Tractor Supply is Coming

[jymbee]

I was looking for an edger tool-- flat blade on the end of a handle that you step on to cut sod-- and at TSC they had one. It was relatively thin metal attached to a wooden handle with a single bolt for 23 bucks. Figured I'd break it within 10 minutes. The one I was replacing only broke after many years of use. Stopped at local hardware store and they had one. Much stronger metal with a securely fastened sturdy fiberglass handle for 21 bucks.

Very minor example of course of but just one tool but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

 

[Creamer]

I only go there when Rural King doesn't have it. I find their quality is at the bottom and the prices are higher. The only thing they have a better selection on is hydraulic components.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

TSC came to our little town about 2 years ago. While some say it's just a this-or-that store ... for a small community it was a nice addition. I've been able to find a lot of things at our TSC without having to drive 50 miles.

 

[ultrarunner]

About 50 to 70 miles any direction unless I want to pay bridge toll and then it's 45 miles.

I live in an area with 9 million people and tractor supplies are hard to come by...

My brother handled the build to suit for the Tractor Supply that is 70 miles from me... told him to ask about one closer and there was laughter... at least I tried.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Thanks guys for the info. You all confirm the impression I got from their catalog and web site. Our WILCO Co-OP is a True Value hdw store also and they have bolts by the pound. WILCO gives me a 10% military discount also. Automotive stuff and lubricants I go to NAPA as they give me their fleet discount which is a high as 45% on some items. Looks like I will probably stay with WILCO and my other sources; even Lowes and HD with their military discount.

Ron

 

[Jisgren]

I much prefer the mom and pop hardware stores that carry everything. TSC is th K-mart of the ag-hardware store. For chain stores around me Mccoys is far better!

My true test of a mom and pop store is if they carry axe and hatchet handles.

 

[s219]

Main benefit to me is that they are the closest hardware store to me, and they carry a range of agricultural/tractor/trailer stuff that I can't get at the other hardware stores. Prices range from OK to high, but their sale prices are usually good. I like getting fence posts and bolts there. Wife likes getting bird seed there. My daughter loves the toy section. For a small town, I'm glad to have them around.

 

[MossRoad]

Hey, they have baby chickens every spring..... now who doesn't like baby chickens? :laughing:

 

[bdog]

I think tractor supply is full of Chinese crap. There is one about five miles from me. Probably the closest store of any type to my place so I go there often when I need something in a hurry that they carry. There is a local farm type store about 15 miles from me that has virtually everything TSC does but it is all better quality and about the same price.

Like others said I like going there for bolts, pins, stuff like that but most everything else they sell is made in China as cheaply as possible.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

I have no vested interest in TSC, so I'm really not compelled to get into a defensive position for them. However ..... especially for those living in small communities with a TSC store - they came to your town when most others did not. They provide local jobs and pay local taxes. They provide a wide variety of useful items, even if they aren't the very best. If I need "something" TODAY - they probably have it.

Would I like to see the Mega-Farm-Tools-Tractors-Toys Store come to town? You bet! Guess what ... They aren't coming .....