Ok, so whats the deal with the NorTrac tractors?

[northernsierras]

I'm looking to buy a tractor within the next couple weeks. Been doing a lot of research and shopping around. Was looking to buy a 33hp kubota for 25k with a loader. Found the NorTrac tractors and see i can buy a 70hp tractor with front loader for a mere 34k. Why are they so inexpensive? I assume i can get any parts i want from northern tools if something breaks? Every tractor including the kubota will have problems, so what gives? I can almost buy two NorTrac tractors for the price of one kubota. What is the argument here? Why doesnt everyone go for these tractors? Maybe someone can shine some light on this issue.

 

[MossRoad]

Probably because of dealership phobia.

 

[northernsierras]

So you think because Nortrac doesnt have dealerships all over like the other tractor companies they have to lower their prices to compete? Maybe its just about the comfort of being able to go to a dealership in your area if you have problems? Or is it just branding...NIKE shoes are better than Walmart brand type of thing

 

[MossRoad]

Not at all. I think they are not forced to sell for less to compete. They can sell for less because they have less overhead in their machines than other companies. The machines come from Asia, and as I recall (but don't quote me on this) they are assembled and tested in Minnesota. Then shipped to where ever the buyer is directly from Minnesota. I don't know how they handle service across the U.S. I just received the spring Northern Tool catalog at home. There is some literature in there regarding how they handle service. I'll have to read up on it.

But go to their website and see how easy it is to find any info out on that on your own................... good luck with that! :laughing:

You'd think they'd make it something prominent to promote peace of mind for possible buyers, but you gotta look good and hard to find anything about how to get those tractors serviced.

Go ahead. Look for it. Please! I can't find it. Post a link.... many folks would be interested in how its handled. :thumbsup:

 

[9973720wb19]

I agree with service and/or part support being a concern. NorthernTool "just sells things...they don't service anything". I purchased a power washer from them (among many other things over they years) when I needed to replace a plastic oil plug that cracked...NT told me I had to call the manufacture...good luck with that. I ended up finding a metal plug.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Actually the Northern Tool here does service small engines, chainsaws, etc. I have no idea how good they are, but I have not seen one tractor on the lot. I would assume that you would order it and then they would ship it to you. From my limited understanding Jinma is the manufacturer for the smaller units and Foton is the manufacturer for the larger ones. I would suggest instigating these brands and the specific model you are considering from Northern.

 

[s219]

Have you actually seen one?? They are pieces of crap compared to a good name brand tractor. Very much like any budget Chinese/Asian tractor you will find in that price range. You definitely get what you pay for.

If you do a search here, you will find information, some good and some bad. Some people are happy with them. When I saw one, it was unquestionably junky. Rough castings, cheap looking mechanicals, and sloppy assembly. Seemed like a waste of money to me. I know some people buy the Jinma/Foton machines and accept they will need to fix stuff that breaks all the time, but that's not for me.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Jinma tractors are not for the mechanicly feeble. If you trade your car is off before the warranty is out, because you are afraid of the blinker bulbs burning out, do not even look at these tractors. CTOA.net is a site specifically for Asian tractors. Lots of good info on there. Do your homework, make your own decision. Lots of people have put thousands of hours on them, and love them. I do not know about Northern and how they treat their customers, but there are several dealers in the United States that treat graymarket Tractor owners very well. I can have my parts in my mailbox in less than three days when needed. Mine is 10 years old with over 750 hours and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. Rock solid little tractors, little glitzy things that you need to live with. No major failures of any type.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

They are cheaper because they are of "typical" Chinese quality!

You now have been warned.

SR

 

[ArlyA]

We have limit time to get work done so when some tool breaks down, we need to get it out of the field, trailer it to whatever shop who can repair it and wait for parts to arrive and work to be completed. I can't comment on the Northern tools NorTrac tractors but we'll stick with any machine that will break down less and hopefully work more. Of course all machines can break..