What Attachment Scares You The Most?

[Runner]

A lot of us have noticed this. Many never read their owners manual until something is broken or does not work. This means that "many" might have no experience nor have they ever used this particular implement or a tractor.

I am sure the equipment manufacturers and dealers acknowledged this.

Dealers should ask - "Have you ever used a tractor or this type of implement?"

Then follow up with - "Let us demonstrate the basics".

Maybe there might be less injuries and damage to new equipment/implements?

In 1982 my first ever tractor sat in my yard for five days. Yes - I started it several times but only moved it forward/back a few feet. Those five days were spent reading and trying to understand the owners manual and "tractor speak". I'm a hard headed Norwegian but I REALLY do like to know what I'm doing before taking the plunge.

Lets put this in perspective. You have a fourteen year old son/daughter. They have no experience driving any type of vehicle. Do you just hand over the keys and say - "have at it child & good luck".

In many cases this is exactly what is happening regarding a newly purchased tractor or implement.

What do you think?

Agree completely. The last piece of equipment (ZTR) I bought, I had to fight with the dealer just to get them to provide me with the owner's manual and engine manual that were suppose to come with it. It was also supposed to come with an instructional DVD on how to operate the equipment that they did not provide.

They would probably get a lot of people saying "I don't need no stinking lectures on how to use this....", but on the other hand, I think a lot of people would listen to them.

Unfortunately, the real world just isn't like the 1985 Cub Cadet brochure showing the smiling salesman in the pressed white shirt with CC hat showing the nice lady all the features of her new machine.

 

[oosik]

What a lot of new tractor owners don't yet understand. There is a world of difference between driving a tractor and operating a tractor.

And macho or bravado won't save them when a serious mistake is made.

 

[RobertEH]

I got my manual 2 days before delivery of the tractor (My first tractor). I read it cover to cover and had 2 dozen questions for the dealer lined up on delivery day.

 

[RobertEH]

I should probably read it again as I know a lot more now than I did then and I would likely pick up a lot more than I did initially.

 

[Runner]

I got my manual 2 days before delivery of the tractor (My first tractor). I read it cover to cover and had 2 dozen questions for the dealer lined up on delivery day.

Lots of manuals are available free online these days. I like to download the manual before taking delivery on a piece of equipment so I already know what I need to know before it gets here.

Unfortunately, some dealers think this relieves them of the responsibility to provide the hard copy of the manual that is supposed to come with the equipment.

 

[oosik]

I had the local BMW motorcycle dealer try to charge extra for the OM. With just a hint of a smile I said - no free manual, no sales. I wonder if BMW Corporate knows that this fellow is charging for what is supposed to be free.

 

[oosik]

I have seven attachments. All but one was purchased from the local Kubota dealer. On EACH attachment - they INSISTED..... Let us show you the best way to attach to your tractor and basics for use of the implement.

Does anybody have the slightest question - why I've gone back to the same dealer each time. Two tractors and eleven attachments - over 42 years.

Great - NO, FANTASTIC service - hard to beat.

Of course - the dealership wants to make a sale. It's good to know they are looking out for my best interests also. Trust and friendship go a long way.

 

[Drstrangeglove]

The only time I was ever worried about a piece of equipment was an excavator I was demoing. The salesman wanted me to try it out. I have been a backhoe guy for over 40 years and told him to move it to where I couldn't hit anything, and I would give it a go. There had to be half a million worth of shiny new equipment on each side of the thing.

Wood chipers would scare me. I will never own one. I can let the excavator grind it up or burn it.

 

[Runner]

The only time I was ever worried about a piece of equipment was an excavator I was demoing. The salesman wanted me to try it out. I have been a backhoe guy for over 40 years and told him to move it to where I couldn't hit anything, and I would give it a go. There had to be half a million worth of shiny new equipment on each side of the thing.

Wood chipers would scare me. I will never own one. I can let the excavator grind it up or burn it.

I know what you mean. When I am operating my chipper, my mind is CONSTANTLY thinking of all the mayhem this thing could cause IF.....

 

[airbiscuit]