Lord Ferguson Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Now then... I've just looked at a brochure that Pudding posted for a 'space age rendering' of a combine harvester... and for me it posed a very big question.. What factors do you allow to be part of your decision making process when purchasing new equipment... (for example... does looks play a part ) I am particularly interested in the 'REAL FARMERS' answers on here... but it's open to all.. so please DO have a pop at it... and think carefully before you answer So the question is... you have to buy a tractor... and it has to be new... so score these 'decision makers' OUT OF 20 for each category... to kick us off... here is mine... Brand/manufacturer - 20/20 (sad... but true) Price 10/20 (so long as it was 'in the ball park' with other brands I was happy to have an MF) Perceived reliability 0/20 (because for me it just had to be a red one !) Looks 15/20 Now I know that is by no means all the factors in a farmers decision making process to buy new equipment... but it's just for fun anyway... Go on... you have a go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmernick06 Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Hmm good topic Marky, as not a farmer here this is what i'd base my decision upon.. Brand/Manafacturer - 7/20 Country of origin - 15/20 Interior design - 13/20 Looks - 20/20 Price - 10/20 Reliability - 15/20 How it makes me feel when i look at it - 20/20 Im not sure how to explain it really, i am big fan of looks, which ties into how it makes me feel really. I'd also like it to be quite comfy or efficient inside. For me the brand and manafacturer doesn't really have much of a play to my decision. I also would obviosuly consider price and reliability, as i'd want to pay the minimum for something which will be reliable for ages. Im not sure im quite drawn to an old Renault or Fendt \ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Ferguson Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 Thanks Nick... an interesting answer as well mate So you are not really a 'brand man' - more of a 'looks man' then \ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmernick06 Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Thanks Nick... an interesting answer as well mate So you are not really a 'brand man' - more of a 'looks man' then \ Im not so much a brand man to be honest, i used to be John Deere 'orientated' but i have diversified significantly, i just have my personal taste which is based upon how the tractor looks, how i'd feel inside it e.g. working and how it makes me feel to look at it. And strangely im finding myself drawn to Renaults, Fendts etc preferably smaller and older? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Brand/Manafacturer - 15/20 Looks - 18/20 Price - 10/20 Reliability - 15/20 now if i was buying a new tractor one of the most important thing for me is to have a decent size set of tyres that fill the arch the width would be dictaed buy its dutys, i hate small diameter tyres/wheels. then i suppose the style of the tractor would have a bit of influence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPN Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Don't forget fuel economy. I see that New Holland and SDF are pushing this aspect quite strongly in their advertising at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Primarily it had to be blue so initially that was a full 20. After trying the 4cyl T6040 I resigned myself to a 10/20 for brand on the basis that the NH was kack - obviously that changed after trying the 6 cyl T6030. Reliability wasn't a massive deciding factor as the mainline machine won't do many hours in reality and we keep them for duration of warranty. Price was a high scorer but it's more of a yes or no. Big money machines like a Fendt didn't get a look in as we don't do the hours to warrant it. Bizzarely engine note was more inportant than any of those, after the 4 pot demo there was no way either the old man or I could have loved anything other than a 6! Looks were a high scorer but it's very subjective.... anything that's blue looks OK to me, but I think most modern machines look smart, it's not the same emotional choice as with a car but as Chris says, a decent set of boots makes a big difference. It comes down to being fit for duty though more than pulling the women! Don't forget fuel economy. I see that New Holland and SDF are pushing this aspect quite strongly in their advertising at the moment. Doesn't feel like strong point!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Ferguson Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 This is already starting to become interesting... Chris's post surprised me a little... with our first 'TRUE USER' opting for looks as a key decision maker... Interesting comment on tyres too... and an angle I can understand as well... My 5445's tyres look a bit small to me (and don't fill the arches) and it does 'spoil the look' somewhat... Once again though... I thought tyres we 'matched to the job' and not bought for their looks \ Simon's post was more what I expected I think.. although engine note was a bit of a surprise too thanks for the replies lads... keep em coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakescot Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Brand/Manafacturer - 10/20 ok I`d have preferred an MF .BUT............. Country of origin - 10/20 they are mostly all imported now anyway Interior design - 12/20 as long as the ergonomics are good for me then not too fussed about justin and colin type interiors Looks - 10/20 less important as long as the machine works !!! Price - 10/20 to me thats less important if the machine is fully fit for purpose, has all the toys I need rather than just want BUT times change and everything has to be considered Reliability - 20/20 top for me I want a machine that works ! one I can rely on to do the job when I want it done and for as long as I want it done. Resale value - 15/10 important if you`re regularily changing kit Ok so we chose a Claas last time because of past experience with the Renaults we used to hire ........the paymaster general (dad) liked them and was able to operate them ok some he finds too confusing now. secondly because of the price, we got offered a deal we couldn`t refuse..........we replaced a well worn MF 390 with the 102 HP Celtis 456 RX, with loader, bought new bucket and grab for the Claas (chillton) ..for the same price we paid for the 390 back in `94. lots to consider in today`s market conditions rather than purely price and looks eh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 For me it would have to be Reliability / Performance / Practicality Price Cab Layout. There`s nothing worse than spending long hours in an uncomfortable cab The rest not too much bothered about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pudding Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 ha ha!..........this is a interesting read its a harsh reality that a lot of mainstream operators only require tractors to last to the end of warranty.......so why build something that will last longer....... would you own a red landini marky? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nashmach Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Always a second hand people Dad and I are so a bit more to consider: Model: How will it fit our current system and also what machinery we intend to buy Make: Tied to reliability really Reliability: Local dealer and also who is selling it - original dealer important too Number of hours Dairy/arable farm Do we know the previous owner? What previous runners of the type of machines thought of them? Cab? Is it low enough for some buildings and how comfortable is it Looking more and more at tyres they are on Biggest is price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deere-est Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Dealer Backup 20/20 Efficiency 20/20 Reliability minimum 15/20 Operator Comfort minimum 15/20 Style/Looks 15/20 Ease of use for number of operators 15/20 That'll be a Claas then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdc Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Different Marky Will it do the job? 20/20 Reliability 20/20 Dealer Backup 15/20 Gizmos 15/20 Economy/Servicing 15/20 Comfort/ergonomics 15/20 Brand (past experience?) 12/20 Looks 12/20 Fit existing kit/wheels/buildings(!) 12/20 Country of Origin 10/20 Price (VFM) 10/20 Future use 10/20 Trade in value 10/20 I look for a reliable machine that will do all I require. Price within reason is not a crucial factor. As I drive it myself, comfort and ease of use is important. Tyres are specced. to suit you on whatever machine you buy. Looks not so important but lots of guys round here who buy a tractor for an employee to sit on find that if he doesn't like the looks of it, it won't ever 'go properly'. Trade in depends on timing - I got a great price for the 8360 as it was in demand - if export is flat, price drops. Some makers claim good resale value, but if you're paying £8k - £10k more for same spec tractor, you would hope so!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Light Land Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Well said John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Ferguson Posted June 17, 2008 Author Share Posted June 17, 2008 That's interesting John... and more like what I expected... er.... I think :D So... looks get 12/20 then \ and country of origin.... now that's an interesting one as well... I won't put you on the spot by asking which countries of manufacture you DONT favour... but how about the question reversed.... Which country of Manufacture would you most favour and why Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Light Land Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 A wee story on the subject from ol.... A few years ago I did 2 seasons with on a dutch owned farm that were growing flower bulbs.Every winter the farm manager would call round the local tractor dealers and hire what ever tractors he could get.Most often they were around 100hp give or take. Being a pen pusher that seldom came out to the paddock he would hire the cheapest tractors he could. Working at speeds as low as 0.4kph in the paddock and then doing 40kph on the road was not easy for some tractors,for a time we were runing a Case 5130 and Case MX110 both of witch simply couldn't go slow enough when the harvestor was crawlling along so the trailer driver would put the tractor into neutral for a second them take off again once the arm of the digger got close to the front of the trailer.Needless to say it wasn't long before the 5130's clutch packed up and the arm on the digger was bent and battered it was only then when the digger stopped for repairs did the manager wake up to what we had been saying would happen. Next season we ran a NH TS115A and JD6410 both had no problem with the task at hand. So for me one of main things I look/would look for is a tractor that I know will be able to go slow enough for specialist jobs that will come up eg:might need a creeper box put in or get tractor with a CVX type box if funds permit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJB1 Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Brand/Manafacturer - 10/20 always be a massey lad , but i'd have to buy whats right for the job Country of origin - 15/20 all forieign anyway Interior design - 20/20 if you have to spend 12 + hours a day in it then it's got to be right Looks - 15/20 they're all starting to look the same nowadays Price - 15/20 would be prepared to pay that little bit extra if it was worth it Reliability -17.5/20 major factor in down time costs most importantly dealer / manufacturer backup & support 20/20 no good having the best machine in the world ,if the backup & support isn't forthcoming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MF Joel NZ Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 A wee story on the subject from ol.... A few years ago I did 2 seasons with on a dutch owned farm that were growing flower bulbs.Every winter the farm manager would call round the local tractor dealers and hire what ever tractors he could get.Most often they were around 100hp give or take. Being a pen pusher that seldom came out to the paddock he would hire the cheapest tractors he could. Working at speeds as low as 0.4kph in the paddock and then doing 40kph on the road was not easy for some tractors,for a time we were runing a Case 5130 and Case MX110 both of witch simply couldn't go slow enough when the harvestor was crawlling along so the trailer driver would put the tractor into neutral for a second them take off again once the arm of the digger got close to the front of the trailer.Needless to say it wasn't long before the 5130's clutch packed up and the arm on the digger was bent and battered it was only then when the digger stopped for repairs did the manager wake up to what we had been saying would happen. Next season we ran a NH TS115A and JD6410 both had no problem with the task at hand. So for me one of main things I look/would look for is a tractor that I know will be able to go slow enough for specialist jobs that will come up eg:might need a creeper box put in or get tractor with a CVX type box if funds permit. That's a good example of having gear that suits your needs as well as affordability/avaialbity. Some people have to have it right in front of them before they'll accept that fact. Brand 12/20 I'd prefer an MF but i'm not ONLY an MF fan. Size 15/20 No one wants a tractor thats under powered either. All you get then is more wear and tear on the gear, more gas and less productivity! Configuration 18/20 What you're using it for and where matters too - tracked, wheeled, rigid or articulated. Price 10/20 The cost to buy would depend on what I wanted it for and how much I had to spend! Reliability 18/20would be paramount unless I had another tractor on standby. Cab 20/20 The setup has to suit you if you're stuck in it for long periods. That doesn't mean it has to be new though. some old cabs are really comfy and fun to use Style 15/20 There's something to be said about driving something with a bit of character Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.