How long did you Shop before buying

[kozak]

Definitely an impulse buyer which of course is not a good thing. Wanted to buy a Kubota BAD ! So most of my research was towards that end. Unfortunately found out that after assurances from the Dealer there were no maintenance problems (used tractor) that the PTO shaft was broken THREE times (employee that worked at Dealership). So tried Case.....too expensive (no used tractors). New Holland gave me a decent price & I scooped it up. This all was in a matter of about two weeks. I JUST WANTED A TRACTOR !!

YEE-HAWWWW !!! Did I ever get a Tractor. Never regret the decision.

Of course I had in mind of buying a Kubota for months. Dealer let me down.

 

[RalphVa]

I posted before about what I went through before buying the CUT. However, it was about 3 years before that when we moved here that I was thinking about either a 4wd diesel or a Gravely. Knew little about either one. Saw a Kubota BX at a county fair. Thought it might work, but we were spending money (at least wife was) hand over fist remodeling this house and replacing roof and windows. So, I was wondering about spending nearly $10,000 (for even a BX 1500 and FEL and a cutter). Happened to stop by an ex-Gravely dealer and asked him about a new or used Gravely. He gave me an ad for one that had almost all the attachments that I thought I'd need. It was in perfect condition and all for $3,500. Bought it.

No brakes on that bugger! Almost wrapped it around a tree. Got some steering brakes for half price that were new and had never been used by that same dealer. Much better.

Had trouble climbing my hill of 100' heigh out back. So, I invested in some dual spacers and another set of tires and wheels to add duals. Added a bunch more traction and stability! Have since bought still another set of duals with ag tires with steel screws into the lugs for snow/ice work.

Now, 2 years later and 300 hours more on the 104 hour Gravely, I've the JD 4010 with FEL and cutter, and now a soil ripper mounted onto a 3 pt drawbar.

Don't need the square chute snow blower and MacKissic shredder any more for the Gravely (had a Troy Bilt shredder already; MacKissis was just part of the $3,500 package).

Before buying the Gravely, I went through using one of those Dr trimmers on wheels for my trails. Have since sold it.

Ralph

 

[Bird]

When we bought our place in the country, I knew I was going to want a tractor, so I started shopping a couple of months before the farm deal was completed. I thought I was just going to buy an old used tractor, preferably under $5k. I guess I looked mostly at old 8N and 9N Fords. Stopped to check on every one I saw sitting out for sale, visited at least 6 dealers for Kubota, New Holland, and John Deere, but couldn't find anything used that I would want and could afford. So after about 8 months, I bought a new Kubota.

 

[Dartagnan]

I started out looking for something to cut roads and foundations IE an old ford or case loader/hoe. spent most of two years casually looking checking prices and such so when it was "time" to buy I would know where the ballpark was.

When it came time to buy the needs where a little more varied and I decided a CUT would better fit the bill with rental/hire for the big stuff. Spent about four months shopping that decision, got a lot of good info from right here. (Thank You BobSurka, SnowRidge, and everyone else)Looked at alot of old under 5k stuff, took the wife with a few times and that got me into the new market, she loves warrantys, but when it came down to it, the dealer made the deal,(4 days from 1st phonecall to sitting in my drive, and I never had to go to his lot, helped having a good relationship with my credit co too) he's so far away I will prob not go there for service or implements, but If I ever need another tractor I'm calling Chris again. Regrets? Just that I didn't spend more on stuff when I was allowed to. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

ttyl
Dart

 

[Varmintmist]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Most of the used machines down here are pretty well beat up, and many are being sold by junk dealers who go to auctions and buy a trashed tractor, throw on a new paint job, and then try to sell it for big bucks.
)</font>

Thats called a Sherman Willams rebuild. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I saw a bunch of those when I was looking. One of the reasons I went new.

 

[_RaT_]

I was shopping off and on since 1988 and finally purchased in November 2002. After all that work I did not get the right one o I sold it in a years time and purchased my second one in weeks. I now have exactly what I need. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[rdln]

Bought the farm June of 1992, bought the 970 march of 1993. Considered a Ford 8n - 9n easy to work on, buy a fixer upper or something that needed painting (hot pink and day glo orange were popular at the time /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif) but only owned 4wd vehicles and made a lot of sense for a tractor too. Considered a MF and JD mainly, but also looked at new Fords (big ones used to be built in my home town of Romeo). Kubotas were too ugly at the time.

Actual shopping time was off and on over 6 months. Would not have waited longer but would have bought the next higher Hp model (1070).

Lots more choices now!!!!

 

[carthage]

Great question! For me one solid year of reading this forum every single day. Seemed almost as if I new some of the posters even though I just lurked, soaking in all the great knowledge they shared. The ultimate decision was reached thanks primarily from Bird's insights and a gracious response from muhammad. Even after 5 years of owning my B2710, I still fondly think of their help in making my choice.

 

[tough451]

I shopped for 6 months looking at new and used at every brand possible finally went my heart and bought a new Massey. No I wouldnt have waited any longer I had already put it off long enough. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif