What does "quality" mean?

[DrRod]

What does \"quality\" mean?

Greetings,

I read a lot in here about value and quality but just what do you get in a higher quality machine? The nearest dealer to me sells Branson -- roughly $16K for 40 hp. The Deere dealer (an hour away) wants $18K for something comparable. The Farm Trak guy wants $10K for something in the same range.

I don't know much about this but some neighbors looked at the Farm Trak and said its solid. Everything I read about Branson says they're solid too. But what does this mean, what do I get for a little more money?

Do I get a stronger frame, tougher belts and hoses, better electrical stuff? Or is it in the features like swival seats?

Thanks for your comments,

Rod

 

[johndeere2210]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

Quality is best described by two words, John Deere. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[dmp437]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

"Quality" is as much perception as it is construction. Deere sells more $18k tractors than Farmtrak sells $10k.
"Quality" also takes in the dealer network, parts availability, online resources, service availability, and engineering resources, amoung other factors.

 

[Soundguy]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

It's hard to quantify.

Quality may mean durability.. higher tolerances.. perhaps even better dealer or network support.

For instance.. if I was doing comercial work.. i imagine it would HAVE to be with a big3 brand.. or at least a 2nd teir brand with good dealer support.

I imagine the price savings on 3rd tier equipment would completely evaporate the first time it let you down on an expensive job.

Soundguy

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

The "something comparable": is a really tough statement.

Even in the same brand (like Kubota) there are many 'comparable' models (B7800, B3030, L2800, GL3130) with a wide price spread.

Often there are little things that can make a significant price differnce without ewven factoring quality onto the consideration.

Besides - What is a Farm Trak? do they have a website..?

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

As a Quality Engineer, I've worked in the quality field at all levels for close to 30 years.

The definition of "Quality" frequently depends on who you ask...but the best I've ever heard and is my personal philosophy is:

"Meets Customer's Expectations"

Simple as that...

 

[beenthere]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

Some good answers here.
I think 'quality' means something different to each person, and it is in the 'eye' of the beholder.

Quality comes at a price, and I don't mean just 'the higher the price, the better the quality' either. But all products are priced as high (or as low) as the seller (mfg and dealer) can get by with.

The other 'price' you pay, has been mentioned too. That being the convenience of having a dealer with parts, or at least a source of parts and someone to help you interpret what is or may be wrong when a problem shows up. This site is a Godsend for many of us, as the discussions bring up various experiences that ten years ago wasn't possible.

I look at used prices to get an idea of quality. Depending on if they are high or low, one can get a pretty good feeling without knowing much about a product, if it is made to last. Some are, some are not. Some require a lot of attention and repair to keep them running. But that is good for someone who has the knowledge and the time to do-it-themselves (if they can get or make parts).

Good question.

 

[Bird]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( "Meets Customer's Expectations" )</font>

I think that's as good a definition as I've heard, Roy.

 

[awlchu]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

"Quality" in my mind is associated with the characteristics of the tractor with a point in time.

Reliability refers to the characteristics of a tractor over its entire lifetime.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Re: What does \"quality\" mean?

Quality starts with the engineering blueprints and ends with the dealership. In between are countless variables.

Quality does cost money initially but also adds value later.

If you were driving to Alaska tomorrow, would you want a Yugo or a __________?

Anything can break. (space shuttle)

Cheap stuff breaks sooner. (Vega, Pinto)