Purchasing a John Deere compact utility tractor (CUT) is a big deal. At RDO Equipment Co., we help people find, purchase and implement the perfect John Deere CUTs for their needs. Aligning a customer’s requirements with their budget is something we take pride in doing.
As you begin the process of finding a John Deere compact tractor, we’re here to help you.
1. Provide a Trade-In
Trading in your current equipment is one of the most effective ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
RDO accepts trade-ins on most machines and will evaluate them to apply fair market value toward your new purchase. This will reduce the overall cost of your machine and allow you to pay less per month if you decide to finance your CUT.
A quick note on trade ins: If you have a trade-in to provide, be sure to communicate these details early in the process so your store can get an evaluation scheduled in a timely manner.
2. Take Advantage of Cash Incentives
RDO and John Deere frequently offer cash discounts for compact utility tractor purchases. These range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. If you’re able, buying your machine in cash can help get you this cash incentive, reducing your cost.
Additionally, when you buy a machine in cash, you’ll avoid paying the interest on a loan — which can be thousands of dollars.
3. Put Money Down
John Deere Financial provides competitive interest rates, making it a strong option for buyers who prefer to finance their machine. At various times throughout the year, RDO and John Deere release financing offers, such as 0 percent financing for 48 months.
These offers are a great way to get a new CUT, without having to pay the $15,000-$40,000+ up front.
To decrease the amount of interest you pay on a financed CUT, consider putting some amount of money down on your CUT. Putting down a lump sum at the beginning will decreasing the total balance of your loan and the total interest you’ll pay on it.
Here’s an example of how this plays out on a 48-month loan with a 3% interest rate:
As you see, adding a down payment to your loan can help you greatly reduce the total amount of interest you pay during it. For more expensive loans (at a higher rate), this is an even greater tool.
Want to get a better idea of how much your loan will cost at different down payments, interest rates and loan lengths? Use John Deere’s Finance Calculator.
4. Plan Ahead (Lead Time)
Urgency can drive up costs. If you need a specific model immediately and it’s not in stock, expedited shipping or sourcing from distant locations may add freight charges to your transaction.
By planning ahead and giving your account manager time to locate or transfer inventory to your location, you can avoid these extra costs and even potentially access a better deal on your CUT.
5. Consider a Used Machine
Another thing you can do to save some money on your CUT is to consider a used machine.
Depending on the make, model and year, a used compact tractor may be 20 percent (or more) less expensive than a brand new one.
Used CUTs are often just as capable as new ones. Many stores have both new and used options. If you’re looking for a reliable compact tractor, finding a well-maintained used compact tractor can save you thousands of dollars.
Note: When buying a used compact utility tractor, you should consider the remaining warranty period on the machine. This could impact your costs if the warranty has lapsed.
Related Content: New vs. Used John Deere Compact Utility Tractors: Which is Right For You.
6. Work With Your Local Account Manager
RDO’s account managers are trained to assist customers in finding the perfect machine for their needs. This includes helping meet your budget expectations.
See your account manager as your best resource for maximizing value.
- Help you compare models, features and pricing
- Forecast inventory availability
- Identify current promotions and incentives
- Advise on trade-ins and financing
- Advise on fees and help you avoid fees
- Answer any questions you have
Understand What Impacts Your Compact Utility Tractor Price
While taking advantage of cash incentives, putting money down and working with your account manager can help you save money on your CUT purchase, it’s equally important to understand what drives the price of a John Deere compact utility tractor in the first place.
From model specifications to attachments and labor, several factors can influence what you’ll pay.
To get a clearer picture of what goes into CUT pricing — and how to use that knowledge to your advantage — read, What Impacts the Price of Your John Deere Compact Utility Tractor?
Ready for a Price? Use the Tractor Builder Tool
Now that we’ve outlined six things you can do to align your compact utility tractor’s pricing, get closer to your price by using our tractor builder tool. Simply select the make and model you’re interested in, choose your attachments and upgrades and get a general price range in less than 10 minutes.
RDO Equipment Co.
Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world.
