Nortracs on sale!

Scott_Stokke · May 31, 2003

We've worked very hard to set up service centers for the tractors. Sometimes, we have a service center that services one of our other products. Other times, as is the case with the retail store locations, we have set up relationships with shops that are near the store.

Many times we work with the customer to find a service center.

I'll give you an example. Sometimes, about the only way to find a service center from World Headquarters is an internet search for a phone number. But if you go to the area where the tractor needs service and ask who works on diesels, you find some of the best mechanics in the county. They don't have to advertise because everybody around knows about them. We've found some great service centers this way.

Of course, if a customer already has a relationship with a mechanic, we'll certainly use their mechanic and pay his going rate. That's only fair.

I can't think of an instance when we haven't been able to get a customers tractor serviced. Sometimes, like in Montanna, we have to go a fair distance to get to the shop!! There just aren't service centers every 30 miles!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Many times, people don't want to work on them because they don't want to look bad in front of a customer since they're not familiar with the tractor. I can understand that. But these tractors aren't that complicated after they take a look most will work on them.

Other times they don't understand that we have a huge parts inventory and they think they have to wait for a part from China or find it themselves. Not true. We can and do ship UPS overnight to get a tractor up and running asap.

Just having a mechanical aptitude will go a long ways towards fixing anything that would come up. After all, half the fun of owning a tractor is tinkering and maintaining the equipment. (At least that's what I tell my wife.)

davesisk · May 31, 2003

Scott:

Thanks very much for the reply. So, tell me this then: what are the 3 most common service items that are recommended to be done by a service center (rather than the owner). I'd imagine replacing a clutch would be one. What are 2-3 others that are the most common?

Thanks and best regards,
Dave

davesisk · Jun 1, 2003

Scott:

One more question: what service centers are available in the Raleigh, NC area. (There are two Northern Tool retail stores, but I doubt they are actually service centers...)

Thanks!
Dave

heith · Jun 1, 2003

These tractors are as easy to repair as any other tractor,any qualified tractor repair service can handle it.Much the same way auto repair centers work on many brands.

Scott_Stokke · Jun 1, 2003

You are correct in that neither store services the tractors. We do have a service center near Raleigh. Contact me off line for the name and contact information.

Scott_Stokke · Jun 1, 2003

Again, it depends on your level of mechanical aptitude. Also, there is a difference between service and repair. Most service items could be handled by most customers. That's a general statement. As far as a "most common", there haven't been enough to make a "most common" type statement.

Some "repairs" that would probably be best handled by a service center are rebuilding the injector pump, running the rack on the engine, injector work, etc. Also, I suppose some hydraulic repairs would fit in this category as well as some of the implement repairs.

I've talked with people that own our tractors and others that fall into both categories. It's just a matter of what they have for prior mechanical experience.

davesisk · Jun 2, 2003

Hey Scott:

Two more questions if you don't mind. Btw, thank you for your presence on TBN, and thank you for answering our questions!

There's are packages including a backhoe with both the 25 hp and the 30 hp tractors, but there doesn't seem to be a backhoe package with the 20 hp. Is the 20 hp tractor powerful/heavy/whatever enough to run one of the backhoes that Northern sells?

Also, I notice that the hydraulic flow on the 20 hp is 8gpm at 2250 PSI. My current machine runs attachments (like a stump grinder, power auger) off a "hydraulic PTO" that is 8gpm @ 2500 PSI (think of it like hydraulic remotes on a skid steer or tractor). The hydraulic attachments on my current machine would actually run fine off the hydraulic flow on the Nortrac 20 hp. However, would running an attachment that requires 8gpm do any damage to the hydraulic steering pump? Or would this be OK on the tractor's hydraulic system? (I'm just trying to figure, if I actually bought one of these, could I re-use some of my existing hydraulic-powered attachments...)

Thanks!
Dave

davesisk · Jun 2, 2003

OK, just one more question! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I have two Northern Tool stores locally (one in Raleigh, one in Cary, NC)...since there's local stores, is there any way to avoid the shipping cost? Can the tractor be shipped to the store, then I pick it up from there with my own trailer?

Thanks!
Dave

Scott_Stokke · Jun 2, 2003

Good questions.

Regarding a backhoe on the 20HP. It could run it, but I wouldn't recommend it and we don't sell that combination. It's kind of like using my S10 to pull a fifth wheel. I could do it this summer for vacation, but probably not summer after summer after summer. That extra 5HP figured into the lifecycle cost of the equipment makes a big difference.

When (and if /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) the CTOA gets back up, there's a pretty good thread regarding remote hydraulics on the tractors. Our 30HP is piped for it and has a larger pump. But you asked about the twenty HP.

While the flow on the 20hp is enough, I recommend a pto mounted pump and external sump. The tractor only has a 2.5 gallon sump. For something with a higher duty cycle like a splitter, augur, etc I'd rather use the external sump to better disapate the heat. Also, I think the pto mounted pump is rated better for continous duty than the pump on the tractor. Again, over the life of the tractor, I think it'd be money well spent. It also doesn't tie you down to just one tractor. You can use the implement on a tractor w/o power steering or hydraulics. It may even enhance the value of the implement to a buyer if you go to sell it. The kicker: It's another project that I can tell my wife is absolutely essential to family harmony and my personal well being. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

My two cents worth.

Scott_Stokke · Jun 2, 2003

You can still go to the store and pick it up with your own trailer!! The special is good off the retail price as well. So, the 188023 should be $5399.99. Stop in and see Jim Wommack over at the Cary store. He'd be glad to help you. I should be out there in a couple of weeks as well. Let me know if you want to meet at the store.