What is a "grey market" tractor?

[kenmac]

Is she a kubota?

soundguy

There were some botas that turned cc. I don't know of any yanmar's that the reputable dealers sell that turn cc

 

[sandman2234]

In the case of the tractor belonging to my friend, yes, she is a 'bota.
David from jax

 

[Soundguy]

I thought as much.

Might be easier to get a reverser drive that bolted to the back of the tractor.. vs reversing each implement.

I've seen reverser gear boxes for some farmals.. like the cub.. etc..

soundguy

 

[PILOON]

On the other hand there are some 'non grey's' that are hard to get parts for.
Like many Mitsubishi models, or if you find them the prices are- WOW!

 

[EFC]

The difference is :
Gray market tractors don't meet OSHA & EPA regulations.

Wrong... Grey market is an "importation tag" it has nothing to do with how something is configured or built, sold or supported. It also has nothing to do with if it does or does not meet OSHA, EPA or any other regulation for that matter. It doesnt even really designate whether it is new or used. All it really means is the item being imported (and this could be a TV set, Tractor or spaceship) was not sold new in the country it is being exported to by the manufacturer. I can import grey tractors that meet all the US and European OSHA and EPA standards but not many US buyers will pay 40k+ for a 30hp tractor (without loader) which is the normal selling price in Japan.

Japan is taxed into consumption. Tractors are just a small part of that. The tax follows the item so if you bought a used tractor you would be buying the ever higher tax payment that goes along with it. In turn it is exported. Kubota is the exception because years ago a US importer was relabeling Japanese Kubotas and selling them as US Kubotas. Kubota asked that he stop and when he refused they took him to court. The only way to stop him was to stop all US Kubota grey model imports. Yanmar, Mitsubishi, Kubota all condemn the export business on their web sites, but on the back side their dealer network in Japan cant take in trades they cant resell so not only do these companies support the export market the even subsidize it. I have seen the President of Yanmar twice at two separate export yards giving out awards for a job well done..

Buck

 

[rtimgray]

Best explanation so far Buck. By the way, I love to hear about the economic factors that influence the exportation of the grey market tractors to the US and others from those who regularly deal with it. It seems as though many of the Japanese tractor companies my publicly denounce the grey market, but acknowledge its presence with a wink and a nudge. Thanks for the insight.

 

[3Bladz]

Grey market doesnt just mean stuff brought here either. BRP (canam skidoo,seadoo) had some USA dealers going around the European Trade agreement and sending machines to Australia or New Zealand and they pulled the dealerships.

 

[Soundguy]

Grey market doesnt just mean stuff brought here either. BRP (canam skidoo,seadoo) had some USA dealers going around the European Trade agreement and sending machines to Australia or New Zealand and they pulled the dealerships.

I think it's been quite well covered that it is the importation of a product not meant for the domestic market.. etc.

soundguy

 

[WilliamBos]

I think it's been quite well covered that it is the importation of a product not meant for the domestic market.. etc.

soundguy

exactly!!

 

[EFC]

I think it's been quite well covered that it is the importation of a product not meant for the domestic market.. etc.

soundguy

Actually replace "not meant for" with "not sold in" then it would be an accurate statement.

Buck