Time of year for best deal

bucky · Aug 4, 2003

What month of the year can one expect to get the best deal on a new compact tractor?

rjsmit1 · Aug 5, 2003

I don't think that there is a defined month of the year when deals are best. I can tell you that Kubota tractors have been flying off the lots with their zero percent financing offer and lately, dealers have had less and less inventory to offer. My sense is that you will benefit more from understanding what type of equipment you need and who the best dealers are than to divine what the best buying month is. Good luck.

SageBrush · Aug 5, 2003

Winter. Not much farming going on. Dealers will have more tractors usually. Best time to buy used, better selection.

gsganzer · Aug 5, 2003

A lot of the dealers seem to have deals and sales packages put together for the State Fairs in the fall. The JD dealer I spoke to, said these are they're best prices each year.

chrisjbell · Aug 5, 2003

It doesn't make a whole lot of difference from what I've seen. The demand is generally as high as the supply - they don't have too much trouble turning them over these days. Out here in late spring you can often get "rental returns" - large farming outfits lease new tractors and then return them when they're done harvesting and you can get a relatively lightly used tractor at a discount (not enough for me to want to do it, though).

It still surprises me that tractors retain the value that they do. Even with a slow economy, it is tough to find a "deal". But I'm sure it can be done if you keep your eyes open.

BillyP · Aug 5, 2003

From what I've seen, it would be late winter to very early spring. I know John Deere and Kubota stay about 2 months behind, during the peak season.

StoneHeartFarm · Aug 5, 2003

I would think it would depend on your local economy and the area population. If the economy is driven seasonally by tourism, then there might be an off peak market. In a manufaturing market , there might not. If there is heavy agricultural use, the typical tractor purchase might be a lot larger than if the area is used residentially and the typical tractor is used to landscape. Therefore, the smaller tractors might never come down in price or become any more numerous.

Steve

Soundguy · Aug 7, 2003

From what i have seen it is winter.. but then I am in florida.. usually 'outside/outdoor' equipment goes on sale here when it gets cold. I bought my lawnmowers when theey were 'last on the lot' and leftovers and got 30-40% discounts for great new units. Tractors are similar.. just not as big savings. And are geared more at growing seasons.. In your area, whatever time is 'out of season' is when those tractors will be 'sitting' on the dealers lots and not moving. Generally they do creative financing or value-added sales to get them to move.. occasionally you might get a price break in this.. also if a new model is coming out.. they might reduce price to move inventory.

good luck,

Soundguy

BobG_in_VA · Aug 7, 2003

Just a suggestion. Check the quarterly reports. Whichever report shows the worst bottom line for the company will be the best months to buy. I have noticed that Spring is not a good time to deal. Late summer or late fall may be your best times based on profit #s. BobG in VA