Grey Market tractors

[tcl]

Can some one please tell me what " grey market tractor" means?

 

[Bird]

Basically, a gray market tractor is one that was manufactured and sold in another country, then later imported to the U.S.A. and may not meet all our safety or pollution standards, etc. They also may not have parts support from the manufacturer in this country. You can read about the gray Kubotas here.

 

[Tractors4u]

For some the term <font color="red"> </font><font color="blue" class="small">( GREY MARKET )</font> </font> strikes fear in their hearts. They aren't bad tractors and they aren't illegal. The car you drive was built to a specific set of standards so that it could be sold in the US. If you took your car to Japan and sold it, it would be a grey market car.

 

[Bird]

I agree, Brent, but think buyers of gray market tractors in this country, as well as the buyers of American made "gray market" cars in Japan, should know what they're getting, have some idea of where to obtain parts and service if required, or know that they may have to do the work themselves. In other words, just know what they're getting into, and in many cases the gray market machine may be the best way to go for some and not a good way to go for others.

 

[GerardC]

Is Kubota the only one that you know of? They're the only one I've heard of to watch out for.

 

[gbirky]

It is illegal to import Kubota tractors into the U.S. Kubota got an SEC ruling to stop importation of used "gray market" Kubota tractors based primarily on "unfair" competition, but also safety reasons.

Other tractor brands are also imported and include:
Hinomoto
Iseki
Mistubishi (Satoh)
Yanmar

Mitsubishi and Yanmar both sold tractors new in the U.S. at one time. So not all Yanmar or Mitsubishi/Satoh tractors found in the U.S. are gray market.

 

[kayssupply]

The Kubotas you are talking about would actually be "Black Market". However, a willy guy figured out that he could bring them in under the ZenNoh label. That is another touchy subject. He actually patented/trademarked the name and now, no one else can bring them in.

 

[GerardC]

gbirky,

Thanks for the reply. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Soundguy]

I was wondering when somebody was going to mention the zennoh issue... adds a whole new facet to brand/badge names.. and greys in general..

Soundguy

 

[hosejockey2002]

Yep, my Yanmar is labeled a Zen-noh, but it was imported by before the Zen-noh name was purchased by this importer we're talking about.