the new "old" john deere

[deerefan]

the new \"old\" john deere

interesting observation....this may cause some discussion...while shopping for tractors, i noticed that tractors are not what they used to be-this is both good and bad. I looked at several John Deere models, such as the 790, 990 and 5103. I looked at some other models that blew my mind. A 30 h.p. tractor, 4wd hydrostat for about $15000! In my opinion, tractors are getting away from what a real tractor should be....simple and cheap. I narrowed my choices down to 2 tractors--the 990 and the 5103. Both 2wd models. I liked these tractor because they were simple and still had the cosmetics and style of yesterday's tractor. Maybe it is my simple mind, I just feel some of these tractors are getting to fancy and pricey. I chose the 5103 because it closely resembled what I am used to and it also had the best bang for the buck...it looks and acts like a tractor should. Some of these compact tractors are so "car-like" it is getting difficult to differentiate. Ok, so now I am rambling but my point is this--lets keep tractors simple enough the average joe like myself can operate and work on them. I posted this in the John Deere forum b/c it was the brand I analyzed and purchased. My opinion does apply to all tractor brands. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[beenthere]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

And "let's keep tractors simple enough" is what Deere did for you. And you are happy that they did. And I am glad you are happy /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

However, the big market is the 'car style' (if you want to call them that) CUT's that are hydrostat tranny and much more manueverable and easier to drive (run). So most tractor manufacturers (IMO) are responding to the market demands and they want their share of that market for a lot of "average Joe's".

I'll take my CUT with 4wd anyday over the gear tractor (Deere 2cyl 420 Utility) I use to have. I am happy too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I am assumming that you are not implying that becuase you like the 'old' simpler style, that the manufacturers should make 'em all that way /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[deerefan]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

no what i am saying is i have no problem with the new CUTs, i think they are great, especially in tight spots...i probably wasn't real clear, i just would like to see manufacturers keep the technology and tractors simple enough so we can still work on them. For instance, I also own an 8N which my father and I rebuilt the engine, hydraulics and replaced some body panel in about a week for under 2 grand. Please do not misunderstand, I am not knocking the CUT, just wishing they were a little more affordable and easier to work on. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[hobbyfarm]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...keep tractors simple enough the average joe....)</font>

deerefan,
I know what you're talking about. It's called bells & whistles by some folk, and feature bloat by other folks.
It's not just tractors.
A while back I went looking at wallyworld for a simple hot plate, couldn't find one that did not have digital this & that. All I wanted was a dial - 0=cold/off / 9=HOT. Simple - none to be had.
Same thing shopping for pickups - want no frills, I can guarantee it won't be on the dealer's lot.

If this keeps up, we'll have all sorts of junk being able to defy gravity and everything else just because "it's built in the chip". /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[FordTruckGuy]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

Totally agree with Mr. DeereFan; that's why I bought the 790. Simplicity is parsimony, as in Ockham's razor.

Not only that -- the simple, older design tractors just look better.

 

[deerefan]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

that is exactly my point...lets keep things simple, less stuff to break, less money out of pocket. The 5103 fits this to a "t" as does the 990--i did not look to closely at the 790, it was a little to small for what i needed, i am guessing it is the same as far as simplicity also. There is nothing wrong with the new stuff. I just prefer a simple tractor and I like the traditional tractor look.

 

[unreconstructed]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

Roger that, Deerefan. Just bot a 5203. No bells and whistles. My wife has to start the vcr and all that because I hate all the
"goodies". Just want to turn it on, not get an engineering degree. Sure hated the thought of getting her to show me how to operate my tractor. (just kidding, but you get my point).

I inherited my Dad's old 1850 Oliver--1966 model I believe. The 5203 and the old Oliver have the same European style fenders, gear tranny, and all that. As a contrast, he also had a 1086 International with hydrostatic tranny which is all locked up. Bet which one of the old tractors I'll be able to get back in working order the easiest and cheapest? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Cheers and keep your powder dry. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[deerefan]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

my thoughts exactly

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

I am perfectly glad you all like yours. And don't worry about getting my 4310! I like it just the way it is! And I have worked on it...

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Re: the new \"old\" john deere

All the talk about simplicity this and ease of use that are why we have advances in technology and tractors are not any different. Also why new users that have never owned a tractor can now buy them and use them safely.

The really old easy to use tractors use to require you to cut wood to make a rim and used to run on steam. Why have you all started buying those new tractors with them new fangled metal rims and using that space age diesel fuel??? Advancement in materials and technology - embrace it.

There is always the mule and plow.