Unsettled or cold feet...

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Keep in mind that an 'authorized' John Deere dealership can ONLY sell John Deere tractors and implements (and pioneer a sub of JD).

They can sell other power equipment like Stihl saws bit ONLY JD Tractors or they will forfeit their contractual relationship with Deere.

Why you will never see any JD dealer selling multi line. They cannot per contract. In reality all tractor manufacturers would prefer that arrangement. Problem is, no other manufacturer has that big of an image here to enforce it.

My Kubota dealer I work at part time, Kubota pushed the owner to do just that and he told them to basically shove it.
Having said that he only sells new Kubota tractors but also sell Cub Cadet professional series, Echo chainsaws and power equipment. He's a Big volume Kubota dealer as well so while they suggested it and he told them to shove it, they quit pushing it which was to their benefit.

You are correct.
John Deere has the edict of our way or the hwy.
Multi brand tractor dealerships have to have one key component….space.
The amount of parts warehousing is astonishing for one brand let alone having another.
Then add the ancillary outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, generators, mowers, blowers, snow throwers and pole cutters, etc, and you best have the space.
The new displays are about battery powered stuff so that aids in the complexity and everyone has jumped on that bandwagon.

 

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My JD2025 has the true 3rd function being able to use everything. Unlike the diverted type.

What’s astounding to me is you have been here for 20 yrs but only have 33 posts up till now.

 

[dodge man]

If you feel good about John Deere and can afford them why change? If I were buying today I doubt I would buy JD again, mainly because of cost.

 

[D&D]

My JD2025 has the true 3rd function being able to use everything. Unlike the diverted type.

The Kioti 3rd function is a 2 button setup. It’s as much a true 3rd function as the 2025

 

[AaronD81]

My Kioti is a 2005 and my dealer has been able to get any part I've needed within a week. Kioti seems to be getting more popular so even if dealer changes I anticipate someone in my area will continue selling them.

 

[Jaybr]

My first tractor was a JD 790, my second was a Kioti. I don't have any regrets about changing brands, the only issue I've had is my original Kioti dealer was bought out by a larger Kubota dealer and they dropped Kioti. They still serviced my machine the first few years after the change, and I didn't need any dealer support for a good while after that. Now, my closest Kioti dealer is 1.5 hours away, which is one of the reasons my latest purchase was a Yanmar. I have a good Yanmar dealer 30 minutes from me, and they make a excellent tractor. If the Kioti dealer was closer they would have been a contender.

Bottom Line, I have no issues switching brands to get a better value as long as dealer support is good, and by "better value" I don't mean the cheapest machine.

 

[Oldtimermich]

What’s astounding to me is you have been here for 20 yrs but only have 33 posts up till now.

What's your point? I've been alive for 66 years and only voted 24 times.

 

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What's your point? I've been alive for 66 years and only voted 24 times.

Ha!
Got you to 34
Seriously, any tractor will serve you.
Ordinarily I’d say go to your closest dealer but seeing they are both an hr away, it’s moot.
The next question I’d ask is how you use your tractor the most.
If you find no problem with plastic fenders, floor boards, hoods and aluminum drive cases, stick with what you know.
If parts availability is more important to ya, jd is a superior brand.
If value for your dollar as it pertains to the actual item reigns supreme, go with the Kioti.
Being in the business and knowing and talking with other dealers who have multiple brands, your concerns are unfounded..
We deal with one brand and still have had problems with parts availability depending on the part.
The Kioti dealer l know has had little problem in that regard.
Also, ask the Kioti dealer if he does dealer swaps. If so, you could get the Kioti you want closer to you. We do all the time if we don’t have what a customer wants on our lot and Vice versa.

 

[jonsstihl]

My dad has a 1988 JD 285 lawn tractor with the kawasaki liquid cooled engine and I walked into my local JD dealer asking for the breather hose that connects to the carb and they had one in stock. That is the power of JD. they support their products with the price that goes along with it. I have heard stories of kioti front axle parts failing and not being available. although my dads tractor has the plastic cam gear so when it blows that is one part that is no longer available even in the aftermarket so I guess they all have the same problems

 

[TractorTYMe]

Kiotis are some of the most popular brands from Korea threatening the "kings of the compact market", a DK or NS series would be a solid choice in the 47-60hp class.