Tractor Supply Co

[Dougster]

I did get the bush hog and it seems to be working just fine. I was a bit upset when I went to pick it up as it was not King Kutter but Farm Force. I was told that it is the dstributor that TSC uses and it was a KK rotary cutter.

Farm Force ("FF") is TSC's new captive brand. The FF implements are made for TSC by either Tarter Gate or Hawkline. In the Northeast, most (if not all) are made by Tarter Gate. While many of the FF products are closely based on King Kutter ("KK") designs, I don't believe that any of the current FF-labeled products are actually made by KK.

Dougster

 

[johnk]

I hate TSC. Everytime I go there I come home with less money in my wallet. Thats the only reaon I hate it. I bought many things from them. Brush Hog, Hinged back BB, Middle buster, sub soiler and I must admit from MY experiences that I have had NO problems w/ their product. I love buyingthe nuts/bolts/washers etc in bulk also. I also buy the Amine 4-d and grass seed etc there. Now do you see why I hate the store!!

 

[dixiedrifter]

Thats the only thing that I hate about TSC... they keep lousy inventory and it can take months for them to restock an item.

 

[WayneB]

Farm Force ("FF") is TSC's new captive brand. The FF implements are made for TSC by either Tarter Gate or Hawkline. In the Northeast, most (if not all) are made by Tarter Gate. While many of the FF products are closely based on King Kutter ("KK") designs, I don't believe that any of the current FF-labeled products are actually made by KK.

Dougster

Thanks Dougster! Not known just what I was getting into I went ahead and ordered the rotary cutter and once there I just loaded it and took it home. The literature they presented me prior to ordering was the KK stuff. It works fine and I am sure that I will get a number of years use out of it considering the little I have to do around here.

 

[Dougster]

Thanks Dougster! Not known just what I was getting into I went ahead and ordered the rotary cutter and once there I just loaded it and took it home. The literature they presented me prior to ordering was the KK stuff. It works fine and I am sure that I will get a number of years use out of it considering the little I have to do around here.

Had a nice conversation with a couple of the TSC Merrimack guys while waiting for my tiller to be loaded. It's clear that they are as clueless about the ongoing transition from KK to FF implements as anyone anywhere. Let's be honest here: TSC is not exactly being vocal & high profile about this change in suppliers and they are going out of their way to copy the KK implements almost to the last nut and bolt.

The company line is that KK simply could not keep up with ever increasing demand from more and more TSC stores opening every month. Hence the decision to launch a company-captive brand with two new suppliers. At first (and for a long while) you could buy FF stuff sitting right beside near identical KK stuff. Now, almost everything is FF except the tillers (which are supposedly to remain KK for good) and certain other special ordered stuff.

While some have pointed out dropped features, different/cheaper component suppliers and lighter overall implement weights... most of the FF stuff still looks like a pretty good bargain to me. Welds and paint are noticeably better on FF stuff... but sloppy welds and running paint was kinda like a KK tradition. I own two FF implements and am quite pleased with both. I probably would have bought a FF bush-hog if they came with slip clutches and dual rear wheels.

Dougster

 

[Ford850]

I had a chance to compare some of the KK things with the FF as they transitioned this year. I agree, fit and finish looks better with FF. The new FF rakes are much nicer than the KK, using double bolted tines, everything looked straight and strong. If you have a chance to look at a KK and FF rake side by side, you will be amazed. I did like the KK rotatry cutters better, as they appeared to be beefier with their 'I-beam side' design. But not everyone needs a super tough rotary cutter.

 

[WayneB]

Had a nice conversation with a couple of the TSC Merrimack guys while waiting for my tiller to be loaded. It's clear that they are as clueless about the ongoing transition from KK to FF implements as anyone anywhere. Let's be honest here: TSC is not exactly being vocal & high profile about this change in suppliers and they are going out of their way to copy the KK implements almost to the last nut and bolt.

That is true regarding the staff knowing anything about 3 pt hitch attachments. Actually, I was asked to speak to the person regarding the rotary cutter as the person there didn't want to be in the position to relate the information to me. That is fine and it was good for me to speak to them. I also agree on the duplication of the FF to look like the KK machine. The only problem I have with the situation is the literature rack right at the service desk has all KK literature and it is what they handed me when I placed the order for the darn thing.

The company line is that KK simply could not keep up with ever increasing demand from more and more TSC stores opening every month. Hence the decision to launch a company-captive brand with two new suppliers. At first (and for a long while) you could buy FF stuff sitting right beside near identical KK stuff. Now, almost everything is FF except the tillers (which are supposedly to remain KK for good) and certain other special ordered stuff.

I looked at your tiller when I picked up the hog. They had moved it off away from the other stuff and had it marked sold. Looks good and I am sure I will be buying the small model of that in the spring. Hope it works out for you.

While some have pointed out dropped features, different/cheaper component suppliers and lighter overall implement weights... most of the FF stuff still looks like a pretty good bargain to me. Welds and paint are noticeably better on FF stuff... but sloppy welds and running paint was kinda like a KK tradition. I own two FF implements and am quite pleased with both. I probably would have bought a FF bush-hog if they came with slip clutches and dual rear wheels.

Dougster

I looked at the slip clutch for the rotary cutter and can get one rather cheap so I will be adding that I think. It is better than relying on a shear bolt to protect the tractor PTO! I will also be adding the rubber protection to the front of the cutter shortly. Not a problem with the way it is cutting, does a great job and I am sure I will get over the pain soon. As for dual wheels, I guess I have only seen that on the pull behinds and maybe one other brush hog, sure it makes a difference in the leveling of the cutter!

Have you had time to try out the new tiller yet? Sure looked like it was a mean machine! Let us know how it goes.

Wayne

 

[Dougster]

That is true regarding the staff knowing anything about 3 pt hitch attachments. Actually, I was asked to speak to the person regarding the rotary cutter as the person there didn't want to be in the position to relate the information to me. That is fine and it was good for me to speak to them. I also agree on the duplication of the FF to look like the KK machine. The only problem I have with the situation is the literature rack right at the service desk has all KK literature and it is what they handed me when I placed the order for the darn thing.

I took note of that as well. Tons of KK brochures and not a single mention of FF in sight! All I can say is that TSC must have a *great* relationship with KK to be getting away with this apparently purposeful product confusion and switching.

I looked at your tiller when I picked up the hog. They had moved it off away from the other stuff and had it marked sold. Looks good and I am sure I will be buying the small model of that in the spring. Hope it works out for you.

You should have signed the "SOLD" tag like Scott and Torin! How come you didn't???

I looked at the slip clutch for the rotary cutter and can get one rather cheap so I will be adding that I think. It is better than relying on a shear bolt to protect the tractor PTO! I will also be adding the rubber protection to the front of the cutter shortly. Not a problem with the way it is cutting, does a great job and I am sure I will get over the pain soon. As for dual wheels, I guess I have only seen that on the pull behinds and maybe one other brush hog, sure it makes a difference in the leveling of the cutter!

Here is the KK "heavy-duty" machine I was originally focusing in on:
King Kutter Heavy-Duty Rotary Kutter 72in. Cutting Width, Model# L-72-60-HD | Trail Mowers | Northern Tool + Equipment

I must admit that I am no longer so sure this 6' KK heavy-duty is appropriate either for my 33.6 PTO HP machine *or* for my business. Another long story for another day.

Have you had time to try out the new tiller yet? Sure looked like it was a mean machine! Let us know how it goes.

Nope. Probably won't be using it for a while. Way too many other fish to fry right now. It's going to be a very busy September.

Dougster

 

[WayneB]

I took note of that as well. Tons of KK brochures and not a single mention of FF in sight! All I can say is that TSC must have a *great* relationship with KK to be getting away with this apparently purposeful product confusion and switching.

I Stopped by today and spoke with the guy that sold it to me and the store manager stood there and did not say a single word to me. He knew what we were talking about but pretended he wasn't paying attention to us. But, when the guy tried to call the company about an issue and used the KK telephone number he quickly gave him the Tarter Gate number to call. I can live with what I got, but felt I was taken a little by these guys. Will be more careful in the future.

You should have signed the "SOLD" tag like Scott and Torin! How come you didn't???

I read the card, but I didn't have a pen with me.......sort-of like saying the check is in the mail!
Here is the KK "heavy-duty" machine I was originally focusing in on:
King Kutter Heavy-Duty Rotary Kutter 72in. Cutting Width, Model# L-72-60-HD | Trail Mowers | Northern Tool + Equipment

That is really heavy duty, see I would only be looking at the little guy stuff, not the big equipment items.

I must admit that I am no longer so sure this 6' KK heavy-duty is appropriate either for my 33.6 PTO HP machine *or* for my business. Another long story for another day.

Nope. Probably won't be using it for a while. Way too many other fish to fry right now. It's going to be a very busy September.

Dougster

Have a good one, glad you got the tiller out of there.......

Wayne

 

[timwil]

anyone try Atwoods Ranch & Home, they have good sales sometime