Probably more info than you want, but here goes...
Basically, I was negotiating with 2 dealers on 2 different tractors to get the best deal. I was looking to buy a tractor & a 72" 3pt finish mower and trade in my '97 Grasshopper ZTR w/21hp Kubota diesel that had 2000+ hours.
Both dealers had 0 hour-brand-new tractors that were 2010 models, which is where I thought I would get my best deal. Both tractors had 4wd, foldable ROPS, FEL, SSQA buckets, & R4 tires.
Dealer 1 had a
L3700SU with a hydrostat. I saw the 3700 & 3800 as being identical other than cosmetic changes. It had the lighter FEL (LA463) & 60" bucket. Drove it--liked it except for the operation of the 3pt--like I stated earlier, it was VERY jerky, which apparently is a known issue. They had a Land Pride 72" finish mower(2572 model I believe) to complete the package. When it came down to it, I thought his price was high and felt unsettled about the 3pt--I knew it would irritate me.
Drove down to Dealer 2 with the Grand
L3540 at that point. The difference was this one had the glide-shift rather than a hydro, and the mower was a Woods RD72 with roller & chain package. The FEL was the heavier one offered (LA724) with a 72" bucket. The way I looked at it, I would gladly give up the hydro to get all the add'l features of the GL. Plus the 3pt was smooth as a baby's butt, which is what it should be IMHO.
I also happened to like the Woods mower better than the Land Pride, but I'm sure they are of equal quality/value--just my preference...
With trade and the finish mowers included, the difference in price that I was able to negotiate between the two packages was $2200. Dealer 2 was more willing to negotiate, gave me more for my trade, and I just enjoyed working with them more. Dealer 1 had the advantage of being about 45 minutes closer, so all things being equal I would have given him the business. However, I'm glad things worked out the way they did, and I haven't had a second of buyer's remorse over spending a bit more to get the GL. Now I'm just waiting for the mower to arrive so they can deliver the package. More pictures to follow once its in my grubby little hands...
