Need Opinion, which is the better tractor?

Bob_Skurka · Aug 12, 2005

What would you consider good dealer support? 

With a large tractor, you don't want to have to haul it back and forth yourself. During the warrenty period have the dealer haul the tractor back and forth free of charge for any warrenty issues. See if the dealer has a mobile repair truck so they can come to you and fix the tractor in the field so you can be up and running quicker, some of the Ag tractor dealers offer this service. See if the dealer will deliver implements.

My dealer delivers them to me for free. He's a really good dealer and will deliver them "dirty" at no extra charge so the lovely Mrs_Bob doesn't suspect I bought a new one. That way I can say "Oh that, no honey, we've had that out back for a long time, see the mud all over it!?!" /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

MikePA · Aug 12, 2005

When you're at the dealer;

Check out the service area. Is it clean? Are the mechanics working? Does it look professional? Or are people standing about drinking coffee and talking? Do the mechanics wear uniforms or are they dressed in jeans and T shirts? See any trucks and trailers owned by the dealer indicating they do pick up and deliver? How many of them are there? Big enough to handle your size tractor?

Check out the showroom/sales area. Clean and neat or a pig sty? Some manufacturers have dealer awards for sales and/or service. See any hanging on the wall? Are there empty desks in the sales area? If so, why are people leaving? Do they sell attachments? If so, are they major brand name attachments or no name ones? Some major brands have dealer requirements such as stocking a certain number of models and parts to fix them. If (fill in the blank of a major vendor) is willing to trust these guys, they are probably OK.

Does the place look busy? Not so busy that you're ignored, but busy enough to know that other people trust and like the place.

Walk around the dealers place. Is there used equipment for sale indicating recent trade ins? Is there a good selection of new tractors and attachments?

Check out the Parts Department. Lots of shelves of parts behind the counter? If not, you may be waiting if you need one. Check the shelves on your side of the counter. Are there any? Bolts, nuts, paint, oil, pins, i.e., the odds and ends and consumables a tractor needs.

Does the dealer sell other things, e.g., Ag tractors or other large farming equipment, lawn and garden tractors, chain saws, string trimmers, things that indicate the dealer is a thriving business. This can also be a problem, i.e., the dealer is a jack of all trades and a master of none or that they concentrate on their large farmer customer base to the detriment of their other customers.

Does the dealer have separate departments for each line (Large Ag, Compact, Lawn and Garden) of equipment they sell and service with separate service trucks?

Check out their web site, assuming they have one. Professional looking or are the Copyright dates still 2003? Send them an email via their web site. Get a response?

Call them on the phone. Get a cheerful receptionist or Bubba back in the garage. Or do you descend into a phone system never to emerge? How many times does the phone ring? Do they have toll free numbers?

Do they take credit cards? Do they offer local bank financing?

None of these things are fool proof. Mechanics can wear uniforms and still be incompetent. People can be friendly and still give you a raw deal. Just some things to think about as you visit each dealer. All of these things help you form an overall opinion of the dealer and what kind of support he will provide.

Dargo · Aug 12, 2005

Holy smokes Mike! You took my entire reply. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif All I can now say is "Yeah, what Mike said". /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Bob_Skurka · Aug 12, 2005

( Holy smokes Mike! You took my entire reply. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif All I can now say is "Yeah, what Mike said". /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )

What about the muddy implement delivery? I don't get credit for that? Come on get real. All that stuff Mike said is great, but none of it will keep you out of hot water with the Misses. I offered PRACTICAL advice!

RedRocker · Aug 12, 2005

( ( Holy smokes Mike! You took my entire reply. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif All I can now say is "Yeah, what Mike said". /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )

What about the muddy implement delivery? I don't get credit for that? Come on get real. All that stuff Mike said is great, but none of it will keep you out of hot water with the Misses. I offered PRACTICAL advice!

)

I wrote that one down Bob, handy advice. Kinda like guns in a gun safe, they don't know what all you have in there. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MikePA · Aug 12, 2005

What about the muddy implement delivery? I don't get credit for that? Come on get real. All that stuff Mike said is great, but none of it will keep you out of hot water with the Misses. I offered PRACTICAL advice! 
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif My wife is immune to new things appearing at the front door or in the driveway. Years of me buying computer gear has done this to her. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Her only requirement is that she not have to sign for anything. Plus, she knows that anything I buy for the tractor will ultimately benefit her horses. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Soundguy · Aug 12, 2005

I was gonna be quite.. but i gotta brag on this one. I had purchased a JD-B a while back, and was having it delivered to the house. Delivery guy was running late and i had to go to work, so the misses signed for and took delivery of the rusty green tractor for me....

Now that's a good woman!

Soundguy

MikePA · Aug 12, 2005

Her only requirement is that she not have to sign for anything. 
I should qualify this statement.... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

My wife will sign for things as long as (1) She asked for them, e.g., a triaxle load of stone dust for the riding ring OR (2) If the knock at the door does not interrupt whatever she might be doing. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Situation (1) carries with it no risk to my life or limb. Situation (2) requires planning and careful scheduling. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Kyle_in_Tex · Aug 12, 2005

Mike, you need to post this immediately after every newby comes aboard and asks the same basic questions.

Can you automate this process??? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway, excellent post.

ronjhall · Aug 12, 2005

My wife is immune to new things appearing at the front door or in the driveway. 
Got home from several day trip. There were a couple of boxes on the porch. Both for the wife. One is still there. She thinks it beongs to me. But I checked, it is addressed to her. I'm going to wait until sometime next week before I ask when she is going to open it. She should know by now. That if does not have any dirt (since meeting Bob) on the package, it's not for me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif