Should a new tractor come with a full tank of gas?

[3 Horse Ranch]

Well this is timely. I just bought my first tractor and it was delivered yesterday with an empty fuel tank (no swag either, but that part doesn't really bother me). I told the dealer I was disappointed it was delivered with no fuel in it. He said in his 20+ years experienced he's never heard of a tractor being delivered with fuel in it. I thought that was BS. Seems I was right. This has definitely impacted my opinion of the dealer.

The New Holland came with 2/3s tank of fuel loaded rears, a 3rd function kit at cost and second owner's manual and two caps. I can't imagine a tractor being delivered basically empty. The used Ford 1715 I bought 5 years in a private sale came with a full to the rim with fuel. That actually surprised me since they also delivered it at no charge.

 

[KenEtch]

My TYM 47 was delivered by the dealer owner with ample fuel, perhaps not full? Don't remember. He's a small town 'country' dealer, old school where a handshake is gospel. Rear tires loaded with beet juice (he wouldn't sell me the tractor w/o loaded rear wheels). And he personally delivers to ensure equipment arrives as expected. No hat but old time service from a small town dealer who's been in business for decades. The dealership is key!

 

[harrydarwen]

I really appreciated that since my refueling plan was not yet sorted and I could start playing with it right away.
I did get a free hat too, though I don't generally wear them.

Speed Test​

 

[SmallChange]

It was my 1st tractor so I asked him to go over it with me. He took a leisurely 40 or 50 seconds pointing to things as he climbed off from unloading it, jumped in his truck and left. He damned near left skid marks in the driveway! I jumped on the tractor and started to drive it to the back side of the barn and it stalled out. The tank was EMPTY! The tractor literally ran for about 3 minutes before it was out of fuel!

Wow. That is shabby. I think it's debatable how much fuel they should put in the tank, and don't expect to get something for nothing. But delivering it practically empty is like slamming a door in the customer's face. Especially if it's your first tractor and you're just working things out! You might not even have owned a diesel fuel can yet!

 

[nova3930]

I did not in fact get a hat with the t494. The old ratty one will have to soldier on a while longer

 

[AndyMA]

All of my tractors have come with a full tank, loaded tires, free delivery and service manuals

 

[Venturabass]

I bought a Kioti DK5310SE back in April. It came with a fuel tank of diesel. Better yet they were the only ones I got a quote from that included filling the tires with RimGuard and welding hooks on the bucket. Now I did pick up myself but was also out of state. What made the deal even sweeter is when I went to pick up they told me to go over to the merch rack and take whatever I wanted. I grabbed a T shirt and picked up a heavy cotton insulated winter work jacket. I asked them if that counted too, and they said sure. It was end of season. I got some stickers, keychains couple hats (dealer hats not Kioti), and an extra key too. A bottle of touch up paint. I was pretty happy

 

[Buckeye Guy]

If you bought one from a dealer that just sells at the lowest price and just does volume sales, I wouldn't expect anything. But if you bought from a local dealer that needs the business, then I would expect full tank, hats, (or other small items) and free delivery. The small things add up and they are trying to keep you as a repeat customer.

 

[Yander]

If you bought one from a dealer that just sells at the lowest price and just does volume sales, I wouldn't expect anything. But if you bought from a local dealer that needs the business, then I would expect full tank, hats, (or other small items) and free delivery. The small things add up and they are trying to keep you as a repeat customer.

I bought mine from a fairly local dealer and I got a package in the mail earlier this week with this in it from Yanmar. Don't know if it came from the dealer but Yanmar came through with a little swag. Hat, a nice magnetic LED light, and a leatherman. I don't carry a leatherman but not a bad thing to throw in your glovebox.

 

[Tractorable]

I bought mine from a fairly local dealer and I got a package in the mail earlier this week with this in it from Yanmar. Don't know if it came from the dealer but Yanmar came through with a little swag. Hat, a nice magnetic LED light, and a leatherman. I don't carry a leatherman but not a bad thing to throw in your glovebox.

That’s some nice swag!

 

[Rockbadchild]

Anything that I buy new I expect it to be ready to go, and I am better not seeing it on the bill. I had quotes from dealers where (not tractor dealer) you saw on the bill x amount for gas, x amount for plats and the list goes on and that just turn me off, just tell me the final price. Because initially you get quotes from dealer A and dealer B, dealer A will say this equipment is this price and you say ''ho that a good deal compared to dealer B but dealer B is the units price out the door that fuel up, tax in, and everything else, so now you are comparing apples and oranges. I almost got fooled before so now I always specified... Hats and T shirt are the dealer best interest in my opinion its good advertising and a simple act of appreciations, if they don't give it I usually ask for one and they always gladly provide it.

 

[Lastkidpicked]

Many of you have commented on, "It's the little things that matter". You are right and it brings back fond memories.

Remember years ago gas stations went from free air to a little compressor where you dropped quarters in for air?

The car dealership I worked for always had a hose hanging on the side of the shop, with a "Free Air" sign. Even after the gas stations moved to charging for air, that hose is hanging on the side of our building 24 hours per day, for anyone to use it.

It is amazing when I wear my dealership jacket how many people tell me, "Hey! You guys are the ones with the free air."

People will pay high dollar for new cars and trucks, and the thing they remember most clearly is that we have free air.

It really is the small things. . .