High On Orange, But Developing a Taste For Blue

Riddler · Sep 27, 2004

After lots of TBN help and a few trips to the local Kubota dealer, I went as far as I could to purchase a L4330HST with 853 loader before it became clear that the dealer wasn't keen on meeting by price expectations (which were not overly aggressive really). I had visited the local NH dealer once (and liked them), but seemed more attracted to the Grand Ls initially. Having stepped back from the Kub deal for the moment, I visited the NH dealer again and began to take a closer look at the TC40DA and the TC45DA, both with 16LA loader. Ironically, in the couple of months that I had been working to purchase the L4330HST, the local NH dealership had been purchased by a very large NH/Kub network of dealerships, giving me access through the local NH dealer of a source (probably a bit outside of my local area) to pursue the L4330HST, if that is what I ultimately wanted.

My second (and third) visit(s) to the local NH dealer were just as pleasurable as the first. Most importantly, the NH dealer showed more of a wilingness to meet my pricing expectations with regard to the TC40DA and TC45DA than the first Kub dealer had on L4330HST.

As an aside, after I discovered that the NH dealer was more flexible in his pricing, I gave the first dealer a chance to at least close the gap a bit on the L4330 that I wanted. He said the original price he had quoted me was "the best he could do." After I began to pursue the TCDA option further (see below), however, the first dealer contacted me to say that he might consider further pricing flexibility if I showed him the written quote for the TCDA. I declined, explaining that now that I had begun to look more closely at a comparable NH machine, I felt I owed the NH dealer the same chance to make the deal that I had given to the first (Kub) dealer.

I became even more impressed and pleased with the NH dealer when, this Friday, he dropped off a TC45DA with 16LA loader and box scraper at my property to "test out." I had tested a few machines at the dealership, but I certainly welcomed the opportunity to see the machine in action at my place. The dealer didn't ask for any commitments, deposits or anything else from me.

Although I can't say I pushed any limits, the 45 with loader and scraper performed flawlessly. The Boomer seemed to generate a bit more noise and vibration than the Grand L. It may be my imagination, but the hydro on the Grand L also seems marginally smoother to operate. On the other hand, the TCDA's forward visibility is super. I also like the look of the Boomer's cockpit a bit more (analog gauges, less clutter, etc.).

Well, at least I can say that the dealer I will be working with is decided now. Not only has he been knowledgeable, professional, and flexible, as mentioned above, he can also help me acquire a L4330HST from another dealer in his network, if that is what I end up wanting.

The only remaining hurdle is to become as fired up about the Boomer as the Grand L. Right now, the price I have been quoted for the NH is $3K-$4K less than the price the first dealer quoted me for the Kubota. I can't see any argument at this point (even from the bleed orange folks) that could justify this degree of price difference. I appreciate that the Kubs enjoy a certain reputation for freedom from warranty problems and overall reliability, but it is hard to see the TC45DA with 16LA loader as 14%-18% less valuable of a machine than the L4330HST with 853 loader. If I am missing something, by all means, please straighten me out.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 27, 2004

The easy way to solve the problem is to buy both. As someone who drives both blue and orange, I can tell you that from my use, both are excellent machines. I use smaller tractors than you are looking at, but my impression is the Kubota engine sounds smoother than the NH. But sound and usefulness are two different things. Both do the jobs I need done and I enjoy both. I believe the NH loader design is so vastly superior to the old dog-leg, or straight arm, design that I willingly advocate for the curved arms and curved hoods of the CNH products. The Kubota's long flat hood and squared arms sure limits the view of both the bucket and what is in it, but the NH lets me see almost right to the bucket lip, that makes for quicker work. But the Kubota has never needed a repair in the past 4 years, the NH is only 15 months old so I can't attest to its long term use, but so far it has been trouble free.

Like I said at the onset, buy both. I'm sure you'll be happy with either choice but twice as happy with twin sons of different mothers.

rockyridgefarm · Sep 27, 2004

Lessee, Blue Dealer is several thousand less, and already brought a demo out. He is fine to deal with and cordial, in addition to being more competitve? Sign papers! You'll be happy!

OR, pay more for the Kubota. Guess what, you'll still be happy!

Both are great machines... But really, it sounds like you really like Mr. Blue Dealer. That is hard to pass up...

Riddler · Sep 27, 2004

Having experienced it first hand now, I agree that we can split hairs about differences in these machines, but in the end, the differences in the dealers' attitudes drive the decision. I really want to stay local, and the blue dealer is doing his part to make that happen.

At some point very soon, I plan to stop talking about a new machine and start posting pictures of the one I actually buy. I took some of the TC45DA this weekend, but thought it would be cheating if I posted them, seeing as how I was only borrowing the tractor. The dealer is working on getting me a special price for this 45 (he has quoted me an excellent price for a "harvest rental return" and this 45 is technically a new machine), so stay tuned!!! It's tough to be patient after having one all weekend to fool around in.

Inspector507 · Sep 27, 2004

Riddler,
You have to go with how you feel about both tractors and dealers. Did dealer 1 offer to let you try one out? Probably not from what I've read so far. The TC45DA already has a few hours on it so the dealer let you play with it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Of course my answer would be biased /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Woodcab · Sep 27, 2004

Riddler, You know how I feel about your blue dealer as I left him $ for a tractor I havnt even seen yet. In fact I'm still not sure what model it is going to be (TC40DA or TC45DA harvest return) but it will be blue. For me the loader/visability factor is so much better on the blue tractors. Everything just seems more comfortable for me than on the orange or green tractors.

I agree with those that have written that the relationship with your dealer is the most important thing and here I think you can't go wrong. I didn't even think to ask for a demo at my property (6 hour round trip might be a bit to ask for /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), but he will deliver to me no added charge. Waiting now for implements to arrive, then figure out which tractor.

I have a friend who has an older kubota (2350?) which I have used quite a bit and it has proven to be very reliable as far as I know.

I'll be looking forward to your new tractor pictures soon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good luck,

PineRidge · Sep 27, 2004

It sounds to me like the real decision has already been made. I think that you'll really like the New Holland and I know you'll be pleased with the extra visibility that the loader and hood offers. Class III Boomer's are brutes and you'll look good in blue!

KiotiJohn · Sep 27, 2004

The NH is a fine machine, and the loader good and strong, probably stronger than the Kubota's. The greater visibility is such an advantage that it's hard to pass up if you've ever used the square ones. I don't have an NH, but I do have a sloped hood and curved loader arms, and it's so much better.
Given the price difference, dealer satisfaction, and better visibility, I'd go for the NH. John

Riddler · Sep 28, 2004

( Class III Boomer's are brutes and you'll look good in blue! )

I'm not sure that even a new Boomer can salvage my looks!!

JATO_RaT · Sep 29, 2004

"The NH is a fine machine, and the loader good and strong, probably stronger than the Kubota's"

Thats a pretty subjective comment. When you simply look at the steel involved in the construction of both and the variable web on the LA 853 it makes this comment somewhat less important. While I can flex the loader on a TC 45, I can not perceive of any on a LA 853. This does not mean the TC45's loader is weaker, simply that it does flex when pushing into an immovable object.

There is with no hesitation from me that the Kubota diesel is a cleaner and smoother operating diesel. That would not deter me from purchasing the NH however. What really did it for me was after operating a TC 45 with hydrostatic drive for a few hours, I understand why some folks prefer the HST on Kubota. It is quieter, smoother and the pedal pressure never changes regardless of load. If I had a lousy Kubota dealer and a great NH dealer, I would either find a better Kubota dealer or buy the NH. In the end, the amount of work done will be similar. I think it's fantastic your NH dealer brought you a tractor to try out. That really would help swing a deal I was tetering on. Best wishes with your decision.