New Holland to switch to Korean manufacturer?

[joes_427_vette]

The market is getting so competitive manufacturers have to cut costs ( not prices ) and produce " less quality machines " that in the end will tarnish their reputation. Older examples will be in demand at higher prices. On the bright side it will create more jobs in the parts and technicians .

 

[RickB]

The manufactuer change is true and in progress.

Past experience with parts availability and pricing from OEM sources dropped by CNH would lead me to expect higher parts pricing and an increased % of backorders.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Add us to the folks that are none too happy about LS supplying us product.

That said, I understand why NH is doing it. They claim to have been loosing money with every compact they sold and it did not seem that ISM had much interest in further engineering.

 

[JerryK]

The LS site is already sporting NH type designs with the sloped NH loader design, and talking about 'new European design'. The old Saburu NH's will have parts availible for years. And maybe second sourced for parts that dry up in inventory eventually. Me, I noticed that LS offers a 16 speed in their 50-60 hp line, which I would like better than the 12 speeds NH offers in that area now. But, we will see. Probably lots of startup problems, too.

 

[drivadesl]

I had a 1989 Ford 1520 which was made by Shibaura, I was completely impressed by this machine. I thought quality was top notch, it was reliable, only problem I had was the ignition switch needed to be replaced. A great machine, and I was very happy with it. I ended trading it way up to a TN-70, (made in Italy) but that little machine did all I asked of it. Shame to see them replace the manufacturer, but hopefully quality will not suffer. Time will tell.

 

[IH3444]

The one thing that I really love about my TC48 is the shuttle shift, and how well ergonomically it is designed. I have sat on, and driven a Montana, an LS tractor by my understanding, and the shuttle shift, although advertised as such, is no way even approaching the elegant design, and shifting smoothness of my Shibaura New Holland. The Montana (LS) tractor is a sturdy unit, just not as ergonomically refined as I find my New Holland. Yes my New Holland most likely cost abit more, but I feel that I purchased more tractor also. It will be interesting as to how close the LS New Hollands compare to the Montanas, LSs, and if all the lines are competitive. I do like the C3030 with the 12/12 transmission, and as was mentioned earlier, the 16/16 trans. Wish mine was a 16/16, with 3 speeds below 1mph. If LS carbon copied the SS layout of the NHs, they may come out a real winner.

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

Add us to the folks that are none too happy about LS supplying us product.

That said, I understand why NH is doing it. They claim to have been loosing money with every compact they sold and it did not seem that ISM had much interest in further engineering.

With out wanting a war of anykind, mind if I ask why? I would think that it would be a good addition to your your lines if they come in priced like LS, you would have the best of both worlds?

As a LS tractor owner that was distributed by Montana who doesnt distribute LS anymore obviously I am excited! I knew that buying the LS product was a risk 4 years ago, Montana was new to the game, that said I knew enough about LS to figure they would be present in the market. Only time will tell when the tractor is 20 years old and needs a widget weather I will get it or not.

 

[bp fick]

There is the perception, and you can judge for yourself the validity, that Korean tractors remain a click below those of Japan.

It must also be difficult for a shop to change from Shibaura to LS. Learning curve, re-training, and so forth. Doesn't sound like fun for a dealership. All new parts that are a total break from the past. More fun. Not.

Finally, since LS already has 3 or 4 outlets for their products, re-badged and otherwise, a NH re-badge, even if it has design input from NH, will not be as special as the Shibaura, which NH here had a lock on.

That's my take, anyhow, FWIW

 

[trac]

So LS will supply New Holland with compacts. I wonder how that works with the NH dealers that are right next to a LS dealer?

Does anyone know why LS Mtron would come into this country over 1 year ago to set up LS Tractor dealerships and now supply NH dealers soon. And what about Case- IH, will they be supplied to? Is this a Fiat deal?

 

[qed-cat225]

well they could have gone to the same company that makes Bobcat tractors in Korea Yet another new model number scheme. which companies other than Kubota actually make their own tractors in 50HP or less?