What makes you buy ?

[Bob_Young]

I like the fancy, high-tech, deluxe models that are available now but, when it comes to my own money, can't justify their cost or complexity. I've operated Ag tractors regularly since 1960 and know I can get most jobs done with 2WD, transmission PTO, 4x1 transmission, manual steering, weak hydraulics, gas engine, metal pan seat, on a tractor will start under most conditions. The goodies are nice but not really needed. What's needed is something simple and RELIABLE; something that doesn't require wrenching every time you want to use it and sticks with you to the end of the job.

That being the case, the BASIC tractors being offered by the Big 3 are an obvious choice. They're a world more advanced than the capable old stuff I grew up on while being much more comfortable and probably more reliable. Now a "Basic" tractor will have 4WD, 8x4 or 9x3 transmission, independent PTO, Power Steering, strong hydraulics, a tough, powerful diesel engine and a padded seat. Plus the dang things start every time in any weather. My cup runneth over!

What's even better is that the competitive mania that forces the big 3 to revamp their model lineup every few years, leads to incentives and clearance prices on discontinued models. So I've learned to identify basic tractor models I'm interested in and wait until the bloom has gone off the rose and a replacement is imminent or incentives are starting to appear. The tractor, though basic, will be more than capable enough and the price will be reasonable without having to haggle (which I'm no good at anyway).

I originally limited myself to the Big Three because I felt the quality/reliability was more of a "given" from those manufacturers. This has narrowed to where Kubota is first choice. My perception of Kubota is exactly the same as someone expressed up-thread: They're the Toyota of light utility tractors and none of the other "features" hold a candle to solid Reliability. In fact the features of the deluxe models, whatever the color, are often impediments to long term reliability.
Bob

 

[john_bud]

Do French tractors have bad seats and brakes?

Yeah, they have bad seats and weak brakes! Always stabbing you in the back and running away when the going gets tough.....

jb

 

[john_bud]

Sorry to get off-track, but respectfully, I would have to disagree there. JD is without question, the most expensive tractor, especially when buying used. I'm not saying they're not worth it, but they are the most expensive. Deere has high resale value. I've been looking for a 50-60HP/utility/cab/4x4 for 1/2 a year now, and Deere is consistently 20% more than Kubota. I've personally looked at a dozen deeres & kubotas and looked at hundreds on-line. I can really say that I'm 100% sure Deere is consdierably more expensive than Kubota, and barely any better, if not even as good as Kubota.

Most clean 50HP deere 4x4's with a cab & loader are in the mid 30's while most comparable Kubotas are in the mid 20's!

I have not looked at the 50+ size lightly used machines. Can't comment on wether I was right or wrong - will trust that in your area you know what is getting sold and for how much.

Here, a yr 2000 JD 4300 will sell for the same $$ as a Kubota L3410 both with HST, 4x4 and similar hours (1000 or less). I've seen the JD be more at times, but also the K be more at other times. That may be a result of Kubota having more market share in that 30hp CUT's so there is more competition. Where JD has more share in the 50hp+ so less competitition and more people still having always bought UT in green paint.

jb

 

[Double Orange]

Yeah, they have bad seats and weak brakes! Always stabbing you in the back and running away when the going gets tough.....

They for some strange reason have only 1 foward gear and 12 reverse gears?

 

[Don R.]

What makes me buy? Well, the medical profession has not come up with the exact diagnosis yet, but it is some sort of a fever. New tractors + testosterone=Purchase

Seriously, I purchased my first tractor a couple of years ago from a dealer in Hillsboro, Texas. A good friend recommended them to me, and I called the man to tell him what I was looking for. "A Kubota 2800, Hydrostat, loader, box blade, and 5 foot Rhino shredder". He priced it out to me (cheaper than the local dealer) and delivered it to my home. They pick up and deliver for free; and that is a huge selling point.

In my case, price is important, but not a deal breaker. A knowledgable salesman; good service; but most importantly a great product.

 

[garth466]

I know I'm hanging out in the right place when so many get my little French crack (oops, I mean french).

 

[john_bud]

I know I'm hanging out in the right place when so many get my little French crack (oops, I mean french).

Always fun to poke at the French! At least the people there are nice and friendly, especially the people in big cities! My Dad had a great time touring the country, drinking the wine, kissing the pretty girls, freeing them from cruel oppression...


Just to get back on topic, what is the brand of tractors produced in France?

jb

 

[Pete Milley]

D7E:
Time for you to weigh in. As you stated in your original post, we think differently than commercial farmers, do we? Is there such a large gap in our decision making? (other than taxes, depreciation, write offs, etc.) In your opinion, is there a common underlying thread between us? You posed an interesting and fun question. Now let me ask, will these insights influence your way of doing business in any way? As a consumer, I think it would be interesting to hear a supplier's honest thoughts, beyond profit/loss.

 

[shimp]

my experience is limited in buying a tractor, however, several 'dealers' in the grey market had units that interested me, but all of them were painted over.

myself, i dont want a unit repainted, i want to see the original condition.

the prices most asked for a grey unit with new paint were extremely high, in my opinion.
for another 3-4000.00 dollars go get a new unit with zero financing and warranty, the payment being close to the payment on a used grey with new paint.

the grey 'dealers' likely offer a 30/60/90 day warranty, but all i had to do was haul/ship the tractor back to them, and do the same to return to my place...

i dont like a pushy salesperson, i look for a salesperson that can be up front and answer questions, not tell me their religious beliefs and their list of references. i can find the references.