Equipment purchase decision for anyone getting ready to pull the trigger.

Beyond considering which equipment dealer has the largest presence and best service, (more physical shops the better) check if they have mobile mech/techs they can send to you in the field. I bought CAT (4 CAT locations within 1.5 hours of home base, a fifth is 2.5 hours, and a major distribution warehouse full of parts in town), I've had a couple hydraulic issues that were handled same day in the field. Just had another (hydraulic leak somewhere in the tub) and called my tech directly and he's coming at 0600 tomorrow. I lucked out and of them lives 10 minutes from home base. Mulching is hard on machines and down time slaughters productivity. Lost an hour today, worst case is losing tomorrow. Best case is its another O-ring blew out and I'll be up and back working by 0800. I was considering ASV (only on shop within 6 hour drive) and Deere (Two construction shops, 1 and 3 hours away), but the repair network at CAT made it an easy choice.

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