Z-Michigan said:
Well there are two different manufacturers that both claim to be responsible for the Farm Force products at TSC. I don't know for sure but I think that "Farm Force" is a TSC brand that they are using with two different manufacturers when they make stuff for TSC. Now if anyone finds "Farm Force" brand new at a non-TSC store, that would change my view. I'm just looking for quality inexpensive stuff - who isn't? KK welds scare me but the Farm Force (by Tarter Gate) stuff I've seen looks enough better that I wouldn't feel worried buying it.
Sorry to be joining this conversation late, but I think you've hit this nail right on the head. KK is clearly being phased out of TSC stores (except for tillers?) and most of TSC's 3-pt hitch equipment will now be sold under its own captive brand: "Farm Force"
I find it interesting that the equipment is being made to look just like KK right down to the last detail. I also find it interesting that there are two (or more) suppliers who get to put their
own name on the product
under the "Farm Force" banner. In my area... New England... Tarter Gate is the manufacturer. I wonder if this is specifically being done to show (or at least suggest?) that the products were
not made in China (
as a lot of independent implement dealers have asserted)? I did notice some "Made in India" stickers on the "standard-duty" box blade's rippers (which were not as good looking as KK's).
In that I was interested specifically in KK/TSC's
heavy-duty box blade model that is still apparently only made by King Kutter... I found it interesting that this product was no longer in stock in any New England store and could no longer be ordered for guaranteed delivery (i.e., you can place an order but no timetable or guarantee it will ever arrive). In fact, as we went through several KK items, it seemed like they were all out of stock almost everywhere and not coming back anytime soon. Only the 6' KK tiller I ordered is supposedly on its way and assured to arrive in a timely manner.
And, incidentally, you are absolutely right about the welds... far superior looking to KK on everything I was able to compare. It remains to be seen, however, if the overall product will give and same basic, economical, "
Chevrolet-grade" service that KK has become so well known for.
Also got some good news yesterday that TSC is finally headed into Central MA, Maine... and, most importantly,
"TAX FREE" New Hampshire. Very cool.
Dougster
