Not to start an argument..............

[gravybones]

So if you wanted to buy a truck, would you buy a Mack 18 wheeler since that is what professional truck drivers use?

Doesn't make sense to buy beyond your "use" because that is what pros use. Oh, and I do things myself instead of hire professionals since I have seen how they work sometimes.

 

[jbooth]

I will agree that Deere parts are nearly always available, service maybe, but Deere seems to be intent on closing most of the smaller stores in my area. Sure you can order parts on line, but lead time sometimes means the difference in getting jobs completed before a rain and etc. I'm sure closing some of the small market stores was a sound business decision, but am skeptical about their customer relations attitude. The bigger the store the less patience they seem to have unless you have 50 or 100K to throw at them.

 

[robertwhite]

That may be true of *some* of the smaller JD CUTs, but not *all* of them. I know for a fact that my 4520 was assembled in Augusta GA, and the engine was made in a JD factory in Mexico.

When I made my purchase, I was just happy to support a US company and in some small way, the people JD employs.

To address the Made in Mexico, but I am still supporting Americans. No sir, you are not. If the engines are made in Mexico, obviously that is taking food off of American workers plates. I am in no putting you or the product down, just stating the obvious. I could get deeply involved in a discussion of the politics of manufacturing but this is not the place.

The engines on the other hand.......As far as I know (and I could definitely be wrong) every current JD smaller than a 4120 uses other vendors (Yanmar, Kawisaki, etc) engines. That is a TON of SCUT, CUT & ZTR sold every year. I would honestly like to know the percentage of JD vs. non JD engines go out the JD showrooms every year.

And to be perfectly clear, I am in no way saying that JD tries to hide the fact as they print it right in their specs. Only question is how many buyers realize the tractor they bought are not powered by JD engines. Nothing at all wrong with a Yanmar, just thinking out loud.

I think there is one flaw with your analogy, at least since the year 2000 or so. Rolex makes all their own movements for their watches, so when you buy a Rolex it's all made by Rolex. Before 2000 Rolex did use a Zenith made movement for their Daytona. So Rolex is able to exercise more control over their watches since they manufacture all their own movements. John Deere on the other hand has lots of major sub-assemblies manufactured by other companies. I should add that sub-contracting construction is not necessarily a bad thing, but in the watch collecting world there is a certain prestige associated with the companies that manufacture all their own movements in house.

As I am into watches pretty heavily, I understand all about the Rolex in house vs. non in house argument, I was just using it to make a point about marketing. Then again, what does the non in house use say about Rolex's made for the last 50 years. Could have just as easily used Harley Davidson as an example.

 

[Lt CHEG]

As I am into watches pretty heavily, I understand all about the Rolex in house vs. non in house argument, I was just using it to make a point about marketing. Then again, what does the non in house use say about Rolex's made for the last 50 years. Could have just as easily used Harley Davidson as an example.

I figured you might be a watch enthusiast, I am too. My collection isn't all that big, it'd probably be bigger if I hadn't gotten into this whole tractor thing but I digress. I certainly understand your point and agree that nobody has done a better job marketing than Rolex. Heck in the 1960's Omegas were held in higher esteem than Rolex but in that time period Rolex has just set the marketing standard. My holy grail watch is probably a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph or Overseas Dual Time, but my current favorite watch that I own is my Rolex Submariner 2 tone 16613 black it was my holy grail watch for a long time. As for the Zenith movement Daytonas, they are about the only Rolex watches that I like with a leather strap instead of a bracelet. I've seen straps mounted on the newer Daytonas but they just don't look the same to me with the dimensions of all the complications off by just a smidge. I'm thinking that my next Rolex will either be a Pepsi bezel GMT II, a black faced Explorer II or maybe even a Platinum faced Yachtmaster as there are some great deals to be had on them in the used market right now with the economy as it is.

 

[scoutcub]

I figured you might be a watch enthusiast, I am too. My collection isn't all that big, it'd probably be bigger if I hadn't gotten into this whole tractor thing but I digress. I certainly understand your point and agree that nobody has done a better job marketing than Rolex. Heck in the 1960's Omegas were held in higher esteem than Rolex but in that time period Rolex has just set the marketing standard. My holy grail watch is probably a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph or Overseas Dual Time, but my current favorite watch that I own is my Rolex Submariner 2 tone 16613 black it was my holy grail watch for a long time. As for the Zenith movement Daytonas, they are about the only Rolex watches that I like with a leather strap instead of a bracelet. I've seen straps mounted on the newer Daytonas but they just don't look the same to me with the dimensions of all the complications off by just a smidge. I'm thinking that my next Rolex will either be a Pepsi bezel GMT II, a black faced Explorer II or maybe even a Platinum faced Yachtmaster as there are some great deals to be had on them in the used market right now with the economy as it is.

Huh????

 

[lilranch2001]

I dunno..... I like my only watch, a 10 year old seko that looks like its been through the war, and keeps perfect time with the same arm band I had when it was given to me, I would rather spend money on my new Bobcat toys
:laughing:

 

[arrabil]

To address the Made in Mexico, but I am still supporting Americans. No sir, you are not.

Sure he is. He is not supporting the American worker, but he is supporting the American aristocrat. Both Americans regardless of where you stand on the underlying issue.