Gauging Some Interest on A Weld-it-Your-Self Product Line

[Millsonwheels]

I am now a Partner In a Agriculture Related Production Business and Had the Idea of Producing some Seasonal Equipment for the professionals as well as the small farmers such as myself.

Well Basically we have been going through the motions of Kits that are very easily to assemble pre cut, bent, with all the cylinders and hoses. that you just weld to together and go! Basically like a grapple bucket for instance we would sell the quality of the very expensive models for the price on the super cheap flimsy models. Using things like Skid steer style quick attach mounts (bobcat kubota, john deere, etc.) I am working with a excellent designer who is working with me to put alignment tabs and other small touches that make assembly painless

I thought id gauge some interest in this before throwing money at further production. Of course this would be a very reasonably priced item, Im not try to retire on one of these or anything. Basically my question to you guys is in your minds would the savings be worth some hours of your time to get a superior product in the end?

We are trying this idea out on some smaller pieces and we will see how it goes!! I am really excited about this opportunity I am dying for a way to punch my own ticket and Be rewarded for working hard (unlike past jobs)

If you would, We would love to here some input on this or any other ideas you might have, Thank You!

 

[FarmWrench]

Good idea. I have wished for years to build a few things. To keep a quality reputation, weld prep, quality and paint present challenges. Try to have a line built around the homeowners 110volt mig or 1/8" 7018. Paint presents a challenge. "Projects" get put on hold but rust never sleeps. Something light enough to ship ups and weld with a 110volt MIG will be a sad story without paint in 5years.

Local steel service center has a program to put cut components and sourced parts on a pallet and ship.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I like this idea but then I like building things. Over half of my tractor tools are homemade. I tend not to paint things so I can see that being a bit of an issue. What kinds of kits do you have in mind? I like the idea of everything I need coming on a pallet because when I build there is a lot of time spent gathering materials, cutting etc.

 

[jaotguy]

pre cut , welded and painted with a bolt on adapter plate to match it to the "unit" ,will sell more kits.....

as soon as you make it a weld it yourself kit, you lose 75 % of the buyers .... ( few will attempt welding, even fewer will do a good job , and fewer still will paint the unit if they finish it)....

you will have to offer 2 kits, a precut / flat package ... and a pre-assembled fully painted unit with bolt / weld on brackets.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I like the idea but it would depend on the implements or attachments.

 

[Millsonwheels]

Good idea. I have wished for years to build a few things. To keep a quality reputation, weld prep, quality and paint present challenges. Try to have a line built around the homeowners 110volt mig or 1/8" 7018. Paint presents a challenge. "Projects" get put on hold but rust never sleeps. Something light enough to ship ups and weld with a 110volt MIG will be a sad story without paint in 5years.

Local steel service center has a program to put cut components and sourced parts on a pallet and ship.

Well I suppose you could do weld through primer but to keep the price low I would like to minimize the amount of steps for producing these.

I like this idea but then I like building things. Over half of my tractor tools are homemade. I tend not to paint things so I can see that being a bit of an issue. What kinds of kits do you have in mind? I like the idea of everything I need coming on a pallet because when I build there is a lot of time spent gathering materials, cutting etc.

Yeah I like the idea of the kits it leaves the finish up to the assembler. I just dont know if its feasible or not yet.

pre cut , welded and painted with a bolt on adapter plate to match it to the "unit" ,will sell more kits.....

as soon as you make it a weld it yourself kit, you lose 75 % of the buyers .... ( few will attempt welding, even fewer will do a good job , and fewer still will paint the unit if they finish it)....

you will have to offer 2 kits, a precut / flat package ... and a pre-assembled fully painted unit with bolt / weld on brackets.

Thats what I was thinking originally just sell the kit them have some assembly options for the buyer to chose from. I am worried about competing with the big guys when it comes to a common attachment thats been sold for awhile. the only options when you do that is superior product at a cheaper price or sell something totally original that no one has done (difficult).

I like the idea but it would depend on the implements or attachments.

I have a couple ideas which I am keeping under wraps till the designs are done mostly for the compact tractor guys (category 1 3ph sized items and below)

I am on the look out for new ideas though and I will pay $$ for a feasible idea if it works out!!!

 

[GPintheMitten]

I don't think paint or primer is an issue. If you are going to build stuff, you're signing up for fitment, welding, primer and paint as far as I'm concerned. As long as the raw steel doesn't sit around at your place long, then it is only shipping time. Then it's up to the consumer. Let it set or get going, or the consumer primes it because they can't get to assembly right away. I don't want to pay for priming just to grind it off.

I guess you could make priming an added cost option, if it was a deal breaker for someone.

 

[Jesse masterson]

the areas a few inches from the weld areas could still be primed. A little heat away from the weld shouldn't hurt the primer, that way rust won't be a problem for the whole project just the unprimed areas.

 

[Millsonwheels]

I don't think paint or primer is an issue. If you are going to build stuff, you're signing up for fitment, welding, primer and paint as far as I'm concerned. As long as the raw steel doesn't sit around at your place long, then it is only shipping time. Then it's up to the consumer. Let it set or get going, or the consumer primes it because they can't get to assembly right away. I don't want to pay for priming just to grind it off.

I guess you could make priming an added cost option, if it was a deal breaker for someone.

Thats the impression I always had that the "kit" was in raw form, But hey If thats what the customer wants for a little extra by gosh ill do it! haha

the areas a few inches from the weld areas could still be primed. A little heat away from the weld shouldn't hurt the primer, that way rust won't be a problem for the whole project just the unprimed areas.

Well Eastwood makes weld through primer that is actually good, I dont know how it would hold up getting jostled around in shipping though.

 

[George2615]

I like the idea too. I wouldn't mind building and welding my own box blade, box scraper, grapple etc. It depends on the attachment each person would want. Even painting isn't a problem. Rustoleum can be sprayed or brushed with good results. But I'm sure there are lots of folks who don't own a welder or don't know how to weld.