Sad ... but true

[Qapla]

We (my father-in-law and me) were looking at the TLB 39/45 series. We were trying to decide between the GS and the HST. We had three dealers vying for our business.

First, though we had to do something with our Farmtrac DTC 360. After determining that a trade-in was out of the question (value too low) we were going to try the equipment auction in our area.

In the meantime, I was laid off and now my father-in-law has lost his second income (his main income is retirement pay). Due to the economic conditions, we had to put the tractor upgrade on the back burner

I was wondering, how many others have had to put off upgrading or adding equipment due to the economic down-turn?

 

[sweettractors]

We have noticed a big up tick in new and used parts this year and last. When customers buy new whole goods, they are very discriminating in their purchases. Ken Sweet

 

[TripleR]

No, but it sure had an affect on my comfort level when doing so. I have been very surprised that our local Kubota dealer has had to add another mechanic due to the high demand for tractors. When I bought my last one a couple of months ago, everyone in the shop was doing assembly/prep. They handle NH and Kubota.

Sorry to hear about your situation; been there.

 

[Thomas]

Fingers cross for economic up swing for your family.

I have notice more first time buyers are purchasing second hand,and the ones need the horse power purchasing the basic tractor...couple thousands here and there can help on fuel/servicing..tight times.

 

[sweettractors]

Gardens, Truck Patches and Wildlife Food plot implements are going like gang busters for us. Ken Sweet

 

[Motractr]

Gardens, Truck Patches and Wildlife Food plot implements are going like gang busters for us. Ken Sweet

Okay, what's a truck patch?

 

[montelatici]

We can all be optimistic, but I suspect that the standard of living we are used to will decline. The past 20 years, we have maintained a high standard of living through borrowing on virtual home values and easy credit. Our kids and grand kids will have to get used to high down payments for homes and saving money to buy things like cars.

 

[nebraskasparks]

Went through the Texas depression of 1987-1992,,,deja vu. I rebuilt everything back then because I had more time than money. I know tons of people who can't find jobs but don't worry the Republicans or Democrats will make it better next time around:laughing:

Ran into a bright kid with a degree in economics from Dartmouth ... can't find anything as he has no "skills" to offer. Lots of moving vans in our area as families are foreclosed on and have to move.

What to do? You're already doing it. Work close with your family and friends. Barter labor for whatever. Affluent America is only for the politicians and rich...middle class has been shipped overseas.
If you have to buy...buy quality that will last. What Ken Sweet said....discriminating buyers. Invest in your family with gardens, canning...just like grandma and grandpa used to do. Hard work for sure leads to an honest heart and solid relationships. Something Washington D.C. doesn't know anything about.

Hang in there.

 

[_RaT_]

No question the entire country is in bunker mentality. I sure am. Every now and then I read posts here about "getting a new" or "about to pull the trigger", I will not be doing any posts like that.

I might replace my 1993 Ford F250 with a new used 2000 to 2004 Toyota Tacoma type truck, but that's the limit of my expenditures. I am simply being nickel and dime'd to death by my Ford.

I read that guns, ammo and underground shelters are popular today. I have lots of ammo, no gun and no underground shelter, but I'm thinking about it. :laughing:

 

[sweettractors]

Okay, what's a truck patch?

Around here in Kentucky, A truck patch is a oversize garden. When the produce comes in, you load the back of your "Truck" and take it to town farmers market or down at a busy intersection and sell your produce. Produce of this sort brings top dollar. Real good source for additional income, If, you have a small unused field on your farm. Ken Sweet