After Watching This Video Should Americans Let Green Tractors Sit On Lots Unpurchased?

[TractorGunn]

This seems like a dirty move, not that other companies haven't done this, but there are some other things they have done other than that in the video that may tick you off. I was also wondering if anyone has a different perspective than what Chickanic says:

 

[5030]

I suspect JD only builds and sells small units as an afterthought. They really make their money and sell a ton of larger Ag units and tractors over 90 pto horsepower.

 

[5030]

Far as that gal in the YT video is concerned, she has nice legs and a fair rack but far as being a lawnmower mechanic, she leaves a lot to be desired. Just watched her 'chainsaw' video and I found it amusing. At one point she said she didn't want to destroy her 'diamond wheels' on her chain sharpener. First off, they aren't 'diamond wheels, they are CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) wheels and they don't cost 150 bucks either. They retail from the maker in Wisconsin for 100 bucks each. I know I have them on both my chain grinders, and then she refers to the rakers as depth shoes. Wrong again. They are rakers and need to be set between 0.020 and 0.030 below the end of the cutter tooth and you use a raker gage to set them, not just wing it with a flat file. She is amusing but knowledge wise, not so much.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

A few years ago, I went to a JD dealer looking to buy a new tractor.....couldn't get a sales guy to get off his butt. He basically printed out some prices for a couple models, then pointed out the door saying "they are over there".

Then looking at the tractors, they were mainly plastic hoods, fenders, etc.... Then to get certain options, had to go up a level.

I was in shock, the wifey was appalled at both the dealer staff and all the plastic on the tractors.

We looked at each other and decided to just leave.
Learning about all the BS that Deere has been doing, I wouldn't buy anything related to Deere at all!

 

[5030]

Dealers think there Deeres are dear at least here they do.

 

[dadohead]

Wow... she's a drama queen.

I'm a Deere retiree and have been hearing from friends about the layoffs. Many are company people too; it's over for them. The union guys can, at least, bump the lower seniority workers and keep going. It's too bad but it happens. Many of you probably got layed off and let go like I did in the late '70's and throughout the '80's. You dust yourself off and keep pounding.

The dealers I've talked to tell me sales are slow and inventory is high. They ordered lots of product in 2022 and it just didnt arrive due to COVID related supply and production delays. When it did arrive it came too late and all at once. It will take a year or so to get back to normal inventory when orders will pickup.

Regarding sending production out of the country: Deere sees itself as a global company. The MBA's that run most any US corporation have no issue doing it if cost, quality, and delivery can be met. I know that the buyers of premium riding lawn equipment are especially touchy about where their tractor is made. We at Horicon always argued that our product should be labeled "Made in USA" very proudly. Corporate would never let us: "we are a global company".

D100 tractors are made in Greeneville TN. I never worked on them but have heard all the stories. It was a pretty big deal when Deere put RLE in mass retailers outside of the dealer network. Some dealers are still PO'd to this day. JD felt they HAD to do it... too many lost sales to Sears, MTD, and the other bottom feeders. Many of THEM arent fairing too well either. One thing that people don't realize: the retailers that are selling the product are bigger than JD! It's ALL about cost. THEY tell JD what the product costs. Don't want to play??? Now your product sits or worse... a plastic transmission housing doesn't surprise me.

BTW- a product recall is for a safety issue, not a quality or warranty issue. Hope this helps!

 

[bigtiller]

what is "RLE" ??

 

[ultrarunner]

what is "RLE" ??

Guessing... Riding Lawn Equipment?

 

[jyoutz]

A few years ago, I went to a JD dealer looking to buy a new tractor.....couldn't get a sales guy to get off his butt. He basically printed out some prices for a couple models, then pointed out the door saying "they are over there".

Then looking at the tractors, they were mainly plastic hoods, fenders, etc.... Then to get certain options, had to go up a level.

I was in shock, the wifey was appalled at both the dealer staff and all the plastic on the tractors.

We looked at each other and decided to just leave.
Learning about all the BS that Deere has been doing, I wouldn't buy anything related to Deere at all!

I have dealt with the same dealer you’re referring to with the same experience. Hopefully that attitude is just the people in that dealership, and not all Deere dealers. I do agree about the excessive use of plastics for Deere compact tractors.

 

[dadohead]

I do agree about the excessive use of plastics for Deere compact tractors.

Used to bother me too... not any more. The tank, side covers, and fenders on my Honda woods motorbike are all plastic and hold up WAY better than the steel parts on the machines I grew up with. My neighbor's Kawasaki Mule.... plastic. Know these parts aren't just made from just any 'ole stuff either. They are highly engineered composites that hold their shape and color VERY well.... even when left out in the sun. They also give the stylists complete control over the design.... no constraints like stamping steel requires.

When I travelled for Deere I often met engineers from competitor companies (trades shows, etc)... they  salivate over the plastic styled parts JD uses and would go there in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the high capital cost (a hood tool can be $600k). Get used to it... it's here (just look at your car).