Build Your Own

[The Gardener]

Re: Build Your Own

I am just curious if others would desire this approach. Maybe I am alone on this. Maybe it is simply impossible to offer suitable variations to each main frame design. I don't see why, but I don't know. I just feel like I am always making a compromise when choosing between pre-made models. I cannot speak to each category since my interests lie with specific models. Perhaps others will have found the same issue in the categories that I am not familiar with.

I wish Kubota would implement a full blown, "build your own" program like computer manufacturers offer over the internet. I am certainly willing to wait an additional 6 months to acquire the ideal machine.

Would you prefer to choose from the category below and then select individual features to assemble YOUR ideal machine???

RTV
BX
B
TLB (B26,L39,L48,M59 limited feature selections such as a thumb and HST)
Grand L
M

If there are enough of us who like this approach, we should convey this desire to our local dealerships and contact Kubota directly. I have contacted both, but one voice is rather useless.

:The Gardener

 

[ChuckinNH]

It sure is easy to understand your frustration with comparing apples to oranges as we must do with tractor models. I was stuck in that mode for some time wishing that I could get the features that I liked on one model on another tractor that I liked better. Then, I thought about all that we got done with the crude, by comparison, tractor we had when I was young, and thought about all that we had accomplished in the tool, and die trade I was in without the "perfect" tool for the job. In the end, it is using the tool, becoming really proficient with what you have, and using your head to address problems that really makes the difference, and becomes much of the fun. A hundred hours of careful work with a BX will accomplish much more than a hundred hours of reading specs on an L39. Obviously, one must have enough tractor to accomplish the physical requirements of the job, but it is often a matter of choosing whether you want to maintain property, modify property, or dominate property. I've spent hours reading threads here, and a couple of interesting things come through all of them. One of the most obvious things that I have learned is that those that plan things through, set priorities, and get on with the plan accomplish great things with what ever equipment they have, or can make. It is also very easy to buy so much tractor that there are no resources left for the attachments that actually do the work. Have fun with your shopping, but don't let the details ruin your fun!

 

[Gator6x4]

Re: Build Your Own

I am just curious if others would desire this approach. Maybe I am alone on this. Maybe it is simply impossible to offer suitable variations to each main frame design. I don't see why, but I don't know. I just feel like I am always making a compromise when choosing between pre-made models. I cannot speak to each category since my interests lie with specific models. Perhaps others will have found the same issue in the categories that I am not familiar with.

I wish Kubota would implement a full blown, "build your own" program like computer manufacturers offer over the internet. I am certainly willing to wait an additional 6 months to acquire the ideal machine.

Would you prefer to choose from the category below and then select individual features to assemble YOUR ideal machine???


RTV
BX
B
TLB (B26,L39,L48,M59 limited feature selections such as a thumb and HST)
Grand L
M

If there are enough of us who like this approach, we should convey this desire to our local dealerships and contact Kubota directly. I have contacted both, but one voice is rather useless.

:The Gardener

Sort of a moot question or statement. The last time I looked Kubota had removed the "Build" feature from their web site. Dealers must have complained about the customer showing up with too much information on what the suggested retail price of the unit was actually supposed to be.

 

[N80]

I guess everyone is different, but I feel just the opposite. To me there seems to be tons of overlap on these machines, especially when you look at L vs Grand L vs M. To me, it seems like virtually any combo one might want is available and the only restriction is how much you want to spend.

Of course I am not into frills, luxuries or gadgets so a fancy dashboard and heated cupholders have no appeal for me. So maybe I'm an oddball...okay, so my wife says I'm the king of the oddballs....but my L4400 with a set of rear remotes was exactly what I wanted for the money I had to spend and after 3 years I haven't seen anything that has changed my mind. Don't get me wrong, if I'd had a higher budget I would have bought more machine....but that's a different issue.

 

[Grand_Pooba]

I think being able to get exactly what you want in tractor is a great idea but I think this approach would really drive up the cost of the tractors. If you had to design, build the tooling, build the parts and stock every option for every tractor it be a huge task. Let's say you've got 10 frame sizes and each one has each one has 4 transmission options..that's 40 different trannies. The bean counters would go nuts and the cost would be shifted to the the consumer.

 

[The Gardener]

Have fun with your shopping, but don't let the details ruin your fun!

I promise that I won't. ;-)

I agree with your view. Careful pre-planning and some available funds for a future need will most certainly meet the long term objective(s).

I just wish the "options" were more extensive with each model selection, but I do see where inventory costs might be prohibitive. It's a tough situation since those little add-ons that can be so nice to have that are sometimes unavailable ... and acquiring some of them often equates to assuming other features that are not desired or needed by purchasing a different model altogether.

OH well. My gut feeling tells me to buy more than I need for improved resale value. Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I guess I will stay with that mind set. That same strategy has worked well with my vehicle purchasing.

:The Gardener

 

[N80]

I also think the primary things that I would look for in a 'dream' tractor are the high dollar items that really constitute what makes each tractor what it is. For example, the L4400 has plenty of HP for my needs, the highest in the L line and nearly the highest in the Grand L line. But its hydraulic capabilities, though perfectly capable, are lower than even smaller Grand L's. So if I wanted the better hydraulics on my L4400 as a 'build-your-own' option, it would be a very high dollar item and likely bring its cost up to one of the Grand L's with comparable HP. So why not just get the Grand L? You'd pay a little more but you'd also get a little more like extra weight and some comfort features. And I don't think that is a mistake. It's kind of like buying a car: if you want the more powerful engine, you also get the higher luxury package even if you only wanted the more powerful engine. These 'package' combos are money makers intentionally deisgned by the manufacturer. I'd guess tractors are very similar and I doubt they are going to let go of it.

So, Gardener, maybe I'm just not thinking about this broadly enough, maybe you could give us an example of where being able to build a dream tractor would benefit you personally.

Thinking real hard, I can come up with a few small issues, like telescoping bttom links that are not offered as an option on my tractor. But at the same time, I could probably add them myself.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I like things like quick change buckets /forks on the loader, position control, etc. on the smaller tractors, and wish all tractors had those things, but it certainly isn't a deal killer if they don't have them. The basic ruggedness, and intergrated design of other attachments is more important. I'm not sure that buying more tractor than you need for resale value totally computes with me, but it is possible there is some merit in that.

 

[mikim]

I like things like quick change buckets /forks on the loader,
Boy Howdy! I didn't initially get a QA on my loader for a couple of reasons ... but about 2 years later I learned better and converted. Best thing I ever....but then it is costing me more $$ cause of what I can buy that connects so quick and works so well.

 

[The Gardener]

... maybe you could give us an example of where being able to build a dream tractor would benefit you personally.

Please keep in mind that I started this thread and therefore it is very specific to the items that I am considering. And, I have zero understanding of the manufacturing process.

F3680 mower w/ a cab ... I would like to have the option of adding A/C. I have been told this is costly, but I still wish the option were available. They have an A/C compressor for the B3030 cab. The duct work is already in place for the F3680 cab's heater. I just think A/C is a very reasonable feature to include in the design stage as an option since mowing is a summer activity.

BX24 ... I would like the option for a factory mounted, hydraulic thumb. The thing is loaded with features. This should be a reasonable expectation.

B26 ... I would like a stronger hydraulic gpm pump. It has a 11.2 gpm pump but only 7gpm is designated for the remotes. That is quite limiting. It doesn't need to be a lot stronger, but I would think a pump "option" with a few more gpm's would be within reach of this tractor's capabilities.

L39 ... I would like the option for a factory mounted, hydraulic thumb and the option for HST. The B26 has the hydraulic thumb. The L48 has HST. It seems reasonable that the L39 could have both of these "options" available.

I cannot imagine that every owner of these four items would not welcome these additions to their tractor: or at least the "option" to add it. They're not unreasonable or extravagant expectations. A/C is a luxury [extravagant, yes], but a cab used in the hot sun for mowing acres of grass would certainly warrant A/C as a primary design feature [offered as an "option"].

:The Gardener