Confusion or denial?

[tydp]

I read so many threads about people being so happy with their tractors and in the same breath describing all the problems they have had with them. Here is one example:

"Transmission replaced @ 118 hours. This has been the only problem I've had. I am very satisfied with my XXXX"

I would be very displeased to say the least! What say you?
Confusion or denial?

 

[1bush2hog]

Both - Once you have a tractor it's kind of like having a wife - can't live with them, can't live without them


Actually, I would be concerned if I had transmission problems in 118 hours of use, but if the repairs were covered under warranty then it would lessen the pain.

While I have had some issues with my tractor, I think what I have gained in productivity by having a tractor, far outweighs the minor issues and their related cost and inconveniences. Should it be perfect for what I paid for it - yes, is this a realistic expectation - no. All machines will eventually require repairs - some, sooner than others.

 

[Dougster]

I read so many threads about people being so happy with their tractors and in the same breath describing all the problems they have had with them. Here is one example:
"Transmission replaced @ 118 hours. This has been the only problem I've had. I am very satisfied with my XXXX"
I would be very displeased to say the least! What say you?
Confusion or denial?

The severity of problems is clearly in the eyes (and mind) of the beholder... or, in this case, the owner. You are absolutely right. One person's total crisis is another person's minor nuisance issue. You see that here all the time. Often, it's hard to explain. Some folks see Armageddon... others see a chance to turn a wrench, get dirty and maybe even learn something they didn't know before about their tractor.

I am sooooooo glad that I bought used and don't have to worry so much about the warranty BS and dealer service aspect of all this. Something goes wrong... I fix it. Simple as that... it's done. If it costs some money, that's life. If it takes some time and a little research, no big deal. I have a reserve and backup plan set up solely for any possible "big" problem that could come along... that will probably never be needed because of that reserve fund and plan being there.

Big problems can be big issues to folks and I understand that. What I don't understand is the big complaints about the little issues. I say fix the dang thing and move on. I sleep better that way.

Dougster

 

[n8wrl]

I think there is a psychology to big ticket-item purchases. I'm a ham radio operator, and it is very similar - the radio you researched and finally bought is by far the best one out there. Which one is best? Why, the one I bought, of course!

-Brian

 

[Egon]

the one I bought, of course

Why of course this applies to most of us including myself.

I am very happy with my Kubota. It has seen some major expense repairs all of a metal breaking type indicating misuse issues. Would I trade for a different brand that is larger and affordable. You betcha but it would have to be green.

 

[JerryG]

What I don't understand is the big complaints about the little issues. I say fix the dang thing and move on. I sleep better that way.
Dougster

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that feels that way. Some of the smallest things are made out to be federal issues.

 

[jbrumberg]

I agree with every post . Perception is reality . Jay

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I think there is a psychology to big ticket-item purchases. I'm a ham radio operator, and it is very similar - the radio you researched and finally bought is by far the best one out there. Which one is best? Why, the one I bought, of course!

-Brian

Truer words have never been spoken. According to what I've read on TBN, there are 3972 different "best tractors built". (and to some degree that may be true) People see their desicions as the "smartest". Their choices as the best...even when they may NOT be. But who's to say that your choice ISN'T the best...FOR YOU.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that feels that way. Some of the smallest things are made out to be federal issues.

There's a bunch of us that agree Jerry. Why sweat the small stuff. Life's too short. When I hear people getting all bent out of shape over some minor detail, I can't help but wonder how they survive a REAL crisis.

All I have to do is think back a few years to when I had 3 teenagers living under my roof. I got to the point where 3 or 4 major catastrophies at one time were water off a ducks back!

 

[zzvyb6]

This is known as the "BMW" or "Lexus" phenomenon. These owners think their cars are the greatest things, yet they need a motor fixed, wear out tires prematurely, break balljoints, have high collision costs and expensive parts. The allure is propagated by the few who seek exclusive bragging rights on a finicky product. Remind you of a gorgious woman? Best to rent or borrow, never own.

 

[pat32rf]

Makes me think of our German neighbour who bought one of the first Volkswagons in our part of the country....

 

[MikePA]

Confusion or denial?

As others have posted, these are not the only 2 options. While you, or I, might be very displeased, it's their tractor.

If people are happy with their purchase, despite the problems, it's not the 'job' of other TBNers to 'rain on their parade' or accuse them of being confused or in denial (not implying you'd do this). TBNers should be there to;

1. Vicariously enjoy their purchase with them
2. Assist them with resolving the problem (if they ask for help)
3. Commiserate with them (if they ask for it)

 

[RedRocker]

I'm dazed and confused, but won't admit to being in denial.

 

[mboulais]

There are going to be breakdowns with any tractor. Sometimes before warranty runs out, sometimes after.

I had several issues with my Mahindra 4110

1. battery replaced under warranty at 47 hrs for bad cell. Yes, it interrupted work, but overall this was a good experience. The dealer came and changed the battery in my yard and did my engine oil change for free at same time.

2. tractor failed to start due to poor ground in front of a large group of deere fans at a work bee . I had been warned of this problem on TBN and did not check it out before then. My father and I fixed it and we got to work.

3. 4wd was not disengaging all the way due to assembly line error. I was without my tractor something like 5 wks while they figured out what was going on and replaced all damaged parts. I got a used 6000 for a loaner

4. The temp guage functioned erratically at best since 100 hrs. has worked only one day in the last 18 months.


The rest of my problems were operator induced (flat tire, damaged hydraulic lines & filter housing, cracked grille, small dent in hood,etc...)

I like my tractor a lot. I don't think it's confusion or denial.

I chose it for its std features, hp/wieght, and cost. It is a heavy duty tractor that gets a lot of work done. I try to treat it well, but sometimes don't. I don't expect anything manmade to be perfect or to last for ever. It's a lot more tractor than the Massey Harris 333 or the International 384 I had before it. I think most manufacturers are putting out a pretty good product today (even deere ), but once in while there will be problems

 

[Ken_CT]

The chance of something mechanical breaking is.....100%. It is only a matter of time. Nothing lasts forever.

 

[john_bud]

Dunno that I've noted anyone with a trans replacement at 118 hours. Must have missed that one!

2000 Kubota L3410 HST - only issue has been a faulty air restriction sensor and extreme cold weather failure of 3 hydrostat filters. The cold hydro issue appears to be common across makers as temps fall into the -15 to -30F range. Latest model of filter has fixed the issue as far as I can tell.

Tractor isn't perfect, but has been durn good.

1963 Ford 4140 total rebuild by me. Had a failed repro tach (proofmeter) at 11 hours and a catastrophic transmission failure at 20 hours (caused by ahem the rebuilder).

That tractor has also been good.


Maybe I'm in denial, but the biggest expense for the Kubota has been
1) fuel
2) oils / filters
3) grease

For the Ford,
1) fixing my own bone head mistakes
2) fuel
3) grease / oils etc

jb

 

[BrianW]

This is known as the "BMW" or "Lexus" phenomenon. These owners think their cars are the greatest things, yet they need a motor fixed, wear out tires prematurely, break balljoints, have high collision costs and expensive parts. The allure is propagated by the few who seek exclusive bragging rights on a finicky product. Remind you of a gorgious woman? Best to rent or borrow, never own.

I put myself through college on "Fine German Engineering"! Only Peugot out did them in my opinion.

 

[bx23barry]

This is known as the "BMW" or "Lexus" phenomenon. These owners think their cars are the greatest things, yet they need a motor fixed, wear out tires prematurely, break balljoints, have high collision costs and expensive parts. The allure is propagated by the few who seek exclusive bragging rights on a finicky product. Remind you of a gorgious woman? Best to rent or borrow, never own.

I agree, the wife's BMW cost a lot to buy, costs a lot to maintain (4 sets of tires at $600+ a set, brakes at $800, water pump at $250, and new suspendtion parts at maybe $400, plus regular maintainance for maybe $1500 over its 120,000 miles (can't believe it still has the original clutch)), has soft/wide tires that get flats and wear often, but she swears it's brakes and handling have kept her out of two accidents. That alone is worth the cost to us plus the thing is comfortable, fun to drive and gets 25+mpg. My little short narrow regular cab 4x4 1/2 ton gasser hauls the bikes around, enough hay (10-12 bales) for the 2 nags and what ever else I need/want, tows enough trailer (28' toy hauler, 7,000 car/jeep/tractor hauler, 2 horse slant) for the little I tow, all with more comfort (rides pretty smooth) and better handling (I can park in compact spaces) than a 3/4-1 ton with the extra cost of a noisy/smelly diesel I would never recoup because I only have 20,000 miles on it in 4 years. My little tractor won't pull a plow through my hardpan but is about the biggest thing that will fit in the horse stalls and not cleaning them by hand is worth not "deep tilling", and taking a little longer to do other "tractor stuff" to me. It all matters what is important to ya.

 

[cp1969]

... noisy/smelly diesel ...

You forgot to use the word "belching." If you're going to use standard news media diesel adjectives, use them all.

 

[john_bud]

You forgot to use the word "belching." If you're going to use standard news media diesel adjectives, use them all.

I think the media hype term is "noisily belching and spewing smelly diesel fumes".....

jb