Talking about your tractor problems

[Cliff_Johns]

I've noticed in a couple places, comments about the number of problems reported here (TBN) for particular tractors and how that should affect buying practices.

My concern is that, in an effort to show a person's brand of tractor as better (that is, to have brand loyalty) we may resist comming here to present issues/problems/short commings of our own brand or model for fear that this will turn off prospective buyers.

It's a cause and effect situation. We adjust to what is measured, and if problem-reporting on TBN begins to be measured, the natural reaction is to not report these problems.

Please carefully avoid this trap.

Perhaps I'm being overly worried about something that has not and will not come to pass, but I thought it would be helpful to bring the possibility into everyone's consciousness.

Thanks you for your time,
Cliff

 

[PineRidge]

Cliff I am also concerned that there may be more than a few owners that simply don't want to hurt the dealers themselves. A problematic tractor is not the fault of the dealer that sold it is it? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[frank_f15]

CLIFF: understand where you are comming from, but for MYSELF and i am sure MOST of the other members , if there are problems with my tractor i would most assuredly tell folks about it.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Cliff johns,

I understand what you are trying to say, but how do you balance the few problem tractors with the majority that have no problems. In addition, many tractor problems are operator error and not problems with the tractor itself. Unfortunately, some people will interpret one person's problem as a general indictment against the particular model identified, or worse yet, against the entire brand.

I have a neighbor with a less than two year-old tractor that is constantly broke down. Last week I helped them get it back into running shape. The mower blades were original and worn so badly that they were almost unrecognizable. One rear mower bracket and one front bracket were broken off and had to be welded back on. The blade belt was broke (this necessitated their asking for help). The tilt hood brackets were broke. I checked the engine oil; none on the dipstick. Two tires low on air and on and on.

I won't identify the brand of tractor because it wouldn't be fair. This tractor has had the crap run out of it. The owner could post each of his problems and many would think that this unit must be problematic. The problem is that the owner has little knowledge or experience with this type of tractor and his 20 something son is the operator. The operator drives as fast as he can possibly go and cuts the lawn as low as he can drop the mower. If it was an animal, I would call the humane society.

OrangeGuy

 

[hazmat]

I think you see more of the problems in the brand specific owning/operating sections. I've posted in the NH forum all the problems I've had (there have only been a couple in 2 years). None have put me out of commision. I don't tend to report my minor problems when people are asking for "which tractor" advice. I figure any brand has it's share of minor problems.

 

[beenthere]

O.G.
That was very well put.
Thanks

 

[NIXON]

Cliff , I believe the majority of ownners will seek an answer to their difficulties here before consulting their dealer .
The one problem I've had with my machine was brought up here first . In the end it did take the dealer to remedy it . But I thought it better to ask here first to be sure it wasn't operator induced. Of course of brought up a few other things . Such as not remembering that the ROPS is 8' high and I only have a 7' door . But that isn't able to be remedied by TBN or the dealer /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif John

 

[KiotiJohn]

Cliff, I have had this thought before, but I don't think it's a problem at this point. It seems we get quite a few "problems" mentioned, and mostly in order to receive help in solving them. I would hope that most prospective buyers who come here had come often enough to realize just how FEW problems overall most tractors do have.
For every problem mentioned, there are probably thousands of the same model that don't have any problems, or very minor ones.
I've been very pleased to see that our Kioti forum has seemed very forthcoming on problems, and most are willing to attempt getting changes made by the MFG when there is a common, recurring problem going on.
Thanks for your thought-provoking post. I can see how it could happen. John

 

[mwood]

Cliff:
As a member of this site with only a garden tractor (hoping to upgrade to the world of CUT's soon), I find the posts regarding problems to be very useful. Not because I am trying to find the most problem free tractor. I think it's fair to say that any of the major tractor manufacturers are putting out quality machines.

However, I think it's more the responsibility of the readers of these forums to note that people here are posting their problems in order to get them resolved. They are not bashing the brand of tractor they own, or in any way saying that it is a bad machine. Mostly, they are trying to get another person's perspective on their situation.

Nothing in this world is trouble free. It's just a fact of life. But this is one of the most friendly and helpful sites I've found on teh net for tractor information. And with that, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank all of you who contribute your time and knowledge to this forum.

Will the problems mentioned here about a certian tractor keep me from purchasing it? Most likely no. However, it will give me some upfront information to make me an informed buyer. It will allow me to watch for things (instrument fogging on the JD 4x10 series for example) if I were to take the plunge.

Keep posting your problems! Please! This is the true reason for such a great site -- to help others.

 

[slowrev]

Lets keep one thing in mind folks " The squeaky wheel gets the grease" . I am sure some of what is posted on this board gets back to the various CUT manufacturers and dealers, etc. After all how many CUT tractor boards of this size are there ? It is an easy way for a manufacturer to get a feel for the market.
Real tractor problems posted on this board might help to get these problems resolved on future models.