I find that there are many differences in the quality of equipment including tractors. Some are built to last many years and hours of operation with little or no issues.
On the other side there are manufactures that build for less hours and of coarse more repairs.
What I often find is that those that are so proud of there product you won't find someone elses name on only the manufacturers are prouder of their work and often build a superior product.
Your telling me Kubota doesn't outsource a single position? That is absolutely impossible in todays market. The product may be unique to Kubota, but every aspect of the tractor isn't built and designed by Kubota. It is just plain out right cheaper to outsource some things, if Kubota didn't do this it would make the tractor much more expensive. And in my experience these companies do better jobs as they are in more competition and they are doing their specialty. Auto and tractor companies outsource all types of products, whether it be the glass to cover their display, or an engine. I find the opposite of what you say.
the confusion here has been that manufacturers websites are not always 100% truthful when they make that statement. Too often a guy tightening 24 lug nuts becomes "made in the USA" after the marketing dept gets ahold of it. Ya gotta read between the lines.
I'd like to know where you got this info. As I said, stuff is outsourced from all around and assembled in the US. My GMC 4500 Topkick is Made in Flint, Michigan, USA. Which is right where I live. I've toured the plant and know many people that work there. The ONLY thing they do on this line is assemble the truck. The parts come in and go together down a line. If they were to build it all in Flint, all the different places where parts were made would likely take up more than the entire city. Yes, JD assembles their tractors here - all except the 2x20's and x005's, but like anything parts come from anywhere.
*
IMPORTANT*
I would like to also emphasize the importance of the design/engineering. It takes on average about 7-10 YEARS to design and engineer a car, before it goes on the road. In this process
HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS of dollars are poured into design/research and engineering. When your car goes down the line it typically takes 7-10 HOURS and several
THOUSAND dollars in labor and production cost.
If you've never watched the Milton Friedman I, Pencil I suggest you do so. I do realize it's based around politics, but the fundamental that one person cannot build a pencil, goes true with one country can't build a tractor. I like Deere, but I have no problem with any other brand, and have owned them. The argument is pretty weak now of where the tractor is made and even built/designed.
I would suggest you find a local dealer that will support you and a tractor that you like. Which is more American won't affect the performance - which is what really matters.
