Where was my JD4100 built?

kennyd · Dec 15, 2005

( I'd heard they were made in Korea and mentioned this to a dealer (not the one I eventually bought from) and he puffed up and shot back "they're made in Georgia." I think he was a tad defensive about this. )

Well, Your dealer is just plain mis-informed, if you look on the nameplate, on the right side of the frame under the radiator, it shows the model #, serial #, and clearly states "MADE IN JAPAN" by Yanmar.

beenthere · Dec 15, 2005

When companies like Deere go global with their sales, there are trade-offs and deals made in order to ship their products into other countries. Many of those deals, I believe, include manufacturing parts and tractors in those countries. Similarly, Toyota has plants in the US to assemble.
I support the american worker and buy 'american' whenever I feel that the quality is worth the extra dollar, and I'm willing to pay that extra. I don't, however, support the "american" worker who wants a free ride, and wants un-earned benefits just 'because'. I could use Unions as an example, but won't. Too many free-loaders and then the work ends up in 'illegals' hands to do it, or the work goes out of the US to be made by others. But all that is an involved and complicated 'mess' so I can only have an effect on it if I buy 'american made' whenever possible.

Hydraman · Dec 15, 2005

What the hey!!!!!!!
As early as 1973 the 2130's, 2530's, etc, were made in Germany!!!!!!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

2nstonge · Dec 15, 2005

It's a global economy, and it's not going to change anytime soon. Whether it's raw material, component parts, sub-assemblies or even the entire assembly the odds are pretty good that nothing in your garage or workshop is 100% 'American Made'. Once it leaves the american plant (or port of entry) it's shipped to you on a vehicle that's not 100%american made...and whatever mode of transportation it's a pretty good bet that it's burning fuel from a foreign source. Rather than adopt a blind 'build it here' mentality we need to invest in training, education & re-deploying the work force to adapt & survive (with good wages and benefits) in the real world where manufacturing jobs will continue to be 'outsourced'.

Ok, I'll get off my soap box now.

-Norm

Iowa2210 · Dec 15, 2005

JD has been a global company for almost 50 years. The Manheim, Germany works opened in the late 60's and produced everything in the 60-100hp range. the 6000 series is still produced there as well as the 5025 series. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. The 5003 series is built in India. JD currently has a combine manufacturing facility outside St. Petersberg, Russia. They are what us Americans should be proud of, an American company with Global influence. If you want a US made piece of equipment you are linited to: Combines, Moline, IL. Lawn and Garden, Horicon, WI. Industrial and Construction, Dubuque, IA and Moline, IL. Tillage equip, Ankeny, IA, balers and mowers, Ottumwa, IA, 7000-9000 series tractors, Waterloo, IA.

Why are there facilities in Germany and India? Because that is were the bulk of that market is. Safety, lighting, and tire regulations are different in Europe, why make tractors like that in the US and ship them? Although the last time I was through the Waterloo Works they were prepping 7000 series tractors for shipment to Europe. In the middle 90's they were casting the I-6 engine blocks for Jeep.

If you want something truly made only in the USA, that doesn't sound like a company on very stable footing. If your business model does not incorporate international impacts and influence, I don't think you'll be in the black for long.

Interesting factoid of the day: The EU carries more monetary weight than the US in global economics. Total GDP is higher, import and export value is higher. While its many countries working together, when they do work in harmony they are a very powerful economic player, just ask Jack Welch of GE!

Iowa2210

PapaPerk · Dec 19, 2005

(

Where was your tractor made ?? )

Osaka, Japan...By Kubota!
Deere lost my respect a few years back on <50 hp tractors. The 790 and 990 seem pretty nice though.

PapaPerk · Dec 19, 2005

(

Rather than adopt a blind 'build it here' mentality we need to invest in training, education & re-deploying the work force to adapt & survive (with good wages and benefits) in the real world where manufacturing jobs will continue to be 'outsourced'.

-Norm )

Umm what do you suggest people should do? Flip hamburgers and open law offices? America was founded on manufacturing. Period. During the industrial revolution America became the leader in manufactured goods. Manufacturing is what builds a country and drives the economy. Not service jobs. The servers, serve manufactures.

Most American companies are driven by profits. Most care very little for their employes or customers. This is a bad approach for business. It should be customer first and treat your employees like family. Its all about respect. Without respect unions form and walls are created. Toyota follows the customer first mentality and treats its employees well. Its no wonder they will take the lead as the number one auto company in the world. Wal-Mart is a perfect example of an American company gone wrong. It seems that nearly everything in Wal-Mart is shipped in from China. Just think a few years ago Americans (your neighbors) were making the products. Now what are they doing? You going to educate a 42 year woman that stiched blue jeans to be an engineer or doctor? Get real. Not everyone can be "educated" to have an advanced job. That is a republican pipe dream. The real story is big business and big politics is selling out the U.S.

My point (not well made) on John Deere is that they are getting cheap. Building products were the labor is cheap and using cheap materials. I bought a Kubota. Yes its made in Japan. And yes its workmanship and quality of materials is far superior to a Deere of greater price. Why's that? Kubota's customer based and Deere's profit based.

That's all folks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

2nstonge · Dec 20, 2005

I hate to burst your bubble but I would venture a guess that Kubota is 'profit based' also, you might find a reference to it in their annual report. Customer focus comes in at the dealer level and we've seen enough posts about good & not-so-good dealers of every color on this board. Quality is in the eye of the beholder, and IMO, Kubota and yes, Deere, are at the top of the list regardless of their country of origin.

The need to 'educate' & re-train the displaced workforce is a by-product of the industrial revolution. It's been going on forever, it happened to me at 43 years old. I'm not bitter about it and I'm not blaming the country for it. It was/is an opportunity and a challenge, and some days I wonder what the heck I'm doing - but it's been refreshing and alot of fun, too.

Happy Holidays, -Norm

MikePA · Dec 20, 2005

This is not directed to anyone in particular.

Please do not swerve this thread into a political discussion. There are plenty of sites on the Internet for political discussions and TBN is not one of them.

joes_427_vette · Dec 20, 2005

Global economy is correct. I read an article where Harley Davidson had to drop the "american made" banner from their advertising due to so many foreign additives. Their electronics is Japan, and the water cooled v rod a product of German design. As long as the company stands behind it with parts and service that is important. John Deere has a reputation for this and will continue into the future ( I hope ). I have never heard nothing but praise for the Yunmar diesel power trains. With good service they will last a long , long time.