Buying Advice Would you every buy a tractor on a site like amazon.com?

[Roger66]

I DISAGREE!
I would buy almost ANYTHING from Amazon!
They back EVERYTHING 100%.

Not entirely true, They sell Optima automotive batteries, but you can't return them if they are defective. I think it's the same for anything with fuel in it. There are many Items they do not back.

I do Love Amazon for normal stuff and I use them all of the time. I might consider it if they has some local network to deal with problems.

 

[4570Man]

Not entirely true, They sell Optima automotive batteries, but you can't return them if they are defective. I think it's the same for anything with fuel in it. There are many Items they do not back. I do Love Amazon for normal stuff and I use them all of the time. I might consider it if they has some local network to deal with problems.

They can't return anything with fuel in it. I bought a defective pressure washer from Amazon, and they shipped me another one. I'd call that standing behind it 100 percent. I'm betting they'd send you another battery too.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I buy things from Amazon and E-bay. Lots of stuff local from Craigslist. A major purchase like a tractor. Emphatically no. And like other posters have stated you can't return everything.

 

[94BULLITT]

Why anyone would buy an Ariens snow thrower from HD, for example, when they can buy it for the same price and often get free delivery from a local dealer is beyond me.

Local dealers don't accept a Home Depot credit card.

 

[dickfoster]

Ask yourself if Amazon is going to fix it when it breaks and you have your answer.

 

[candersen10]

Would you buy a premium compact tractor brand (i.e. Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Massey) on Amazon? If so, would you view the brand as a lesser brand in any way for having product on Amazon? What about a lower end brand?

 

[rScotty]

Ask yourself if Amazon is going to fix it when it breaks and you have your answer.

What you say goes for Home Depot as well as Amazon, and probably others too. I bought an expensive generator from Home Depot (Generac brand) last summer. It has had some problems - but I wasn't worried until I found that Home Depot stands behind it for 30 days and then it is up to the unresponsive manufacturer. There is no such thing as a local dealer for service. Once Home Depot bails, they have your money and no obligation. The customer has to deal directlywith the manufacturer - who are a thousand miles away and simply do not care.

No way would I buy a tractor from Amazon/Home Depot/Lowes/Ebay etc... No matter how good the initial price, it doesn't help if you need service. Support your local small dealer and at least there is a chance he will be there for you. I thought that was the case with my local Home Depot, but no.
rScotty

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I think in the next few years we'll see the role of the dealer replaced by three specialized businesses. New sales will be online, either factory direct, through showrooms or through distributors. Repair will be a separate business, and parts will be a third separate business. This is already happening with other industries.

If downtime is important to you, you'll enter into a service agreement with the local repair shop when you buy your machine.

 

[fidowanttobe]

I buy everything I can online. Bought my tractor, sight unseen and assembled it myself. BUT I did my homework first. Would do it again no problem. I've bought cars on EBay and so far have been very pleased. But there too, I called the owner before hand. Parts? Always online unless I need it now. Always cheaper and almost always faster even with shipping! I'm not one to call or drive all over town to find something only to find they will order it too. I can do that in the evening with a refreshment and have the mailman do the driving. I once waited 3 weeks for a light switch from Case/IH. Must've come from Mars.
Is this any different than buying a Cabela's tractor?

 

[Btown]

Cabela's provides service and parts for their tractors. They state they will continue service. But who knows for how long.