Tiller First Choice Tiller.

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 15, 2003

First Choice and Midwest... "What happened.......?? Whatever usually happens between suppliers and distibutors, I'd say. "Same" product made by someone else for a little less money." 

Jerry,

I'd bet on the other side from you on this one. I'd go with "Supplier sees large potential market tapped by distributor and decides to distribute for themselves and eliminate the distributor from the chain." That's just my opinion, of course. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I saw the handwriting on the wall when MW started touting their own website here after FC had joined TBN and created all of the interest here. I have no idea what, if any, agreement was made between the two early on but it seems there was a disagreement about it and they parted ways.

Personally, I was sorry to see it happen as I liked both Pieter Van den Berg of First Choice and Jim McCuan of Midwest and still do. Each were fine individuals in my dealings with them and it was based on that fact that I bought my first implement from them totally sight unseen. I'm sorry they parted ways but maybe it'll be the best for each of them in the long run. I sincerely hope so. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Inspector507 · Aug 15, 2003

Gary,
That could be, but I've had a few frank discussions with Jim, both e-mail and in person. If he was seeing the dollar signs in retailing MW, I think he would have said something to that effect. All I know is, he wasn't real happy that First Choice and Midwest parted ways.
Now he has a contract with Kioti, hope that goes well for him.

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 15, 2003

(Jim at Midwest) wasn't real happy that First Choice and Midwest parted ways 

Jerry,

I got exactly the same thing from Pieter at First Choice. Pieter wasn't real happy that First Choice and Midwest parted ways, either. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Well, I'm happy they're each doing well now, regardless of how they came to part ways before. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JohnMiller3 · Aug 15, 2003

( …discussions with Jim,… All I know is, he wasn't real happy that First Choice and Midwest parted ways…

…the same thing from Pieter at First Choice. Pieter wasn't real happy that First Choice and Midwest parted ways, either… )

Well… if this is indeed the case… maybe someone should step forward… put their pride aside… kiss and makeup… and get on with doing business/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I for one, would be all for products Made in the Great U.S.A…. if given the choice with equal quality and price… /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

GeneD14 · Aug 16, 2003

Thanks for all of the input. I had no idea what an emotional issue this was. I about have the CFO talked into it. That is my major hurdle. Thanks again

theboman · Aug 19, 2003

Peoples, play nice. Business try to make money but no fighting with each other on TBN.
I have a First Choice 48" tiller, and yeah it has that rust problem, however as soon as it was brought to their attention they did send a replacement decal and a can of paint. I cried foul, but they did that much and really didn't have to do anything at all.
As far as the tiller itself, well it's done everything it's supposed to do and did the job much better than I'd ever imagined. I'm impressed and if ever bought a bigger tractor and a bigger tiller, First Choice would be my, ah first choice, and not knocking any other dealers on the TBN, but going from my past experience I'd have to go with Sweet Tractors.
Ken has answered every question fast. Delivered the goods cheap and quicky.

HayDR · Aug 19, 2003

According to the current First Choice website the largest tiller they will offer is a RT04-60 (Sicma ZLL) 60" chain drive tiller with a 35 HP gearbox. Sicma ZLL tiller There may be some larger tillers in current dealer stock but what about the future? Their dealers and FC have not answered yet as to the availability of the larger tillers. If this is the case then larger CUT owners will have NO CHOICE in the First Choice tiller line.

sweettractors · Aug 19, 2003

Hi Mark, Just talked to John at FC yesterday and all tillers in stock and no Turkey parts in them--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Since 1977*

HayDR · Aug 19, 2003

Ken,
You mean all the RT04's are in stock for next year. Why are the RT10's no longer there on the website? No "Under Construction" message there so it looks as if the RT10's have been discontinued in the First Choice line. I see FC still has the Midwest MFG Landscape items on the site that FC no longer sells, FC must want to keep some quality around to keep up their public image. Just answer the question, will there be 2004 Sicma MFG RT10tillers for sale next year with the FC marketing label on them?

sweettractors · Aug 19, 2003

Hi Mark, As I said earlier! Just talked to John at FC yesterday and all tillers in stock and no Turkey parts in
them --Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Since 1977*