5030
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 24,342
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
I agree and I'm glad my service tech usually thinks outside the box.
B I N G OThe good, sharp techs that are motivated know how to interpret these issues and the others simply shotgun. I think we very likely have a lot of shotgunners out there.
Otherwise known as Parts Swapping Monkeys...The good, sharp techs that are motivated know how to interpret these issues and the others simply shotgun. I think we very likely have a lot of shotgunners out there.
I would really like to buy a new tractor in the future but I am very hesitant because of things mentioned in this post. I am not a mechanic and don't want to become one. I do however want equipment where I can utilize friends that are mechanics to help and not be beholden to a dealer to fix things on their timeline when I am broke down. Then worry about the manufacturer not holding up their end on warranty.
A buddy of mine was talking new boats and brought up that boats manufactured in the last 2 years have lost the quality and are having lots of littles issues here and there. When you pay 50 to 60 grand for anything, you should not be worrying about parts failing and coming apart/rusting, etc. within a few hours of use. I have read on here numerous times where folks buy a new tractor and have to have it worked on several times to get it to run right. That should not be the case ands in my opinion "unacceptable". We should be able to buy a new tractor and not have to worry about a dealer if the equipment is put together correctly.
I know this next statement has nothing to do with dealers/tractors but we have a sister church in Ohio that has been there for a long time. They have a playground that was built by the depression era folks who were all tradesmen. Machinist/Tool and Die/Welders, etc. That playground is probably 50 years old and built to stand the test of time. My big but can sit or climb on any of it and it does not move. I am always impressed when I see it. I believe we have lost that desire to build things to last. I also believe all of this new "technology" is making us less resilient and when it does break you are screwed. I deal with this everyday for my line of work. Call the "Help Desk", and hear there are 97 callers ahead of you!!!! No wonder we can't get anything done.
I have always liked buying equipment new, but as I get older that viewpoint is changing. I guess the biggest benefit for buying new is it is easier to finance and I would be the only owner and I would know the complete history on the equipment. There should be nothing wrong with wanting to buy new but based on this thread it gives me and maybe others pause to do so based on the issues the OP has had. That was the only point I was trying to make.It seems that buying a good used tractor from 10 or 20 years ago - or more - when things were made to be owner serviced & repaired would answer all of your concerns. There are lots of those good used ones out there. In fact, they are all still out there, they are still young by tractor standards, and they will do all the same work in the same way with the same accessories and comfort as newer ones.
The only things that have changed technologically in the tractor world in the last 40 years has been a movement by manufacturers to make dealer service a necessity instead of an option, and also the addition of more emission controls. Those changes are not advantages to the owner. And other than those things, tractors are pretty much unchanged for decades now.
So I'm puzzled. Why would you even consider buying new?
rScotty
I have always liked buying equipment new, but as I get older that viewpoint is changing. I guess the biggest benefit for buying new is it is easier to finance and I would be the only owner and I would know the complete history on the equipment. There should be nothing wrong with wanting to buy new but based on this thread it gives me and maybe others pause to do so based on the issues the OP has had. That was the only point I was trying to make.
Also, used is an expensive option when you want to buy a machine in good shape. Most older tractors (10 to 20 years old) I am interested in (New Holland TC55) for example in good shape with decent hours is around 23 to 25 grand and up. This has led me to look at new as well. Tractors for me in the 40 year old category are not as comfortable to operate as the newer ones. Example is my Uncles 1979 Ford 3600. it is in good shape but no shuttle shift, sits lower, louder, no nice foot platform room, no gas pedal, not as easy to see over the front of tractor, etc. To me tractors have changed a lot in 40 years. Maybe not engine/transmission wise but ergonomics, comfort and drivability has developed drastically over the years.
I do understand where you are coming from and agree with a lot of what you have said. That is why I have stated, based on this thread and troubles the OP is having has given me a pause in considering new going forward. Quality is not what it used to be and used is probably going to be the way to go.
All of the above true unless your intended use is business... at least here.It seems that buying a good used tractor from 10 or 20 years ago - or more - when things were made to be owner serviced & repaired would answer all of your concerns. There are lots of those good used ones out there. In fact, they are all still out there, they are still young by tractor standards, and they will do all the same work in the same way with the same accessories and comfort as newer ones.
The only things that have changed technologically in the tractor world in the last 40 years has been a movement by manufacturers to make dealer service a necessity instead of an option, and also the addition of more emission controls. Those changes are not advantages to the owner. And other than those things, tractors are pretty much unchanged for decades now.
So I'm puzzled. Why would you even consider buying new?
rScotty