Just have to vent

CSAW · Feb 25, 2002

First of all I am on the plastic side of the plastic vs. metal argument when it comes to tractor hoods and fenders. However, the price of this piece of plastic has my blood boiling. I have a John Deere stx38 lawn mower that my son broke the hood on. This type of plastic should in no way be confused with the type used on full size tractors. It is very brittle and thin. (It shattered) That is still not the big problem. The real problem is the $195.00 for a new one. This piece should be about $15.00-$20.00. So now I will be riding a mower with no hood and will never buy another one. Sorry if I sound bitter but I am.

rancar · Feb 25, 2002

Chuck --

JD does have the reputation for gouging on parts replacement. I've experienced the same with my 111 and 425. In regard to the hood, you might want to look in local classifields or the yahoo club forums. In the latter, I've seen people buying and selling hoods for alot less than the $195 your JD dealer is quoting.

Regards,
Bob Ancar
Cambridge, NY

s1120 · Feb 26, 2002

<font color=red>First of all I am on the plastic side of the plastic vs. metal argument when it comes to tractor hoods and fenders. </font color=red>

Sounds like you are changing over to the metal side./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I have to say I like the metal better. I little dent can just be popped out, instaid of replicing the whole hood.

Egon · Feb 26, 2002

Metal or plastic????

Maybe each have their own place.

I do know the plastic body panels on my 15 year old car are not rusted and do take some bangs without denting.
My plastic canoe, which is even older , sits outside all the time, has been in freefall slide for a hundred feet down a riverbank approaching vertical and has suffered nummerous hits from grounding or going around rocks and still looks new.

Egon

bigpete · Feb 26, 2002

Don't blame you a bit. It's not just Deere, though.

You might try finding a little cost relief by posting a "Wanted" ad here. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DeereGTClassifieds/>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DeereGTClassifieds/</A>.

I'm guessing your son has learned a lesson.../w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

Good luck

bigpete · Feb 26, 2002

I hope the canoe was unoccupied during that freefall slide /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif !

Anonymous Poster · Feb 26, 2002

"Plastic" is a braod-based term that encompasses many different types of polymeric compounds (just as "metal" or "steel" are generic terms).

Unfortunately, the hoods on the older series Deere are made of ABS. This plastic is not the best choice for exterior equipment that is exposed to the elements and must also be flexible, chemical (gas, oil) resistant, and have impact resistance. Also, ABS does not have the best exterior durability and fades fairly rapidly outdoors. ABS was commonly used by lawn/garden equipment manufacturers on their "first generation" plastic parts. Among others, Deere still uses it on their cheaper Scotts and Sabre machines. These days, most premium manufacturers (including Deere) have been using Xenoy as the plastic of choice. This polymeric alloy is more flexible (especially at lower temperatures), more chemical/solvent resistant, and has much better impact resistance. Also, Xenoy is much more resistant to UV degradation (i.e. sunlight) and manufacturers are able to blend the color into the plastics. (Most - not all- ABS units were painted).

ABS is best suited for interior applications, while Xenoy is a much better choice for the requirements of the L/G industry.

Unfortunately, plastics tend to me more expensive than their metal counterparts: he trade-off for lighter weight and streamlined design.

P.S.
I frequent the knife forums and these guys are as adamant about the different grades of steel as the polymer guys are about plastic composites!

rmcess · Feb 26, 2002

CSAW,
I mowed the biggest part of a season without a hood and found that the hood helped keep dirt and grass clippings away from the engine. I agree that you should look elsewhere like the links that have been given, also I have seen hoods and fenders for Deere on Ebay several times. Good Luck
Rich...

njrqs · Feb 26, 2002

Oh Oh

Looks like Glue Guy has a nemesis here.

Could this be the battle of the non-metallic guys here??????

s1120 · Feb 26, 2002

Look! here comes "Composit Man" He is my hero!

/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

bigpete · Feb 26, 2002

All we need is Gasguy, Liquidguy, Lubeguy, and Hydroguy and we could begin a battle of the "Tractor Physics Superheroes." I'll go for the role of Ducttapeguy. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

CSAW · Feb 26, 2002

Right now I'm not too happy with cheap "expensive" plastic guy.

Also thanks for all the suggestions.

Egon · Feb 27, 2002

Pete:

I was letting the canoe down the river bank when I slipped. Fortunetly I stopped but the canoe didn't. Ended up being a very nice day.

Egon

BHarrison · Feb 27, 2002

Well, the problem with finding one used is, you and every other deere mower owner are looking for one. I have a LX172, and the first thing to fall slam off of it was the hood. It was patched, and patched until it finally was in too many pieces to worry with. During the same time, just about every other plastic part became brittle and broke. In my opinion, Deere should have stood behind this. That was B.S. You pay TOP DOLLAR for something that YOU THINK is quality, and it falls apart around you. THEN you think your just going to call the dealer, and order replacements for the all the plastic. JUST THE PLASTIC PARTS cost more than I could sell the whole unit for. But hey, "Nothin runs like a Deere!"

That is why I have a nice, shiney Orange machine now. You know why it's shiney? THERE'S NO PLASTIC!

Anybody interested in a used LX172? Runs great, but looks like heck because ALL THE PLASTIC HAS BROKEN OFF.

OK, I'm done venting, but I feel your pain.

TerryinMD · Feb 28, 2002

Step back and think about the cost of any part for any machine - car, truck, tractor. All of the manufacturers make money off of parts. Always was and always will be.... /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif/w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

Terry

BHarrison · Feb 28, 2002

It's not that their just trying to make money on parts. As you say, this will always be. I have a problem with the parts being inferior from the word go, and raping the every Joe who wants to replace the said inferior part on a machine that was (as claimed by thier floor geek) suppose to be superor to all other lawn machines. Remember, it was green & yellow.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 28, 2002

Thanks Polymer Guy... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

That was very interesting... can you go into some detail as to the official type of "plastics" used on the John Deere and New Holland Compact Tractors...

Perhaps, also give us a glimpse of what lies ahead in the future in the World of Plastic... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

forestcreature · Mar 1, 2002

sorry about being hoodless

could you fashion one out of fiberglass, using the original as a [parital] pattern?

TresCrows · Mar 3, 2002

Then you are my hero bigpete--er--Ducttapeguy. Duct tape is stronger than steel, sticks like glue and holds both metal and shattered plastic together at even 100 MPH.
Ducttapeguy, you are so sticky and come in those nice economy packs that are always there to save the day! Glueguy and Polymerguy do not stand a chance!
J