Is it worth asking a dealer...

Lastkidpicked · Jan 27, 2014

Hello. I've been a fan of your forum here for a while, and finally have a question worth asking.

We're changing our business model this year. I've always run older equipment and figured the up front savings outweighed the higher maintenance and repair cost.

It's hard to do this anymore, because the oil boom is in full swing here in Northern Colorado. Gone are the days of calling up a mechanic or welder when you have a break down. Most are off riding the oil boom, and those that are sticking with the ag business have a long waiting list before they can get to your machine.

I'd like to get into a cycle of buying a new JD utility tractor, running it for 3 years (or whatever is the life of the warranty) and then trading it back in at the same dealer to start the cycle again.

A question for those who have experience with the newer John Deeres:

Can you make, as part of the deal, an agreement that if the newer tractor is back at the dealer for warranty work, the dealer will provide a loaner? This seems like a good way to avoid downtime, and give the dealer an incentive to get your tractor back in service.

Thank you in advance for your advice and input!

oldnslo · Jan 27, 2014

It would be worth asking the question. I have had "loaner" tractors while mine were in the shop for warranty work. I suspect each dealer may have a different response.

Gary Fowler · Jan 27, 2014

Sounds like what you want is a lease agreement rather than purchase and trade in. Many farmers use leased equipment now due to the exceedingly high cost of ownership.

Lastkidpicked · Jan 27, 2014

Thanks for your ideas. And you may be onto something with the lease. The upfront cost of running newer equipment may very well overcome the costs of repair and downtime.

Things have sure changed the last few years. Seems like good mechanics can write their own ticket, and shop owners realize this and charge accordingly. I've been advising the younger guys to look closely at becoming a mechanic.