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.WayneB said:
Dougster said:
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.WayneB said:
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 said: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.
Dougster
I took note of that as well. Tons of KK brochures and not a single mention of FF in sight!WayneB said:
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.You should have signed the "SOLD" tag like Scott and Torin!WayneB said:
How come you didn't???Here is the KK "heavy-duty" machine I was originally focusing in on:WayneB said:
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.WayneB said:
Dougster said:I took note of that as well. Tons of KK brochures and not a single mention of FF in sight!
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!
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
Yeah, they all should have been better trained on this "transition" from KK to FF. Nobody wins with product deception... even if somewhat accidental in this unusual case. Nonetheless, I think you'll do just fine with your "FF by TG" purchase. If not, you know exactly where to return it!WayneB said:
Well, like I said: The reason that I don't own it... or anything similar... is because it may be too much bush-hog for my 33.6 PTO HP and 20-ft equipment trailer. For the short-term, I'll stick to renting a 60" light-duty that's available nearby.WayneB said:
How come you didn't???Dougster said:Well, like I said: The reason that I don't own it... or anything similar... is because it may be too much bush-hog for my 33.6 PTO HP and 20-ft equipment trailer. For the short-term, I'll stick to renting a 60" light-duty that's available nearby.
Dougster
Hi Larry - Not sure I want to be trying to cut through 6" trees with a bush-hog on the back of my 4110! Although it would be yet another great excuse to get a 7520!SPYDERLK said:
You call that a "new load of implements"???Ductape said:
I call it dang slim pickens! Unless something big has changed within the last week, I'd say they are still fewer implements there than the Connecticut stores typically have on their worst day of the year (which ain't saying much!). His name is Mark Fegley.Ductape said:
He signed my "SOLD" tag too!
So let's see... three times two initial machines is six machines.Ductape said:
Yep... that's about what they had when I was up there. Let me think... one tiller, one rear blade, one rake, two subsoilers and a bush-hog. Yep... that's about right! Come to think of it, you're right! Scott was the "manager" I dealt with. So who is this Mark Fegley who is making all these statements as store manager in the local papers?Ductape said:
An impostor??? 
Dougster said:So let's see... three times two initial machines is six machines.
Come to think of it, you're right! Scott was the "manager" I dealt with. So who is this Mark Fegley who is making all these statements as store manager in the local papers?
Incidentally, I notice that TSC is online as we speak seaching for a "store manager" for the "Manchester, NH" area. Hmmmm... I could do that job!
Dougster
