Folks,
I posted recently about purchasing a PowerTrac vs. my fears of no support. It was a very active post with a lot of good input. MossRoad asked me to post back if I chose other than a PT.
I was ready to take the plunge on the 422 and was concerned with the Robins engine and my abilities (or lack thereof) to do service. I really found the replies helpful especially from PT users who also had experience with a 3 pt hitch. I got over my fear of the Robins engine by deciding to get the 425. I spoke with PT and they sent me lit and finance info. But I was still hesitant about ordering.
So I went to look at some more tractors. Now overall it seems we New Englanders get gouged on tracter prices. I wanted to stay at or below $13000.
Deere - 2210 FEL and 52" deck. $13995. Yep that much. Didn't like all the plastic. And it is a brand new design.
Deere - 4010 FEL and 60" deck $14300. I liked this tractor but I think the compacts are a little more than I need. Both of these from same dealer. Nice place. But NO haggling on price. Went back home to PA and stopped at a Delaware dealer this week. 2210 as above for $12700 and 4010 as above for $13500
MF GC2300 FEL and 60" Deck $13700. Great dealer. Really liked him. But price a bit high considering it is also a new model. But I always thought if I didn't go with PT that this is the model I'd choose.
Cub Cadet - 7254. Newer model. Between a subcompact and a compact. 25 hp gas engine, FEL and 54" deck. $14300. I liked the specs on this. More power at FEL, PTO and engine than all others I looked at. Very nice size. You really need to see one in person. Bigger than the subs but not as big as the 4010. On the 4010 I felt "top heavy" being up so high. This was not the case on the Cub 7245. Now to the minuses - Completely plastic; engine cover, fenders, seating deck etc. Also dealer support seemed thin. Would charge me $100 roundtrip pu/delivery charge even for warranty work. Last negative. No one has one. Hardly any comments on the CC forum. a search yielded 3 hits.
Kubota - BX2200 FEL and 54" deck $12795. What a difference a year makes. Last spring I was quoted $14700 on the BX1800 in that configuration. I think the Deere 2210 and MF GC2300 have forced the New England dealers to be more competitive.
I took Hazmats advice and went back to Chappell Tractor Sales. But a different site than the one he used. Looked at the TC18. Daughter loved the color. But it was $15725 w/ FEL and 60" deck. I went to them 'cause another Kubota dealer suggested them. Price was good. Best I've seen in 4 years of looking. Financing was great (3% for 3 years) so I brought one. will be delivered next Tuesday.
Thoughts on the PT: I am hoping I can live with the traditional MMM deck and 3 PT hitch versus the Quick attach on the PT. I figure if I am wrong and removing/attaching implements is to hard on my knees I can sell the BX at a reasonable price and "trade-up" to the PT. I don't think I could do the same if I bought the PT first.
So there you have it. Thanks for all your insights and help.
Phil
I posted recently about purchasing a PowerTrac vs. my fears of no support. It was a very active post with a lot of good input. MossRoad asked me to post back if I chose other than a PT.
I was ready to take the plunge on the 422 and was concerned with the Robins engine and my abilities (or lack thereof) to do service. I really found the replies helpful especially from PT users who also had experience with a 3 pt hitch. I got over my fear of the Robins engine by deciding to get the 425. I spoke with PT and they sent me lit and finance info. But I was still hesitant about ordering.
So I went to look at some more tractors. Now overall it seems we New Englanders get gouged on tracter prices. I wanted to stay at or below $13000.
Deere - 2210 FEL and 52" deck. $13995. Yep that much. Didn't like all the plastic. And it is a brand new design.
Deere - 4010 FEL and 60" deck $14300. I liked this tractor but I think the compacts are a little more than I need. Both of these from same dealer. Nice place. But NO haggling on price. Went back home to PA and stopped at a Delaware dealer this week. 2210 as above for $12700 and 4010 as above for $13500
MF GC2300 FEL and 60" Deck $13700. Great dealer. Really liked him. But price a bit high considering it is also a new model. But I always thought if I didn't go with PT that this is the model I'd choose.
Cub Cadet - 7254. Newer model. Between a subcompact and a compact. 25 hp gas engine, FEL and 54" deck. $14300. I liked the specs on this. More power at FEL, PTO and engine than all others I looked at. Very nice size. You really need to see one in person. Bigger than the subs but not as big as the 4010. On the 4010 I felt "top heavy" being up so high. This was not the case on the Cub 7245. Now to the minuses - Completely plastic; engine cover, fenders, seating deck etc. Also dealer support seemed thin. Would charge me $100 roundtrip pu/delivery charge even for warranty work. Last negative. No one has one. Hardly any comments on the CC forum. a search yielded 3 hits.
Kubota - BX2200 FEL and 54" deck $12795. What a difference a year makes. Last spring I was quoted $14700 on the BX1800 in that configuration. I think the Deere 2210 and MF GC2300 have forced the New England dealers to be more competitive.
I took Hazmats advice and went back to Chappell Tractor Sales. But a different site than the one he used. Looked at the TC18. Daughter loved the color. But it was $15725 w/ FEL and 60" deck. I went to them 'cause another Kubota dealer suggested them. Price was good. Best I've seen in 4 years of looking. Financing was great (3% for 3 years) so I brought one. will be delivered next Tuesday.
Thoughts on the PT: I am hoping I can live with the traditional MMM deck and 3 PT hitch versus the Quick attach on the PT. I figure if I am wrong and removing/attaching implements is to hard on my knees I can sell the BX at a reasonable price and "trade-up" to the PT. I don't think I could do the same if I bought the PT first.
So there you have it. Thanks for all your insights and help.
Phil
