need info on choosing a rototiller

[sweettractors]

Now I wonder who makes the TSC stuff in Kentucky.

No manufacturer will want to hold a long term contract with TSC because of so many warranty issues, that TSC is not setup to repair in house, and returned products going back to the factory to be RR. That is probably the main reason that they have decided to put County Line on all of it no matter the origin. Ken Sweet

 

[Builder]

How old is it? Ken Sweet

~3-4 yrs old. not exactly NEW, I guess, but fairly new....

 

[King Kutter Rep]

Hey no problem its a good product! My shaft and slip clutch has made in china all over it there isn't any doubt mine is the exception which is just my luck.

They work fine I am not knocking them yet just am taken back by the 99.9% made in USA statement you made.

And btw since you are a mouthpiece for KK.... I have a very slight gear box leak at the inside of the tine shaft since brand new that my dealer (Orchlens) couldn't fix because they are not a service center.

why they sell things like this I don't know but that's beside the point)

I told them I could fix it but wasn't doing it for free I have 200 other projects at any one time so KK sent them the seals and said they would pay me $50.

I haven't had time to mess with it but what do you think about how I have been treated is that a fair deal? (my shop rate is $70 per hour so would be working at slave labor rates to fix something that imo should be under a warranty of some kind just my 2c)

Thank you for buying King Kutter! The warranty issues have to go through the seller. In this case Orschelns. That is our agreement with them, and I will honor that. (Strictly my opinion, but free parts and $50 does sound fair to me, but again that's only my personal opinion) Also, when you replace those seals, put in 85w - 140 or even Triple Aught or pourable grease in the gearbox. That is what we are using now. It's good stuff.

 

[keyser soze]

No manufacturer will want to hold a long term contract with TSC because of so many warranty issues, that TSC is not setup to repair in house, and returned products going back to the factory to be RR. That is probably the main reason that they have decided to put County Line on all of it no matter the origin. Ken Sweet

You're way off base here Ken. Any one company would be happy to have TSC's business all to themselves. TSC must feel it's better for them to have several suppliers. Three right now.

I know that any time a company prices anything to TSC or any Retail Chain, they factor in for returns (Well, any smart company does). It's part of the game when a company sells to a retail store.

The reason that they went to the "County Line" label is for unity across the country. Instead of having the Tarter Gate, Hawkline by Behlen, or King Kutter labels on equipment, depending on what part of the country you're in.

 

[sweettractors]

You're way off base here Ken. Any one company would be happy to have TSC's business all to themselves. TSC must feel it's better for them to have several suppliers. Three right now.

I know that any time a company prices anything to TSC or any Retail Chain, they factor in for returns (Well, any smart company does). It's part of the game when a company sells to a retail store.

The reason that they went to the "County Line" label is for unity across the country. Instead of having the Tarter Gate, Hawkline by Behlen, or King Kutter labels on equipment, depending on what part of the country you're in.

For 15 years I drove by a local TSC store, If you could see the pile of returned implements that went back to the factory, you would know that the Mfgr. was not making any money on the contract. The smart Mfgrs. stay away from TSC. I am sure TSC comes out smelling good on these contracts. How much Landpride, Rhino or First Choice, etc. equipment do you see at TSC stores? Ken Sweet

 

[keyser soze]

For 15 years I drove by a local TSC store, If you could see the pile of returned implements that went back to the factory, you would know that the Mfgr. was not making any money on the contract. The smart Mfgrs. stay away from TSC. I am sure TSC comes out smelling good on these contracts. How much Landpride, Rhino or First Choice, etc. equipment do you see at TSC stores? Ken Sweet

You are basing this off of ONE store? That proves my point even more. Every store is / was not like that.

First Choice... I'm not sure why that's even in the conversation. They sell such an inconsequential amount of equipment in the US, that I'm not sure why you even brought them up, other than the fact that you sell it. As for Landpride and Rhino, their equipment is not competitively priced enough. Even their equipment that is comparable in specs and weight is much more expensive than TSC's current suplliers. Surely you know that. TSC wants bang for the buck, and that is not what Landpride or Rhino or Bush Hog or Woods for that matter specialize in.

 

[Ford850]

We have considered it, however, we ship nationwide and you guys supply the "Box Stores" to some extent as well as to dealers, so we have to find a product of equal or better quality for less cost. Thus, Hawkline, Tarter, Phoenix, First Choice, etc. Ken Sweet

Ken,
TSC suppliers have changed over the years. You don't carry KK because you say they are in box stores, but that isn't the case around here. However, if I look at TSC I see Tarter and Hawkline labels on every implement. I wish they still sold KK so I would have a closer dealer to me, because the Tarter and Hawkline items don't impress me with quality or finish. Maybe they cut corners for TSC shipments and you are selling a better line.

 

[Wooddust]

Everyone has reasons they buy from one dealer or another or one brand over another.

I am very active in habitat work on my farm.

I've restored deer habitat and Turkey habitat with good results and continue working on quail.

I appreciate the help of organizations like QUWF and NWTF and QDMA. And I like to show my support for companies who contribute to them whenever I can.

My Tiller is a Land Pride because they support those organizations, My pickup is a Chevy...they are a major supporter. And My dealers for those products contribute to our local fund raising. Our JD dealer is great to support us with door prizes and send employees to our banquets.

TSC wont. Thats OK. But that costs them at least one customer...me. We have a couple short line equipment retailers who love selling things to small land owners but when asked to help out we get the "seems we have enough **** (deer) (turkeys)....In rural areas/small towns that attitude doesn't stay secret long.

Sometimes its not a bad idea to look beyond the final price. Saying thank you to organizations that support the things you are into is a good idea.

 

[Agrantina]

Good posting about tillers.. still looking and trying to decide.. But I want to get the best i can get for under 2k for a 5ft one... Looked a tonutti last week? dont know much about them???? Local Kubota delaer has a new one??

AndyG

 

[John_in_TN]

AndyG, how far are you from Jackson, Tn?
There is small dealer (Wayne Morphis Equip) out in the country about 7 or 8 miles east/southeast of Jackson that was selling new 5 ft, KK gear drive tillers for less than 2k back in the summer. Actually I think they were either 15 or 16 hundred. This guy started dealling in used farm equipment 40 or 50 years ago and gradually added new items. His son, Tracy pretty much runs the operation now.

I have no affiliation with Morphis other than being a happy customer. They are darn nice people to deal with.

Might be worth a call if your not too far away (731-988-5496). Be sure to get directions - their road is paved, but certainly not a highway.