High prices on parts for older Kubotas

[rbargeron]

As the existing inventories of replacement parts for older models become depleted, Kub apparently does make an effort to produce new ones, but prices reflect the costs of making them in small quantities. I ran into this on new floorboards for the L3250 - prices were way up. Salvage/recycler yards are aware of this and their prices are in step, customarily at around half of current list price from Kub. (back when I checked, one wanted $180 for the right side floorboard). I'm told there are some parts for '70s and '80s models that are simply discontinued by Kub and not offered at any price. The pto shaft for a L355ss comes to mind.

 

[davesl708]

It is too bad some parts are no longer available. It does cost a lot to produce a part then warehouse it to see if someone may want it in the future.
Salvage yards are great for this but finding one that has the part you need and then getting it can be a real challenge.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm told there are some parts for '70s and '80s models that are simply discontinued by Kub and not offered at any price. The pto shaft for a L355ss comes to mind.

Another way of considering production of replacement parts for 30 - 40 year old tractors, without assembly line efficiency, virtually hand made, and inventoried for a long period, waiting for a customer, is that price would have to be infinite to be profitable, and what volume would there be at an infinite price? If there is a PROFITABLE niche, SOMEONE, not necessarily Kubota, will produce the parts.

(You can still buy almost any aftermarket part for 1940's Ford 8N/9N tractors, none made by Ford, but at high prices, perhaps $360 for a right floorboard.)

Low volume replacement parts are the antithesis of "lean" inventories, just-in-time deliveries, etc.

At some point, when replacement parts are too high, it is time to haul the old beater to the salvage yard, or sell it yourself as parts on eBay. If you part it out yourself, you will discover what a tremendous drain on your time selling low volume parts is, and how expensive it is to ship same.

Depreciation in the U.S. tax code subsidizes old equipment replacement with new.

INTERESTING LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...defunct-tractor-manufacturers.html?highlight=

 

[smstonypoint]

I know next to nothing about 3-D printing, but it seems to me that technological advances may allow production of replacement parts on demand at relatively low cost.

Steve,

 

[dusty3030]

I know next to nothing about 3-D printing, but it seems to me that technological advances may allow production of replacement parts on demand at relatively low cost. Steve,

This is the buzz in the auto parts world.

 

[gwstang]

(You can still buy almost any aftermarket part for 1940's Ford 8N/9N tractors, none made by Ford, but at high prices, perhaps $360 for a right floorboard

I get most of my 8N parts from here. Ford 8N Running Board - RH - 8N16472
$175.92 RH running board. Pretty good price for a '52 8N. There are so many N tractors out there that most parts are reproduced. I know what you mean where restoration stuff is out of sight!

 

[rScotty]

For our 1958 John Deere 2 cylinder tractor I just drive over to the JD dealer. That tractor is pushing towards her 60th Bday, and has lived with us for almost 30 years now. For the first 20 of those years it was our "go to" tractor for every really tough job and chore.

So far the dealer has been able to supply the few parts that it needed. Most parts are OEM and he had a surprising number in stock. Only a couple of things had to be ordered and those just took a couple days to get here.
Parts availability like that is nice feeling; it lets owners know that the company is planning to be in business for the long haul. And it does benefit the company in ways not always obvious. It's why our newest TLB is a John Deere.

Here's hoping Kubota does as well. So far they have.
rScotty