FarmTrac Troubles

[SESS]

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.dailysoutherner.com/local/local_story_347122729.html


What the article negleted to say is that when the former Farmtrac dealers order parts from Tarboro, they will pay a higher price for the parts than the Montana dealers when they order the part that we need to satisfy our customers. I hope the Montana dealers have manuals to fix the Farmtracs!
I have some for sale if they need them.

 

[glgdiggs]

It is obvious there is now no more FarmTrac. There isn't going to be a FarmTrac. The problems of both dealers and owners of Farmtrac equipment are just that, problems to be born by those dealers and owners. It would seem escort manufactured owners will have the most difficulty in obtaining parts at least for now, but even the LG/LS tractors may have difficulty as models become older and not in line with Montana's models. This of course could change if LS establishes a factory US presence.

 

[SESS]

LS is coming and coming very soon. I for one cannot wait and will listen to what they have to say.

 

[case1570]

keep eyes wide open.
Several manufacturers are outstanding and have honor in all economic conditions.
Several have honor as long as the margins are high and iron is moving.
It is hard to tell the difference at times, I have learned that in most cases if a company holds relationships with those that have proven not to have honor, they themselves know no honor.
Please check Textrons past history, fines paid and violations, then make your own judgement.
We are not a small company, we have good sales (tops in market share and volume with several companies) but were lied to as if we had never sold a penny's worth.
I think we need to as Americans and dealers stand together. I don't want this to happen to anyone else. Big or small don't go ahead blind. Please put this in your memory banks........
Case

 

[case1570]

My above post is not directed in any way towards LS, so far they have shown to know honor. I welcome them with wide open arms!
Case

 

[redneckford]

Sometime when the rules are to tuff people REFUSE to play the game----THAT IS AMERICA!!!

 

[taxpayer]

Sometime when the rules are to tuff people REFUSE to play the game----THAT IS AMERICA!!!

A good game to play would riding pretty blue tractors around a certain block in alphretta ga. might even sing them a few christmas carolls and leave a present or two( all blue in color).

 

[redneckford]

A good game to play would riding pretty blue tractors around a certain block in alphretta ga. might even sing them a few christmas carolls and leave a present or two( all blue in color).

RIDE!!!!------COWBOY------RIDE!!!!!

 

[blueliner]

Good morning, all!

The most recent Evil Empire update may be a dose of karma.

Their rubbery-legged position may bring joy to the hearts of those tied to FNA.

One of two scenarios is likely:
1) TFC is posturing, to position themselves for a govt handout.
2) They made a bunch of stupid moves and are truly in fiscal hurt.

Looks like some layoffs are part of the scenario.

Gotta feel for the workaday folks whose Xmases got bah-humbugged by the cuts. I'll bet none of those getting the axe are fatcat "golden umbrella" execs!

--b

 

[firstfruitsfarm]

It is obvious there is now no more FarmTrac. There isn't going to be a FarmTrac. The problems of both dealers and owners of Farmtrac equipment are just that, problems to be born by those dealers and owners. It would seem escort manufactured owners will have the most difficulty in obtaining parts at least for now, but even the LG/LS tractors may have difficulty as models become older and not in line with Montana's models. This of course could change if LS establishes a factory US presence.

I have a 555 2WD. I have lost my owner's manual. In view of the parts uncertainties and my tendencies to lose manuals...does anyone have a digitized version of the 555 OM willing to make available for download?

 

[cmuncy]

Good morning!

I would suggest starting a new thread about getting a copy of the owners manual. That way it might get a quicker response that placing the request in this thread.

If you don't get a response, try giving GW's Equipment a call:

Agricultural & Landscaping Equipment Near Houston, TX: Montana Tractors, Woods & Grasshopper Mowers

1434 Highway 59 South Cleveland TX 77327
Phone: (877) 404-8047 Fax: 281-659-9603

They happen to have a 555 on the front page of their web site.

 

[tractorman99]

http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/MONTANATRACTORS/PressRelease_120108.htm

 

[SESS]

This is interesting reading for those that have floorplan accounts with TFC:

Textron Announces Plan to Exit All Non-Captive Financial Businesses; Revises Fourth Quarter Financial Outlook and Expands Restructuring Program: Business Wire Business News: TXT - MSN Money

What are some comments, concerns, questions, thoughts?

 

[Eric_Phillips]

I wonder how much this FarmTrac debacle has contributed to the liquidation of TFC. Also in light of this information what does that do to the thoughts of Textron's role in the Montana buy?

 

[case1570]

How many plagues will textron endure before they do what is right. This is not the dealers fight any longer. Textron just does not know it yet, hardening of the heart? Please continue to pray for the dealers and their families.
Case
PS My dog now has the letters LS clipped into his fur, he looks the best he ever has!!!!

 

[SESS]

I wonder how much this FarmTrac debacle has contributed to the liquidation of TFC. Also in light of this information what does that do to the thoughts of Textron's role in the Montana buy?

Farmtrac debt with TFC is give or take $40 million-add in a years worth of unpaid interest from the 280 dealers and you got a whole bunch more.

 

[redneckford]

Farmtrac debt with TFC is give or take $40 million-add in a years worth of unpaid interest from the 280 dealers and you got a whole bunch more.

A years worth of interest on tractors that never come due???? sounds like some more of that wall street accounting---counting money that you are not owed and that you know you will "never" get-----use that fund to pay the executives---wish in one hand **** in the other see which one fills up first----speaking of wishing does Montana's agreement with LS Mtron expire Dec 2008---are is that just a "good" rumor???? POKER ANYONE?????!!!---it may be a safer bet!!!! TEXTRON has been a big help for many years in the Ag business but some of those star gazers have got to go and they have got to get back to a realistic business model-----I sure hope we don't see 20% plus interest in a few months ----like we saw in the late 70's----something about history repeating itself???? Just FAIR CREDIT PLEASE!!!!!!

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Farmtrac debt with TFC is give or take $40 million-add in a years worth of unpaid interest from the 280 dealers and you got a whole bunch more.

I doubt it has any impact at all. Textron has what, 3 billion in holdings? Your talking a fraction of 1%.

 

[blueliner]

I doubt it has any impact at all. Textron has what, 3 billion in holdings? Your talking a fraction of 1%.

Mr. Messick,

You're right... what's $40 million amongst friends (or those becoming mortal enemies, for that matter)?

Although it may be true that the balance owed may seem comparatively small next to TFC total holdings, then riddle me this...

Why did TFC conspire with FNA execs (either my malice aforethought or by coincidence and repetitive dullmindedness) to:
- continue approving FNA tractor sales scams?
- tractor-load FNA retailers?

And why has TFC continued to make it grotesquely difficult to obtain discounts that'd make FNA dealers competitive with other brands *that it also finances*?

Try these answers on for size:
Greed.
Arrogance.
Escalation of committment.

By Textron's actions, the amount is more like a king's randsom than chump-change.

I know who gets the industrial-sized lumps of anthricite in their stockings this Christmas.

--b

 

[smith mall]

The things have changed since Farmtrac assets were sold to Montana.Textron is getting out of the business,LS is coming directly.Where does it leave the dealers and the floor plan tractors of Farmtrac and I think even all companies like Montana will need a new floor plan financer.
Looks like things are being played more in compony board rooms than in the markets.