Don't Jump Into Decisions

BarryinMN · Feb 4, 2005

Re: Don\'t Jump Into Decisions

I looked 2 years for a tractor mainly better defining size & lifting capability. I'm not into trading for incremental improvements so it was a one time puchase.

I bought a dozer in two weeks, granted it cost the same as a lawnmower, but the need was immediate. Only decision was an 8' pusher blade or 6 way landscape blade. I went with the landscape machine & the farmer I bought it from hooked on a backhoe & cleaned out the barn with boxes & skids of extra parts!

JDgreen227 · Feb 4, 2005

Re: Don\'t Jump Into Decisions

"Just jump in the water and hope for the best...." /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Jeez, for the dollars you have to spend these days for any major purchase, and for the consequences you might live with for a rash decision...I think people who just take the plunge and hope are NUTS.

About a year ago I wanted to buy a basic desktop computer for my new home office, an $800 purchase but I researched the devil out of it, scanning consumer reviews, reading online opinion websites, talking to friends, and waiting for the best deal for my money. Took me two months, and was I happy with my choice...YES. Did I learn a lot during the process?
YES. Was it worth my time to carefully investigate and do research on an $800 purchase? YES YES YES.

Prior to buying my JD, I devoted about a year to checking out what was available and researching the various makes of tractors that met my needs and wants. This was before I learned about TBN, which was my loss. Still, I am very happy with my choice and will never regret my decision.

I have always felt if a person takes the time to investigate and think over a decision, be it major or minor, they are going to be a lot happier with their final outcome. I could tell you guys about my friend who married in haste without thinking things over first, or I could tell you about me, who took his time and married someone he is happy with after all these years.

Jump in...HECK NO.

Gary_in_Indiana · Feb 5, 2005

Re: Don\'t Jump Into Decisions

 I think people who just take the plunge and hope are NUTS. 

Hey! I represent that remark!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Some of you may recall that I bought a bulldozer a while back. Here's how that happened.

I wasn't looking to buy a bulldozer. I had never even considered owning a bulldozer. I never shopped for a bulldozer. I knew nothing of values or 'options' on bulldozers. I didn't even know there was going to be a bulldozer for sale that day.

I was there. I saw it. I figured it was something I could and would use. A guy I knew had it for sale there. I asked and he told me it was a good one. I bid on it and bought it. He was kind enough to deliver it for me. I learned how to start and operate it watching him unload it. I never even sat on it until I owned it and it was at my place.

"NUTS?" I've been called worse by family. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

If you came and offered my twice what I paid for it today with the proviso that I could never own another one, I'd tell you to keep your money. This thing is GREAT!

riptides · Feb 5, 2005

Re: Don\'t Jump Into Decisions

( to turn around and post one or two days later that they've made their decision and purchased X product. )

Some minds and the decision process work faster than others.
Time is relative.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Robert_in_NY · Feb 6, 2005

Re: Don\'t Jump Into Decisions

I think it is easy for a lot of people to make up their minds on the hydro vs gear debate and such, it is a simple thing like ease of use. Most homeowners will jump at a Hydro because it is so easy to use and more or less idiot proof. They do not have to worry about having it in the right gear and such or leaving the tractor in gear when you take your foot off the clutch to hop off for a second. So if that is their major decision, it is an easy one if you hop on the two machines. Now if they are trying to decide about options on a $50k machine then they will be there a lot longer unless they know what they need and want. Most buyers on this site start as lurkers so they might have been researching all this time and when they finally get the bug to buy they don't need much more time.

I am simple though, I know what I need and how much of it I need. I go to my dealer, tell him and he orders the machine for me. Basicly, I tell him, I have this much money, I need this machine with this, this, this and this and you need to keep it under this amount. Usually I can't get much for my $19.95 but every now and then Ertl has a new tractor for me to buy there /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Feb 6, 2005

Re: Don\'t Jump Into Decisions

Bob,
I think Phil is calling us on the carpet! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif As for your crawler decisions, you have at least some background knowledge and some experience with equipment. That's a lot more than some of the folks asking these types of questions.

Phil,
I plead the fifth.

Pete,
I'm thinking you've probably hit the nail on the head.

ByronBob,
You are an honest person. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Gary,
Gary, Gary, Gary... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Riptides,
 Some minds and the decision process work faster than others. 
I think there's a poke at my mental quickness in there somewhere. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Thanks for the responses, folks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif