The Car-ification of tractors

daTeacha · Feb 1, 2006

Getting back to the $35 screen vs $200 side panel issue, I think you need to take into account that manufacturers often design things for easy assembly coming down the line. What costs you more as a part is probably because it saves them a few bucks at the initial building of the tractor. I have a daughter and son-in-law working in the engineering end of the automobile industry. Many of the things we think are incredibly stupid when it comes time to fix them result from designing for ease and speed of assembly while it's moving down the line. There is no conspiracy to sell parts, just to make it cheaper to build in the first place with little regard for repair needs. I'm not saying it's a good thing, but the bottom line is cost. That panel may allow a pretty good savings off the bottom line of a new tractor. Add in a dozen other little things and you can sell the tractor $100 cheaper than some other color and win a customer. And yes, they will do things differently to save as little as 5 cents per vehicle manufactured.

In today's world, manufacturers have to approach it with a backpacker mentality to survive the competition. Save an ounce here, an ounce there, another half ounce on another thing, and pretty soon you've shaved a pound or two or three off your load. You can walk just a little further, just a little faster, or carry something else.

3RRL · Feb 1, 2006

That's too bad to hear they do that. I agree, it's not necessarily a good thing for us.
Saving the $100 on the initial purchase (one time) is soon offset by expensive replacements (maybe several times)? Knowing that affects your well being of ownership.

Just like when when I used to backpack alot. I'd cut the handles off my toothbrush, forks, spoons etc. to save a few ounces. Whatever I could to lighten the load. But I soon realized that when using them I had infringed...detracted from my whole backpacking experience.

tposts · Feb 2, 2006

Thanks for the crash course about cost savings in engineering and production .

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

rogdan · Feb 2, 2006

Since I am window shopping now and have only been exposed to "vintage iron" on farms I can appreciate this. In the car-ificatiion of tractors I guess I see the convenience and ease of operation in the "modern" machines in mixed light. It seems this post went south when comments drifted toward overall quality and durability rather than car like features. I have never been on a cab tractor so I have no idea. I've seen the TV programs on large scale farmers and the GPS, A/C cabs ect.. and how its needed when the run from day to past dark for harvest.
I compare it to my looking at pick up trucks 10-15 years ago when convenience seems to just become popular on them. (around here at least) I could not find new ones on the lot without A/C, power windows/locks, leather, CD ect... Remember the Chevy "work truck" with its plain body style?
The salesmen said thats what folk want and thats the way they build them. I realized then that pickups went from farm to the city.
I guess one step further is the Toolcat machine which I have checked out and think is pretty neat. Enough rambling

cowboydoc · Feb 2, 2006

I'm sure there are some people that enjoy being hot, stiff back and neck, manually locking the doors and rolling and unrolling windows but I would venture to say that probably greater than 90% of everyone using their truck or tractor for a living more than appreciates the creature comforts that are built into them. You say it's a city truck I say it's a blessing of a truck or tractor. I know when it's 102 out and 80% humidity I sure appreciate the ac in my work truck or my tractor. I also appreciate power windows and power locks in my work truck. And for the few hundred dollars that it cost who wouldn't? I just fail to see the problem with having creature comforts either on a tractor or a vehicle. Nostalgia is one thing but....

SnoFalls · Feb 2, 2006

( I just fail to see the problem with having creature comforts either on a tractor or a vehicle. )
read back ... the "problem" is the cost of fixing those things when they go south ...

my '00 chevy 3/4 shreaded the cable on the pass side window regulator (was outta warranty). $450 from a stealership ... managed to get one for *only* $250. Let's just say I wasn't happy.

Bird · Feb 2, 2006

( Remember the Chevy "work truck" with its plain body style? )

Us old folks remember way before Chevy came up with that term "Work Truck". I had driven a variety of trucks before, but my first personally owned one was a '69 Chevy, short, narrow bed. Heaters had become standard equipment, but for "optional" equipment it had a rear bumper; no radio, no power anything, not even a cigarette lighter. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But they didn't call it a "work truck". Sure glad I have those power locks, doors, windows, brakes, and steering now though. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif My only experience with an air-conditioned tractor was baling hay for a little while one day in an air-conditioned Deere; what a pleasure to use. I'd sure want that if I were working regularly on a tractor.

ksmmoto · Feb 2, 2006

daTeacha is totally correct on the assembly issues. I am a Tool & Die Maker in Michigan and when I worked in automotive these issues were at the top a the list. Most dies are built to produce about 2.5 million parts during their lifetime. Save a dollar a part and you have 2.5 million dollars!

A instructor I had when I was an apprentice showed me a shift linkage he was redesigning for a manufacturer. He said it cost $7.50 to build and he was to try to shave off .25 to. 50 cents if possible.

ksmmoto

ksmmoto · Feb 2, 2006

In my opinion cars, trucks, tractors and just about all products have improved tremendously. I put off getting a tractor for ten years because I didn't think one would be all that handy unless I was farming. And I grow up on a farm! Also worked for my Grandfather/Uncle's Dairy farm.

I have a Allis-Chalmers D-14 that I grew up with. Haven't had it running as it needs a complete restore. I kept telling my wife that it was good enough and I would wait till I had time to restore it.

Then SHE rented a Kubota B2910 to do some work around home. I told her I would run it, but I didn't expect a lot. WOW, was I wrong! I couldn't believe how much work I could do with a little tractor. Much better at digging and leveling than the skid steer I rented before. Now I have my own!

ksmmoto

rogdan · Feb 3, 2006

( I had driven a variety of trucks before, but my first personally owned one was a '69 Chevy, short, narrow bed. )
Sound like the truck I learned to drive with but I believe it was a '68 and 3 speed on the column now that truck I would like to have back.

Cowboy; I don't disagree its the time when I realized when pickup buyers had changed in there wants, "city" or "country" are neither meant as negative.
I see tractor changes the same in that the users are at the forefront of change in what they want in the machine and the manufactures are responding.