Comparison experience level

[Rockman]

I am just curious as to the experience level of compact tractor buyers. I am also curious as to how much if any training your dealer provides to buyers with little or no experience.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would think it is a widely variable group, some with lots of experience, some with no prior experience at all. I would suspect the instruction is provided on a limited "needs basis". Most dealers will take you thru operation if you ask them to.

 

[whistlepig]

I think the tractor dealer would assume that you would know how to operate a tractor if you where there to buy one. No different than a car dealer would be.

 

[Rockman]

I think the tractor dealer would assume that you would know how to operate a tractor if you where there to buy one. No different than a car dealer would be.

That is the point, I'm betting a large percentage of compact tractor buyers have little or no experience. I'm also betting a large percentage of tractor breakdowns are due to operator abuse/error due to lack of training.
I am not trying to find fault with ANYONE, but after being a member of this forum for 4 years, it seems alot of owners are learning alot of lessons the hard way.

 

[dfkrug]

...it seems a lot of owners are learning a lot of lessons the hard way.

That's a good point. Some of us got our first compact tractor experience
after we got our first gray hairs. That usually means we bought a used
tractor and got little or no help with learning how to use it correctly,
safely, and without learning too many lessons the hard way. I wish I had
some help with my first CUT, back in the late 90's. How many guys (or
gals) get their first tractor from a dealer?

I have now owned 15 and most of the guys I sold them to were newbies.
Now that I have learned a lot (some things the hard way), I have found
myself in the position of giving lots of advice and training. Some guys
want to figure it out on their own, however.

Of course, some fortunate TBNers grew up on a farm, so their dads gave
them lessons at a very young age, no doubt.

 

[whistlepig]

That is the point, I'm betting a large percentage of compact tractor buyers have little or no experience. I'm also betting a large percentage of tractor breakdowns are due to operator abuse/error due to lack of training.
I am not trying to find fault with ANYONE, but after being a member of this forum for 4 years, it seems alot of owners are learning alot of lessons the hard way.

I totally agree. I was raised around tractors. For those that are new to tractors the only hope would be an a friend or relative that is knowledgeable about tractors. I think a quick lesson from a dealer on the lot is just not enough.

 

[Willl]

I'm also betting a large percentage of tractor breakdowns are due to operator abuse/error due to lack of training.

Most of the break downs lately seem to be electrical of some sort. Safety switches and battery main connections hold the lead.

Don't see how that could be "due to lack of training"

 

[deepNdirt]

A lot of times also what happens is relatives or friends of tractor owners will be talking about how they need this done or wished they had a tractor they could do this and that around the house and before the tractor owner realizes he has offerd to let that person come barrow his tractor assuming this person knows how to operate one only later to find out when his friend or Kin brings it back broken in some way and you ask what happen the reply is he didn't know that the tractor only had a 1 wheel brake and spun the tractor around and took out the headlight against the corner of the barn.:confused2: and then you have to explain to him each pedal was for separate left and right brakes and if you press them both at same time you stop evenly,:confused3: its the little small things like this that if first time users can't figure out then they sure don't need to be on a tractor, But instead with this little bit of experience in operating a tractor he decides to go gets one of his own and this is when the real trouble begins,

 

[TripleR]

I grew up driving simple, uncomplicated tractors like Ford 2, 9, 8N, 600 tractors then got away from tractors for a while in the late 70's then started using the more modern 4WD with all the bells and whistles in the 80's. I can only imagine how overwhelming it is for someone with no experience to be handed a new tractor with little more than a set of keys and maybe a brief explanation of what does what. I am surprised no more mechanical and physical damage is done. It would be nice if a program similar to that offered to new ATV owners was available to new tractor owners.

My skill level is still no more than adequate.

 

[Thomas]

If most would take the time read booklet also attachment booklet and understand they would have fewer headaches..lets not for get common sense/gut feeling.

Also agree most dealers will do show thru also talk about,and feel the new owner has clue.

 

[RoyJackson]

My only training on a Ford backhoe (in the late 1960's) was where the controls were. After that, I was on my own.
My father gave me a bit of training on an ancient Farmall he had on a parcel in Virginia. After that, he just watched me to make sure I didn't do anything too stupid or dangerous.
When I bought my first tractor (Deere 670) in 2000, the salesman gave me a rundown on the controls. Then I read the loader and tractor manuals. Most work (mowing, snow removal) was pretty intuitive. Using the FEL for digging took quite a bit longer, and I must admit, I'm still halfazz at that type of work. Good thing I don't make my living using equipment!

All in all, I just take it slow and easy until I'm confident...

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If most would take the time read booklet also attachment booklet and understand they would have fewer headaches..lets not for get common sense/gut feeling.

Also agree most dealers will do show thru also talk about,and feel the new owner has clue.

I agree with this 100%. All to often there are questions asked that are answered in the owners manual. As far as common sense, I'm thinking that that is something of the past, because it sure does seem that a lot of people simply DO NOT HAVE ANY. :laughing: Probably always been that way though, just notice it more as we get older.

 

[TripleR]

I agree with this 100%. All to often there are questions asked that are answered in the owners manual. As far as common sense, I'm thinking that that is something of the past, because it sure does seem that a lot of people simply DO NOT HAVE ANY. :laughing: Probably always been that way though, just notice it more as we get older.

I read and re read all manuals, but have found some to be not quite up to the standards one would expect. Agree completely with the common sense thing.

 

[crusty 1]

I agree with this 100%. All to often there are questions asked that are answered in the owners manual. As far as common sense, I'm thinking that that is something of the past, because it sure does seem that a lot of people simply DO NOT HAVE ANY. :laughing: Probably always been that way though, just notice it more as we get older.

This is why trial lawyers get rich! too many no sense people get in over their head,and of course we all know it,s some one else,s fault:laughing:I,v got many farm years behind me and learned by my elders.Some of the small land owners that buy and use these tractors didn,t have anyone to show them the ropes,so they hopefully take it easy and don,t get hurt or worseDave

 

[om21braz]

Greenhorn here, but fortunately I have family, local friends, and the collective wisdom of ya'll here on TBN to help me out.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I think the tractor dealer would assume that you would know how to operate a tractor if you where there to buy one. No different than a car dealer would be.

But how many would tell the customer that 50 to 100% of the fasteners on the loader or B/H mounts are loose and the dealer does not take responsibility - - and how much to tighten them.
larry