How far would you go?

[avillahdw]

A simple question with multiple reasons behind it- how far would you be willing to go to purchase a tractor from a dealer and why?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Are you talking distance? I bought my truck from a dealer three hours away because it was what I wanted and I didn't want to get involved with any of that dealer trade stuff. That was six years ago and they still send me stuff as if I am ever going to go there again.

When I bought a JD CUT years ago, they did do a dealer trade. It was the second tractor we were buying from out local dealer and it would have been a slap in the face for the dealer if I had just went to that other dealer that happened to have the tractor I wanted and made a deal.

 

[Wagtail]

The simple answer is REPUTATION.

That can be determined by talking to neighbours and 'the word in the pub'. Not just the initial deal but follow-up maintenance & support.

An example is a Mate of mine over in Pyengana - a generational Case/MF/McCormick bloke - who laments the service from his dealership, yet sings the praises of the JD dealer for 'making things right' and prompt field calls for another neighbour down the track.

It's a 2 hour one-way trip to both dealerships.

 

[peterc38]

Well I'm looking at two tractors 300 miles away this weekend so I'll go at least that far

 

[lostcreekranch]

My LS dealer is 200 miles round trip. Pass by other LS dealers going there but, happy to do it.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Looking4new]

My Kioti dealer is 150 miles south of me. His reputation is what drove me to him.

 

[oosik]

IMHO - the major reason is SERVICE. My Kubota dealer is 80 miles round trip. There is another major brand only two miles away. I DO NOT feel I need the experience with this other dealer that many of my friends have had - I'll just live with the knowledge learned from the experiences they have related.

 

[avillahdw]

The reason I posed this question was to make sure I'm not the only one who feels a particular dealer is worth the extra effort. When I was looking for my U5030 (having made up my mind that is what I wanted), I checked with both of my "local" dealers (30 & 65 miles away respectively). Neither had this model and only one seemed interested in ordering for me. Please realize that this is not intended as a plug for RCO Tractor, but I had seen their name come up numerous times with positive feedback. I talked with Scott at their Greenville, TX branch several times, always satisfied with the info I received. I finally made arrangements to make the 4 hour drive from outside of Little Rock, AR to Greenville. Scott had the U5030 brought from Austin up to Greenville for me to look at. I made this drive based on the reputation and communication I had with RCO and was prepared to drive away if I wasn't fully satisfied. Well I did drive away but with the U5030 loaded on the gooseneck to bring home. With almost 200 hours on it now, the only thing I have had to do is maintainence. If something were to happen tomorrow, I know I could rely on LS and RCO to take care of me. From the responses, I think this is the way most of you feel about the dealers you have chosen to do business with. Thanks for the replies!

 

[MossRoad]

I live in northern Indiana. I bought my tractor directly from the manufacturer in Tazewell, VA. Why? They don't have any dealers. Factory direct only. :thumbsup:

 

[Jhiphop72]

I live in northern Indiana. I bought my tractor directly from the manufacturer in Tazewell, VA. Why? They don't have any dealers. Factory direct only. :thumbsup:

The tractors I found here: http://www.power-trac.com/productclasses.htm don't come with a cab. Nice try though... I think you might belong in the "other" catagory....

 

[calman93611]

I don't mind driving long distances for a tractor/piece of equipment but I live in central California and I am surrounded by mountains. Going south towards LA I have a 4,100 foot mountain, going north is not so bad but traffic is really bad. Who wants to voluntarily drive in bumper to bumper traffic going 55 mph in the truck lane and be passed by semi's. West towards the coast, it is another hill, Cuesta grade, is only 1600 feet but is the steepest grade on US 101. I pulled my tractor on this grade and was in 2nd(automatic) all the time and still using the brakes. Oh, going N/E I have REALLY tall mountains, over 10,000. I think my next tractor will be around 300 miles round trip.

 

[leonardo]

i don't want to brag.........but i bought an ls tractor to help out with a small firewood and brush hogging operation my brother and i run out of his residence. it takes me 5 minutes to drive the tractor to the dealer and 10 minutes to walk back to my pickup truck if i'm getting with the program. i have a good relationship with the dealer and he seems to appreciate my business. this is one of the few good deals i have run across in my life and i'm looking for more. if this dealer moved 100 miles away i would still probably patronize him.

 

[coobie]

A simple question with multiple reasons behind it- how far would you be willing to go to purchase a tractor from a dealer and why?

My Kioti dealer is about 70 miles one way from my doorstep,why because of there reputation.I have a few kioti dealers that are closer but they don,t offer as good parts and service. I also have a truck and trailer to tow it that far if need be.

 

[Cajuntractor]

I went 120 miles round trip to dealership that was closest LS dealer. Glad I did.