Why people don't keep older equipment running

[ruffdog]

Not everyone has "(my nephew, who runs a service company is doing the work)" that they can talk into to fix stuff up for them.

Maybe the title should say: Why did I buy this piece of junk?

 

[jeff9366]

Tractor improvements since Ferguson licensed his Three Point Hitch patents to Henry Ford in 1939. Improvements in approximate order: 4-WD, Industrial Tires, Power Steering, Loaders, Diesel Engines, Category 2-3-4-5 TPH, Landscaping tractors <2,000 pounds bare tractor weight, Cabs with heat and AC, "independent" PTO. And, continuously, shields separating operator from moving parts.

I have operated several generations of basic Deere tractors for neighbors, a few days on each. I hugely prefer my de Luxe Kubota 'Grand L'. This is not to disparage Deere, it is a comment on continuous minor improvements in tractors across surviving tractor brands.

 

[fried1765]

I only use dealer shops for warranty work. This applies to trucks, tractors, ATVs, etc. Most things I can fix. If I can稚 handle the repair or don稚 have time I would much rather deal with an independent mechanic than a dealer. Dealer shops are always over priced in my opinion.

I do the same!
Was only making a JD - Mercedes comparison.

 

[ArlyA]

My long deceased grandfather once said concerning the new cars coming out, "those stink'n *^%@! windshields are a waste of gas!". Who here has a windshield in there truck today?

A... also hates progress,,,, Aronson

 

[rScotty]

I only use dealer shops for warranty work. This applies to trucks, tractors, ATVs, etc. Most things I can fix. If I can’t handle the repair or don’t have time I would much rather deal with an independent mechanic than a dealer. Dealer shops are always over priced in my opinion.

I feel the same way. There seems to be no limit on what a person can fix. Manufacturers can make it easier or harder, and their reputation rises and falls accordingly.
I don't think a well designed part should ever break.....although some will wear out. And in a nice piece of equipment why it's purely fun to modify a replacement part to make it better. Or if the part isn't available or reasonable, figuring out how to make a better part.

Yes, it's a great way to save money - although that's not why I do it....in fact, probably not why most of us DIYers do it.
But it is true that that between fixing machines and all the rest of DIY stuff it makes better wages than a second job. That's good too.
rScotty

 

[Ortimber]

I have a mix of new and old. Both are great in some ways, and equally terrible in other ways. I don’t mind fixing stuff, but making payments is sometimes worth it for our operations. In my mind, having a mix is a great combination.



I can fix about everything on this one



This one is much more productive (pray it doesn’t break down though)!

 

[zzvyb6]

I believe that things are going to change ALOT in a few months as the jobs that enabled the throw away society disappear and saving, repairing and maintaining EVERYTHING will have to be observed. Good news for those skilled enough to teach the younger crowd how to repair machines, search junkyards, weld broken parts, and change out worn belts, brakes, batteries, tires and filters. Its now best for this country for old men and women to plant trees they know they will never enjoy the shade of.

 

[crashz]

I try to fix nearly everything myself, but sometime I simply don't have the time, space or tools. I have a good quality independent mechanic, but they are very, very very expensive. Dealership range expensive. But they are tolerant of all my own repairs and I take things to them when I don't have time or simply can't repair things.

I have a 2006 CRV that is my daily driver. It has 225K miles. Its OK. I have done a majority of work to it, but lately its cost a lot of money. I replaced the entire front end in it last year due to torn CV boots (thought I might as well replace everything) ~$1000 in parts. One of the new ball joints failed when I needed the car. $750 at my mechanic. Exhaust rotted through, fixed myself, bought cheap O2 sensors (failed due to exhaust), and had to have a shop "fix" it again. $600. Rear struts would not budge even with a big impact gun. Mechanic $1200.

Point is I spent a ton of money AND wasted a ton of time.

 

[beenthere]

Maybe the title should say: Why did I buy this piece of junk?

Maybe it should say "Ran great for 20 years". :cool2:

Maybe not anymore, but do recall not too many years ago the the marine industry (boat motors, etc.) would shut down any parts available after 10 years.

Deere is a business, not a charity. Have to make tough decisions, and keeping dealerships open with money coming in the door is but one of them. IMO

Anyone have a dealership available for a different brand that is any different? ...... didn't think so. But doesn't mean I like it any better than the next guy.

 

[ovrszd]

I look at this from the other end. What would a new 6x4 gator cost? I'll be nice and say $15,000.

So I buy a 20 year old 6x4 Gator. I pay $1000 for it (guessing)? I spend $4K getting everything fixed. I'm in for $5K.

Would I pay an additional $10,000 to have a new one? NO.

Was this one worth fixing up? YES.

Will it serve my needs for many more years? YES.

Now who's spending foolish money? You or the guy that's making payments on his new Gator?

P.S. the fan lasted 20 years.......