If you are thinking about buying a gray market tractor

[mark777]

The bottom line is that there are several credible dealers that you can depend on. Praise them and their service. Continue to utilize them. When you come across a less than credible dealer, let all know. Over a long period of time, the market will probably dictate their survival.

What a great way to wind down a very interesting and informative thread.

I'm impressed phatgemi, as it has always been Let the Buyer Beware...so should it be with the Fraudulent Dealer!

 

[YanmarFever]

Even though the name of the dealer will not be disclosed (which is fine)

It is quite obvious that he bought a tractor remanufactured in VIETNAM

and that pretty much sums it up.

If folks would just avoid those dealers that peddle these vietnamese tractors they will save themselves a lot of headaches.

 

[SailorBob]

"Even though the name of the dealer will not be disclosed (which is fine)

It is quite obvious that he bought a tractor remanufactured in VIETNAM

and that pretty much sums it up.

If folks would just avoid those dealers that peddle these vietnamese tractors they will save themselves a lot of headaches."

I can attest to that. Look at my post about overheated engine on the Parts/Repairs forum.. My YM1700 is a Viet Recon...Unfortunately for me I found out about them after I bought the tractor. I wish I had found this site before i bought the tractor but, that is water under the bridge. I have put only about 150 hours on the tractor and I now have major problems. These recons are junk!!! If it was truly reconditioned as they claimed I should not be having these kind of problems..but it is pretty!!

I won't post the dealers name publicly here either but, if anyone wants to discuss it further pm me and i will be happy to discuss it further.

I am going to crack it open this weekend and see what kind of damage I have.

 

[Mech]

I feel that it makes no difference where it is reconditioned only that it requires reconditioning due to excessive hours and/or poor maintenance. Even with low hours and good maintenance the age of the tractor means that the seals, fuel and water hoses, paint, possibly linkages and controls are suspect. These however are relatively easy to detect and repair. However if the tractor is worn out due to use, there are scores of tests that have to be done on the engine and drive train to determine what has to be repaired and then the replacement/repairs need to be completed. It could include bearings, valves, springs, guides, rings, pistons, connecting rods, gears, clutch, pumps, etc., all expensive and time consuming to find and fix. I can’t image that this kind of reconditioning is affordable so I don’t think it will be done for the prices that these tractors normally sell for. If I did it again I would look for a tractor that hadn't been and didn't need reconditioning.

 

[LMTC]

Good points all. I often ask prospective customers why they think someone would routinely, as the recon dealers advertise, recondition an engine, install a new head gasket, etc. Makes no sense to me, UNLESS they all need it. We will do that if necessary, but my goodness it is the dramatic exception rather than the rule.