First Choice woes

Ned_Horning · Dec 10, 2003

I recently got used 7’ First Choice back blade from a friend. My friend and I both have 32 HP tractors (the popular green variety). When I got the blade the square steel tube that connects the 3 pt hitch to the blade assembly was pretty bent up so I had a new piece welded on using heavier stock steel. My hope was that this heavier stock would result in a usable implement but after a couple days of plowing snow with the blade it is already showing signs of wear (see attached photos) at the bottom of the square steel tube where the pin goes that is used to adjust the bland angle. The photo is not that great but the hole for the pin is slowly transforming to an oblong shape which means there is more and more play with the blade.

So, my questions:

1 -What can I do to beef this up so I don’t have to keep replacing the tubing,

2 – Is this quality typical of First Choice implements (this is my only First Choice implement), and

3 – Is plowing snow harsh and unusual punishment for this sort of implement.

Slamfire · Dec 10, 2003

That is pretty typical of the medium grade units. I've not examined any of the heavy duty models. You can of course bush the holes whenever they get too oblong for your use. Your's don't look bad to me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

rambler · Dec 10, 2003

Are you using a pin that exactly fills the hole? No undersized pins allowed!

Bushing it when it wears down next time will solve it.

--->Paul

sweettractors · Dec 10, 2003

Is this quality typical of First Choice implements 

As you may know from reading other posts on TBN, CCM said that Midwest had not made that equipment for First Choice in a couple years. First Choice does not use that vendor to manufacturer any longer. Word from the First Choice owner yesterday: New and improved line of shortline tools will be available this spring --We have had above average quality and reasonable pricing with all the First Choice implements we sell.--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co *First Choice Dealer from the Start*

Deerlope · Dec 11, 2003

Having repaired many such problems over the last 35+ years try this. When you bush the hole go to a place that sells steel and get a piece of mechanical tubing having the proper ID of the pin and at least 1/2" wall thickness drill the hole out bigger to accept the tubing then weld in place. If you have someone else do it ask them if they could do it this way. On that square tubing you have less than 1/2 of surface to wear on and you probably have a harden pin against mild steel.

Old_Hickory · Dec 11, 2003

Hey Ken,
You never did answer my question on the other thread about the pricing of the Fransgard winches.How come such a price difference ?

PineRidge · Dec 11, 2003

Break out the stick welder and some heavy angle iron. Add some meat where its the weakest and that will be the end of your problems.

Soundguy · Dec 11, 2003

I agree with the others.. That hardened pin is beating up that mild steel because there isn't enough load bearing area.

Add some meat to it and/or bush up.

Make sure the pin is snug.

Soundguy

JimMc · Dec 11, 2003

We have been able to make many design changes over the products we produced for some of our previous customers once freed of the mentality that dictated "XYZ product must sell for XYZ price point".

Does it cost more - in some cases yes. Will customers feel it is worth it? I don't know, but our implement sales are triple what we did last year. And just in case you're wondering, the Kioti deal is less than 25% of those revenues.

In this case, the changes include a plate wrapped around the pivot plate to capture the pin after it comes through the pivot plate. This greatly reduces the wear on the pin holes in the frame tube.

And just to set the record straight, Ken, FC does not buy from Midwest any longer by Midwest's choice, as you are well aware. And also for the record, I sincerely hope FC can continue as a viable option for its customer base.

JimMc · Dec 11, 2003

The best fix for you is to weld an "L" shaped piece of plate on the end of the tube which wraps around the pivot plate and will accept the pin once it passes through the pivot plate.

From the pin's view, it will insert through the top of the tube, out the bottom side of the tube, through the pivot plate and then through hole in the "L" plate. This greatly stablizes the pin and increases the bearing surface the pin has available.

Buster57 · Dec 11, 2003

Jim,
Are you questioning First Choice as a going concern? I may be careful before I did this.
Customer support I received from them was excellent and the rototiller I purchased is top quality.

HayDR · Dec 11, 2003

Remember the Implements that First Choice had MFG by Midwest were MFG to First Choice wants and standards. It is apparent the Midwest progressed beyond FC and FC lower standards. Ken take Kioti they have continued to improve their products, why shouldn't Midwest do the same. FC has not shipped any dirt working or Landscape equipment since Midwest. We have heard only words but have seen no products for 2 years. FC has been searched the World to find a MFG that can produce the quality of Midwest and they have yet to find one. Midwest it's the real thing!

JimMc · Dec 11, 2003

FC is definately growing and they are nice folks. No questions there.

sweettractors · Dec 11, 2003

And just to set the record straight, Ken, FC does not buy from Midwest any longer by Midwest's choice, as you are well aware. And also for the record, I sincerely hope FC can continue as a viable option for its customer base. 

I understand there was 2 sides to the who terminated who story--I dont see that it really matters. As long as both companies are doing as well as described. Some of the big boys better be looking over thier shoulders! From what I understand, BuySmart (First Choice) has a astounding number containers on the inbound flow chart currently, and thier business is up times 3 from about year ago. a few of those containers are mine to be delivered in the next few weeks--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. *Since 1977*

Deerlope · Dec 11, 2003

At this point I would be very interested to know what all 3 holes look like( both tube holes& pivot plate hole). The pivot hole has to be worn a lot . If you are going to re-bush make sure that you do the pivot plate hole also. There are many ways to repair things and from what I have seen here all suggestion are good ones.