the best manufacturers site just got bested...

[Shawangunk]

I think the site is better than it was, but... here's my 5420 journey review... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

I went to the AGRICULTURE section by clicking the image.

Then from the toolbar (not toothbar!) at the top, selected PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT and NEW PRODUCTS from the drop down menu.

- selected TRACTORS from the left most list of links - could have clicked the graphic image (postage stamp) link also.

- clicked UTILITY TRACTORS (44 - 105 hp) to expand the category (clicking the category again does not close it and clicking the arrow does nothing. -need to expand another category to close the opened one.) /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

- clicked 5420 to view the tractor.

These are the main link options for the 5420: /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

FEATURES - the default option
SPECS
BUILD & PRICE
COMPARE
ACCESSORIZE
MANUALS
LITERATURE

- clicked ACCESSORIZE - gave 2 category options with arrows. Clicking either the arrow or category name DID /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif toggle expanding/closing the category.
When I closed the window, another blank window remained opened that I had to close also. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
The blank window pop-up happened again when I clicked BUILD & PRICE. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

SPECS gave a nice pop-up with buttons to PRINT, EXPORT TO EXCEL or CLOSE WINDOW - clicking the X also closes the window. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif *BUILD & PRICE and ACCESSORIZE gave a different style window with BACK and CLOSE WINDOW links (no buttons) and the X. All of the 3 methods left another blank window to close also. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

- clicking MANUALS brought me to another link. Different than the other options, and not a pop-up. Be careful here, clicking X closes the browser and you'll need to start over. Click BACK. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

- clicking LITERATURE provided another style pop-up without any buttons or links to return. You can only click X or right-click the status bar menu and click CLOSE, to close this pop-up. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

- clicking COMPARE gave a nice pop-up with CLOSE BUTTON and the X. Selected the New Holland TN75D and clicked the compare button. This gave another nice window like the one described for SPECS and additional BACK button to select another model to compare. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


In summary, the main links listed above for the 5420 are not consistent with the website and require the user to relearn what to do next at each page. In the COMPARE section, I can't talk about the other models listed to compare with, but as for the TN75D - the specs are not true. Could not find a way to view attachment options. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jmc]

The most notable thing that I remember about the Deere site
(about a year ago) was that the list prices quoted were very high. I wonder how many people have been scared off before they take the time to get a more reasonable price at a dealership.

John

 

[RalphVa]

I got on the Deere site. Kubota's is better all around. It came up fine on my dial-in internet access, but I have Speedband on Juno.

Ralph

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I of course knew that I was wading into a hornets nest.

First, the other manufacturers make some fine tractors. (I sure would LOVE to have a TN75...) I did not post this to convince folks to go trade in their equipment so they could have a Deere. I did want to note that the website is Improved.

Kubotas is the MOST Improved, and BEST LOOKING web site.

But, here is why I THINK Deere's is the best:

<ul type="square">
[*]You can get list price (we all know that's not what we're gonna pay, but then you also know if you're getting gouged)
[*]You can reference an owners manual. (especially nice for equipment you are considering purchasing)
[*]You can compare and easily build your own compares.
[*]You can look up parts, check inventory, and even order them,
[*]Generally, things are up-to-date.
[*]You can locate and price used equipment,
[*]And more....
[/list]

Things that could stand improvement:
<ul type="square">
[*]Navigation: It is better, It can still be improved. But the other manufactures don't have a fraction of this content.
[*]Walk arounds: New Holland used to have an awesome 3d view that you could rotate and see from all sides. I;d love to see that for each model, please! Or at least a gallery of shots showing many views would be nice.
[*]More accurate compares: Wrong info doesn't help anyone. Even Kubota could try to match up equipment a little more even handedly, too.
[*]Other Manufacturer's sites. some are pretty sorry.
[/list]

I have a hard time getting to a dealer's lot. When I do, there is always something missing. (I bought a $5000 backhoe COMPLETELY sight unseen)
So websites help a LOT.

 

[JayC]

What did Deere change on their website? When did they change? It looks the same to me. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[_RaT_]

I'm a dial up user and use it just fine. Deeres however is still better I suppose, but really have no need to go to any of them anymore. I'm done buying tractors or comparing anymore, that thankfully is over, now it's on to more important things /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="orange"> I'm done buying tractors or comparing anymore, that thankfully is over, </font>

hey, _RaT_, Are you really THANKFUL? Searchin is half the fun. Besides, you have that junior operator to think about. Shouldn't you be getting another?

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JayC, The site navigation is what's improved. There s a new menu on the left, and a context up top. Many of the screens are cleaned up, and updated.

 

[_RaT_]

Actually, I think it's the dial up that does this to me. I mean after seeing how you folks with DSL or cable do it, it's kinda like going back to my manual transmission, it works, but it's just a lot slower. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[zuiko]

I really like the build and price, where you can add options and get a list. Not necessarily because its what you are going to pay but it is a good indication of how much more it'd cost to get a 4710 vs a 4510 or HST vs gear or 2WD vs 4WD for example.

The parts thing is also cool though I have never ordered on there, I just come up with the list and take it to the dealer.

 

[JayC]

I just checked it again. It has changed. Maybe my cookies or something were not up to date? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif