User Name,
I don't know the specifics of each of your locations - so I was a little confused that you'd be using the new unit at your N.E. WI future retirement location - but you won't need the snowblower for 3 more years - so I'll just assume that means you don't go up to the N.E. location in the winter months - so that leaves the fair weather months for the next 3 years. I then assume the S.E. WI location won't have the benefit or use of the unit ??? A new scut would sure motivate me to be in the N.E. location often during the fair weather then LOL.
Just a couple thoughts for your consideration. Given your description above - I'd very definitely go to Mc Farlanes then because you mentioned several key factors.
1. You liked the Kubota BX product as well as the Massey products - Mc Farlanes sells BOTH - complete lines of each in sub compact and compact sizing.
2. Everything is inside - so regardless of weather or daylight conditions - you can see and touch and measure and sit on plenty of machines.
3. Can you demo equipment there ? Yes
4. Can you get a better idea of price comparisons between the two brands ? Yes - because they use their same profit expectations on either brand because they are selling both. And they will be quite competitive in pricing I would believe.
5. Bruno's in Arkansas. They may be a fine dealer for price - because you don't pay sales tax - but then you're supposed to pay Use Tax to the State of WI. And while many claim "no hurt, no foul" - if you would end up with an audit and you haven't paid use tax on such a sizable item - there is a hefty penalty. Just saying.
6. Because you have no experience to date, I'd think having a little direct comparison would be helpful - where two brands are sitting 30 feet apart in exact same conditions. I'm not saying Mc Farlane's should be your dealer - I'm saying that to my knowledge - you won't see a larger dealer operation in WI or surrounding areas. So the experience alone can give you some schooling - where you can be there for hours looking and touching without being pressured. You'll also see a large selection of lawn mowers and equipment as well as chain saws and etc. etc. etc.. I took my wife when I went - and she spent quite some time looking at the hardware store products and decorating items and clothing - and then she sat on tractors to give me opinions too. We made it an event - because I knew I'd be looking at the details. The building including the service department covers half a large city block - and then there is the parking lot and then there is the used equipment out back and then a bunch of display equipment outside as well. I'm not bragging about the dealer - just stating facts. A friend thought I was "stretching it" when I told him the service department is the size of a football field - until he saw it
7. Another issue is optional implements or "non-manufacturer 3rd party" implement makers. There is a really nice one in Wisconsin called MyTractorTools.Com and they are located in the Nelsonville WI area. They have a considerable selection of bucket choices and 4 or 5 grapple choices for subcompact tractors in addition to numerous quick attach and quick hitch options. I got my quick attach for my bucket there - and also a set of forks which I use often. And soon a grapple.
8. Last point. Pricing - every month on equipment - the price changes (rebate conditions or financing conditions etc..). Those "new month" deals aren't known by the dealers until the 1st or 2nd of the month for the new month.
AxleHub,
THANKS much for taking the time to respond back.
Response to your responses:
1) Kubota - I like the orange and the joystick layout - DO NOT like price and underpowered compared to MF. It was the Kioti that I liked until MF came along.
2) Checked out web site and googled for pixs. Tha t place is CRAZY huge! It's like the Walmart or Costco of tractors!
3) I'm guessing not inside (wink)!
4) I'm hopeing as far as price goes they are competitive. I'll just be up front with them and see how they do.
5) No, I will pay sales tax here or use tax if I get from Bruno's. The federal and state goverments are respected for their enforcement power. I ain't mess'n with no tax man in the end. They ALWAYS WIN!
6) I'm not sure my wife would enjoy the day there. She most likely would just drop me off and look for a few quilt shops to hang out in. I googled other places in Wisconsin and none look 1/4 the size of the place. Impressive! It might be a few weeks before I go. Like I said, got to do some more research on my end so I can ask more questions when I get there. (I am not kidding - no experience. I might be the guy they refuse to allow a test drive for.)
7) So many choices ... so little time! I'll keep MyTractorTools.com in mind.
8) I have read about monthly price changes or dealer incentives elsewhere. Thanks for the info anyways. In fact, THANKS again for shareing all your knowledge so far. I'm just guessing I might have more questions on the way eventually! (wink)