Dealer One less Internet ignorant dealer
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ByronBob
Veteran Member
All right Sky Pup I'll bite.......
I have never to this day been called by my dealer, Kubota or anyone else for that matter about my tractor ever.
The only thing I do get is an e-mail saying in 5 days I'm going into your checking acct to pull out your monthly payment thank you very much.
So how do you rate?? I wish I did /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I have never to this day been called by my dealer, Kubota or anyone else for that matter about my tractor ever.
The only thing I do get is an e-mail saying in 5 days I'm going into your checking acct to pull out your monthly payment thank you very much.
So how do you rate?? I wish I did /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
CT_Tree_Guy
Platinum Member
Neil (and all):
Let me say first that I have read many, many of your posts and they have been invaluable to me, as so many other posts here have been. Let me say secondly that I know that you have more tractor knowledge in your little pinky than I have in all of me. I sure do hesitate to "cross pens" with you on anything tractor-related, but that's what I'm going to do. Please take it in the spirit in which it is meant. As always, I never intend to be confrontational, disrespectful, or just plain "full of it" (or "full of myself", for that matter).
That said, I do have to offer a dissenting opinion about whether or not Kubota could obtain a LOT of valuable information from this, and probably other, tractor discussion websites. I know you pretty much said the same thing </font><font color="blue" class="small">( It's [TBN, internet] probably a great source of information for the marketing dept. I am sure they can get a good feeling for what features consumers see as important. )</font> I had a hard time squaring that with your lead-off comment though. </font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can tell you why. Its because they have no idea if what is posted here is really true or not. )</font> Even though my experience with tractors is limited, I have a lot of experience with people, and with machines, and with which end is up in general. I can do a pretty good job of separating the wheat from the chaff, and I have no doubt that many or most other people share that ability. If we couldn't, I don't we wouldn't all spend so much time here reading all these posts.
If someone is experiencing a loud, high-pitched noise from their hydro accompanied by a stalling condition, Kubota is not going to go out and redesign their tranny, only to find out the guy had his parking brake on. I think I, as well as Kubota, can get a decent handle on whether or not something has the "ring of truth" to it. I give you as an example all of Skypup/Thom's posts, and yours, and countless others.
At the risk of repeating myself, I would think that it's a hope of yours that people don't dismiss your posts because they can't tell if what you're saying is true or false. I share that hope for those (unfortunate few) who read my posts.
This thread, Down to Orange , and the related one, Calling all BXX30 owners with a PHD , which you participated in, just might cause Kubota to re-think eliminating the foot clutch on future tractors.
This thread
NEW L4330 POWER QUESTION might get them thinking about a completely new line of tractors that I've always wished they would make. The first models would have engines in the 54-75 HP range, hydro option, stronger loaders like the ones on the "M"'s, stronger 3ph lift, available ag radials, and locking front differential like the larger "M" s (anyone else besides me want a 4WD tractor instead of a 3WD?). And before someone says "why not just offer hydro on the M's", these tractors would be articulated, just like the tractor of my dreams, the Holder 872H, and the Power-tracs, which have taken more than one previous Kubota owner out of the orange "fold". The Holders are very, very expensive, but I bet Kubota could make a similar machine for a lot less. Build it, and I bet they will come. Are you listening Kubota? I bought my 5030 because it was the biggest Kubota I could get with hydro. It fills most of my needs, but my next machine will be bigger, and have as many of the features I just described as possible. I'd love it to be a Kubota, but it's looking like it would be a Holder.
This an absolutely amazing website. I have never seen such a diverse, experienced, savvy, get-things-done, intelligent, informed, logical bunch in my entire life. I'd just like to stick up for every single person here and say that i think that your collective knowledge and wisdom IS valuable, and SHOULD be listened to by the people who are providing you with your machines. YOU are the ones who buy them, and keep the manufacturers in business. When I go to the power equipment store to buy a chain saw, I don't ask my dealer what saw to buy; I know what I need. And in the process of buying my tractor, the first tractor I ever owned, I never asked one single dealer what tractor I should buy. I knew what I wanted, right down to the block heater. And I did that based largely by reading the specs, but most importantly by reading thousands of posts right here on TBN. That was by far the single most important factor in my getting exactly the tractor I wanted and needed, having never before known much about tractors other than that they had 4 wheels and a thing called a three point hitch. Whether it's a chain saw, a tractor, or any other piece of equipment, I will buy it from the manufacturer who has figured out what I need. What better way for them to know what I need than for me to tell them?
I have seen so many comments on here that I really wished Kubota could see that I will probably end up calling them and doing my best to make sure that they do start reading this site, and maybe even having a Kubota representative as a member with whom we can exchange posts and PM's. I think their bottom line would go up as a result, I have little doubt about that.
I'll conclude by repeating a point. If it's so hard to obtain good, usable, reliable information on TBN, or on the internet in general, then what are we all doing here? And if people are as gullible and unable to separate good advice from bad as is being suggested here, I might just start having a little fun, and make my new "stock" answer to every question I ever see asked, "Hey, just hit it with the biggest sledgehammer you can find".
Let me say first that I have read many, many of your posts and they have been invaluable to me, as so many other posts here have been. Let me say secondly that I know that you have more tractor knowledge in your little pinky than I have in all of me. I sure do hesitate to "cross pens" with you on anything tractor-related, but that's what I'm going to do. Please take it in the spirit in which it is meant. As always, I never intend to be confrontational, disrespectful, or just plain "full of it" (or "full of myself", for that matter).
That said, I do have to offer a dissenting opinion about whether or not Kubota could obtain a LOT of valuable information from this, and probably other, tractor discussion websites. I know you pretty much said the same thing </font><font color="blue" class="small">( It's [TBN, internet] probably a great source of information for the marketing dept. I am sure they can get a good feeling for what features consumers see as important. )</font> I had a hard time squaring that with your lead-off comment though. </font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can tell you why. Its because they have no idea if what is posted here is really true or not. )</font> Even though my experience with tractors is limited, I have a lot of experience with people, and with machines, and with which end is up in general. I can do a pretty good job of separating the wheat from the chaff, and I have no doubt that many or most other people share that ability. If we couldn't, I don't we wouldn't all spend so much time here reading all these posts.
If someone is experiencing a loud, high-pitched noise from their hydro accompanied by a stalling condition, Kubota is not going to go out and redesign their tranny, only to find out the guy had his parking brake on. I think I, as well as Kubota, can get a decent handle on whether or not something has the "ring of truth" to it. I give you as an example all of Skypup/Thom's posts, and yours, and countless others.
At the risk of repeating myself, I would think that it's a hope of yours that people don't dismiss your posts because they can't tell if what you're saying is true or false. I share that hope for those (unfortunate few) who read my posts.
This thread, Down to Orange , and the related one, Calling all BXX30 owners with a PHD , which you participated in, just might cause Kubota to re-think eliminating the foot clutch on future tractors.
This thread
NEW L4330 POWER QUESTION might get them thinking about a completely new line of tractors that I've always wished they would make. The first models would have engines in the 54-75 HP range, hydro option, stronger loaders like the ones on the "M"'s, stronger 3ph lift, available ag radials, and locking front differential like the larger "M" s (anyone else besides me want a 4WD tractor instead of a 3WD?). And before someone says "why not just offer hydro on the M's", these tractors would be articulated, just like the tractor of my dreams, the Holder 872H, and the Power-tracs, which have taken more than one previous Kubota owner out of the orange "fold". The Holders are very, very expensive, but I bet Kubota could make a similar machine for a lot less. Build it, and I bet they will come. Are you listening Kubota? I bought my 5030 because it was the biggest Kubota I could get with hydro. It fills most of my needs, but my next machine will be bigger, and have as many of the features I just described as possible. I'd love it to be a Kubota, but it's looking like it would be a Holder.
This an absolutely amazing website. I have never seen such a diverse, experienced, savvy, get-things-done, intelligent, informed, logical bunch in my entire life. I'd just like to stick up for every single person here and say that i think that your collective knowledge and wisdom IS valuable, and SHOULD be listened to by the people who are providing you with your machines. YOU are the ones who buy them, and keep the manufacturers in business. When I go to the power equipment store to buy a chain saw, I don't ask my dealer what saw to buy; I know what I need. And in the process of buying my tractor, the first tractor I ever owned, I never asked one single dealer what tractor I should buy. I knew what I wanted, right down to the block heater. And I did that based largely by reading the specs, but most importantly by reading thousands of posts right here on TBN. That was by far the single most important factor in my getting exactly the tractor I wanted and needed, having never before known much about tractors other than that they had 4 wheels and a thing called a three point hitch. Whether it's a chain saw, a tractor, or any other piece of equipment, I will buy it from the manufacturer who has figured out what I need. What better way for them to know what I need than for me to tell them?
I have seen so many comments on here that I really wished Kubota could see that I will probably end up calling them and doing my best to make sure that they do start reading this site, and maybe even having a Kubota representative as a member with whom we can exchange posts and PM's. I think their bottom line would go up as a result, I have little doubt about that.
I'll conclude by repeating a point. If it's so hard to obtain good, usable, reliable information on TBN, or on the internet in general, then what are we all doing here? And if people are as gullible and unable to separate good advice from bad as is being suggested here, I might just start having a little fun, and make my new "stock" answer to every question I ever see asked, "Hey, just hit it with the biggest sledgehammer you can find".
SkyPup
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2003
- Messages
- 3,079
- Location
- North Central, Florida
- Tractor
- Kubota L-39 GST TLB, Kubota L3130GST, Massey 1030 HST, Kubota ZD-21 ProDecK, Two Euro VW TDIs
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( All right Sky Pup I'll bite.......
I have never to this day been called by my dealer, Kubota or anyone else for that matter about my tractor ever.
The only thing I do get is an e-mail saying in 5 days I'm going into your checking acct to pull out your monthly payment thank you very much.
So how do you rate?? I wish I did /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )</font>
Hmm, that's weird. I've been getting those questionairres all the time for the L-3130, ZD-21 & the L-39 TLB (first one a month or so after purchase, another @ 1 year, and another @2 years) and my dealer even calls me up out of the blue to see how things are going and if there is anything I need. or might want. They also mention that I can fill in the same form if I log onto their website, but since I never finance anything, it's easier just to fill out the forms.
I have never to this day been called by my dealer, Kubota or anyone else for that matter about my tractor ever.
The only thing I do get is an e-mail saying in 5 days I'm going into your checking acct to pull out your monthly payment thank you very much.
So how do you rate?? I wish I did /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )</font>
Hmm, that's weird. I've been getting those questionairres all the time for the L-3130, ZD-21 & the L-39 TLB (first one a month or so after purchase, another @ 1 year, and another @2 years) and my dealer even calls me up out of the blue to see how things are going and if there is anything I need. or might want. They also mention that I can fill in the same form if I log onto their website, but since I never finance anything, it's easier just to fill out the forms.
DUMBDOG
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2002
- Messages
- 1,074
- Location
- Central ND, Central FL
- Tractor
- NH 1630 W-7308 FEL/ Kubota L4630GSTC W-LA853 FEL WQ/A-CC 2544
I have yet to receive a survey from Kubota either. Might it be that some dealers participate and some do not?
ronjhall
Super Star Member
Your welcome to the link. But credit goes to MikePA. I used same thread to fix my word program.
ronjhall
Super Star Member
I have gotten a survey for several of my <font color="orange"> Kubota </font>purchases. Used the link they provided to reply on-line.
You may be right about dealer participation. Many of the survey questions are asking about dealer service.
You may be right about dealer participation. Many of the survey questions are asking about dealer service.
riptides
Super Star Member
Interesting thread. I'd like to add to the discussion on IF a COMPANY actually keeps up with internet chat. While we as consumers view this board as a resource, the question has been brought forth, do dealers, distributers and manufactures view it the same?
Past history on this board seems to indicated that some of our users are actually much more than users. Are the companies behind them? Or are they just keeping in tune on their own time because of - what?
Interesting thoughts should come to mind. My own experience here and with my dealers tend to indicate they are aware of internet resouces, they do read TBN, some contribute, but due to legal reasons, or what not, do not actively broadcast or participate.
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Past history on this board seems to indicated that some of our users are actually much more than users. Are the companies behind them? Or are they just keeping in tune on their own time because of - what?
Interesting thoughts should come to mind. My own experience here and with my dealers tend to indicate they are aware of internet resouces, they do read TBN, some contribute, but due to legal reasons, or what not, do not actively broadcast or participate.
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
orangebluegreen
Gold Member
Visiting several dealers while on vacation this past summer I usually mentioned this forum to the sales person. In every case I got the “deer in the headlights” look as if they never heard of it. After a little more time reading here I see many of those same dealers advertise on TBN so not quite sure why they wouldn’t know about this site.
I too figure the OEM’s have to read these sites if for no other reason than to make sure they aren’t being slander/liabled. I also figured many of the messages are from people with an agenda, i.e. a tractor for sale, be it dealer or individual. Like anything in life, if you pick up one good idea out of a hundred, it’s one more you didn’t have before.
BTW...I use Word also and have not seen my messages messed up on TBN, but I have had them show “?” on Yahoo forums in places where Word found an error. It is inconsistent and must have something to do with how the servers put out the data?
I too figure the OEM’s have to read these sites if for no other reason than to make sure they aren’t being slander/liabled. I also figured many of the messages are from people with an agenda, i.e. a tractor for sale, be it dealer or individual. Like anything in life, if you pick up one good idea out of a hundred, it’s one more you didn’t have before.
BTW...I use Word also and have not seen my messages messed up on TBN, but I have had them show “?” on Yahoo forums in places where Word found an error. It is inconsistent and must have something to do with how the servers put out the data?
ronjhall
Super Star Member
<font color="blue"> Visiting several dealers while on vacation this past summer I usually mentioned this forum to the sales person. In every case I got the “deer in the headlights” look as if they never heard of it. </font>
My dealer told me that he likes to deal with people that read TBN and other sites. They come in with a shopping list. All he has to do is give them a price and answer a few questions.
My dealer told me that he likes to deal with people that read TBN and other sites. They come in with a shopping list. All he has to do is give them a price and answer a few questions.
CT_Tree_Guy
Platinum Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( They come in with a shopping list. All he has to do is give them a price and answer a few questions. )</font>
That about sums up my previous tirade. I asked four dealers one question - "What's your best price for a 5030HST with 853 loader, R4's, ATI HD bucket w/cutting edge, Kubota quick-attach and a block heater?" Again, in very large part to all of the people right here.
That said, I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to Neil for the implication in that post that dealers are about as useful as my clutch. Where else would I go to test-drive the various tractors that I was considering (before I decided on the 5030), much less buy one, or take my tractor for service if something breaks, than to a dealer? If I worked my brain as much as I work my keyboard, I wouldn't find myself apologizing so much.
I do feel a great loyalty to this group, and maybe rushed a little too hastily to its defense. I still do think that's there's a wealth of good, practical information to be had here - and that sure includes all of the great advice and help that Neil has given all these years. I appreciate it very much, and don't take it for granted. Just one example, the great thread on box blades, in which Neil devoted a great deal of time and effort taking several pictures of almost every box blade under the sun, with a detailed review of each one. Great stuff, and a great service to us all. Thank you Neil, for that and all that you've done for everyone here, and I hope you accept my apologies.
John D.
That about sums up my previous tirade. I asked four dealers one question - "What's your best price for a 5030HST with 853 loader, R4's, ATI HD bucket w/cutting edge, Kubota quick-attach and a block heater?" Again, in very large part to all of the people right here.
That said, I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to Neil for the implication in that post that dealers are about as useful as my clutch. Where else would I go to test-drive the various tractors that I was considering (before I decided on the 5030), much less buy one, or take my tractor for service if something breaks, than to a dealer? If I worked my brain as much as I work my keyboard, I wouldn't find myself apologizing so much.
I do feel a great loyalty to this group, and maybe rushed a little too hastily to its defense. I still do think that's there's a wealth of good, practical information to be had here - and that sure includes all of the great advice and help that Neil has given all these years. I appreciate it very much, and don't take it for granted. Just one example, the great thread on box blades, in which Neil devoted a great deal of time and effort taking several pictures of almost every box blade under the sun, with a detailed review of each one. Great stuff, and a great service to us all. Thank you Neil, for that and all that you've done for everyone here, and I hope you accept my apologies.
John D.
BOTAMAN
Silver Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2001
- Messages
- 118
- Location
- Western Kentucky
- Tractor
- Kubota B8200DT, Kubota G1800 48" Deck
Kubota used to send out surveys automatically, but they implemented a new program this year, now the dealer gets a notice that there are surveys ready to be sent out, the dealer must go to the dealer web site and verify the names & addresses before the surveys are mailed.
jcollins
Gold Member
I think most dealers do not participate because in this industry most dealers are not tech savy at all. In this industry I think I saw where the average age of the dealer owner was in thier mid 60's and the average employee was in thier 50's. As a new crop of employees and owners begin to come on board I think you will see more and more dealer participation. Our owner is 37 and our sales force age average would be in the early 30's to guess at it. Because of that the salesmen all have computers on thier desks and use them when they get home. I have been to many dealers while traveling where sales people do not have access to computers during thier working ours and don't want them. The industry is slowly forcing dealers to change that with different programs to help sell equipment. I have forwarded several post to friends I have made at Kubota thru the years and they were happy to see them. Kubota Pricing On Kubota.com to name one. I know of several other dealers that have done the same. I have been contacted by someone at Kubota and NH about some of the posts I have placed so I can assure you that from time to time these MFG's monitor the site. We participate because I ran a search of the word Houston on the searches to see how many there were and becasue of the hight number of responses we felt we should keep an eye on things to make sure valid info was being posted. But due to a 3 year old and a 1 year old it is getting more difficult to log on every night and run thru the posts. But I still do from time to time. Hope that answered some of your questions.
cheesehead
Silver Member
Thank you for taking the time and showing the interest in TBN. I made another trip to my dealer yesterday armed with facts from this forum and it's causing them to get a little paranoid as a "tractor rookie" is beginning to question their "veteran" advice. If more stores would follow your lead they would find a higher level of customer satisfaction and probably increase sales as they'd know the salient product facts.
cheesehead
Silver Member
The word "fact" was specifically used as the people that have been helping me with my purchase offered not only opinions from their usage, but they drove be to research my purchase more thoroughly by going to the websites of manufacturers and to make an educated purchase. In this case I was buying a box blade, and my dealer didn't know what a scarifer bar was until I showed him in a picture. I didn't know what one was until TBN made me undetrstand it's use and importance. One of the implement series I was seriously considering from my TBN reading was Woods. My dealer happens to be the only Woods dealer within 40 miles of me, but he never mentioned a Woods product. So I asked him and he brushed it off as saying they "don't sell much of that" and "it would be more expensive." I left buying nothing from them but also knowing that it was the right choice. I could have easily gone in there without any knowledge (the third level of progression after data and information) and bought a product that I'd be unhappy with. Instead I'll now be willing to go that 40 miles just to have the right tool for the job and have somebody I can trust sell it to me.
CT_Tree_Guy
Platinum Member
Chuck:
Great story about the Woods box blade - almost unbelievable that your dealer didn't know about scarifiers. IF ONLY he had read Neil's in-depth report on box blades, where I was introduced to them for the first time.
I hope it didn't seem that my previous post was anything but 100% supportive of you, and the information (heck, I'm going to go ahead and call them facts) that you have obtained on TBN and elsewhere. I am completely on your side.
Here's another example of dealer ignorance. My local dealer, the one from whom I would have bought my tractor except he was $3,000 higher than Salem (NY) Farm Supply ($28,000 vs. $24,950), does not carry, and will not order for me, Kubota Super UDT. Neither do they carry, nor will they order for me, UDT. They wanted me to buy Amalie All-trac, the only hydro oil they carry. "It's just as good as Super UDT. It's all we ever sell, and it works just fine. You don't need Super UDT." I had to drive 25 miles to a competitor to get my Super UDT.
The "facts" that Super UDT is a true synthetic, contains no paraffin, has vastly superior flow rates (especially in winter), can withstand higher operating temps, and has been scientifically shown to be superior to UDT in almost every way imaginable are clearly lost on them. I think I'll listen to SkyPup and all others here whose words have the "ring of truth" to them, (and scientific "jargon" to validate them), thank you very much.
I do love this place.
Great story about the Woods box blade - almost unbelievable that your dealer didn't know about scarifiers. IF ONLY he had read Neil's in-depth report on box blades, where I was introduced to them for the first time.
I hope it didn't seem that my previous post was anything but 100% supportive of you, and the information (heck, I'm going to go ahead and call them facts) that you have obtained on TBN and elsewhere. I am completely on your side.
Here's another example of dealer ignorance. My local dealer, the one from whom I would have bought my tractor except he was $3,000 higher than Salem (NY) Farm Supply ($28,000 vs. $24,950), does not carry, and will not order for me, Kubota Super UDT. Neither do they carry, nor will they order for me, UDT. They wanted me to buy Amalie All-trac, the only hydro oil they carry. "It's just as good as Super UDT. It's all we ever sell, and it works just fine. You don't need Super UDT." I had to drive 25 miles to a competitor to get my Super UDT.
The "facts" that Super UDT is a true synthetic, contains no paraffin, has vastly superior flow rates (especially in winter), can withstand higher operating temps, and has been scientifically shown to be superior to UDT in almost every way imaginable are clearly lost on them. I think I'll listen to SkyPup and all others here whose words have the "ring of truth" to them, (and scientific "jargon" to validate them), thank you very much.
I do love this place.
LeRoi
Silver Member
You're I’ killing me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Leroy
Leroy
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
So none of "us" know what we're talking about with our own machines? It takes a dealer to know there's a real problem? If that's not a classic reponse from a dealer type I don't know what is.
