Off Brand

[bindian]

I had an old JD rotary cutter with a leaking gearbox. The JD dealer told me the gearbox parts where no longer made and that the only replacement gearbox came from France and needed a different hub. I was going to spring for the gearbox replacement until I found out I needed a new hub. For the cost of these parts for a wore out cracked welded rotary cutter, I could pay half down on a new heavier duty rotary cutter. So does this quaifly as an Off Brand?
hugs, Brandi

 

[DavesTractor]

A single isolated incident of difficulty involving aftermarket parts for a 45 year old model that wasn't exactly a huge seller in its day vs. difficulty even finding a dealer to order parts for a new or very near new tractor isn't exactly the same.

I own 2 John Deere's. But I'm not especially a "fan" of Deere. The 2 tractors I own were both the best fit for my needs at the time I bought them. All things being equal, I'd just as soon have a less expensive tractor. But as key parts to a farming operation at one point, and a mowing business now, I had to buy what I KNOW I can keep running without the risk of significant down-time. Where I'm going with this is, Deere Inc. takes a back seat to NO ONE when it comes to parts availability and speed of delivery. You pay and pay and pay for that luxery. But You don't WAIT for that luxery under anything but the oddest of circumstances. AGCO, NH and all their affiliates, and Kubota aren't far behind. Then there's everyone else off in the distance, TRYING hard, but not really threatening these "big guys" with parts infrastructure. That's just the way it is. This isn't to say "the next Kubota" can't make their way into the big league, but that takes time, established dealerships, diligent efforts over many years, and huge investments. Simply having a good product doesn't insure success. Just ask anyone who worked for, or owned products manufactured by, the "old" International Harvester.

Mahindra has just as good of a chance as anyone of reaching the next level in U.S. markets, but they aren't there yet. I'd say by their success in other parts of the world, they have the resourses and experience to get the job done. But until it's in the boat, it's just a fish story.

THEY NEED ESTABLISHED DEALERS in more areas of the country to compete at the next level. Time will tell if that happens.

I think you are on the right track with your thinking, and you can expect Mahindra to continue to make progress.

I will say though, it is rare that a part is not available in the Houston Mahindra parts warehouse. I can have it the next day if I have them ship it "Next Day". Of course we try to keep the frequently needed items in stock, but no dealer can afford to have every part in stock.

We also work on those funny green, orange and blue tractors. Green has been very good for parts. Blue and Orange normally take a few days or maybe a week. All very acceptable, but for the most part, not quicker than Mahindra. Now if you lack a Mahindra dealer in your area...that makes things more difficult, hence the wisdom in the quote above by FWJ. John Deere didn't build a reputation in 1 year or 10 years. It takes time.

 

[civesnedfield]

A single isolated incident of difficulty involving aftermarket parts for a 45 year old model that wasn't exactly a huge seller in its day vs. difficulty even finding a dealer to order parts for a new or very near new tractor isn't exactly the same.

I own 2 John Deere's. But I'm not especially a "fan" of Deere. The 2 tractors I own were both the best fit for my needs at the time I bought them. All things being equal, I'd just as soon have a less expensive tractor. But as key parts to a farming operation at one point, and a mowing business now, I had to buy what I KNOW I can keep running without the risk of significant down-time. Where I'm going with this is, Deere Inc. takes a back seat to NO ONE when it comes to parts availability and speed of delivery. You pay and pay and pay for that luxery. But You don't WAIT for that luxery under anything but the oddest of circumstances. AGCO, NH and all their affiliates, and Kubota aren't far behind. Then there's everyone else off in the distance, TRYING hard, but not really threatening these "big guys" with parts infrastructure. That's just the way it is. This isn't to say "the next Kubota" can't make their way into the big league, but that takes time, established dealerships, diligent efforts over many years, and huge investments. Simply having a good product doesn't insure success. Just ask anyone who worked for, or owned products manufactured by, the "old" International Harvester.

Mahindra has just as good of a chance as anyone of reaching the next level in U.S. markets, but they aren't there yet. I'd say by their success in other parts of the world, they have the resourses and experience to get the job done. But until it's in the boat, it's just a fish story.

THEY NEED ESTABLISHED DEALERS in more areas of the country to compete at the next level. Time will tell if that happens.

Now did I say one thing about Mahindra. Nope didn't even bring it up. What I did say is "Different strokes for different folks". Dealer support is just another item in a long list of some peoples wants. How high it ranks on the list is totally up to them. Personally if I have to wait a while for a part, wether it be because the dealer no longer stocks the part, or it is no longer made, or to save 50% over dealer price, that is my choice. Believe me I have and will wait for the UPS man every time.
Now if we are talking warranty work, we are cracking a totally different egg.

 

[Keith_B]

So if you want to clear the snow with your compact and it breaks down you are fine with not being able to get the part to fix your tractor for a few weeks? What happens when the snow starts building up and you still don't have the part? Dealer support is important to the majority of tractor owners regardless of what they use them for.

I personally know of a large number of instances where "name brand" dealers did not stock parts that were needed, and the parts had to be ordered, resulting in significant delays.

Here is a thread on the Kubota forum where Kubota owners are complaining about parts availability problems: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/89381-dealers.html?highlight=waiting+parts

This from the John Deere forum: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ydraulic-problem.html?highlight=waiting+parts

I must say though, I'm not impressed with JD part supply system. I have had the 2305 a my house for 2 weeks and made a deal on this thing over a week ago. I am still waiting for the cruis control and mulch kit for my MMC to arrive so he can get the tractor back and we can finalize our deal. Not that I need a mowing deck now, but I am shocked at how long it takes to get in a couple of parts and finalize this deal.

New Holland: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/nh-buying-pricing/81961-ford-1700-a.html?highlight=parts+problem

I have a 1700, have had it for two years. Nice tractor. I mow about six acres with it, using a Woods five-foot mower. Level land.

Parts can be a task to find. Some things can be found on ebay- like light bulbs. Be preapred to be a tinkerer sometimes with it. I had some electrical problems and had to rewire some circuits. I used I&T shop manual for reference.

So much for the myth that you can go to the dealer and get all the parts you need, and have the equipment running without waiting on parts.

I guess these folks wouldn't be having problems getting parts for their Kubotas, New Hollands and Deeres had they not bought off brand products, that way they would have had that great dealer network service everyone keeps talking about being a necessity.

Here I am stuck with a Mahindra where most parts can be overnighted, if they are not in stock. I am sure there are some parts, just as there are with NH, JD and Kubota, where I might have to wait for them.

Realistically, dealer network doesn't mean nearly as much in the age of the internet as it meant twenty years ago. If I didn't have a Mahindra dealer withing 500 miles of me there are a number of dealers on this forum that would be willing to ship me the parts overnight.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Now did I say one thing about Mahindra. Nope didn't even bring it up. What I did say is "Different strokes for different folks". Dealer support is just another item in a long list of some peoples wants. How high it ranks on the list is totally up to them. Personally if I have to wait a while for a part, wether it be because the dealer no longer stocks the part, or it is no longer made, or to save 50% over dealer price, that is my choice. Believe me I have and will wait for the UPS man every time.
Now if we are talking warranty work, we are cracking a totally different egg.

A.) This is like "debating" with my 6 year old granddaughter. Now take this S.L.O.W.L.Y.... WE are on a Mahindra discussion forum. Why WOULDN'T we be talking about Mahindra's?

B.) Why do you (wrongly) assume all my comments were directed at you?

C.) By your terms, Mahindras would be acceptable for anyone who has time to wait. Time for down-time. So are we to assume that anyone who ISN'T in that position should go elsewhere? I'd rather think they want to reach the level of parts and service common to "the big boys". I'd venture a wild guess that 50% or more of John Deere's market is sold to commercial or Agricultural buyers. Don't you suppose Mahindra would like to have 50% more market share than they have now in the U.S. I'd venture a wild guess they wouldn't want you as their marketing director.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I personally know of a large number of instances where "name brand" dealers did not stock parts that were needed, and the parts had to be ordered, resulting in significant delays.

Here is a thread on the Kubota forum where Kubota owners are complaining about parts availability problems: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/89381-dealers.html?highlight=waiting+parts

This from the John Deere forum: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ydraulic-problem.html?highlight=waiting+parts

I must say though, I'm not impressed with JD part supply system. I have had the 2305 a my house for 2 weeks and made a deal on this thing over a week ago. I am still waiting for the cruis control and mulch kit for my MMC to arrive so he can get the tractor back and we can finalize our deal. Not that I need a mowing deck now, but I am shocked at how long it takes to get in a couple of parts and finalize this deal.

New Holland: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/nh-buying-pricing/81961-ford-1700-a.html?highlight=parts+problem

I have a 1700, have had it for two years. Nice tractor. I mow about six acres with it, using a Woods five-foot mower. Level land.

Parts can be a task to find. Some things can be found on ebay- like light bulbs. Be preapred to be a tinkerer sometimes with it. I had some electrical problems and had to rewire some circuits. I used I&T shop manual for reference.

So much for the myth that you can go to the dealer and get all the parts you need, and have the equipment running without waiting on parts.

I guess these folks wouldn't be having problems getting parts for their Kubotas, New Hollands and Deeres had they not bought off brand products, that way they would have had that great dealer network service everyone keeps talking about being a necessity.

Here I am stuck with a Mahindra where most parts can be overnighted, if they are not in stock. I am sure there are some parts, just as there are with NH, JD and Kubota, where I might have to wait for them.

Realistically, dealer network doesn't mean nearly as much in the age of the internet as it meant twenty years ago. If I didn't have a Mahindra dealer withing 500 miles of me there are a number of dealers on this forum that would be willing to ship me the parts overnight.

Until we have the technology to effect warranty repairs via the internet, a dealer network is quite important. It wasn't all that many days since we were locked into a discussion on how vital a new "under warranty" tractor is to some people. Now it's NOT important?

 

[civesnedfield]

Kieth_B you have hit the nail on the head. The key to the whole thing is the internet. I don't care what brand tractor you have. If there is a part out thereto be had, it can be found on the internet.

DavesTractor I agree, and I would not expect anyone to carry one of every part on the shelf. My personal experience with JD was to use their online catalogue, if the part was still available and I could not get it cheaper, they would send it directly to the dealer of my choice. I do have to give JD credit though. Their online parts manuals for just about everything they have ever made is outstanding. It does all the cross referencing for you. Kinda nice when dealing with 40 year old equipment. My biggest complaint about them is the fact that the same part that is shipped from the JD parts wharehouse can usually be found for as much as 50% less than JD gets. These discount parts ARE THE SAME PARTS, they come out of the same wharehouse. I am just not fond of name brands fleecing their customers.

As far as Mahindra is concerned, I have no doubt that they will continue to grow and improve with every passing day.

 

[civesnedfield]

A.) This is like "debating" with my 6 year old granddaughter. Now take this S.L.O.W.L.Y.... WE are on a Mahindra discussion forum. Why WOULDN'T we be talking about Mahindra's?

B.) Why do you (wrongly) assume all my comments were directed at you?

C.) By your terms, Mahindras would be acceptable for anyone who has time to wait. Time for down-time. So are we to assume that anyone who ISN'T in that position should go elsewhere? I'd rather think they want to reach the level of parts and service common to "the big boys". I'd venture a wild guess that 50% or more of John Deere's market is sold to commercial or Agricultural buyers. Don't you suppose Mahindra would like to have 50% more market share than they have now in the U.S. I'd venture a wild guess they wouldn't want you as their marketing director.

Now there you go again. I do not think that personally insulting my intellegence is going to get you any where.

First off I do not assume that your comments are directed twoards me. Just commenting on your post.

Second-- I am not saying that if you want to wait for parts and are ok with down time, buy a Mahindra. You said that. Just another example of FWJ bashing other manufacturers.

What I am trying to say is that I don't care what brand you buy, let me say this so you will hear it, IF YOU SO CHOOSE THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET PARTS.

The intent of my previous comment was for dealer support of used non-warrantied equipment.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Now there you go again. I do not think that personally insulting my intellegence is going to get you any where.

First off I do not assume that your comments are directed twoards me. Just commenting on your post.

Second-- I am not saying that if you want to wait for parts and are ok with down time, buy a Mahindra. You said that. Just another example of FWJ bashing other manufacturers.

What I am trying to say is that I don't care what brand you buy, let me say this so you will hear it, IF YOU SO CHOOSE THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET PARTS.

The intent of my previous comment was for dealer support of used non-warrantied equipment.

Insulting your inteligence? I'm still looking for any signs of such in your postings.

So I should buy a used non-warranted Mahindra if I was to buy one? Good marketing ploy. I'm sure all the Mahindra dealers are racing to send their thanks to you on that one.

You need to READ more carefully. I'm not bashing ANYTHING. I'm pointing out strengths AND weakness's of the brand of which this discussion is all about, from my perspective. That is the perspective of a person who uses tractors to make a living. If Mahindras aren't for people who depend on them to make a living, please, let us know. I'd think an objective evaluation is worth more than a one-sided "My brand is ALWAYS perfect" because I bought one opinion.

 

[DavesTractor]

Insulting your inteligence? I'm still looking for any signs of such in your postings.

So I should buy a used non-warranted Mahindra if I was to buy one? Good marketing ploy. I'm sure all the Mahindra dealers are racing to send their thanks to you on that one.

You need to READ more carefully. I'm not bashing ANYTHING. I'm pointing out strengths AND weakness's of the brand of which this discussion is all about, from my perspective. That is the perspective of a person who uses tractors to make a living. If Mahindras aren't for people who depend on them to make a living, please, let us know. I'd think an objective evaluation is worth more than a one-sided "My brand is ALWAYS perfect" because I bought one opinion.

I think we all know where you both stand on this issue at this point. I suspect if you were sharing a cup of coffee at the local diner you would get along, but grabbing sections of each others posts and trying to use it against each other only provides entertainment for the rest of us. It hasn't really shed more light on the subject at hand.

But carry one if you must....