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Mike (WA)
01-24-2005 17:36:32
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Re: JD Model H spreader in reply to DSS, 01-23-2005 05:05:48
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I bought a Model H in the mid-70's- I used it a few times, and it seemed like the feeder chains (that move the material backward) broke in a different place everytime. Consulted a neighbor, who showed my how flat the bottoms of the links were, and said I would end up shovelling out as many loads as there were links in the chain if I didn't replace the whole thing. The cost should have been a couple hundred dollars. I went to the local JD dealership, where the parts department was presided over by "Herb", who, rumor has it, sold the first replacement part for the Waterloo Boy. When I inquired about the complete chain, he smiled and said, "I've got one in stock". Could have knocked me over with a feather. He went up in the attic and brought down a rolled up set, complete with all cross bars. It was pretty dusty and had lots of cobwebs. It had a tag that had the part no. and "$83.xx" One of his minions suggested that there surely had been price "adjustments" (translated: increases) on the part, but Herb just got a pleasant smile on his face and said, "I certainly can't see that this part has improved any with age, I guess our profit margin was decided when we paid for it in the first place. And besides, this may be the last fellow we ever get in here to take this off our hands, after umpteen years in the attic." I wrote him my check for $83.xx and used the spreader for many years. It is now a yard ornament at a friend's house. Herb has long since gone on to his final reward, but most in the farming community have fond memories of him, and I'm sure he slept pretty well at night.
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