Anyone ever hear of McConnell Marc tractors?

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> I want a machine that looks as well as it performs. </font>

You're joking, right? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JayC]

Maybe I'm really picky. Maybe I'm just stubborn, but looks does have something to do with it if I like a certain tractor or not. Would you buy a tractor that was butt ugly? I guess the same can be said for vehicles. Would you buy a vehicle that was butt ugly?

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> Would you buy a tractor that was ugly? </font>

Yes!
Form follows function. I want something that works well, first. Then and only then do I care about the looks. A tractor is a tool, not a show pony, in my opinion, of course /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[EFC]

Mossroad, I agree with you. I have always thought the best tractor would have a built in welding table on the hood. I grew up on a 800 head cattle ranch and we used tractors everyday. The first new tractor my dad bought I still have and I put every hour on it almost 5000 on the meter to date. There is no romance for me with tractors anymore. To me they are just a screwdriver. Another tool to get the job done. I can appreciate a good looking tractor but I would rather see the neighbor pay for one. I took a TYM home once to chip up some limbs. I spent more time washing it than I got to use it and every scratch bugged me. A long time ago I asked a friend of mine who is a JD dealer how he gets rid of his junky trade in's, he said "that’s easy.... I paint um"

 

[JayC]

Maybe a tractor means more to me than just a tool. I guess I can attribute that to my grandfather. His whole life was tractors. He lived and breathed tractors. He restored them, repaired them, and made his own. He had a Ford 8N with FEL, a John Deere L and H, Oliver Super 77, an Oliver dozer that had no blade and he crafted his own. He had many others that I will not list here. He had a passion for tractors that ran deep. When ever he got a chance he would come up with some job just so he could use one. I remember when we went over there to get some shale, he was out there all ready and rarin to go with his tractor and wagon. He turned an old jeep, into a 4x4 tractor. He made three others from scratch. My avatar photo is one that he made. It still runs really good after all these years. He made it at least 30 years ago. It has middle and rear harrows to plow with. I have only used it once for plowing. Any other time I just ride it around. Every time I start it up, it is like a part of him is alive again. He had a use for all his tractors. He loved to ride them, use them, what ever. When he passed away a couple years ago, it felt like something was ripped away. When he was burried the family put a wrench and one of his diecast replicas of a Ford 8N in the casket. Just before he died a spindle on his Cub Cadet went bad. He didn't have the $80 for a new one so he made his own. He just got it replaced and the deck repainted. Then he had his fatal stroke. He never did get to put it on and use it. Someone else put the deck back on. It still runs great to this day. When I would go with him to the tractor show here every year, he would be able to tell you everything about every tractor, and that's no exaggeration. The instance I remember most is when I saw an old Farmall restored but painted white. He was able to tell me exactly why it was white. Now if I go, it is more or less like, "Oh yeah, there's a nice tractor." Never again will I be able to know why it was painted a certain color or why it was the way it was. So yeah, maybe a tractor means more to me than "just" a tool. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Yes, I remember your story about your grandfather and that tractor in your picture. Sounds like a great guy for a kid to spend time with. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

To me, the function is the beauty. The simpler, the better. The easier to use, the better. The more versatility, the better.

 

[JayC]

It was a good time. I remember when I was young I would pester him to ride a tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif He never complained or grumbled. Maybe it's because of that kinda past that this place is so "special." /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Also, when I was little, I would look at the tractor that I have now(avatar pic), and ask him if it was loud. lol He used to say it was loud. Never in a million years would I have ever expected to have it here, now.

 

[kevanos]

First off, I've never actually seen one of the new McConnell Marc tractors. They are Jinma and Jiangsu tractors imported from China and assembled in the USA. McConnell and McConnell-Marc is a company and a name that has been around since about 1961. Mr. McConnell purchased Marshall Tractor (formerly Leyland Tractor) of England, which he sold in 1985. In 1987 he distributed re-mfg Kubota's. In 1988 he purchased the Massey-Ferguson 4000-series tractors, which later became the 5000-series. These were built and sold as MF and McConnell-Marc until he sold that part of the company to AGCO in 1994. (AGCO came out with the AgcoStar). I would say he has a reputation behind his name and would probably not sell junk, but again, I've never seen them.

 

[Maka]

Hello Durbob,

I also was under the impression that DF was only available through one person. Do you know if this is in fact correct?

Thanks

 

[Durbob]

Hello Maka, i honestly don't know anymore. You hear so much that it's hard to find out what the truth is it seems. I know the DF is sold under other names also. Taskmaster is one i believe. I think only the dealers like Buck or Chip would really know. Now, having looked at the Jinmas lately i believe they have taken a big jump in quality, so you might want to check them or the Kamas out.
Durbob.