JD branded or Frontier?

[AKfish]

Been lookin' at the "Build Your Own" feature on the JD website recently. Seems like there's 3 different tiers of Frontier implements and then there's the John Deere branded implement of the same type.

Like tillers, rotary mowers, disc mowers, etc., etc.

What's the difference between the "top of the line" Frontier and the JD implement?

Is there that much of a difference to justify the cost?

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKfish,
I have looked at a lot of the implements face to face so to speak and now feel you have to look at them on an individual basis. I like the MX6 rotary cutter better than the Frontier model for one example. My Frontier BB1284 boxblade is made by Woods/Gannon and is way better than the old Deere boxblade from years ago. Fifty years ago International had an extremely large number of implement patents and was one of their strong points, thing do change don't they?

 

[Nuru]

Depending on your intended level off usage, the Frontiers are fine.

 

[AKfish]

I have learned that "generally" the Frontier equipment is lighter duty than the counterpart John Deere implement.

But... I have seen where the Frontier stuff is just as heavy duty, too! Like the "yellow" Frontier box blade.

And then, throw in the "series" for the different tiers of the Frontier line and it's not a straightforward decision. Especially over the Internet!!

Hate to order something and then when you get a chance to look it over...

AKfish

 

[Nuru]

Yeah, that is a definite consideration. I end to try to see something local before I order it via the Web (WWW).

 

[JeffinNE]

There are many choices, especially with the Frontier finish mowers. From what I've read, I believe the "10" series finish mowers are made by Woods, while the "20" series finish mowers are made by Befco. Not sure who makes their "30" series. The specs on the 20 and 30 series are very similar while the 10 series have more weight.

Not sure if the "E", economy units within the "10" series is still made by Woods?

Anyone out there with more info on the Frontier finish mowers. They all seem to be very good to excellent overall.

 

[AKfish]

Depending on your intended level off usage, the Frontiers are fine.

I agree, Nuru. The Frontier line of implements is very good, quality stuff.

There are many choices, especially with the Frontier finish mowers. From what I've read, I believe the "10" series finish mowers are made by Woods, while the "20" series finish mowers are made by Befco. Not sure who makes their "30" series. The specs on the 20 and 30 series are very similar while the 10 series have more weight.

Anyone out there with more info on the Frontier finish mowers. They all seem to be very good to excellent overall.

I'm very interested in the disc mowers at this time. For my hay operation and possibly a neighbors field, too. But, I don't have a way to look at the different series or models. And certainly no way to compare the Frontier models with the John Deere counterpart!

The sales guys up here don't have any real idea, either. (Just if it costs more -- it's gotta be better -- right!?!)

Thanks for the feedback.

AKfish

 

[Spudland_Dave]

IMO the "problem" with Frontier is they switch around from MFG to MFG within lines and from time to time....But the beauty is its not hard to tell who is the true MFG.

I wouldnt consider a Frontier "light duty" at all...I guess it depends on what your dealer stocks...Do they offer light duty? Yes, absouletly...but they also do offer regular duty & heavy duty too...

Example... Frontier PR1172 = Harley T-6....very well known & HD unit... Frontier BB1060/1065/1072 are identical to the Woods GB60/65/72

Seriously, once you track down who makes a certian piece of Frontier equipment, it really boils down to $$$. Dont write off the Frontier line as being "too expensive".... Real world case in point: On snowblowers this year, I can get a SB1174 CHEAPER or at the most, for the same thing as the Blizzard B74....given the choice, I'll take the green one.... But at my dealer, they REALLY push the Woods stuff, and I can get a "same same" Woods BB for less then the Frontier...

 

[ddivinia]

I agree, Nuru. The Frontier line of implements is very good, quality stuff.



I'm very interested in the disc mowers at this time. For my hay operation and possibly a neighbors field, too. But, I don't have a way to look at the different series or models. And certainly no way to compare the Frontier models with the John Deere counterpart!

The sales guys up here don't have any real idea, either. (Just if it costs more -- it's gotta be better -- right!?!)

Thanks for the feedback.

AKfish

Which disc mower are you looking at?

My JD dealer doesn't even carry the Frontier or JD disc mowers. I ended up with a Krohn mower.

It looks like the Frontier disc mowers are the exact older version of the JOhn Deere mower.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

IMO the "problem" with Frontier is they switch around from MFG to MFG within lines and from time to time....But the beauty is its not hard to tell who is the true MFG.

I wouldnt consider a Frontier "light duty" at all...I guess it depends on what your dealer stocks...Do they offer light duty? Yes, absouletly...but they also do offer regular duty & heavy duty too...

Example... Frontier PR1172 = Harley T-6....very well known & HD unit... Frontier BB1060/1065/1072 are identical to the Woods GB60/65/72

Seriously, once you track down who makes a certian piece of Frontier equipment, it really boils down to $$$. Dont write off the Frontier line as being "too expensive".... Real world case in point: On snowblowers this year, I can get a SB1174 CHEAPER or at the most, for the same thing as the Blizzard B74....given the choice, I'll take the green one.... But at my dealer, they REALLY push the Woods stuff, and I can get a "same same" Woods BB for less then the Frontier...

Frontier makes some good stuff.

My biggest issue with Frontier is that their website sucks. Not enough details, pics, etc.,

D.