I’m curious as to what I should expect from the dealer(s).

On the different boards here on TBN I’ve seen a number of people say that their dealer will come and pick-up for warranty issues and have heard that many include the 50 hour service. Are these things standard practice for most dealers? Is it regional? I’ve seen that prices definitely are regional (which bugs the crap out of me simply because I, like everyone else, want the best price).

The general question I guess is “what makes a good dealer good”?

Thanks ahead of time for any info. Learning a lot from this site…it’s great!

John

Golfgar4 · Apr 12, 2005

First, welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

( On the different boards here on TBN I’ve seen a number of people say that their dealer will come and pick-up for warranty issues and have heard that many include the 50 hour service. Are these things standard practice for most dealers? )

No, these things are not generally standard practice. It may be for a particular dealer, but it is not something that you could automatically expect when you walk in the door. You will need to wheel and deal with your dealer to get some of these things, unless of course, they are offered routinely by that dealer.

( The general question I guess is “what makes a good dealer good”?
)

That depends a lot on each individual person. Some people think a good dealer is the one that is located closest to their home. Others may prefer a dealer because the dealer gives the customer a cup of coffee each time the customer walks in the door.

Generally speaking, I think most guys would agree that a good dealer is one that treats all of his customers fairly and equitably, the dealer is responsive to a customer's wishes/needs/problems, that the dealer provides quality service at reasonable rates, and that YOU are comfortable with working with him.

I'm sure there are other things that could be added, and others will add to the list for you.

MaineTWLSB · Apr 12, 2005

Thanks Golf.

Thought of something else….Is rude to ask for references? If not then how many 3-4 or 8-10? (Rude isn’t the word I’m looking for but you know what I mean.)

Golfgar4 · Apr 12, 2005

If you can indicate what brands of tractors you're interested in, and the area that you want to be looking in, you'll get people telling you what their experiences were with a particular dealer without having to ask. We try to avoid situations where there could be some dealer bashing because someone had a bad experience.

If someone has specific information they would like to share with you, whether it's good or bad, they can always send you a private message, assuming you've not de-activated that feature.

Other than that, I would suggest you spend some time (have your favorite beverage handy! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) just visiting the various brand specific forums and reading as much as you can. There's a LOT of information out there already. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MaineTWLSB · Apr 12, 2005

Well there is one project in particle that is limiting my tractor choice. We’re moving into the old family farmhouse that has a stone/granite block basement. This past winter one wall was pushed in by frost and needs to be replaced (is about a ½” from the oil tank). A friend, who is a builder, estimated the project would be 12-13K with about half of that being excavation and the other half would be pouring/erecting the new wall. (Ballpark figures)

So I’m thinking half of 13K is $6500 which is about what a 8 ½’ BH goes for. If I have to spend the money anyway I’d like to get a BH out of it. The only 8 ½’ BHs, with enough power/depth, I’ve found are on a Branson 3820(bh bl20a) and a Century 3035(bh 86). From what I’ve seen I would have to go to much bigger tractors (more money) in the other brands to get a BH with the same stats.

Branson dealer is about 20 miles from house, Century dealer about 5 miles. Also the Century dealer is not a fulltime dealer just sells on the side. Both are very helpful and friendly. Neither seemed willing to do 50hr service as part of package, may work that some more.

Sorry if this is getting away from topic…..there ain’t nothin easy about pick a tractor…
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

John

KiotiJohn · Apr 13, 2005

Well hey there! Welcome to the forum.
Gary has given you some very good information. I would like to add that a good dealer gives you the chance to ask as many questions as you can think of, and gives you the best answers he/she can. Even an I don't know, but I'll find out, is better than no answer.
My dealer is the type that will tell you what you may expect to be problematic and what NEVER will be problematic on a particular model. You won't find that many places.
A good dealer is one with whom you can converse easily, one who makes you feel that he wants to earn your money, not that he's doing you a favor by standing there looking dumb.
A good dealer doesn't try to steer you away from what you're interested in, but may suggest you need more or less tractor than you're thinking of buying, and allow you to decide.
In one year of looking, I saw more impatient dealers who acted as though they couldn't be bothered than the kind I just described. When I found the dealer from whom I bought, he was all I've described, and more. I never got out of his dealership that day until I had the deal done. John