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Gray Market Compact Utilities?

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leon

01-24-2003 07:15:04




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I'm thinking of buying one of the gray market used compact import tractors from SE Asia, but how can I solve the use limitations? Where are belly mowers available? It seems the wheel base of most is too short for a belly mower and there's no mid-pto. Additionally, the rice lug tires would really tear up lawn turf. If I try to replace them, turf tires would require new rims - if rims to fit could be found. Wouldn't I loose my original cost advantage in buying tires and rims? Where are loaders available? As these tractors were designed for rice paddy use, is the structure of the tractor strong enough to handle a loader? Many come with a roto-tiller attached, but will this tiller work in our US soils? What about tractor parts availability? Who carries parts? Do these imports with all sorts of far eastern names have close cousins that were marketed in the US under names we recognize? Of course there's Deere-Yanmar, Ford-Shibaura and a Kubota is a Kubota but what about the others? Any insight or experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

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michael

01-30-2003 12:56:44




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 Re: Gray Market Compact Utilities? in reply to leon, 01-24-2003 07:15:04  
I have never thought much of the gray market tractors. the dealers that sell them claim to be able to get parts and maybe they can but i just don't like the idea of buying a tractor that was never intended to be sold in the U.S. My grandfather bought a John Deere 850 in the Early 80's which is very similar to a yanmar. it has been a very good tractor and has held its value well. he has been offered more for it than he paid for it. just my $0.02

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Niner

01-27-2003 07:21:05




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 Re: Gray Market Compact Utilities? in reply to leon, 01-24-2003 07:15:04  
I was looking seriously at the Yanmars.
Nice looking tractors and, from what I was able to gather, pretty reliable, and there IS an "underground" parts supply.

But something just kept bugging me about there not being any parts, or service manuals available (in English).

So, I decided to buy an antique John Deere for less money than a comperable Yanmar would have cost. I bought an M that had been "refubished".

I am finding a few small "bugs" with it, but am very happy with my decision to get a "johnny popper" over a grey market.

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Gary McKenzie

01-24-2003 07:55:40




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 Re: Gray Market Compact Utilities? in reply to leon, 01-24-2003 07:15:04  
It seems that you've answered most of your own questions. There are a lot of gray market tractors in my area, parts for most are almost impossible to come by, even from the dealer where it was purchased. Most brands are represented in the U.S., but dealers usually can't help you with a tractor that was never intended to be sold here, and parts won't interchange in most cases. That includes Kubota, Shibaura, and Yanmar. My advice: Run, don't walk from one of those!

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G Taylor

01-24-2003 08:53:19




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 Re: Re: Gray Market Compact Utilities? in reply to Gary McKenzie, 01-24-2003 07:55:40  
I heard almost the exact same words as Gary from a co-owner of Central East Farm Supply in Ontario. They service farmers,antique restorers and Yuppies with small acreages. They commonly see some deeply disappointed or heart broken soul with a grey market tractor.The tractor owner was on a budget or just plain cheap and didn't spend a little more for a Deere or North American Kubota. Now they have several thousand dollar boat anchor.Purchasing grey market is a trap which will cost you twice to perform the task once. Need a little tractor look on the Deere site at the 4115. Narrow enough to slip into tight spots,lots of power, all kinds of hydraulics,three point hitch options and lots of factory accessories that fit/work. Our company is looking at them to replace tow motors in some applications. In 10 years, well maintained and modest hours Deere will still have parts and service. The tractor will be worth it's purchase price on a trade too.

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Wayne In Tn. Run Away !!! Run Away !!!! nt.

01-24-2003 09:22:11




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 Re: Re: Re: Gray Market Compact Utilities? in reply to G Taylor, 01-24-2003 08:53:19  
run awayyyyy yyy



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Denny Foster

01-24-2003 19:33:06




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Gray Market Compact Utilities? in reply to Wayne In Tn. Run Away !!! Run Away !!!! nt., 01-24-2003 09:22:11  
Had a Bolens 21 hp 4X4 built by Iseki and the water pump went out, small aluminum pump looked like a toyota car waterpump. The Bolens dealer had to order from Japan 6 month delivery time at a cost of $975.00. Wound up doing some machine work on the shaft and housing in the lathe and replacing bearings and seals with American parts and sold the tractor. once bitten twice shy!



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