Build-It-Yourself Attachment KITS...How much interest would there be???

[HeavyHitch]

Ted, What about the liability issue? We looked at doing something like that with our hitches and the insurance company said NO WAY!

 

[Zebrafive]

I like the idea!

Another idea is "you dream it/draw it" We cut it.

 

[swick1]

Zebra, some local places will do this. My metal supplier cut my grapple for me. They sold me a 4x10 sheet in the shape of a grapple

 

[sparc]

Have to say the same thing. I would be very interested in these kits. I like doing things myself to save a buck and while building it see what weak points I could see and reinforce.

As landplanes are getting more popular. I can see you selling a lot of them as kits

I like the idea Ted and would be interested in a land plane kit to start.

 

[sparc]

Sometimes you do stuff on your own and take responsibility for the outcome. No hand holding needed or wanted. If a warranty is important then buy a complete assembled unit instead.

exactly. if i buy a stack of lumber and build a shed, is the lumberyard responsible if it falls down?

 

[sparc]

I like hooked_on_HP's idea of having the option to increase weight/strength. I would think there may be a market for some to obtain a stronger implement for equal or less than a light weight at retail!

I would think this would complicate things significantly. Now I(EA) need to stock plate in various thicknesses and keep them segregated so I don't send some pieces in 1/4" and some 3/16" or whatever.

Stick to the same piece parts that are used on the assembled units is the only way this makes sense for EA and keeps hte price down I would think, because they are using the same stockpile of parts for the items they build in their shop.

If you want to customize the attachment then the price will go up and I know you will say you are aware of this, but it may be more than you like or I should say more than the difference in the price of the materials.

 

[sparc]

It would be easy to put some additional cuts, design or shapes into each of the major parts in the kits. That would allow for easy identification on being a customer built item. Another option they could add is the possiblity for adding a monogram / logo / ranch brand to a portion of the implement (for a nominal fee) to provide that truly custom built look.

I was thinking the same thing. EA could use the laser to cut their logo into attachments they assemble, AND they could offer to do the same (provided you wait for the parts to be custom cut) for purchasers of kits. Something that would identify it as yours so if it grows legs you can tell it apart from others.

 

[TO_Bud]

I'm in Ted, sounds like a great idea. I've made several items for my tractor already and would have more if I could make things for a reasonable price. The problems I've found is getting the material together then taking it to a shop for cut-out or bends or whatever and the costs start rising. I'm not a business so I pay more for the raw steel and when a shop does work for me they always charge a setup fee of some sort so in the end my savings become minimal. I enjoy the projects but most times it's not worth it for the savings over buying something already fabbed. The only time it's worth it is when I have steel left over from another project or I cut something apart to use old steel or buy used steel. Having a kit and supplies from one vendor would solve those problems. You could even announce a couple week run time where members could sign up for a particular implement kit. If 10 or 20 people came on board you wouldn't have to stock kits, you could create them from orders. You could even substitute heavier gauge steel runs for specific implements if there was an interest. This would keep your setup costs down as well.

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm in Ted, sounds like a great idea. I've made several items for my tractor already and would have more if I could make things for a reasonable price. The problems I've found is getting the material together then taking it to a shop for cut-out or bends or whatever and the costs start rising. I'm not a business so I pay more for the raw steel and when a shop does work for me they always charge a setup fee of some sort so in the end my savings become minimal. I enjoy the projects but most times it's not worth it for the savings over buying something already fabbed. The only time it's worth it is when I have steel left over from another project or I cut something apart to use old steel or buy used steel. Having a kit and supplies from one vendor would solve those problems. You could even announce a couple week run time where members could sign up for a particular implement kit. If 10 or 20 people came on board you wouldn't have to stock kits, you could create them from orders. You could even substitute heavier gauge steel runs for specific implements if there was an interest. This would keep your setup costs down as well.

I understand your point and agree that in your case the idea of buying a kit to assemble from Ted makes sense. Hiring out fabrication to shops as you mention (cuts and bends) can get expensive fast, to build implements at a lower cost you really need to be setup for it with the tools to make your own cuts and bends. Having a crackerbox or small mig is just the beginning of a long list of tools to do fabrication work. Without the right tools and skill level it would be difficult to realize a savings in an implements cost. That said most of the things I build because I enjoy it and/or have a specific need or design in mind, cost effectiveness isn't the real reason.

 

[megaboz]

Well in the case of a box blade yea I can pretty much see no need in warranty. But say in the case of a tiller, I'd want a warranty on the transmission for it. That is what I referred to as warranty issues.

But after thinking about it, one would be better off to sell something like that already made.

But I do think the idea has merit especially having pieces cut by professionals would be nice.

 

[94BULLITT]

I like the idea but it depeneds what the kit will cost. I am sure some implements like a middle buster would not be worth it to do it yourself. It would be nice if you could give us a idea of what it would cost on something like a box blade.

 

[megaboz]

Well I think until more thought is put into it and thoughts of shipping it may be hard t come up with cost.

The more I read and think about it, I wonder with individual shipping if there would really be a cost advantage? Shipping multiples to a dealer is definitely cheaper than shipping one item to an individual especially when shipping freight.

Shipping will probably kill any real incentive on an individual basis. I think a dealer type of deal would have to be created to make it work.

 

[kneedeep]

Definitely seems to be a interest for the idea :thumbsup:
I believe that some items could have a great cost reduction that are pre-cut pieces on a pallet. The labor/materials to weld, clean, prime, paint and handle through the mfg process should represent a substantial savings. If any one can do it, EA can!

Looking forward to the NEW!! CHECK THIS OUT! on EA's website!!

Sign me up :applause:

 

[sparc]

You could even announce a couple week run time where members could sign up for a particular implement kit. If 10 or 20 people came on board you wouldn't have to stock kits, you could create them from orders.

This is similar to what Woodpeckers does. They put out info on an upcoming run of a new tool and set a closing date, usually its about a month, then they run off the parts and send out the completed tools.

 

[CBW1999]

Well I think until more thought is put into it and thoughts of shipping it may be hard t come up with cost.

The more I read and think about it, I wonder with individual shipping if there would really be a cost advantage? Shipping multiples to a dealer is definitely cheaper than shipping one item to an individual especially when shipping freight.

Shipping will probably kill any real incentive on an individual basis. I think a dealer type of deal would have to be created to make it work.

EA has shipping already figured into their current products. It is actually a really good rate to my area. The advantages of kits is that, no paint or weld filler material will reduce the weight. The parts can be packaged in a smaller space which will likely reduce the over all size of this shipment.

I could see the shipping portion of the purchase actually being more than what you pay for the kit but, overall- the total price would be less than a pre-assembled model.

The whole concept is not much different than what "cad diggers" is doing. You can buy all the pre cut pieces to assemble as opposed to having to source the metal and make all the cuts yourself.

I'm already coming up with my list............hope the wife doesn't find out!

 

[cschulz]

I could see the shipping portion of the purchase actually being more than what you pay for the kit but, overall- the total price would be less than a pre-assembled model.

The whole concept is not much different than what "cad diggers" is doing. You can buy all the pre cut pieces to assemble as opposed to having to source the metal and make all the cuts yourself.

I'm already coming up with my list............hope the wife doesn't find out

Ill second that! Self assembled kits are a great way to go.


Chris

 

[tmc_31]

I would be all for it. This may be beyond to scope of what you are trying to do, but I am interested in building (among other things) a skid steer mounted brushcutter.

Tim

 

[FredH]

1) I really like the idea , shipping may or may not kill a deal though depending on location and / or weight of kit .

2) Another Idea , How about full size plans ?? Could still be on 8.5 x 11 paper , just tape all together maybe with line-up marks and have a full size image of what you need . I can get steel around here easily , either new or used , can cut .5"+ thickness with plasma , also have access to oxy / acet , there is even a local place that does water jet but unknown on price ..

Food for thought ?

Fred H.

 

[Cantoo]

I would be very interested in deals like this. I have a welder, torches, benches, shop, grinders and the knowhow to build alot of things. My problem is stocking bigger pieces of steel and finding time to make stuff. Precut kits would be great for me if the pricing was reasonable. I wouldn't have to stock bigger pieces of steel, I wouldn't be paying a shop to cut my odd shaped stuff and keep the offcuts and still charge me too much. Sign me up.

 

[djarch23]

Ted,

I think this is an awesome idea. I would be interested in a lot of items. I would like to volunteer for the beta as well. Put me down for an 8' disk harrow.

Doug