Dealer Grey Dealer in TX

[arthr31]

Hi there,
I've searched the forums for instances of vina tractor co in Mesquite TX. The owner is Leon Hoaong (SP?). I remember seeing him post here, and references about vina. However, now I cannot find anything regarding this reseller. Can anyone give me details about them or their re-conditioning processes? Either contact me in this forum, or if you prefer privately .... Thanks folks... -arthr

 

[normde2001]

Have you tried http://vinatractor.com/?

 

[cfoxmd]

There were some posts a couple of years ago by Leon of Vina tractor involving discussions about vietnamese rebuilds. His posts rapidly degenerated into name calling (mostly on his part). At that point he did not seem to want to discuss the pros and cons of "used" vs. "rebuilt". I think a few here had gotten parts from him while others had supplied parts to him.

I don't know anyone who bought a tractor from him, but others may pop up with actual experiences.

 

[arthr31]

Yes, I have looked at their website. But, at this point, I don't believe any thing I look at with respect to a re-con business representing themselves via a web page. In fact, the flashier or more professional looking a web site, doesn't imply a better or more reliable product. Everything is presentation, product can be bad, but at that point it's too late...

 

[arthr31]

cfoxmd, i did see his posts, and he was active this past late winter/spring if i remember correctly. but, there's no trace now of vina or him on the message boards... He did stand out to me, accusing folks of being racist or something...

So, to the curious why I'm asking about this: I've come to discover/realize that my 1601 (cold starting nightmare) was originally sourced from vina. Last weekend I started having reddish brown leak from front right-hand side wheel hub... Gears are getting loud, I'm concerned. In a year, I've replaced battery, a hose, installed thermostart... This on a tractor that had been refurbished. From what I've read here and elsewhere, I'm lucky... so far. But, now I'm hyper sensitive to this tractor and worry that something major is going to go... And, at which point, I'm stuck.... uh oh...

Now, there's nothing I can do as far as recourse to vina or my reseller about this tractor, but if I have more details on their practices and success rates, I'll be able to make a decision on whether I'm going to keep this tractor or not... If I hear horror stories, I'm looking for a new tractor by July end.... -arthr

 

[cfoxmd]

There was a period awhile back that some data was lost from the site. I became unregistered and my posts then came from a generic "poster" name. I don't know whether his posts were purposely removed, removed by data loss, or are just under another name.

Keep us updated on your tractor and good luck. My FX28D came from Hoye--nice guys.

 

[mark777]

arthr31,

It may not be too late to disassemble your front hub, clean and oil everything. I suspect it may still have the original rice field goop churning in the front member and front end bevel gears. I would order outer bearing seals, and large hub seals IF your wheel bearings and roller bearings spin freely without sloppy or loose tolerances.

Good luck, Mark

 

[thegreatrandini]

My tractor and loader originginated from them also. I have not had much trouble so far with my 2210.. knock on wood....I think it was redone nicely!!

 

[cfoxmd]

Good to here a good result.

 

[loaderbob]

Athr31,
I would recommend RCO Tractor in Mesquite for Vina tractors as their QA process is better and more selective (in my opinion) and they just opened a new facility. I have not had many problems at all with Vina sourced tractors other than Batteries, which I upgrade on all most of my units to marine grade, especially over 25hp. I am not going to get on my QA soapbox, but the problems you are having are not common with the tractors out of that factory, and most should have been caught during the break in before you ever saw the tractor(at least the belts/hoses). If you are having chronic problems with your unit, talk to your re-seller and see what they will kick in. Thet do a good job on there tractors and they are well reconditioned, I would not worry about the horror strories.

As far as the other comments about Leon, from what I heard he has had a tough time in Texas with some racist folks doing and saying not very nice things to him because he is Vietnameese. I understand his is a little touchy about all the anti-vietnam rhetoric, which I think most of us can understand. I certainly get very defensive when I go over-seas and people from Europe make generalizations and start ridiculing me about "fat, lazy workers, and the dumbing down of America"(them are fighting words where I come from...) He also had a few uncreditable dealers rip him off. I do not know the whole story, but I have heard it 2nd hand. I have talked to many dealers who work directly with him and they say he has always been fair.

I would not get rid of you tractor, I would follow Marks advice and see what is going on. If it looks like something was not done correctly or overlooked, see what they can do for you.
Hope that helps,
Bob