Why do tractors cost more in New England?

JCA · Mar 25, 2004

Hi folks. I live in Maine and I'm looking to buy a tractor. And I'm getting frustrated because the folks up here want too much money. Sure they're selling them less than retail, but they're selling them for a good bit more than the prices I've seen elsewhere on this forum. I'm trying to figure out why.

Example: Kubota B7510 w/ 302 FEL. I've been to three dealers and the lowest price I've found is $12,900. Others have bought these for quite a bit lower in other parts of the country.

Another example: Kioti CK20 w/ 120 loader. Closest dealer wants around $14K. Highly recommended dealer in neighboring New Hampshire asks $13,500, though he DOES throw in wheel weights and a bucket hooks. One TBN got the same package WITH A MOWER for $12,600.

(I especially don't understand this: I know Kiotis re heavier, but aren't they supposed to be CHEAPER than Kubota's? Isn't that supposed to be part of their appeal? Then why is the 20 horse HST Kioti $600 more "on the street" than the 20 horse HST Kubota?)

So: is there a really good reason for this? If you say "transportation costs," please explain why transporting a tractor in a bulk shipment costs $1500 more to Maine than it does to, say, Pennsylvania. There just shouldn't be that much difference. Explanations from dealers will be especially welcomed.

Thanks,
Jim

gone · Mar 25, 2004

My opinion is we as pepole in new england make much more money than the same job pays in the south. case in piont carolina dozer operator 12-13.00 new hampsire 20-22.00 mass up to and beond 36.00 that must also aply to tractor mecanics sales pepole trucks, and don't forget our heating bill this all multiplys into higher prices across the board. Why are our taxes higher than down south or west,florida maybe the exception?

lamarbur · Mar 25, 2004

At least you got some movement between the dealers. Come on down here to southern New England area where the majority of dealers and certainly the big three colors tell you take it or leave it.. In one instance, I had 8,000 difference on the same machine. On almost all (big 3) there is at least 3500 difference.. I learned the hard way, it would be cheaper for me to head into New York state if I wanted a big 3 color. NAd most complain New York is home to the highest costs.. Not so, at least in tractor buying...

Bob_Skurka · Mar 25, 2004

Just my opinion, but I have not found too many friendly people in New England, I think the dealers are just mean.

rbarker · Mar 25, 2004

( Just my opinion, but I have not found too many friendly people in New England, I think the dealers are just mean.

)
I think you forgot the smiley at the end of that! Right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

gone · Mar 25, 2004

(I have not found to many friendly pepole in New England,i think dealers are just mean) LOL your killing me!/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll have to agree and I'm one of them.( them that don't know me won't like me and them that do somtimes don't know how to take me) the words from a song, they fit pretty well i think /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

AndyM · Mar 25, 2004

I think you forgot the smiley at the end of that! Right? 

I think he meant everyone in New England except TBN members. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

bebster · Mar 25, 2004

I think there are 2 main reasons: (1) the higher costs in NE mean that dealers have to make a higher profit to stay in business, and (2) there are fewer tractors sold because, face it, it's hard to have a tractor with a 1/2 acre suburban lot. That smaller volume means they have to cover their fixed costs by charging more per tractor they do sell.

My dealer was a real nice guy, and was very service oriented. I grew up in the south, and maybe so did he. Not all NE people are mean! Take John Kerry for example -- he's been real nice to George Bush don't you think?

Phred · Mar 25, 2004

Everything costs more in new england.

I think it might have to due with the very high taxes, population density, unions, etc....

but maybe I am wrong and its just a by product of that legendary new england charm.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Fred

gone · Mar 25, 2004

( Its hard to have a tractor on 1/2 acer lot) lets not foget Mass is not the only new england state there are three more. ..VT.,N.H.,and the grand state of maine, i'm sure our lots are a lot bigger with the exception of the city. Most N.H. towns have a requirment of an acre,some are two acre min. mass is the most over crowded,over taxed,and drivers think they own the world,even when they come to my state. I for one wouldn't care if the great state of Mass fell into the water. Ps i don't hate everyone in the state just the state