It's important to note that, while the number of brand names has increased, the number of actual manufacturers hasn't. For example, LS makes theirs plus McCormick, IH Case, Montana, Lenar, and some New Holland. So, LS still has significant market share under other brand names. Same for some other manufacturers.

I was the I/T Director for a Caterpillar Dealer for 36 years. Along with market share, price and parts availability I would add a key factor for anyone purchasing any piece of equipment such as a tractor would be the dealer network to stand behind the product and provide parts and service support for the product. Some times cheaper is a good option but most times it comes back to you on the backend like you mentioned. I enjoy your videos and hearing how you run and manage your dealership. Good luck to you!

Most folks in my neck of the woods buy the brand with the most reliable service centre closest to where they live. I bought Kubota for that reason - Had John Deere been closer or been viewed to be more reliable I would probably be driving a green machine. Covid taught us all about supply chains. You may have to wait on Orange and Green parts too but you know they will eventually show up and that is important. Between Orange and Green you can probably find a machine that does what most people need.

Excellent Video. Seems like a simple message. Buy from an established financially sound manufacturer, even if purchasing a used unit. Thanks for going into this in great detail.

7 - 8 units a year is mind blowing. I work for a Massey and Mahindra dealer and I think last year was our highest year at around 110 units combined with roughly a 50/50 split. That’s with a Kubota and new holland dealer all within about 10 miles. I can tell you Mahindra does not have their heart in the game. I struggle to get parts from them for stuff still within warranty, it’s embarrassing. I would jump for joy if they went out.

I'd probably stick with any of the four major brands and feel safe; Kubota, John Deere, Case/New Holland and Massey.

Very good information. You were a huge part in my decision to get my L2501 from my local dealer here in Iowa. BTW, they watch your videos too. I have been a die hard John Deere customer for nearly my entire life. The John Deere compact tractor line seems geared to the suburbanite who has moved out of the city onto an acreage and has some light chores and projects to do with their tractor. The tractors are purposely built light to mow in areas where weight is an issue. Where Deere shines is their dealership network and parts availability. They don’t take a back seat to anyone there. They are the absolute industry leaders in that regard. Kubota comes in second place there. My Kubota dealer had years of experience and a wealth of knowledge and was willing to spend a great deal of time with me in my decision making. For that, I am really grateful. I got the tractor that fits my needs perfectly. I am very happy with my purchase of my L2501 Kubota back in Dec. of 2017. It now has 340 hours on it and it is stuck with me for the rest of my life.

You make some great points Neil. But in the scope of brand development, it hasn't been that long since Kubota was the disrupter changing the marketplace for compact tractors. The fact is, the top two brands have been losing marketshare. Some disruptors may fail... but one could emerge like Kubota did and become a dominator. It's really up to us... the market place representatives. Love your content. I love my Kubota. But Brock from Rock Hill Farms in his very respectful disagreement is correct on this one.

Good video for first time buyers to consider. Trade or resale is important for those who may want to upgrade later down the road. Parts are a big deal too.

Local dealer support was a large part of the reason I went with Kubota. I grew up knowing the guy who owned a JD dealership in my town. He sold it when I was in high school, and the conglomerate that bought it closed it within a year and consolidated their operations. Since that time, that group was bought up by a bigger JD dealer who closed some of the locations the other owned, so the continuity wasn't really there to inspire confidence in me purchasing from them. Meanwhile, the Kubota dealer has been in business for 40 years. If I really wanted to roll* the dice, I guess I could have bought a tractor from the local Mahindra dealer who also sells Kioti and Solectrac and does all of their warranty work in an oversized carport. *Edit of grammatical errors

Bought a new Kubota M4900 4wd with a loader in 2000, still going 23 years later. At the time we shopped around, deere, ford, Massey, caseih, and orange was the best deal. Also have an IH 826, made in 72, still going strong...oh, and a Farmall H from 51 still working... My first choice is still a good team of horses. I have never considered any short line tractor brands.

It was not long ago when tractors under 50 HP were normal utility tractors and all the various colors were commonly available. At that time, farmers and ranchers bought the color that had the parts and services available to maintain equipment that wears out and breaks. Now buyers have to pay premium prices for equipment and don’t know where the weakest link is, in the manufacturer or the dealer. Either could go out of business or be bought out by someone else who closes the local supporting dealer. I’m small enough that I can buy old equipment, rebuild it if needed, and maintain it until it’s scrap metal. Buy it, fix it, rinse and repeat.

The problem as I see it is the price point JD and kubota aren't bashful of there prices .If someone saved up money and bought a small bit of ground to farm and they don't want to buy someone's headache tractor "Used" they want to start fresh and can't afford the big two

Thank you, Neil, for voicing a reality. When I bought my tractor in 2018 I did give a little consideration as to the strength and distribution of the company that make the tractor that I chose. But I based most of my decision on features, price, and the availability of a long-standing dealer, that is, a dealer who sells tractors and farm implements, and not someone who sells aluminum garages, is U-Haul rental facility, and sells tractors on the side. But given history, I do have concerns that at some point in my tractor's life its parent company might go away. Not that the value will be decreased that I want to resell it, but being able to support it to keep it operational is my concern. I guess I would be concerned about value if it came to that tractor of mine being unsupported then I need to just get rid of it and buy a different one because of good support of another brand. I guess I'm just going have to cross that bridge when it appears. By the way, I bought an LS and I hope it will be around as a parent company for New Holland, and that relationship continues.

With tractors being completely built from vendor built parts, parts availability is slim to nill when the parts bin is empty and the vendor isn’t tooled up for production. We have had two 3500 dollar spool valves( for a 7140 Magnum) on order from CASE, with no luck.

Hey Neil, In our area north of Montreal, Kubota is definitely king, but 40HP & under, Kioti is likely 2nd, New Holland, John Deere, TYM or Mahindra a distant follower. LS, Yanmar, Cub Cadet further behind. In the Mower market Kubota & Cub Cadet are quite prevalent.

Love my 2023 Kubota ZD1211 zero turn, LOVE my Kioti ck4010se tractor. I found the equivalent kubota (loader capacity primary focus) I had to step up to a quite a bit more expensive and size of a tractor to fit my needs.

Great video Neil. In 2006 when I was looking at tractors I went to a dealer and looked at a Montana 40 HP tractor. It was cheaper than the L3830HST Kubota but not drastically cheaper. Even my wife could tell the Montana was inferior to the Kubota. I bought the 3830 in 2006 from my local dealer and have had perfect service from it over the years. It still looks and performs as new. So glad the small savings Montana offered didn’t turn my head.

I agree with you assessment of the midsize tractor segment. You can see all of the 25-45 horsepower open cab tractors piling up on dealer lots. I think cab tractors are still a hot segment post-Covid. It’s funny, it doesn’t matter whether the conversation is tractor brands, pickup truck brands, snowmobile brands, or motorcycle brands, you always are going to see guys sticking up for the brand they have. I don’t blame people for being that way, who wants to own a piece of equipment you wish you didn’t own?!

I have several cub cadet tractors made by Mitsubishi. While some parts are not available, I have been able to cross the numbers to nearly identical Mitsubishi made Mahindra tractors. My Cub Cadet 7532 seems decently put together for substantially less cost than a Kubota or Deere of the same vintage.

Thanks for a great dose of reality Neil. I would ask people to reevaluate where they make a purchase. Why? How many of these dealers have a service department,let alone a parts department,at some point you will need one or the other or both. I don't know Neil and have never done business with him, but kudos to him for keeping his hand on the pulse of the industry

Parts availability is what sold me on buying a commercial JD zero turn. They tend to hold onto parts forever and freely give out nice parts diagrams. I know I won’t put many hours on it so I need to be able to service and repair it in 10+ years or longer.

Good video! One thing I've noticed in my local area is that some brands are being sold without service, parts and maintenance support. Bobcat, Bad Boy and a couple of others. What are you going to do when you need parts, service, or maintenance? That is a HUGE question you should ask yourself before you buy. The dealer is at least half of my decision when I buy a tractor.

The Bad Boy tractors were just re-branded Branson tractors, so they’re probably just re-branded TYM now.

History is repeating it's self. There have been MANY tractor brands that have either gone under or bought up by other brands.

10:52 whew! I feel better now about my Boomer. I have a New Holland Boomer 40 that I got because it was about the only thing available during Covid. Unfortunately my nearest dealer is 2 hrs away. Wish I had a Messick's dealer close to me (over 1800 miles away). I have used your online spare parts breakdown as well as your tech support and even ordered parts. Messick's has been top notch to work with!

When buying equipment like this, my #1 concern is, and has always been, parts availability. I will normally stay with a big company that's been around, just to ensure, that in 10 years from now, I'll be able to find replacement parts, when I finally need them. It's been the story of my life, to buy something, have it last for a decade or so, then, not be able to find replacement parts. That includes everything from Agricultural equipment, all the way down to simple household appliances.

The brand isn't the only consideration here. I had a Massey that had local dealer support, but the particular model was rare. I don't remember the model, but a 25hp that only sold around 250 units in the US. A simple thermostat had to be imported from Japan and cost $65. Other parts were similar. When I needed bigger tractor, I sold it off and bought a Kubota. I paid a premium upfront, but I am confident I will be able to get parts for the rest of my life. Hopefully the tractor will be around that long too.

Great video. I've noticed a few influencers pushing some of those other brands and pushing them hard. I used to follow some of them on KZfaq and had to unsubscribe because it was just irritating and painful to listen to someone preach that the tractor they were using was the "one tractor to rule them all" (It's why I I appreciate your content and TTWT). I can respect the brands for trying to push into the market, but there's definitely a reason I keep coming back to look at Deere and Kubota because of the dealer support and product support long after they have stopped producing the model. I can still order parts for my 36 year old Deere from the mothership. I don't even think some of these companies will be around or in this market in 36 years, let alone have parts and a robust dealer network.

I think it’s interesting Neil didn’t mention Kioti as being a solid established brand. Make all their own tractors and been in the US for 40 years. I do think that any brand that doesn’t make their own tractors and won’t be able to provide parts in 20 years for that tractor is doing a disservice to their customers for even offering rebranded tractors.

100% correct information. I worked for a Deere dealer for 5.5 years, and “off brand” tractors were always hard to trade for and then resale because people weren’t sure how or where to get parts for. If you’re in the market for a tractor, new or used, you’re better off paying a little more for one of the big brands, Deere, Kubota, NH, Case, etc… because those brands have been around for years and have a solid dealer network and support system. Anytime I’m looking a a piece of equipment, parts availability is huge for me.

I bought my Massey subcompact based on the recommendation of a friend who is a long time Massey mechanic. My local dealer sells Kubota and Massey. I am pretty confident in Massey's commitment to support their products in the long term. I agree that some of the others may fall by the wayside. I particularly think of Bobcat. Subcompact tractors are not really their core business.

The key is building their own tractors. I’d avoid a rebranded machine. I have a Shibaura built Ford 1700 from 1981. It’s a great machine, but while the local New Holland dealer is eager to help keep me running, parts are definitely not always available.

Companies like Mahindra, Kioti, & TYM will probably be safe barring any significant downturn in the US economy. Keep in mind that all 3 have extensive global operations and manufacture some other well known brand names. Beyond those 3 plus Kubota and Deere, I’d be afraid to buy anything else.

I was going to look at an LS tractor after i stopped by and checked out a Massey. I never even made it to the LS dealership. I knew MF has been around for all my years. The future availability of parts (or possible lack of) was definitely a deciding factor

I have a Mahindra 2638 Cab (made by TYM in South Korea). Parts availability is there, but not always immediately available. Sometimes you have to wait a couple weeks for them, but you can get them. Dealer support is "adequate" at best. Nowhere near like JD/Kubota where many of the parts are next day availability.

Good valid information Neil! Especially given how inflation is starting to squeeze people’s ability to purchase the smaller non-income producing tractors.

Great video, Neil. You're certainly right about awareness of this perspective. It absolutely made me re-think some things. Thank you for starting the conversation.

Neil, the biggest problem i have now is i need a tractor with cab. I currently have a JD 4044M with 700 hours and really need a 50 to 80hp tractor with cab. The concern i have as i have been looking at Kubota is the service side. My neighbor bought a Kubota 7060 with cab and all the attachments. His tractor stays here because I can keep it out of the weather. The tractor is a 2019 year model with 500 hours. It has the Kubota warranty, insurance etc basically everything the dealer had to offer was purchased initially. Anyway, the rear hydro was slow at lifting and made loud sounds. The only way it would lift is when you throttled up. I called my local Kubota dealer service and reported this issue. He said it sounds bad and to shut it down to prevent damage. They came to pick it up and a week later called to say they found the problem. It was with a valve under the cab but in order to fix it they have to remove the cab and its not covered under warranty or insurance since it wasnt damaged. The charge for this was $700 sooo you could imagine where this call went. Even when the tractor is sent in for routine service / maintenance they always have extra charges to add resulting in $300 to $600 services. Based on this experience i am no longer considering Kubota and looking at JD again or even Yanmar

TYM is huge overseas. So I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon. I do, however see Bobcat leaving the market. Historically, Bobcat has already done so when they discontinued making tractors a few years ago and only recently brought them back. While Bobcat will have the support based on them being a reliable brand, I see them going back to the construction market which is what they are best at. You talk about parts availability though but you failed to mention that both Kubota and Yanmar engines are in a lot of different brands. Even Bobcat used to use Kubota engines.

I see some of these no-name (literally) older compact tractors at auctions, they go for scrap value. No parts available and hardly anything that even appears online when you Google the model. Just one of the reasons I love Kubota, superb parts availability, even for really old models.

There is no guarantee that Deere or Kubota will exist in 20 years. Lots of things built today are made to be thrown away instead of repaired.

I found this video from GWT and Rockhill Farm posting (conflicting) replies, so I was defensive before I started, but agree with the points you made. That being said, I feel that competition is good and look forward to seeing other tractor manufacturers create different color machines that perform as well as the green/orange models we've become accustomed to.

There was an RV dealer down the road from me who carried an off brand tractor (I forget which kind) for about 2-3 years and then quit carrying them. I always suggest to ignore the color of tractor and buy based on your dealer support. Great video and I hope a lot of potential buyers are watching before they buy. Keep up the great work!

Local dealer support and manufacturers reputation is why I bought a Kubota MX5400. I may have paid a little more for the Kubota but in my opinion it’s worth it.

@messicks .holy crap, that new holland tc 29 your standing behind was my exact machine (because i made the quick attach for the loader) that i traded in on a new mx6 which i purchased through messicks!!! never thought i would even see it again

I seriously thought about buying a Rural King tractor instead of my Kubota, the loader valve os much smoother and easier to operate on the RK. However, I ended up spending $3k more for the LX2610 just for dealer support and future parts availability.

I wouldn't be too worried about branding like Kioti/Bobcat or Mahindra even if they do have a smaller market share, if only because they tend to have a bit larger global footprint. To me, the crux of the issue comes down to the fact that these small compact tractors are really a luxury item for most, very few are bought that will see substantial hours on them and their sales are very much based on liberal credit policies. Kubota's 0%/5 years has sold them a tremendous amount of units, but that cant sustain forever. Eventually this market is saturated and will have to contract just from economic reality.

The irony is, I have a International from the 1950's and it is better built and has more parts available than most tractors built in the last 25 years. Also for it being a 30 hp tractor, it will work circles around a new 30 hp tractor. What happened to companies building tractors that last?

Wow, that was a great presentation! I purchased a Yanmar because of size, features and quality as well as dealer proximity. I previously had a Kubota I purchased new in 1994. Parts are scarce for that Kubota but accessories (I wanted a mower deck) are simply not available. Had the Kubota dealer r given me that sales pitch (or astute assessment) I may have compromised on some features I liked and paid the extra for a new B series. I do love my new tractor though!

Thanks for the insight. I have been a regular online Messick's parts customer for maybe 15 years for my Kubota, Ford, Ferris, Woods etc. equipment. I have posted many times on the tractor forum that you don't need a nearby dealer for your Kubota tractor because it is simply so rarely needed. Most likely the dealer will need to order the part in anyway. I have been told that I bleed blue, but since downsizing I have sold off my 6 cylinder tractors. The early Shibaura Fords seem to have much less support than the pedigreed Fords of the time. I hope the newer ones see the support continue.

Really liked Neil's analysis, I always like to look at numbers and pick them apart.... I bought a Kubota and some things mentioned were what I considered... didn't like the dealer but there weren't alternatives that worked and we'll make it work. I bought a B2601 and definelty made the right choice for my needs. Still many facets to the tractor business, major issue getting hydraulic fittings that were compatable for my tractor and the grapple I bought.... a 3 month journey of aggravation before I got it working, hydraulic fittings are a nightmare! Anyways getting to where I am making it working but took two years to do it!

I own a Kubota MX5100 and love it. Not only for the tractor but for the 2 dealerships that I deal with when needed. I have also owned a Massey Ferguson 231 and glad that I don’t have it anymore due to the lack of local dealerships.

Several of those smaller brands are just rebranded imports that have sold under different labels since the 80s.

First off... I have no issue with your business or what you sell. And, even though I agree with some of the historical sales numbers you shared, I believe this video is certainly biased and misleading. There are NO (fully) built american tractor company's. (you referenced MF and another.) They are a mixed bag of parts. I guess you could say they are owned by a big mfg with many component part suppliers. The small brands (that you did not want to mention) happen to be gaining ground every year and chipping away at the market share of JD and Kabota. I guess if you want/like/own either a JD, Kabota, or NH...this video made you feel good. But, If you like/own/or sell any of the other brands (mainly the Korean Brands)...you better be worried. I certainly believe these "other brands" will continue to gain market share and are perhaps... starting to worry the brands and dealers with the inflated price tag.

When I bought my 38 H.P. back in 2013, Kubota was my first choice, and J.D. was my second. I knew that both had been around a long time in the compact tractor business. What sold me on the Kubota was that it had a Kubota motor, and the J.D. had a Yanmar. Believe me, Yanmar is a good motor, but if I'm buying a J.D. tractor, for that much more money, it should have a J.D. motor.

Gotta feel for anyone who had worked in an agco parts or service department. They've rolled a lot of brands together under one name.

Oh the joy. 30 grand for a 40 horse that should only be 20 grand, plus you get the problems of government mandated emissions and Tier 4. Oh the thousands I’ve spent to protect our environment. Don’t be scared to buy that old used machine. It may cost you a few thousand to fix it up, but you have saved $20,000 on the cost.

Parts availability for less popular brands was something that i learned by buying a car with limited US sales. Parts are harder to find and expensive

If you find rebranded tractors that are identical to another and they are both selling well and all parts are interchangeable, I don't see a problem. Ex: Rural King's RK25 is the same as the TYM T25. excellent machines and you are going to have a parts availability as TYM dealership expands. When RK is no longer a dealership then I can still go to TYM. There are some I wouldn't touch. What about a 40 year old John deere? not a problem if they made a lot. I recently picked up a JD 2040 1979 and parts are still being made. Why? Because they made 100's of thousands of these. A popular machine - no matter the brand - will have parts either in the secondary market or branded.

I bought a Kubota subcompact for my wife (horses, etc.) and bought it for this very reason. However, my oldest utility tractor is European and they just don't go out of business (likely because of government support) so even with just a handful of annual U.S. sales my dealer can always get the parts I need decades after he sold it to me.

Great video! There have been some Kubota models over the years (L series comes to mind) where AEM data allows Kubota to claim that they are the #1 selling tractor in that segment in America. In order to make that mathematical conclusion from AEM data, it means Kubota is somewhere above 50% in that segment. We know Deere has recently moved about half Kubota's volume, so 75% for Kubota and Deere in compacts is a very realistic number that lines up with your estimates. It means everyone else is fighting for the remaining 25% of the pie, and that has got to leave sliver slices for some of the players. I don't know how they can survive unless they are backed by a large international company playing a long game to crack into the US market. By the way, many people doubt Kubota is over 50% market share but if you know how to read the tea leaves, it is obvious. Not easy to explain though.

I own a TC33D. I can’t say enough about it. I pull a Frontier FM1012 to maintain my 6 acre estate. They work great together.

Great video Neal, glad to hear you saying what we've been thinking for years!

Haha totally seeming like a response to Good Works Tractors latest videos too. Pushing a small brand that was new and jumping to a new small name brand suddenly.

I haven't had much difficulty finding parts for a 1952 Allis Chalmers CA.

I have 2 tym tractors, for Landscapingcompany. My dealer sells one machine a week. Tym is not a companygoing anywhere. Green and orange tractor are like Ford and gm. f150 average price is $67,000 same as chevy. Ppl can't pay it. A 4 series John deer can go little over 60,000. That's crazy. I bought 2 John deers new and they were no better then the tym I have now. I'd never own a Kubota with the one petal see up. Tried it didn't appreciate it.

I am in Western Illinois and it is Deere country. They resale well. Kubota does a great job as well.

You are ALWAYS offering good info for your viewers and its much appreciated.

Massy is owned by AGGO so they’re not going anywhere.

Once again you hit this subject clear out the park home run! Great job my friend!

This is a shorty way to undermine the competition with fear that they might go out of business. Some of the competitors have heavier and more capable machines at a lower price point. I believe that John Deere uses yanmar engines. and yanmar has its own line of tractors. The lift capacity of the big two pale in comparison to some of the competitors.

That's why I still drive my farm.All super c 1953 I can still get parts for l o l and my t o 35 massey ferguson, And they are easy to work on and last forever

Yep, that has always been the main factor in buying any expensive piece of equipment. How are parts availability and service… usually right at the top of the list. If it is non existent, or possibly so low that it might not be available years later i don’t bother.

One important thing to remember is some products like cars and small tractors are made by companies that sell parts or models to these companies who assemble and brand them.

The subcontracting and badge-engineering in the

Another great video, with some very good advice. I only have Kubota and JD, mostly Kubota. Support is everything and thank you for your research

Whats funny is you go to Home Depot that sells Green, but if you look close enough, you might find that the Green is no different from the Yellow or Black sitting next to it. None of the Greene HD sells are built by JD, they are just licensed to use the color and name. MTD is one that makes the Green.

Great info, and well presented. Although...I don't think the small tractor market actually peaked in 2001 (1:32).

Good points but it's also worth noting that companies like yanmar produce most John Deere tractors under 80 hp. Also smaller companies like tym and New Holland use commercial off the shelf parts that can be found at any supply store. They utilize engines from Mitsubishi that can be serviced with parts easily as well. John Deere and Kubota has alienated itself from its customer base with much higher prices. John Deere has also infamously taken a stance on right to repair that has soured it's relationship with its customer base. Although their actions really don't have much to do with the small tractor market people are wary of their business practices.

Your subject is one main reason we switched from Allis Chalmers equipment to all John Deere back in the 70s on the farm. Today, we are JD still with no plans to switch to a different manufacturer.

I feel like Yanmar is somewhere in between on this. Their history with John deere and suppliers of engines for numerous other manufacturers, I feel, separates them from the others. I do also own a Yanmar.

Good info. If I didn't have a Deere I would have a Kubota. No doubt about it.

I love these tractors, but forgive me for saying that my old ford 2N and my NAA will still be running when these new tractors are wore out, I will die wishing I had power steering on 4WD but i can sell my fords for more than i paid for them, my NAA has a three point finish mower on it and has mowed my lawn for years, but thanks for the video

Did he ever say what brand? I bounced around as it was a little long winded.

In The UK there have been several brands of compact tractors come and gone over the years Nice video Thanks again

Man good works tractors got a nerve hit hard with this. I don’t see anything wrong with Neil’s video, and I didn’t buy a jd or kubota when I bought my compact.

Excellent discussion. This sort of information isn't readily available to us.

I have experience in the inner workings and expense of repairing big green and big orange tractors. And its not even close in a price/capability between the two. If you've got a hardon for a green tractor nobody will change your mind not even the stupid high costs. If you want to get something that, 1. Is just gonna work and work and work. 2. If you do figure out how to break it, parts are easily attained. Then buy big orange. Even when cost wasn't a factor to me, I went with big orange. Why? Reliability. The bonus: twice the tractor for half the price.

I am, for now, a Kubota guy, but I need a part that's back ordered to the factory in Japan indefinitely. Going on 4 months without my machine.

all deere equipment here. i DONT worry about parts or service. we have ( among many tractors) a 1985 jd850 we just bought axle parts for thru the local dealer. are the green machines they more expensive? 100% they are. are they WORTH it?? 10000%

Massey Ferguson 35 diesel. No computer no dealer repair trap. They run forever.😂😂😂. Build the Massey 35 and they will come.

Great video, Neil! I also must commend you on making the intro quieter than the rest of the video. It's much appreciated. :)

Surprised you didn't mention that you still sell parts for IH tractors built and sold all the way back to the 1940's.

A Messicks dealership in Wisconsin would be wonderful!

Great Job Neil and team. Excellent explanation of the compact market. Maybe a follow up video about who builds which models for which brands would be fun to watch. Kioti & Bobcat, TYM and RK, etc. Etc.

Great video Neil. 🙂 I'm a Ford New Holland person and it's a shame they let the Japanese Shibora relationship go in the toilet. We have two New Holland TC45D's. One with the Super Suite cab! Solid machines! Back then New Holland had John Deere and Kubota beat. They caught up though and passed them. Glad they still back their tractors! The new LS made ones are just cheaper. Korean tractors are ok but not my cup of tea. The Ford 10 and 20 series compacts rocked and led the segment in that era too! John Deere and Kubota didn't come close 30+ years ago!

I think you'll see Bad Boy and Bobcat leave the market as it will be easy for them to do so. Yanmar may leave the US market or consolidate to markets they do well in. Solis and Summit both use ITL tractors and Solis has some partnerships with Yanmar, but they may leave the US market if it's not profitable. LS/New Holland, Kioti and TYM will stick around. The rebrands are the ones I'd be wary about.

We bought a Kubota BX23S and love it. It was $6000 cheaper than the same size JD and our local Kubota dealer is 5 miles away, is a "real" tractor dealer and repair with at least 40 years in business and not a JD lawn mower-tractor shop. There was really no choice as to which one we purchased.

I have been looking at buying a tractor for about a year now for my 7 acres. Locally I have Kubota, JD, New Holland and Yanmar and I'm really considering Yanmar followed by New Holland and Kubota. I am concerned though about Yanmar dealer support being here in 5-10 years. New Holland dealer has been over 100 years in the same location so maybe I should go that route and get a Boomer 45 Cab vice a Yanmar YT347C. What are you thoughts on those two models? What are some key questions I should ask both dealers? Thanks.