To Look or to Leap?

   / To Look or to Leap? #1  

BDJ

New member
Joined
Jun 23, 2000
Messages
6
Location
Federal Way, WA
I have a situation (opportunity) available to me, and I know this is the BEST place to get some feedback on the possible merrits and/or drawbacks. Here's the deal......

I plan to purchase a tractor, probably a 7500, 2410 or 2710, but the model doesn't matter for the purposes of this discussion. I don't need the machine, and realistically can't use it until next spring because it will be kept at a vacation property that doesn't get used during the winter months. Last weekend, I chatted with one of the local Kubota dealers at the Western Washington State Fair about this situation and about their "Fair Specials". I questioned whether I could put down a deposit now to reserve a unit at the "Fair Special" price, but not take delivery until next April or so. He said that could probably be arranged without too much difficulty. I also asked about typical Kubota price increases from year to year. He said that if Kubota increases prices, it would likely be in the 3-4 percent range.

At this point I was feeling pretty good about the concept and told him I would have to take a closer look at which model I wanted, and that I would get back to him. As I was leaving, he mentioned that with this kind of a deal, they would probably get the tractor of my choice as soon as one became available (Best guess 1 month for 2410 or 2710, 2 months for 7500). Then they would just hold onto it until I was ready to take delivery. Suddenly, I wasn't quite as enthusiastic. Then, I went home and looked at some numbers, and determined that their "Fair Special" prices were real close (within a couple hundred $ or so) of the prices the same dealer had quoted me two months earlier.

One other detail. When I visited the dealship, it was very evident that the vast majority, if not all of their stock is stored uncovered, exposed to the elements in a grassey, muddy field behind their shop.

So here's where I am now on this issue.....

If I put some money down now, I get a guaranteed price next spring. I don't really save much over the current normal price, but it does ensure that I don't pay any price increase that may happen between now and then. So, moneywise, I don't really lose anthing on the deal, but I may not be any money ahead either.

The down side is that, based on the dealers parting comments, my machine would likely be sitting out in the weather all winter long. As most of you are likely aware, we're not exactally known for our dry, sunny autumn and winter months (or Spring for that matter) up here in the Seattle area. When I pay for a new machine, I want it fresh out of the crate, not something that has been sitting on the back lot at the mercy of the local birds, dogs, cats and Mother Nature for the last half year.

After that long winded set-up, I'd appreciate any comments this group has to offer. I'm especially interested in the comments of those who have been following Kubota pricing trends. Historically, is 3-4 percent price increase per year reasonable to expect (assuming the model remains the same), or is it something different.

Thanks to all in advance for your great wisdom and knowledge.

Brad
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #2  
BDJ, if your looking for <font color=blue>great wisdom and knowledge</font color=blue>, I probably ought to keep my mouth shut, but that's not what I'm known best for./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I have no information about price increases, but would just guess that the dealer is probably right. Farmers around here quite commonly leave tractors and implements sitting out in the weather year round, and dealers have lots of inventory sitting out in the weather (don't know just how fast it turns over), so I guess it's not too big a deal, but that's just not for me. I want mine inside, or at least under a roof. So that means if I were you I would (1) simply wait until I wanted the tractor, (2) put up a deposit if he'd guarantee the price, but not get the tractor until you're ready for it, or (3) go ahead and buy it now, but find indoor storage for it. Good luck. And speaking of fairs, the Texas State Fair begins on Sept. 29 and anyone interested can read a bit about it at http://www.bigtex.com

Bird
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #3  
Brad,

Don't know the value of Kubota or their annual price increases besides what I have read here on this forum.

I assume that Kubota does once a year increases and it seems that Kubota just did a price adjustment over the labor day weekend. Kubota may come out with some enhancements or new features that you may want or that could leave dealers with stock that they want to move off their financial books to make room for the latest/greatest.

If the dealer can hold the price without taking money from you, they have LOTS of profit. Most dealers don't want to tie up money in inventory unless they are getting a great return on investment. They should be able to give the same price next spring, unless some economic supply/demand change takes place.

Be sure to check out other dealers and "Carvers" who advertises on this forum. Other members are also a great resource to check your numbers against.

DaveV
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #4  
I do agree with Bird.
When I bought my Kubota I wanted it home and under cover a.s.a.p.

For the saving you might make you may also want to consider next year left overs models./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Take your time and shop around before you leap.

Take care and stay /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Thomas..NH
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #5  
Brad, I would go ahead and buy it if you know you wnat it. I agree with the others that I wouldn't want it sitting out even though a lot of people do leave their equipment out. My new B2910 sat out in the display lot for a week before I bought it and when I I told them I wanted it they brought it inside and kept it for a few days until we finished the transaction (and wouldn't you know it, it hailed that weekend but my new baby was inside!) Just buy it and find your own storage in the time being and you will know it's safe and out of the elements. Good luck on your decision.
And buy the most tractor you can afford, you won't regret it.
 
   / To Look or to Leap?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
DaveV,

You noted that it seams Kubota did a price adjustment over Labor Day weekend. I must have had my head stuck in the sand or something, because I missed that. What did you notice? Price increase or decrease, and how much? Did you notice if it was on all models or just one model? Anything you can remember would be helpful.

Thanks,

Brad
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #7  
Shoot move whatever outta the garage and put the tractor in there! If I had a new one, I'd park the limo in the drive and the tractor in the garage. As it is, once I finish getting the garage cleared out (again) the tractor goes in and the pickup stays in the drive. P/U has insurance, tractor doesn't.
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #8  
Good or bad Inside or Outside

I noticed how serious everyone is about keeping tractors inside. I dont have a garage yet .... Its coming... how harmful is it to a tractor to keep it outside in New England weather???
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #9  
Brad,

I noticed a couple posts on this board (I think it was this one) that referred to this, Carver's pulled their prices off the ads about that time, and a dealer at a local fair stated that he was holding the old pricing just for the fair customers. I don't know, was that just a sales push, creating the proverbial "sense of urgency"?

DaveV
 
   / To Look or to Leap? #10  
Re: Good or bad Inside or Outside

Ben,
I for one believe any equipment under cover will last longer.
Since my Kubota was deliver it has yet to spend one night outside nor left in sour weather,and when I'm done snow plowing its get a wipe down.
Yep you could say I admire my Kubota to the max,and its not only a toy but an investment,and like any investment one takes good care of it./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
The elements from the weather can cause unwanted work plus looks plus some who only wants a free hand out of work done./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

I'm going to say about 95% of us here give shelter to our tractors in one form or another.

Hope you are enjoying the last days of summer down there in Mass./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Take care and stay /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Thomas..NH
 

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