To go by your gut or not??

[trkbldr]

Gut feelings are good. Are you comparing tractors with similar features such as HST transmissions, 4WD, HP, and so on? I tend to agree that if you don't get the "gut" tractor, it will always be in the back of your mind if you made the right decision or not. It may even cause you to be less pleased with the one you did buy, even if it is a fine machine /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.

 

[Evasive1]

What a loaded question.

It is easy for us to say sure spend that extra $2000 especially when it is not our money.

What is it you liked about the NH, just the blue or something functional? Like asked before what price range. Will the $2000 be better spent on something else you need, such as a larger down payment on a new house or truck, or will you not miss that $2000 in the long run.

Hmmm decisions decisions. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[shvl73]

I agree with the others. I bought a Mahindra & I'm very pleased with it. If you prefer the NH, buy it, $2000.00 is not much over the lifespan of the tractor. Isn't the whole point to be happy with your purchase? Regardless of $ spent, I'll bet most feel that their tractor was a major purchase & who wants to feel they settled? Go with your gut feeling.

 

[jpr62902]

Because I listen to my gut too much (I'm a little round in the middle), I'm gonna play devil's advocate here. Do you need anything else for the tractor? 2k would buy a nice rototiller and a PHD or box blade too. Need a back blade? What about a trailer to haul it around and show it off? You can get peace of mind from $2,000.00 worth of tractor "goodies" too.

 

[DAP]

I TOO will play the advocate, for the simple reason that I believe that almost ALL CUTs are overpriced. The 2 grand is still 2 grand. And if you want, you'll be able to invent all kinds of 'warm fuzzies' to justify your going the 'save 2k' route.

Some others here would have you believe you would regret the other route for the rest of your life. Ahem ... doubtful.

Use that 2k for another implement or 2, or to remind someone in your family why they put up with you. Next time you're settin in your 'cheap' tractor, just remember how that 2k windfall was spent and you won't miss the arm-rests, worklights, ratcheting 3PT arms, HST (no wait, haveta have HST), Top-n-Tilt, etc. etc. etc. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[shvl73]

My gut has "listened" to Budwieser & girl scout cookies too much! (not at the same time)

 

[shvl73]

What are the two models you are comparing?

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Ditto to Murph's post

 

[mikim]

80 - 90% of the time when I've gone the route of "save a buck" instead of "get what I want" I've kicked myself later. I tend to maintain the "what I want" better too 'cause I think more of it so it tends to last longer, automatically justifying the extra cost. Extra cost up front can quite often save you money in the long run. Something I learned from my Dad in reverse - he always went as cheap as possible - and would spend more keeping whatever working than if he'd just bought a better one in the first place.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

I am largely a get what I want person. I was looking at 20hp tractors earlier this year. A list of what I considered, JD2210, 4010, 4110, Kubota BX2230, B7510, Kioti CK20H, Mahindra 2015. The JD dealer was also a MF dealer and did not suggest the 2300. The Kubota dealer was also a NH dealer and did not suggest any NHs. I am not saying either dealer said the non suggested brand was inferior, they probably didn't have any in stock so didn't push them. I narrowed the choises down by dealer qualities, tractor qualities and price. I decided on the Mahindra 2015. The JD, Kubota and Mahindra dealers were acceptable. The Mahindra, IMO, was made better (cast iron frame instead of ladder, 2000# instead of 1400#). When I went to buy it I talked myself into getting the bigger 2615 (26hp 2500# 72"MMM). It was in the same pricerange as the JD and Kubotas I was looking at.

So my suggestion. Set your budget. Buy the tractor that best fits your needs and stays bellow your budget.