In the Market

shawnrogan · Mar 29, 2005

First off, let me say a big THANK YOU to all TBN folks for the great info on this site, I've learned more about tractors in the last week than in years. I have been dreaming of owning my own tractor for years, and more recently consider myself "in the market" for a tractor. I have poured over almost every post in the Kioti forum and plan to visit at least one dealer near me on Saturday. I am in the 30 hp market and feel that the LK3054xs would fit like a glove. I have a new log home that my wife and I built on a few acres, mostly wooded, adjoining 30 acres of family property. Plan to use it to maintain my 1/2 mile long gravel drive, landscaping projects, dig out the occasional rock or stump, and skid out an occasional oak log. I also have a hunting camp upstate with 27 acres that I could really use a tractor for. The projects are endless(thank god). Can't wait to test out the Kioti's.
Now to my question, in my area ( Hudson Valley region of New York) the majority of the smaller tractors are Kubotas that I believe are great machines that are way over priced. Yes, they hold their re-sale value, but I'm not in the market for a tractor, just to sell it in 5 years. I have read many times that Kioti's don't have as good of a resale value- could that work in my favor? I would love to find a used, homeowner owned machine for around $15,000. I'm not sure I can swing a new one at this stage in the game but sure am interested!!!
Thanks again for all of the great info.
Shawn

450EXC · Mar 29, 2005

I looked briefly in the central NY area and did'nt see any used Kioti's. That could end up being a real good deal though. I'm not sure what they were like 5-6 years ago.
Good Luck ! Larry

GerardC · Mar 29, 2005

This was a reply I posted in another thread. Try looking at your purchase like this.

 Bob:

When we dabble in Real Estate, yes we do it for profit, that's why we do it. BUT, I didn't buy my KIOTI or cars for that reason. This example is apples to oranges.

When my family goes to buy Cars, Boats, Tow vehicles, Motor homes, Tractors, The house that we're going to live in, etc., it's because we LIKE what it is and that's why we are buying it.

I bought my KIOTI because at $65.00 per hour, and at ten hour days plus material(s), it was costing me (on average) $1,000 a day for work that I could do myself (but on their schedule). Now, multiply that by 14 days (on and off) and what do you have? MY KIOTI!!!! It works just like any other COLOR would, but I know, KIOTI doesn't have the resale value (yet) .

Now, when my work with the tractor is finished (lol) and if I decide to sell it, I'll take what I can get for it and feel good knowing I SAVED THOUSANDS, probably tens of. Hope this sounds a little more reasonable to you. Gerard

Morgan1952 · Mar 29, 2005

Shawn,
If you are looking to spend around 15k for a tractor, I would suggest that you take another look at new. I priced a LK3054 with FEL for less then that at a couple different dealers. I wouldn't go used, if you can go new. Just my view. Good luck in your search.
Bob

jpierce · Mar 29, 2005

Same opinion here - A Ck30 HST with loader is around 15.7K (gear or 25HST would even be less)

Getting mine on Saturday!! I fretted over 6 months with this decision but the $4000 I saved over the other similar tractors can easily be applied to the depreciate of the tractor (if you look at it that way) In my mind, I bought for now and 20 years from now.

Can't wait!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

shoppintractors · Mar 29, 2005

Getting mine on Saturday!! 

Congrats! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif .... I will be listening for the official announcement. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Don

shawnrogan · Mar 29, 2005

I agree with all of your opinions. I definetly want the backhoe in the package. Have already received internet quotes for the LK3054XS TLB and CK 30 TLB, both under $20,000. I like the idea of buying new because I tend to take care of things so they last a lifetime. Also, just to clarify, I'm not the least bit concerned with resale value on my part, just thought that resale value may work in my favor in my purchase if I could locate a used machine. Thanks again,
Shawn

lablovers · Mar 30, 2005

Shawn
Your post could have been mine a year ago. I started out looking at used equipment but for the price and the condition of the tractors, new just made more sense. Looked and sat on every tractor I could. Bang for the buck it was Kioti. The local Kubota/JD dealer had a take it or leave it attitude.

When I was a in my teens my step-dad sold tractors for a living and I remember when the Kubota, Satoh et al came out. The ag folks who bought real tractors thought they were a joke. We bought an approx. 15 HP Satoh with all the attachments and sold it over 20 years later for about what it cost new. So the idea that other brands will not hold there value over the long haul doesn't ring true to me. It took many years for Kubota to earn its good reputation. No reason to expect the others to not do the same. I plan on having my Kioti for many years to come so it is a mute point.

I bought the LK3054XS TLB and have never regretted not waiting for the CK 30. The CK 30 is a beauty, but that is not why I bought. The 3054 was a tried and true unit and met my needs. If you can afford the backhoe, it is a great item to have. You don't realize how often you can use it until it is available.

Good luck and I am sure you will be happy with either model you choose. Kioti makes a good solid tractor.