Well we went up today and had a great time. Got there as the gates opened to avoid the crowds. First stop was Northwood Power Equipment - a MF dealer among other things. Got to see the GC2300 in person. Very nice little machine. Should give the BX Kubotas a little competition. Dealer was great spent a lot of time with us. They offer free demos on your site plus lifetime free pick up/delivery for repairs. GC2300 w/ FEL was $11,600. 2K more for a 60' MMM. Your choice - Ag or turf tires. Delivered. No sales tax in NH.
Next stop was the big New Hampshire Kubota dealer. We were ignored. Guess they can sell all the BX's they want. Though I must admit that this is the first time I saw a price from them that wasn't just flat out laughable. Maybe the MF GC2300 is already having an effect. $11,895 for
BX2200 w/ FEL. Only know that because they had a sticker. In June at their Dealership they qouted me $14,600 for same set up. I went back to their fair display for a total of three times. Not once did anyone ask if I needed help. Waited for one salesperson for 10 minutes while he chit chatted with freinds. Oh well. I really like the BX series. But I don't see myself buying one from them.
Next was the Deere display. It was huge. And a lot of good prices as well. They did have the 2210 up on a pedestal - literally. It was up on a trailer. You could walk up and touch it if you liked. sign said December 2002 availability. FEL was on the display trailer but not attached to the tractor. Still a funny hook-up. Not as unique as the X595. But 2 "L" shaped support arms came out of the frame - far enough to be noticable/obtrusive. the FEL mounted onto these.
Knoxland had a very nice display. They do MF as well. Very freindly sales staff. Lots of free lit w/o having to ask. They had a GC2300 tucked in the back. Couldn't get a price though. Sales guy wasn't sure. Offered to look it up but I told him it wasn't necessary.
Markwell Equipment (maybe Markland) had a display. Mostly saws, brushcutters and the like. They did have the Ingersoll 4x4 loader. Looks like a tank. great price of $10,500. I have spoke with them before. Like both the dealer and the Ingersoll 4x4. But I hesitate due to the PTO - it is hydraulic. So ALL attachments must come from Ingersoll.
Spent time at all the animal displays. Ate the obligatory funnel cake and a sausage sandwhich. On the way out swing back by the first MF dealer. Spent another half our with us. My wife stayed home sick with the flu. She is the CFO. I think if she was there I would have a GC2300 right now. But better to cool off and not let tractor-lust cloud the thought process.
I always heard (from TBN of course) to shop dealers as well as brands. I really liked Northwood power. we will be taling a trip up there soon.
Phil
