Tiller Chinese Tillers

[nomad]

While these Chinese tillers are much cheaper comparing with other tillers made in Italy, Turkey, etc why are people still buying other expensive tillers? Don't talk about the quality. There is no significant difference between qualities of all world implements. Same can be said about other implements too. The reason is because of a kind of personal patriotic feelings that like to protect "made in home" products? But, then, Italy, Turkey or most of manufacturers' homes are not their home of most people here.

 

[creeper]

You seem to already have your answer....... some people may be concerned about getting parts later, Do you have alot of experience with tillers? Just wondering if you have really compared the quality under working conditions.

 

[nomad]

I have many specializations in my background from science to engineering to farming to international business, etc. I have sold many implements in many international markets as well as many custom made products. I know of many implements including several tillers made by several manufacturers already. So, experience speaking here. Raw materials (say sheet metals in implements) are more or less same quality between ST37 and 44.) Gearbox cases usually same; all grey cast iron with the same raw material and alloy elements. Tines don't differ. Usually, the only difference between two tillers is in laborship quality in building together, for example, in welding. Another difference is usually in painting method; some uses powder paint, some uses spray paint. Okay, these differences will cost some extra money, but there should not be so much difference in the prices. Parts supply in implements is usually not a problem. Parts of most of tillers and other implements will fit each other without a problem. Finally, note that you can not find another person who can talk good about products of his competitiors. It's only me.

 

[pekabu]

Could be the name that China has earned. Whenever I see Made in China on anything, I tend to scrutinize it more. Lots of cheap junk mixed in with some decent stuff doesn't help.

 

[GeneD14]

In my neck of the woods we don't have any dealers near by that even sell Chinese implements. Even if there were local dealers I would only consider if they offered a great warranty, because I have bought may tools that were made in China and they have a high mortality rate .

 

[viking65]

Here is an example of a 42" Chinese FarmPro tiller for $1099.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=66889&item=7516765870&rd=1

I'll gladly pay another $151 (12%), which I did, for a Woods GTC40, made in Italy I believe. I can go to any of hundreds of Woods dealers for parts and service.

"Much cheaper", I don't see it. The Farmpro is definately not a bargain compared to the Woods GTC40. And it's certainly not a better tiller.

 

[thegreatrandini]

You see if you don't have to pay shipping china stuff can be a bargin. I have seen farm pro tillers at the traveling tool sale for about $600.00. I think that is a good deal but I do not think that they are as good as tiller as my KK II. They have the curved tines. I have very heavy duty L tines. They are painted every bit as well. I would like to run one and see what I think of it... Also you have to assemble all that chinese stuff... I have the farm pro $100 dollar blade and I am very happy with it but the KK blades at TSC are more heavy duty and easier to change the angle on. So I agree that there are bargins in china stuff I disagree that they are all the same...

 

[Villengineer]

You really like to beat on these dead horses don't you. I seem to remember you bringing this up not that long ago. Any way, I have seen one of the Chinese tillers (Farm Pro) and they really don't compare to the other tillers I've seen. There are differences in the main areas of concern when it comes to just about any piece of equipment: materials, workmanship, servicability, support, and usefullness. Let's look at this based on each of these areas. Materials - First, there are often differences in the materials, even if they are supposed to be the same "grade". I know this because we routinely investigate the various international options where I work. We do use some castings from China, but have rejected the vast majority of the Chinese products. While the chemistry might be correct, or at least close, the material is often still sub par. Especially in castings, they often have a much higher rate of inclusions, slag pockets, and other issues. Why would their tillers be any different? Also the one I saw used significantly lighter components than other tillers I've seen. Since I own and use a tiller, I know that lighter is not necessarily better. Also, you don't need to be an engineer to see that they are not "making up" for the lighter material based on design. Workmanship - You are correct in that welding is often a problem, but so is general adherance to GD&T. We see more Chinese part rejections due to the fact that they simply aren't what the print specified than any other factor. Often they simply look bad, too. The tiller I saw did not appear to be an improvement in any of those areas. You don't have to have the prints to see these problems when parts don't quite line up and the welds are usually self incriminating. Servicability - While you are correct in that there appear to be several tiller lines which at least seem to be close cousins and the parts would most likely be interchangable, I don't see the similarities in the Chinese tiller. That coupled with the fact that, like others have said, dealers and/or parts sources are either non-existant or few and far between. Ebay is NOT what I consider a reliable source for parts. Some sources of the tillers simply don't carry replacement parts at all. Also, you stated that tines don't differ. What? Have you not looked at the various tillers? The tines on a KK look nothing like the tines on a Yanmar which aren't the same as the Farm Pro which won't work on a Howard. Therefore servicability is a problem. Support - As I mentioned above, the majority of the sources for these tillers are only interested in the initial sale. This isn't limited to the Chinese tillers, but certainly is magnified with them. Usefullness - I think I have seen 2 versions of these tillers and the only difference was width. If you peruse the various threads on tillers you'll find that many owners/potential owners are looking for specific widths and other features that the Chinese tillers don't offer. There may be other Chinese tillers available, but the common one is as basic and "bare bones" as you can get. I am sure that there is a market for these, especially at the lower $ I've seen on them. However, I don't see how you can compare them as equals or expect a majority of buyers to change their specifications.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Finally, note that you can not find another person who can talk good about products of his competitiors. It's only me. )</font> Please, this happens all the time in all areas of commerce. I can think of a recent instances right here on TBN where people have discussed the advantages of competitors products.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Parts availability, quality, and US jobs. Whenever possible, I buy USA. Yes my USA stuff contains foreign built components, but...

 

[slowrev]

Yeah I remember when Japanese stuff was considered Junk, Now JD tractors and stuff are built there. Just wait a few years and big name small tractors will be built in china as well. JD and big 3 automakers are already in manufacturing deals there.
the only disadvantage I can see with current chinese tillers is parts availability.
Ben