Tractor Buyers

I’m by no means a seasoned tractor operator but have been window shopping lately and plan to buy in the next year or so, so I can give a little insight to what has frustrated me.

I have no idea what a tractor costs, and only the big name brands seem to want me to know. This is by no means exclusive to tractors, all dealerships want you to call for the price so they can get you on the line, but in 2021 where I research every purchase online, not at least having a functioning website with somewhat transparent pricing is a non-starter.

Beyond that, your average buyer like me shopping for their first tractor is going to have a lot of questions about capability, so a reasonable attempt to provide info on what a 25hp subcompact is going to be able to do versus stepping up to a utility or otherwise is helpful.

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I research every purchase online, not at least having a functioning website with somewhat transparent pricing is a non-starter.

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this is frustrating as hell for all types of purchases. Instant pass.

Bought a Mahindra last year and couldn't be happier. Biggest thing is warranty and financing options.

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not at least having a functioning website with somewhat transparent pricing is a non-starter.

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This is great feedback. We are developing our website now and had this very discussion. There is an old school thought process that you do not want your competition to see your prices and then be able to undercut you. Or that you want people to reach out by phone so that you could have a personnel conversation.

I agree, I want to see prices and am more likely to reach out to someone who is transparent. So, we did decide to put all the prices on the website! We are even considering setting up purchasing on the website but that is much harder to do.

I’ve worked in the Ag Business as a short line supplier for the past 23 years.

JD, Kubota are at the top of the pecking order with Mahindra trying to chip away at market share.

Massey, (Ford) New Holland used to get a TON of small tractor business in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and began to slip in the late 90’s. New Holland still makes pretty decent Hay tools, Balers, but that’s one big thing keeping them afloat. Parts business is strong with a lot of the older tractors still be used.
Lately, Massey seems to have gone out and are being aggressive on opening new dealers. They just let the market go in the southeast 20 years ago. They used to just about own it. I have a couple of Massey dealers that are new and doing quite well. They are hammering JD and Kubota on price in that >50 hp market. . If you had an existing Massey dealership in your area in the past, then you should reap the rewards of existing parts business immediately.
If Massey takes quality, parts availability, competitive financing, warranty and SERVICE seriously, (which YOU will be service), they could make a real run at the small tractor market. I know this is going to be difficult in today’s work force but REALLY screen your employees when hiring. Being brand new then you want quality employees working for you. They are EXTREMELY hard to find. Sales, Parts, Service techs, don’t grow on tree’s. That will be your biggest hurdle.
Customers are begging for another option as JD and Kubota pricing is pretty neck and neck.
Mahindra has capitalized but service after the sale (from the manufacturer) is not the greatest.
Good luck with the Massey line. Make sure you hold them accountable and have them be heavily involved financially with Open houses, co-op advertising, on time machine deliveries, employee travel and training, etc, Keep them involved early on until you get on your feet. The first year you’ll be “drinking water through a firehouse” with sales, service and parts training and learning the business model.

PS. Pick your short lines well as this will be a large part of your business. Don’t just do business with any supplier because they sell you on consigned machines or other gimmicks. Do your research. You can get over extended if you take in too many suppliers. Find a good ZT line, power tool, and possibly S x S line eventually to compliment your tracror business. That’s how the better dealerships make it all work but it takes time, don’t get too excited and make bad decisions early on.

Sorry to be long winded, but I rely on the success of people like you to do business myself so I want to give all the advice I can. It’s not easy, but if successful can be a very profitable business that can be passed down for generations.

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Customers are begging for another option as JD and Kubota pricing is pretty neck and neck.
Mahindra has capitalized but service after the sale (from the manufacturer) is not the greatest.

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This.
We own 2 older JD tractors. Our local dealer support for JD is amazing. It is great to know one can go down and we can have a tech sent out on site. If repair can not be completed in field, they will haul it to the dealership to perform the repair in the shop.

We bought a Mahindra about two years ago because there is a local dealer and JD was just too expensive. Granted we have not had any major issues with it but the few small issues we did have left us upset in regard to their service and timing. So much so, that it has us considering swapping it for a JD.

To us (and many others) a tractor is a long term buy unlike many of the large/big time farmers who rotate them. As the tractor ages we know things will break/wear/etc. so service after the sale is a huge deal for us.

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Is there a certain feature or incentive that caught your attention?

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i realize this is difficult, and even moreso lately, but there is nothing more frustrating than needing a replaceable part and nobody having it in stock

particularly when under warranty, owners want to use OEM parts. "we can order it for you, will be two weeks" is the last thing an owner wants to hear when he needs something

It's been a little while since I bought the Kubota we have. As others have said it was narrowed down quickly by the websites. Next, went to a few dealerships and basically was ignored or the price was so far out of range it was laughable. I ended up buying out of state and having it delivered. They were courteous, up front without the used car salesmen spill and made it easy.

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cab and air

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do any cab tractors not have air?

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I bought a John Deere 3032 3 years ago. The tractor came with a bucket, disc, and bush hog for 20K. I liked that it had everything I needed, the price was reasonable, and they offered 0% financing. It was very easy. I bought from Goldman and they have tons of dealerships in the Concordia/Tensas area where we have property. The service as great and I have thoroughly enjoyed the tractor.

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This looks vey nice.
How big is your property?
I have 9 acres. Would this be overkill?