Build-It-Yourself Attachments KITS??? interested?

[nuffer460]

Ted, Go for it! I think that those interested in these kits, already have the skills. I like the idea of the kits, as we all change our attachments any way. Change them as you build them!! Then paint them and everything matches. If you look at this forum and the custumising one above it. We are already changing our tractors and attachments to suit our needs. As, for the savings. I think 50% off maybe too much off. If I'm going to add to or change the kit to work for me. I will not spend hours cutting the attachment apart. That is a time saver for me. Now, for leagal issuses. I'm not sure that in clear concounce. I could sue a kit manufcturer for my lack of constructing skills. If, I can't weld, grind, sand, or paint I would have no business buying kit form of anything. I, guess, what I'm saying is, I like the whole idea. Even pto driven attachment kits, ( tillers, power rakes, etc.) just me. I, think, that I would buy kits at a price range of 30 to 40 % off just, so I would not have to remove old paint. Cutting appart an all ready assembled attachment to make a minor change. Plus, I would put on a good paint system I like that will not fade in two years or start to rust in six months. Yes, a paint system (primers, top coats single or two stage, and clears). I will send you a list of attachments, I would love to see in kit form. I really like this idea !!!!

 

[techwrtr2]

I think I would start out with components rather than entire kits. Generic gauge wheels adaptable to??? The frame for 3pt hitch... ripper teeth and so forth.

As others previously noted, for me to buy a kit for a landplane etc, I'm going to have to see a substantial decrease in cost because I don't really have the time to spend on a 10% savings. Go a lot higher and then I am interested.

Make the parts I need to modify my existing implements to do "other" work and I become really interested. All those parts that either are hard to find locally or are very expensive due to being specified for one color or another brand.

 

[mikehaugen]

not sure that the liability issue would be much different than company like fab-tech or skyjacker selling lift kits for vehicles. Some of these kits require or "recommend" welding and are installed by competent mechanics as well as some not so competent and haven't heard of any liability problems from the manufacturers.

It is also usually pretty easy to determine if a failure is from a poor design or a crappy weld job or even misuse. I guess if you assemble things wrong and put strange stresses on things because of bad fit-up, then that's a different story. I understand there are some "different" folks out there, but find it hard to believe anyone holding you accountable for their item rusting too soon if they painted it themselves.

 

[mikehaugen]

not sure that the liability issue would be much different than company like fab-tech or skyjacker selling lift kits for vehicles. Some of these kits require or "recommend" welding and are installed by competent mechanics as well as some not so competent and haven't heard of any liability problems from the manufacturers.

It is also usually pretty easy to determine if a failure is from a poor design or a crappy weld job or even misuse. I guess if you assemble things wrong and put strange stresses on things because of bad fit-up, then that's a different story. I understand there are some "different" folks out there, but find it hard to believe anyone holding you accountable for their item rusting too soon if they painted it themselves.

 

[forgeblast]

My thinking with liability is that if you buy the kit unassembled and you assemble it you are responsible for the assembly, so if something fails then its on you. Kits would be a great idea.

 

[Baby Grand]

My thinking with liability is that if you buy the kit unassembled and you assemble it you are responsible for the assembly, so if something fails then its on you. Kits would be a great idea.

^ Copy that.

 

[LD1]

My concern isnt so much liability, but brand image.

Hypothetical situation.....

A hack job orders a kit, and assembles it poorly. Things crooked, poor paint job, crappy welds, etc. Then in a few years goes to sell the blade and advertizes it as an EA HD blade?

If someone were to look at it, and not knowing that this was a kit, or even that EA offered kits....what would they think of EA??

 

[jwmorris]

Along those lines how many "bush hogs" do you see for sale not made by Bush Hog, LLC Selma, Alabama.

 

[LD1]

A little different situation I am afraid.

If anything, it has only helped out bushhog, by name recognition.

Same goes for cresent wrenches, channel-locs, etc.

In this situation, it is only likely to HURT the reputation of EA.

 

[jobguy]

I could use a sod plow for my CT120 if I could bolt it together.

 

[Renze]

If someone were to look at it, and not knowing that this was a kit, or even that EA offered kits....what would they think of EA??

If EA doesnt take liability for the assembled product, the kit wouldnt have EA brand stickers and type plates included either.

 

[mcd176]

I think it would be an excellent idea, After my divorce I have a VERY tight budget and anything I can do for myself and save money is welcomed, keep us posted.

Mike

 

[LD1]

If EA doesnt take liability for the assembled product, the kit wouldnt have EA brand stickers and type plates included either.

I cant begin to count the implements I have bought over the years that had no identifying tags or stickers left. Only way to id them was just visually. If I were to buy an EA back blade, do a crappy job assembling, wait a few years for some rust, some unsuspecting person may be in the same boat and just assume that the tags and stickers wore off. But given each implement has its own unique styling, could be identified as an EA unit. and if that person didnt know that EA offered kits, they would just assume that it was garbage from EA.

Could something like that be out of the realm of possibility?

Dont get me wrong, I think if the discount is significant enough, I think kits are a great idea. But theres always two sides to the coin. I'm just playing devils advocate here.

 

[Renze]

some unsuspecting person may be in the same boat and just assume that the tags and stickers wore off. But given each implement has its own unique styling, could be identified as an EA unit. and if that person didnt know that EA offered kits, they would just assume that it was garbage from EA.

A person THAT unsuspecting wouldnt recognise the EA build style anyways...

 

[yelbike]

I cant begin to count the implements I have bought over the years that had no identifying tags or stickers left. Only way to id them was just visually. If I were to buy an EA back blade, do a crappy job assembling, wait a few years for some rust, some unsuspecting person may be in the same boat and just assume that the tags and stickers wore off. But given each implement has its own unique styling, could be identified as an EA unit. and if that person didnt know that EA offered kits, they would just assume that it was garbage from EA.

Could something like that be out of the realm of possibility?

Dont get me wrong, I think if the discount is significant enough, I think kits are a great idea. But theres always two sides to the coin. I'm just playing devils advocate here.

Maybe the answer than is stick to simple kits like box blade, back blade type of stuff and forget the complicated stuff like a backhoe kit.

Ted I'm still waiting for my landplane kit.

 

[PILOON]

Very interested!

Supply cut pieces only leave out hydraulics, wheels and other purchased components such as hardware wheels etc but do include list of required outsourced parts.
That way you invest in less inventory and the 'cut kit' would be much more attractively priced as well as being more profitable to you.
Even with your bulk purchase power and minimal mark ups the average guy can buy locally for less and it makes your kit much more attractive, besides we DIY's generally have our own hardware stocks.
In a build kit instructions could/should call out minimum welding specs (rod type & amps) as otherwise some folks will try to weld up a land plane with a $100. ChiCom 110v flux wire welder resulting in guaranteed failures and dissatisfaction.
As to warranty, I see no problems as you did not weld/build the units.

 

[vwnotrunning]

I am thinking some of the labor intensive items like a grapple would make the most sense. Mostly because that's what I want/need just cannot talk myself into parting with the money, but would take the time to weld one up, just do not have the skills / design ability to start one from scratch. I like the option to exclude some items like cylinders, hoses, etc. May not be a significant savings on the long run with locally sourced parts, but others like me would be able to start a kit and finish all the standard componets when available.

Put me on the list when this becomes an option. I would consider even getting on a signup and purchase when X number of TBNers sign up for particlular item.

 

[jwmorris]

A little different situation I am afraid.

If anything, it has only helped out bushhog, by name recognition.

Same goes for cresent wrenches, channel-locs, etc.

In this situation, it is only likely to HURT the reputation of EA.

My point was most people don't have any idea what brand they are looking at or know enough (or care) about them to steer clear of others.

How many used implements have you bought only because of brand? I generally look to how much use they have had, how hard they were used and how they were stored to have an understanding of how much life they have left for me. Brand is of little concern unless I'm looking for "art".

 

[DAY]

Speaking of "Brand Recognition", Budweiser is the Number One selling "beer".
I put "beer" in quotes, because, as my British friend says, it is like making love in a canoe- (F'in' close to water.)

 

[radioman]

Well -- if you can design something in bulk, preprimed, that allows us to save money just having that implement that is same or better quality then local stores like tractor supply or our local tractor dealer - then I am all for it. You guys would save money on packaging, paint, and labor costs to assemble.

I for one would love oppurtunity to put together a kit and paint to save money in my pocket. The only cons I can think of is no powder coating. Unless I take it in and it would then it would cost same or more as local store. But then its a tractor implement-- its meant to be used/abused.