Tractor by Mail Order?

[Eagle]

I have not owned a Tractor before. I have considered the JD4100 and B2410 and have decided to go with Kubota. Now I need to decide should I pay more and purchase it from a local dealer or should I purchase it over the Internet. For those who have purchased from Carver or others, what do you do when you have a warranty issue or need service?

 

[Bird]

Eagle, I don't know that I could find the messages now, but this has been discussed to a considerable extent in the past. I believe Kubota requires any dealer to handle warranty matters whether or not that dealer sold the unit. I think the consensus of opinion is that, if a shop is busy, they would take care of those who purchased from them first, but would do the work for others as well. If the dealer's smart, he'll provide good service in hopes of making future customers.

Bird

 

[john_bud]

Eagle,

I agree with Bird, the local dealer's shop will service your tractor. After all, for all he knows you may have just moved to town!

The only down side that I can see buying from a non-local dealer is that you won't get preferred pricing on implements and self service items. I have been pricing implements over the winter and the local dealer where I bought the tractor is consistently 5-15% lower in price than the surrounding dealers. Same products and part numbers as well as competitive models.

I also like to support the people that support me and a difference of upto 500 bucks to me is a wash. More than that, and I lose interest in getting that kind of "support", if you know what I mean! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

It's a tough choice, especially as I have not seen a single thread "bashing" Carvers. And I don't think our web master is squashing them, either! If you haven't looked yet, spend time at the Carver web site. They have a great section on buying tips that contains some great data. (Thanks Steve, if you are out there.)

Best of luck,
John Bud

 

[GlueGuy]

When I got my B7500, I got bids from all the "local" dealers. One was a lot more local than the other two. As it turns out, the one furthest away came out cheaper by quite a bit. I talked to the closest one, and explained that I didn't necessarily expect him to match the other guy's price, just be competitive. After all, I'd already spent several hours of his time to help me decide which tractor was right for me.

In the end he was within $300, and I got it from him.

The next challenge was waiting for delivery. B7500's are very popular, and finding a new one is a bit of an Easter egg hunt..../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

The GlueGuy

 

[HeliMark]

Eagle, I will give you my experiance this week as I have to have some warranty work on my BX2200 from the local dealer hopefully. Have a leak around the fuel tank. I bought mine from a dealer that is 80 miles away instead of the local one 15 miles away. But saving $3,000 made that decision.

 

[Boondox]

I bought from Steve Carver and have absolutely no complaints. It was really a pleasure dealing with him. That said, before buying from him I visited my local dealer to talk about service and implements. Sure, he was disappointed that I didn't buy from him...but we reached an understanding that he would provide service as needed and in return I'd buy my big dollar implements from him when the time comes.

Talk with your local guy; he'll appreciate your honesty. If mine wasn't willing to back me up I probably wouldn't have gone with Carver Equipment.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[SHIFTY]

I too,bought a 3710hst from carver last fall,I would recomend them to anyone,good people to deal with,most local dealers would rather that you buy from them,I dont mind 500.more to buy local,but to save 3k,who wouldnt,the local dealers still want the service work and they still know youll maintain the tractor with them for the next many year to come,buy the way,do old kubotas really ever die?????ob1kubota

 

[GBear]

Before purchasing from Carver's, I asked Steve some pointed questions about warranty work. Of the 3000 Kubs he has registered under warranty, approximately 3 come back for warranty repairs every six months. It seems Kubs don't break too often. He offered to send parts overnight to this distant purchaser. Sometimes it is easier to wrench it than tow it.

Service is a different issue. I have three dealers in striking distance; all are glad to get the business and charge average shop rates. Again though, sometimes it is easier to wrench it than tow it.

Carver's saved me a ton, and I checked 12 dealers in the western states. These guys don't do too much "pencil sharpening" for a one-tractor purchase.

 

[eteagle]

This thread has been helpful and decided me on ordering from Carver. I just don't understand how there can be a $3000 difference for an L3010 between Carver and my local dealers. Is there any mail order dealer closer to St Louis, MO than Carver that anyone knows about?

Ernie

 

[tralderman]

I'm a Kubota dealer in Michigan and I'd like to know how Carver can be $3,000 cheaper too. Please someone tell me!

 

[Steve_Carver]

[url]http://www.carverequipment.com/rental_roundup.htm[/url]

This program helps many customers and dealers.
http://www.carverequipment.com/rental_roundup.htm
The used trade-ins and program tractors generated with this program and a good size rental fleet help keep a good flow of tractors at very good pricing levels coming in.

 

[Steve_Carver]

Tractors(new and used) by website orders?

Your concerns are well founded and every shopper should understand where they are headed with service, parts, tips and information support issues.
Whether your tractor is in warranty period or not.
You should understand and see in writting (especially on used equip.) the specific warranty offer on the product you plan to purchase.

Ask what is the service policy on NEW vs USED units whether purchased from the business or not.

As frequent as folks move these days and the way all of us move tractors from one location to another, check out the dealerships on these issues near you beach, lake , mountain or other remote places that you plan to transport the tractor an d implements.

Ask to read SERVICE MISSION STATEMENTs and check out the performance history and proof of commitment to the same.

Here's ours...
http://www.carverequipment.com/repairs.htm

Good luck and happy shopping.

 

[putty340]

Eagle, picking a tractor was very fun for me,I hope you are having fun too. I also looked at Carver, and they were in fact cheaper until it came time to talk about shipping which led me to buy locally. I do think Carver is an excellent co. their pride is evident, but if you live far from Carver don't count out your local dealer.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Try TractorSmart.com Quick price quotes and no baloney. they are in Tennesee.

 

[HR_Mutt]

Eagle
Our local dealer (dealer used as in he sells Kubota, charges top $$$ from everyone) always gets the first and last shot at the deal. I've bought 2 tractors and numerous other attachments, etc. from them in the past 15 or so years. They had a chance to quote a L3710 recently and it was steep. I shopped around and purchased a L4610 for nearly the same money from another dealer an hour and a half away! While in looking for an attachment(at the local guy) he asked if I was ready to buy a tractor. He got quite upset when I informed him that tractor was already bought elsewhere. Local dealer told me to take it where I bought it for warranty/service work! Sure...make him service it?LOL! He's not touching her!Now, any purchase over chainsaw blades, we go for a ride!
Best regards and good luck in your search.
Mutt