Forks To fork or not to fork; that is the question.

[rancar]

Bill,

<font color=blue>they could push a "thumb" button and operate all functions one-handed.</font color=blue>

Yes, I believe my dealer is installing some type of button on top of the loader control so all is operated by one hand. Do a search I believe in this forum on 4in1 buckets and look for Dan McCarty's posts on this topic. He explains it well...and personally helped me understand how this works when I privately e-mailed him with similar questions. The threads though should have all the information you're looking for.

BTW, I received your private e-mail with questions on the forks. I responded back to your private ISP e-mail account. This is an issue we can chat more on if you want to investigate further...good questions and observations.

Bob

 

[blurrybill]

Bob,

I sure hope you're getting excited because I am for you! I know you've researched hard and since I'm leaning hard toward green, it's nice to see someone realizing a dream for the ideal machine. I have a fair price from a dealer outside Iowa and am continuing to request prices. I'm glad you have had so many dealer options where you live. Here in the heart of ag country, there are 6 JD dealers within 50 miles - all owned by the same company. I have found that I can probably save around $1500 in sales tax by having my tractor shipped 150 miles (remember that other thread?). My local dealer gave me an initial quote that included setup and delivery charges on every item; total was around $1000. Can have the tractor delivered from 150 miles away for $200. Support my local dealer? Right! I would like to buy locally, but I'm not going to beg them for a reasonable offer; was told that they just wanted to get listed what I wanted and then we could sit down and talk. Before the quote, I had asked for a good offer, that I was a serious buyer who wanted to make a decision soon, etc. Oh, well... I will get it done soon and I'm happy that you're "in the waiting room." I don't smoke, but send a metaphorical cigar when yours is delivered.

Bill

 

[rancar]

Bill,

Gee...lots of thoughts here...I could respond in two pages. But, here goes with a few thoughts.

<font color=blue>I'm glad you have had so many dealer options where you live. Here in the heart of ag country, there are 6 JD dealers within 50 miles - all owned by the same company.</font color=blue>

This is real hard when you have so few options...harder still when one person or entity owns all the franchise dealerships...there's no competitive pricing here. I purchased my 4710 from a dealer 70 miles away. I hestitated at first to even think this way since I bought my JD425 from the dealer located closest to me. In the case of the 4710 though, my local dealer was about $1,200 higher than the distant dealer. But, we talked all about this in Observationist's Pricing post...it was getting a bit too touchy there. I think you're making a good choice to buy long distance...if it can save you money...and with what you're talking about this is enough to buy an implement or another hydraulic option.

<font color=blue>My local dealer gave me an initial quote that included setup and delivery charges on every item; total was around $1000.</font color=blue>

Wow, your dealer really gave you the line item breakdown. My dealer didn't do this. I believe this was built in to dealer's prices he quoted me on each item, as I don't recall him charging me for dealer prep.

<font color=blue>Can have the tractor delivered from 150 miles away for $200.</font color=blue>

Talk more with your dealer on this, Bill. My dealer, located 70 miles away is delivering mine for free and will provide free pick up and delivery of the tractor in case the tractor needs warranty work during the first two years. Other TBNers may want to comment here.

<font color=blue>Before the quote, I had asked for a good offer, that I was a serious buyer...</font color=blue>

I also insisted on this... I told them I wanted 'their best price' and I wanted a line item breakdown. Dealer I bought from gave it to me and he was the first to respond and with the most detail. When I mentioned to him on Friday problems I was having with other dealers who couldn't or wouldn't give me the line item breakdown he couldn't understand this as it doesn't take that much longer to do. So as it stands, he was most responsive to complying with my request and he's the one getting my money.

Now, I have to read and respond to your other post...you're sure keeping busy this evening Bill./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bob

 

[Keoke]

Bill, thumb switch came with bucket. When pressed it operates a solenoid valve that diverts bucket curl and dump hyd flow to open and shut the 4n1 jaws instead. In short, with switch held down your curl and dump functions become the hyd open and shut functions for the bucket jaw. With thumb off switch curl and dump are as std bucket. Note, this setup will not work with all SCV controls, but it will work with a JD two stage dump valve. The JD two stage dump valve has a slow and fast dump speed whil emptying bucket. Dealer will know if your new rig has this feature. Check the thread on 4n1 buckets and you will find all the fine details on how to set up the controls.

 

[cowboydoc]

Bill,
Yes I do believe you could do about anything with the forks. I've lifted 1600 bales with them no problem. I've also had enough weight with lumbar on the front that I nose dived with a 2000 pound bale on the back for counter weight. I've stuck the forks in the ground and lifted the tractor up and no problem on the forks.

As far as buying locally you've found out what I have been saying about how some of these jerks charge you list price plus freight and delivery to their business!!! That's on top of a delivery charge to your place! It's a racket for sure. That's why I have absolutely no dealer loyalty at all. When I was younger I got taken to the cleaners a few times by dealers on vehicles. I'm smarter now and know that just about every dealer will whack you over the head with hidden charges, prices, etc. if you're not savvy to their game. There are a few good dealers no doubt that give you a fair price right off the bat but they are few and far between. In my opinion buy where you will get the best price. I have never had one bit of trouble getting service or parts any less or more than the Joe who bought from the dealer.

 

[blurrybill]

Thanks for the info, Richard and Amen to the dealer comment. It's frustrating at times when you want to stay local, but c'est la vie (I'm sure I didn't spell that correctly - apologies to our French speaking friends!).

Bill

 

[frank_f15]

cowboydoc. agree with u 100% i will buy locally if and onlyif they don't try to screw me locally.the dealers don't seem to have any loyalty to us so i don't worry about them. darn shame that is the way it is!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Won't take too many trips to the "local" dealer (300 miles round trip) to make up that $1000 at $200 a pop. Should have nailed the dealer for free shipping too.

 

[blurrybill]

The deal is not done, yet. And, I don't mind getting warantee work completed locally. But, for the big purchase, it makes sense to pay only $200 shipping for my package, if eventually necessary, rather than be gouged for individual setup/shipping totaling almost $1000. I know far too little about tractors (changing some, thanks to TBN), but I can do the math in my head: $1,500 in sales tax + $1000 in prep = $2500 less $200 shipping = $2300 savings (plus the whole package was CONSIDERABLY higher in total cost locally). Guess others will have to be loyal to the local conglomerate. I have been so POed by this that I'd buy Kubota if they could put R4s on an L3010 with a midmount mower.

Bill

Bill