I'm like KSSS when it comes to purchasing new machines. Since early 1997, I've owned 8 new large framed bobcats, 1 medium frame (773g), an excavator, and a toolcat. I am an owner operator and I like new technology and a minimum of repairs and I look for dealer support as my first choice right now.
I tried another brand for awhile and was sold on the hype and stupidly sold two of my s300's that were in good condition and reliable for this other brand because it was the latest and the greatest. The "other" brand's service department could not get the kinks out of my new machine and I lost about 2 months of production overall until they bought the machine back. For that, I give them kudos but the lost production (even with a slightly lower powered loaner and the aggravation) still gives me nightmares.
I ended up going back to a K series Bobcat. Admittedly "old school" technology compared to what I was trying out, but it has been reliable and productive. I am approaching 1600 or 1700 hours since August of '08 on that machine alone and it is still going strong.
The dealer support at Bobcat has been great over the years.
My point is that dealer support..going the extra mile, having service trucks to help you in the field without pulling teeth or raping you on charges is a big plus. Personally, Bobcat has been good to me and only recently have I had to question some of the repair charges and strive to do more work myself to afford the repairs.
Bobcat engineers get back to me if I ask a question and that's pretty cool.
I am not naive and have made an effort to try other brands but I do not get a lot of confidence when the salesmen don't know much about their product or want a credit application before they even talk seriously with me. I've been around long enough and owned enough machines that I won't play that game.
I know everyone has to make a buck. Lord knows dealers up-charge on parts. I've seen the invoice on a $1 part at my chipper dealer and when it gets passed to the customer that part is $10. Ouch. We all have costs and anyone "new" or trying to grow in market share has to bring something different to the table and I like discounts!
I realize a lot of independent dealers may not want to subsidize or go that extra mile once a machine is sold so it should be a corporate mandate that they do *through subsidies) and I mean a strict followup to make sure the customer is happy.
If you were closer, I'd give the JCB a try and see what the machines can do. I am not up on JCB specs, they look cool, but I've seen some of the older ones that didn't impress me too much. I do like the side door..
I mulch about 40% of the time and need hydraulic power, comfortable cab, and something that isn't going to be a torch in the woods.
Personally, if I was a dealer in this area trying to move their new products, I'd be out showing the guys they can find.. searching local websites and offering demos and discounts to get someone to talk.
Anyway, that's my two cents.