Why is M9540 popular?

[vjsarma]

Hi,

I am a college student doing an academic study about the tractor industry and the major companies in it. I had a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to even after reading about the different products in the market. I would really appreciate any insights you can provide about the industry for my research.

The M9540 seems to be a very popular model for Kubota in that market and I am not able to understand what really sets it apart from the other competitors(JD, NH, Case, Massey,etc.) in this market? When buying a tractor what is the crucial characteristics that one looks for other than price? because the technology seems to be very standerd across the industry.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Zscoop33]

For me, first the price, second was features and power the 9540 had. Most people want more weight but here in south Louisiana more weight can be a problem, the 9540 weighted less than some of the other brands I was looking at. Last I justed really enjoyed the tractor.

 

[rasimmo]

You said "other than price", but that was the primary reason for the one my family bought. The only two options within reasonable distance were Kubota and JD. We originally wanted the JD because that is what we had been running. The 9540 was almost $10k less than the comparable JD.

 

[trook]

You said "other than price", but that was the primary reason for the one my family bought. The only two options within reasonable distance were Kubota and JD. We originally wanted the JD because that is what we had been running. The 9540 was almost $10k less than the comparable JD.

Out of curiousity, what was the comparable model JD? I thought the JD5093 was very competitive price wise.

 

[rasimmo]

The one we priced was a JD M series. I don't remember the exact model. This was a couple years ago and according to the dealer at the time, it was a new or updated model. He may have just been asking a premium for it.

I have compared the two brands in the 50 hp range and the price was within $1k.

 

[vjsarma]

Thank you for your quick replies! This is definitely very informative

 

[Ken45101]

Price, dealer support and dealer quality.

There are several Kubota dealers within 25 miles, even more within 50 miles. I can go and talk with them and most are interested in my business and are very helpful.

Deere has the territory locked up by one dealer (three stores with the same ownership) and their sales staff isn't very helpful. I did go to the Deere dealer and ask about tractors and all I got from the salesman was "they are down on that side of the building". No interest in telling me about the various models or actually trying to sell me their product. They aren't all that interested in selling a little $30,000+ tractor, they want the big $250,000-$500,000 buyers.

At this moment, I have 7 pieces of Kubota equipment here, and one Deere (Kubota doesn't make skid steers.)

 

[rasimmo]

Kubota does make skid steers. I think they started a couple years ago.

You need to go trade in that Deere and buy an orange one. At least the SS is yellow not green.:laughing:

 

[Ken45101]

Kubota does make skid steers. I think they started a couple years ago.

No, Kubota makes Compact Track Loaders (CTL), not skid steers (rubber tires). CTLs are about $20K more in price and much higher maintenance. Yeah, I'd love to have one, but the skid steer was expensive enough.

Ken

 

[rasimmo]

In my neck of the woods, they are all called skid steers. I was not aware that the tracked models were a different catagory and that much more expensive.
It's not even 8 and I have already learned something. I guess I can give my brain the rest of the day off.

 

[Ken45101]

In my neck of the woods, they are all called skid steers. I was not aware that the tracked models were a different catagory and that much more expensive.
It's not even 8 and I have already learned something. I guess I can give my brain the rest of the day off.

Oftentimes both are called skids steers and it can be confusing.

The tracked models usually require new tracks at 1000-1500 hours ($2-3k) and major undercarriage overhaul (idlers, sprockets, etc.) at 1500-2000 hours ($3-5k?). I have metal tracks over the tires on my ss which helps in most situations.

But no way could I justify the initial price of a new CTL and the used ones are often coming up on major maintenance.

Ken

 

[PapaPerk]

Hi,

I am a college student doing an academic study about the tractor industry and the major companies in it. I had a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to even after reading about the different products in the market. I would really appreciate any insights you can provide about the industry for my research.

The M9540 seems to be a very popular model for Kubota in that market and I am not able to understand what really sets it apart from the other competitors(JD, NH, Case, Massey,etc.) in this market? When buying a tractor what is the crucial characteristics that one looks for other than price? because the technology seems to be very standerd across the industry.

Thank you for your help!

Because Kubota makes very high quality equipment at a good price. Many of their models are the most popular in their field. Pun intended. :laughing:

 

[texasjohn]

vjsarma, a little confused here. Your OP says you are a college student/academic while your profile indicates you are an equipment distributor/seller....explain

How about expanding your profile so we can appreciate your area of interest and level of expertise??

 

[Ken45101]

Good catch!

 

[art]

Out of curiousity, what was the comparable model JD? I thought the JD5093 was very competitive price wise.

Not a comparable tractor other then price.

 

[vjsarma]

Thank you all for the information.
@Texasjohn I was not able to make a profile join the forum without a title which did not list student as one of the selections. As I am not a tractor owner I decided to say distributor.
I am an Graduate student at MIT, Boston and doing my business studies. This information is for a market research project on the Agricultural Equipment market.
Hope this helps.

 

[texasjohn]

Good answer, appreciated. .......hope your MIT project is more narrow than the entire American agricultural equipment market. Or does it cover the entire world??

There's tractors, ATVs, UTVs, tractor attachments, plows of many kinds, seeders and harvesting equipment, fertilizer equipment, GPS systems, herbicide and insecticide gear..... well, am sure the grad student in you can complete the list. All these devices are supplied by industry leaders in the tractor industry.

Frankly, it seems the question you are asking is similar to asking why a person prefers a Ford 4 door sedan versus a Chevy. People are different, their needs are different and their pocket books are different.

I wish you success in your project.

 

[trook]

Not a comparable tractor other then price.

Art, please explain. They are very close in engine HP. The only difference I can think of is the weight of the JD is substantially heavier. However, I believe the price should be reasonably close.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Art, please explain. They are very close in engine HP. The only difference I can think of is the weight of the JD is substantially heavier. However, I believe the price should be reasonably close.

they are not radically different, the biggest differences are cab layout, extendable link arms, etc. The E series are economeny tractors. Kubota does not build economeny cabs, they are all deluxe series. I am sure you can probably option the Deere out to have most of the stuff thats on an M9540, Deere loves options, but you'll pay though the nose to get there.

 

[art]

I know that there is considerable noise differences and otherwise Messicks hit it pretty good.