Are "BIG 3" brands worth more than "Minor" brands? *DELETED*

[DUMBDOG]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands? *DELETED*

Bob

It looks to me that any thread started that compares more than one brand will have the kind of results shown here. Someone takes offense of some sort and states that your view, no matter how unbiased you try to be, is not correct. After your first posting, there was no doubt in my mind that something like this was going to happen, either the thread was going to be closed or that you would delete your posts.

 

[MikePA]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands?

<font color="blue">But I deleted my posts because obviously my posts, in an attempt to simply show differences with pictures, created hard feelings that I did not want to create. Maybe someday, over a beer we can discuss the differences. </font>
Bob, as an Elite Member, you should have known better. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif All it takes is one person to take imaginary offense, they jump to the defense of their purchase decision, others pile on, game over.

<font color="blue">But obviously not today. </font>
I'd say, 'not ever'. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif An objective comparison of different brands is something best done in the privacy of our own homes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[CajunRider]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands? *DELETED*

It's too bad that Bob deleted his posts. While I have not jumped into the debate, I actually learned from the thread. I am a future tractor owner. I don't have a need for one yet but definitely will buy one this year once my house is built on the land I've bought. Since I'm on a tight budget the question "Are 'Big 3' brands worth more than 'Minor' brands?" is a big one for me. This thread was right on target.

I don't know how y'all handle your thread but FWIW here is how I handle all my debate:
1. Absolutely no comment on other persons or on their feelings, likings, brand loyalty etc.
2. Debate on exact pointsof difference and back my points of view with data.
3. I allow myself one rebuttal and a rebuttal to the rebuttal and one closing post. When things go beyond that, I move on from that post no matter what others say.

And Bob, I'll discuss the differences between tractor over a brew with you any day. As would many others here I am sure.

 

[johan3400]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands?

Bob,
I am not sure if you are close to where I go, but I come to Manteno Illinois several times each year and would gladdly come and sit and discuss tractors. I think your posts are right on track most of the time. It is a shame we sidetrack threads as often as we do.

 

[Dargo]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands?

Dang, it looks like I came to the party late. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I didn't see any of the threads you deleted. Therefore, I'm taking offense. You must have flamed me in them. I just know you did. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm sure that some of "minor" brands (non big 3) are great, and I'm just as sure that some are total junk. I just don't have time, nor the patience, myself to try to find out which is which. I suppose it sounds bad, but I'd prefer others to do the experimenting for me.

A case in point. Twenty years ago I would not have even considered Kubota. They did not have a dealer close to me. They did not have a widely known reputation, and they mostly sold on price. Hmm. How many brands fit that category around me now?! I'll tell you. Most except the big 3. Does that make them bad? If you think my answer "yes", go back and re-read this post. I said that I believe that some are and that some are not.

Before someone who owns a relatively unknown brand takes offense at my comment, use your tractor for 20 or 30 years and then report back to me on fact rather than opinion. And, let a few thousand others use your brand for the same time period and then report back to me on how the tractor lasted and on how your dealer and manufacturer treated you. Then I'll listen. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I think some brands are beginning to do just what I said. And, no, I won't mention which ones I think are. I guess I'm just selfish and unfair because I want others to take the hard knocks for me and I'll learn from them. Just look at it this way, after you buy the smaller brands and prove them to be of good quality, the price will be higher for me when I jump on board and buy that brand. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Think of the money you saved for buying a relatively unknown quality tractor vs. what I have to pay after you make it known.

 

[DaMadman]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands?

Absolutely correct. If I had done MORE research.. I did some... But had I Done more I would have probably wound up with a lot more cash in my pocket. I spent right at $18,000 for a Kubota and probably could have gotten a tractor that would have lasted just as long with the same attachments and would have done what I wanted it to do.

However These other brands are not of the PROVEN Quality or service that the Kubota is. I wasn't willing to take a chance. I am hard on my equiptment, ask my wife /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif She says I tear up anythign I put my hands on. I knew from other people's experience that the Kubota would take the abuse (so to speak) and if I did break it in the process, everything I heard and seen indicated to me that Kubota would back it up and cover it under warranty (of course unless it was something majorly and blantantly my fault)

None of this is to say that I wouldn't have gotten the same tractor and same service from a lesser known brand, but I didn't know that for certain and like I said, I was willing (at the time) to put out the extra cash for the peace of mind and a good tractor.

The more I read here the more I realize that I probably could have bought a different brand for less money and gottent the same thing I have in the Kubota. But you live and learn. Maybe when I upgrade to a bigger tractor when I am living on my 22 acres in Montana I will go with a different "lesser Know" brand and pocket the savings.

 

[zekeman]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands? *DELETED*

Bob
Why, What was the need for the post? you obviously had some apprehension about starting this post, wish I paid more attention to this post but sometimes I glance at a post and the person who initiates the post , and make a evaluation as to the value for me and my situation
Bob, I never have a problem with any body making a post,
but I do have a problem when posters get bent out of
shape when they get responses they don't like.
And yes , beer sounds good, as long as its not one of those yuppie beers? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Ron

 

[Tractors4u]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands? *DELETED*

I am another one of those that missed Bob's posts before they got deleted. The "Big 3" comment caught my attention. I realized it was Bob and I knew he owned a "Big 3" tractor. I was surpised to see him using it, because sometimes it seems like the "Big 3" label is often used to describe the tractor in a negative way such as "Big Tobacco". I see the term in the China forum quite a bit. At one time in the U.S. you would hear about the Big 3 automaker, Ford, GM, and Chrysler. You don't hear it as often now. There are plenty of other quality brands out there and some are better than the big three. Some are worse. I think it is the same way with tractors. The big 3 don't have the market completely cornered anymore.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands?

I did see the beginning post of Bob's thread, and I knew that people who already owned some of the brands wouldn't be happy with the comparison, but I know Bob meant well.
No matter how it's stated, when someone makes one brand out to be lesser than another, someone's feelings are going to be hurt.
Many of us have done it, inadvertently, at times, and we're always regretful that we've offended anyone.
I don't really agree that the thread was a good idea, but I'm sure Bob meant well, and thought that his comparisons might help someone to look at some things they might not otherwise look into.
We all have to remember that others have bought the brands, and are happy with them, that we may be seemingly running down. I've been guilty of it as well, but strive to only compare, not judge. Maybe one day I'll get there. John

 

[Jinma354]

Re: Are \"BIG 3\" brands worth more than \"Minor\" brands? *DELETED*

A 20 or 30 year old any brand tractor if used as a tractor will be pretty much used up. I know at my age if I get another 10 years out of mine i'll sell them for whatever I can get. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif