Manual Survey
- Thread starter JimMc
- Start date
- Views: 3259
Turfman
Gold Member
Re: upside down picture
Darn, I'll bet all that weight up high on the three point puts a lot of stress on it.
Darn, I'll bet all that weight up high on the three point puts a lot of stress on it.
Gary_in_Indiana
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2002
- Messages
- 3,373
- Location
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Tractor
- John Deere 4200 MFWD HST w/ JD 420 FEL w/ 61" loader bucket & toothbar & JD 37 BH w/ 12" bucket
Jim, this <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=172461&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>thread</A> will give you some great input as to some of what needs to be included in an owner's/operator's manual. Those of us who are new would appreciate it and many of those who are veterans probably wouldn't look at the manual anyhow. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Jim, when you mention grease or lube tell how many grease fittings or lube points there are and location. My Kubota was the first thing I have bought that told me how many fittings. I always feel like I will have a DA attack and ruin something because I missed a fitting.
CVHoss
Gold Member
Jim,
1. More than anything else, I would like a proofread manual. If it says "see chart on page 63" and there are only 57 pages in the manual, it drives me nuts.
2. Correct information. I can live without having a whole bunch of extra information as long as the information necessary to assemble and operate the equipment correctly is complete and accurate.
3. Update the manuals when you update the equipment. Sending me a manual which does not reflect changes in the equipment is almost worse than useless. My JD 4400 manual has numerous areas that do not match the updates to the machine. The first time I ordered oil and hydro filters, I ordered the wrong ones as I used the part numbers in the manual and they did not match what was now being used on the machine. Single sheet addendums that blow away and get lost are useless. Either bite the bullet and print new manuals or at the least, keep updated manuals on your web site that can be downloaded. But if your manual doesn't match the equipment, make sure the purchaser knows it and how to obtain the correct version.
4. I know it's more expensive, but I'd be happy to pay a dollar more on the cost of a piece of equipment to get a manual with a spiral binding. Some things require you to have three hands already. Having to find another one to keep the manual from closing up on you is a real pain.
5. And, since you wanted our thoughts, here's one I know I'll never see but is on my "wish" list. Manuals printed on Tyvek (waterproof) paper so that when I get oil and grease all over them, I can wipe it off. Not necessary on something like a box blade that doesn't require much in the way of maintenance, but for more complicated pieces of equipment where you are constantly referring to the manual (usually with greasy hands), it sure would be nice.
Well, that's about it. I'm actually trying to think of some other attachment I need so I can buy something from First Choice. I've really been impressed that you are taking feedback from your customers.
Hoss
1. More than anything else, I would like a proofread manual. If it says "see chart on page 63" and there are only 57 pages in the manual, it drives me nuts.
2. Correct information. I can live without having a whole bunch of extra information as long as the information necessary to assemble and operate the equipment correctly is complete and accurate.
3. Update the manuals when you update the equipment. Sending me a manual which does not reflect changes in the equipment is almost worse than useless. My JD 4400 manual has numerous areas that do not match the updates to the machine. The first time I ordered oil and hydro filters, I ordered the wrong ones as I used the part numbers in the manual and they did not match what was now being used on the machine. Single sheet addendums that blow away and get lost are useless. Either bite the bullet and print new manuals or at the least, keep updated manuals on your web site that can be downloaded. But if your manual doesn't match the equipment, make sure the purchaser knows it and how to obtain the correct version.
4. I know it's more expensive, but I'd be happy to pay a dollar more on the cost of a piece of equipment to get a manual with a spiral binding. Some things require you to have three hands already. Having to find another one to keep the manual from closing up on you is a real pain.
5. And, since you wanted our thoughts, here's one I know I'll never see but is on my "wish" list. Manuals printed on Tyvek (waterproof) paper so that when I get oil and grease all over them, I can wipe it off. Not necessary on something like a box blade that doesn't require much in the way of maintenance, but for more complicated pieces of equipment where you are constantly referring to the manual (usually with greasy hands), it sure would be nice.
Well, that's about it. I'm actually trying to think of some other attachment I need so I can buy something from First Choice. I've really been impressed that you are taking feedback from your customers.
Hoss
CVHoss
Gold Member
Jim,
One thing regarding your web site. You might have whoever is doing your website take a look at it in Netscape so they can see what those of us using Netscape see. The attachment is a screen shot of the difference. View with Internet Explorer is on top, Netscape on bottom. I understand that this is a pretty low priority, but thought I'd point it out in case you were unaware of the difference.
Hoss
One thing regarding your web site. You might have whoever is doing your website take a look at it in Netscape so they can see what those of us using Netscape see. The attachment is a screen shot of the difference. View with Internet Explorer is on top, Netscape on bottom. I understand that this is a pretty low priority, but thought I'd point it out in case you were unaware of the difference.
Hoss
Attachments
looch
Veteran Member
<font color=blue>Manuals printed on Tyvek </font color=blue>
Great idea. Instead of the whole manual, though, how about just a removeable, "quick-reference" sheet/maintenance schedule in that material. Something you could pin up or hang in the shop and even write on with dry-erase markers.
I also second the spiral ring binding.
Great idea. Instead of the whole manual, though, how about just a removeable, "quick-reference" sheet/maintenance schedule in that material. Something you could pin up or hang in the shop and even write on with dry-erase markers.
I also second the spiral ring binding.
mikim
Veteran Member
I'd like to see a manual and IPB (illustrated parts breakdown) available on CD. Print out the pages I need for the job at hand, and I still have it in pristine condition to print it again. -- or it they're available that way now ... howcum I haven't seen anything about it? In other words - a section or cross reference of other pertinent manuals available and sources.
mike
mike
