Contents

Reader feedback on grey market tractors 

The following are readers' actual experiences with the grey market tractor industry, including specific dealer and manufacturer names and model numbers.  Please email the author if you'd like to make your experiences--good or bad--available on this page.

Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 22:28:33 -0600
From: Daryl Unser <bcnu@getthe.net>
Subject: Gray (orange) Tractor

Several years ago I purchased a Kubota B7000 Tractor I did not know about gray market tractors until I found this one. I went to a Kubota dealership to asked about it. I was given the reply that there was no such a tractor! After talking to another dealership, I started to put two together. I finally found a Kubota dealership that wasn't afraid to talk to me. They even gave me service manuals so I could compare. After a couple of weeks of running around, I found that parts would be available, not that it needed anything and that for the price, it blew away any green (JD) thing that's driving around where we live, small hamlet of 40, 3 acre lots. I bought the thing and had it for almost 5 years. It never gave me a problem, and I worked it fairly hard, summer and winter. Last fall I fell in love with the new Kubota B1700. The Kubota dealership took my B7000 in trade, gave me twice what I paid for it, without even seeing it. If you have any other questions regarding the above, I would be happy to reply. 
Daryl Unser

I have a Kubota 1500 DT and have owned the tractor for about 2 years. I purchased the tractor, tiller, blade, and mower for less than I would have paid for a used american kubota.  The biggest hassle (originally) was finding rear tires to replace the "rice tires". I switched over to 22" recap trailer tires (from the trucking industry). Other than that the only parts I have purchased were identical to the kubota 185 maintenance items (filters).  However, now I have been told that it isn't really like the 185 but the 175. There is a place out of IN that deals in parts for grey markets. There is a junkyard in KY that also deals in parts. Glad that someone is looking into this. Hey, if you find that there is a big enough interest I would like to converse with other owners of grey markets. Thanks.

From: JOliver999@aol.com
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997 12:43:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Gray Market Tractors

I am new to the farm business and purchased a Kubota 1500 tractor. Being new to the business I went by price and did not know about the gray Market. The tractor works well and I have had no trouble with it. When it came time for an oil change and fuel filter I ran into all kinds of problems with my Kubota dealer. When I told him the model he became unglued and would not even talk to me. I found the best place to get the filters was an Auto Zone store. It took them a day to match the filters but they did it. I was talking to another owner of a tractor like mine and he said that the filters from Auto Zone were the same as Kubota's but cost about half as much.

Date: Wed, 13 Aug 1997 07:34:10 -0700
From: Doug Barton <dbarton@ctcd.cc.tx.us>
Subject: Grey Market

Thanks for your article on grey market tractors. I recently purchased a Kubota and subsequently found out it was a grey market brand when I went to buy an oil filter from an authorized dealer. As your article states the authorized dealer would not support any parts. I will use your research into this market to locate parts. Thanks again.

From: CERESJohnG@aol.com
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 19:25:13 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Feedback on Grey Market Tractor

I finally bought one last summer, a Hinomoto E18D  4wd. It had about 720 hours on it. Bought it from Beverege Tractor in Stuarts Draft, VA.

They did a fairly good job, I think, of refurbishing the unit. All of the fluids were drained,  and replaced. New Filters installed, New Battery. In addition, the Outer Front drive was disaassembled, new bearings replaced and new seals installed. Apparently, these units sit in water a good deal of the time in Japan and this is standard procedure at Beverage.  The unit was also repainted.

I had a front loader installed as well as a brush mower. In addition since my property is fairly steep, Beverege flipped the wheels to the widest position and filled them with fluid.

General feelings on the unit, it operates fine.  This model was sold as a Massey 205 at some point and I did find a service manual for that at Central Tractor. In addition I asked for and got a complete replacement list of filters and lubricants.

Some downside:  The unit apparantly had a tiller on the rear and I suspect (though fully confirmed ) that it was a Catagory 0 tractor and Beverege upgraded it to a Catagory 1.  The brush cutter fits (a 48 " unit) but it seems to be pushing the envelope a bit.  The fittings (Lift bar and stabilizer hardware) seem to be either cheap aftermarket or shop made. I broke one if the stabilizer links almost immediatly,  it was a half a chain link welded to a 1/2" bolt.  even the 1/2" isn't standard for anything. The lift bars have the self aligning bearings welded to the ends of the bars. The stabilizer I've taken care of, I'm looking for a different set of bars. It does work though. I've been through about two sessions trying to get the mower adjusted. It's close, but I want it a bit higher and I'm almost out of adjustment.  Again, I think it's basically a catagory 0 tractor.

The biggest aggravation so far is getting a spare key made. I finally found a locksmith that would do it and he got close enough that it works.  The mechanism is sloppy enough that a super copy isn't necessary but the right blank is. A suggestion is to find a US made switch that will work and you can get keys for.

Overall, I'm pretty happy so far. If I do run into major headaches, I'll let you know.

John Gustafson

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 11:39:50 -0700
Subject: Bad Dealer

Dear sir: 
I would like to complain about the Tractor Company. They are not good people to deal with: 1st they will only help you if you bought the tractor from them, 2nd they will only supply you with parts if they do the work in their shop. 
Sincerely; Gary Ohlson
E-mail: 56bird@gte.net

About two years ago I purchased a Kubota L1500DT from The Tractor Shop in Wiggins, Mississippi.  They were very up front about telling me it was an imported grey market tractor from Japan and warned me of some of the pitfalls I might have in dealing with U.S. Kubota dealers for parts.  In addition they furnished me with L175 manuals (the U.S. 2WD equivalent of the L1500DT) and some cross references on air, oil and fuel filters (I currently use Fram & NAPA filters).  Unfortunately the little Tractor Shop was one of the grey market dealers involved in the Kubota lawsuit business and when Kubota won the first round (I assume there's an appeal on-going) it has apparently driven them out of business since most of their trade was in Kubotas and grey market dealers can no longer sale imported less-than-50HP Kubotas (I think). However, there is another local dealer, J&K Tractors in Gulfport, MS, that sells other brands and apparently they weren't affected much by the lawsuit.  They are a local source for parts and service.  About eight months ago I had J&K install an after market front loader (manufactured by Great Bend) and I am extremely pleased with it.  I was told if I went to a dealer I should ask for parts for a L175 but I needed to do my homework because all parts aren't interchangeable such as PTO gear parts and the L175 isn't 4WD either (I believe all engine parts are interchangeable).  In the meantime I've gathered the names of 13 grey market dealers from the Net and I figure why bother with a U.S.dealer, if I can get parts I can do the work in my shop.  So far I've had no major problems with the tractor.  I had to have the starter rebuilt and a local shop did it for $25.00.  My tractor came with a new 4FT box blade, boom pole and new 4FT finishing mower and it has worked out perfect for my needs.  I like my grey market Kubota so well that as soon as I can save my pennies I would like to get a new "B" series Kubota. It's too bad that a large manufacturer such as Kubota would be worried by a few small dealers.  Other import manufacturers don't seem to care. Kubota has spread some ill-will and it has probably cost them some
sales. 

Raoul Lopez
RLopez@sscpan.ssc.nasa.gov

Im an ag/industrial tractor mechanic. I looked into selling grey market tracors some years ago and decided that this area was way too litigious totake a chance with it. It is true that most of them are identical to the USmodels, sans safety switches and decals. I do work on them from time to time and have no parts problems. I think they're harmless, as long as no lawyers hear about them! God save Laissez fairre!
                      Chris Enke

I'd like to relate my experience with the Tractor Company in Washington  state.  Overall, I think I got my money's worth on the Yanmar 1300D Ibought from them but their follow-up was terrible.  Before purchasing the  tractor, I asked for an operator's manual and they assured me they'd send one with the tractor.  Well, no documentation accompanied the tractor and when I got back to them on this, they sent me a KUBOTA manual.  When I pointed out that I had a Yanmar tractor, the owner responded that the Kubota's were so much like the Yanmar tractors that the Kubota manual would do me just fine!  I finally got a service manual for the US versions of this tractor from Fessler Equipment in Anchorage.  There is no question about it: the Tractor Company is in business to sell tractors, and that's it!  On top of everything else, when I contacted them for parts several days ago, they gave me a 1-800 number for an outfit that was no longer in business.  If I didn't have Fessler Equipment and Lowe's to fall back on, I'd be feeling pretty desparate!  I really like this little tractor and I hope that I can keep it running for a long time.  Anyone else out there with a Yanmar?

From: "Rogers, Brandon" <brogers@smdc.army.mil>
Subject: Grey Market Tractors
Date: Tue, 19 May 1998 13:45:21 -0500

Ken, I have had my L1500 for 3 years and love it.  It's small enough to do  close work but big enough to keep my 6 acres cleared.  The reason for thisletter is to make your readers aware of several points of contact for parts  and some part numbers. The L1500, 1501 are great for the size. They can be fitted with ROPS and perform as good as the US L185/175. The only problem I have run into is the rear tire size, it's an odd 22" and very agressive Bridgestone. If anyone has a source for standard rims capable of mounting a turf tire please e-mail me. There are front end loaders available but the two wheel drive 1500 is really not beefy enough to do much more than make an excellent wheel barrow.

Parts: Oil Filter:
Napa - 1034
STP - 50227
Wicks - 51034
Fram - PH2825

Fuel Filter:
Napa - 3390
Wicks - 33390

All other parts are the same as the US L185/175, Don't tell the dealer you have a 1500/1501 unless you enjoy confrontations.

 [Parts contacts added to Grey Market Resources page].

From: "Chuck Hanes" <chuckhanes@eaton.com>
Subject: Little Miami Trading Company
Date: Aug 4, 1998

I had the pleasure of visiting the Little Miami Trading Company at Blanchester, Ohio, in the hopes of locating a dealer that I could have some faith in and wouldn't be just another rip off artist.  I am looking for a quality tractor at a fair price with an after market service provision if I need it. I have found it.  If anyone is looking for a "grey" tractor and wants service, quality, fairness, and integrity, you owe it to yourself to contact Wayne Foreman at the Little Miami Trading Company.  Their units are in a class by themselves.  They only  import Grade A units.  Once they have them, they go over each one meticulously to be sure it is in top working order.  The ones I saw that they had to do minor work on was ten times the tractor that a competitor had sitting on his lot ready for sale.  That competitor advertises on the web and specifies each unit is sold "as is" and the buyer is responsible for everything.  The units I saw at his business really looked like crap. In contrast, the tractors Wayne had at the Little Miami Trading Company, was clean, had no oil leaks, ran like a top, and had their personal "ok" before being offered for sale.  Service and parts are also provided. Guys and Gals, I can't stress enough that you need to contact these people if you are serious about getting a quality tractor for the right price.  They are super to deal with.  Waynes' partner, Doug Meyers,  was very helpful.  He took all the time I needed and went out of his way to be sure I got everything I was inquiring about.  He not only answered all my questions, he made sure I was looking for the correct tractor size and did not try to sell me a unit that was far beyond what I really needed for the work I am going to use it for.  No high pressure from them at all, just solid information and facts.

I bought a Iseki TL1900F tractor from Beveage Tractor in December 1996 along with a 1845QT brushhog loader. I wouldn't let them install the loader; they wanted $500.00 to do it so I did it myself. I'd had the tractor for about six months and the alt. went out. I call Beveage and they told me it would cost over $400.00 for a new one, so I maid some phone calls and found an alt. & starter rebuilder who also sold new parts. He couldn't rebuild my alt. but we found one that would replace it for $140.00 -- a heck of a lot better than Beverage. But that's not all. I broke a trans. shifter fork and needed a new one. It's a small part but a big price. It took Beveage over three months to get me the part and cost over $200.00. This was in early September 1997. I hadn't had the tractor a year yet and I decide that maybe I should trade it in and get a new tractor because I needed it almost every day and it was going to take a while to get the shifter fork so I talked to Beveage about buying a new tractor from them and trading in my Iseki and was insulted. I'd paid $8500.00 for the tractor and loader. I installed the loader and had calcium put in the rear tires and put new tires on the front and a new alt. They offered me $6000.00 and I was looking at over $15,000.00 new tractor I told them they were nuts. I went to a Ford dealer and bought a new 1715 Ford with a loader installed and alcohol in rear tires for $14,200.00. They didn't even want to see the Iseki after I told them I had been waitting for a shifter fork for almost a month. I finally got the shifter fork in Decmeber and put the tractor back together and started using it again and the the brakes were gone in late February so I maid another call to Beveage to find out that the new brakes would be about $600.00 PER. wheel and I about lost it. When I bought this tractor Beveage told me that Iseki built tractors for M.F. and getting part were no problem. Will I have a problem paying for them at these prices plus paying a $200.00 a month payment and not being able to work the tractor? If any one knows were to get parts at a good price or even used parts I'd like to know. Thank You.

From: "Jeff Vanhoy" <exploiter@earthlink.net>
Subject: my gray tractor
Date: Sept. 5, 1998

   I have recently purchase a gray market tractor (Yanmar 2210). I bought it from Corriher Implement Company in Newton NC. I am very happy with it so far and the tractor is in very good shape, except the lift seals are leaking. I was not told about the problem from Nick (the salesman) but I`m not sure he even knew about it. The tractor had been freshly painted and didn't show the leak until I started using the lift. So far I have had no bad experience with Corriher Implement Company and I will keep this site informed as I intend to rely on them for support. I am to receive from them a manual that I can use to cross reference from. It`s been 4 days since my purchase and I don`t have a manual yet. The YM2210 is a 28 hp 2wd unit and has a 2cyl deisel that seems to have a lot of torque for its size. It was built between 1983 and 1987 and I would certainly appreciate any information on this tractor that anyone has. Please e-mail me with anything at all that would help. If you have a YM2210 or simular, Check with me from time to time as I intend to gather information. Thanks,  Jeff

From: "Frederick Ferres" <pinned@webtv.net>
Subject: Gray market tractors. 
Date: 10/6/98

I currently own a Kubota L1500DT. This gray market tractor has performed beautifully for me. I recently had a front loader installed & it functions great. Being in the landscraping business as a small time operator, cost is very critical. I've had this tractor for 3 years & thanks to the many people who read & supply info about parts & dealers, I'm sure it will run along time to come. Keep up the good work & info.
Frederick

From: Stennis <stennis@ra.msstate.edu>
Subject: Yanmar 2000
Date: 2/15/99, 12:18 AM

Approximately two months ago I got a Yanmar 2000 (purchased from an individual).  Given the short period I have owned the tractor, my observations are limited.  Notwithstanding, I am extremely pleased with the little experience I have had. 

I might also note that I have been able to contact a couple of other 2000 owners via the internet.  They have been helpful and supportive.  I have also had communications with David (DPEQUIP@aol.com) a Yanmar dealer. David has been very helpful and reassuring about the availablity of parts and support for my tractor.  While I have not yet purchased anything from David, I plan to do so soon and expect a positive experience. 

If anyone has any experiences with their Yanmar 2000 which might be helpful to a new owner, I would appreciate an email at stennis@ra.msstate.edu.

From: Larry Robison <LLROBISON@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Kubota L1500
Date: 2/22/99, 4:20 PM

I recently purchased a 1984 Kubota L1500 (2WD).  The guy I bought it from was up front about it being a Grey market tractor and having read the comments in your web page, I was kind of wary.  However, the tractor appeared to be in fairly good shape, had 756 hours on the clock, had very good rear farm style tires, came with a Gearmore box scraper and a mower and was $2800.  I had looked at B6000, 6100 and 7100 and a couple of Yanmars recently and this appeared to be a real bargain compared to the prices of those models.  The only known problem was the battery charging system did not work. 

The first thing I did was to change the fluids and filters; the air filter was really bad.  When I went to my Kubota dealer (North Bay Equipment Co., Rohnert Park, CA) to get the air filter, I told them I had an L1500 expecting some grief because it is gray market.  Instead, they were very helpful saying I was lucky, because the L1500 was the only Grey market model they had a parts book for and said that the only difference they knew between the L175 and the L1500 was in the transmission and PTO gears.  The PTO of my L1500 is a 4-speed and the L175 is 2-speed.  Their prices for the oil and fuel filters was about the same as Fram or NAPA.  They also had the Intertech shop manual for the L175.  The manual was very helpful in fixing the charging problem.  It is very specific about the voltage regulator/alternator relationship and gives good test procedures, plus it has a good diagram of the electrical system.  The problem turned out to be that one of the previous owners had changed the 10A fuse and replaced the washer that holds the fuse with one that did not conduct well.  The voltage on the downstream side of the fuse is critical to the correct operation of the voltage regulator and the alternator.  The manual also showed that the hydraulic lift arms for the three point hitch were incorrectly configured.  These manuals are also available from Amazon.com.  Anyone with a gray market tractor should get one of these manuals for the US equivalent of their tractor.

From: Harrell Griffin <genegriffin@earthlink.net>
Subject: Kubota 7001, Purchased From Little Miami Trading Co.
Date: 3/7/99

Just dropped by your web site and was pleased to see the wealth of information regarding grey market Kubotas.  I purchased my 7001 4WD a couple of years ago from the Little Miami Trading Company in Blanchester, OH from Wayne Foreman.  I agree totally with Chuck Hanes' opinion regarding the company and how they conduct business.  The 7001 Kubota that I bought is the equivalent to the U.S. 7100 and even though it was several years old, it looked and operated like brand new.  Wayne allowed me to test drive it to my heart's content until "I" had decided that it was the one for me.  No high pressure sales, just information when I asked.   I couldn't have been happier with the tractor or the service and support I received.  All the units that I saw at his location were top of the line tractors.

From: Douglas Begley <doug@dundee.net>
Subject: Hinomoto/Massey 205
Date: April 06, 2000 6:16 PM

I bought a 1987 Massey Ferguson 205 at an auction about 3 weeks ago. I was told at the time that the crank was broken and that parts were available at an authorized Massey Ferguson dealer.

Once I got it home and disassembled the engine, I discovered that the block was cracked in several places. I called my local Massey dealer only to be told that "unfortunately, my tractor was Japanese made and that most parts (the block) were obsolete and the crank would cost 1,100 dollars if they could find one at all! "Whadda ya mean obsolete? It's a 13 year old Massey! I can find NEW parts for a 60 year old Massey!"

I then called about 25-30 tractor salvage/used parts dealers. and the story was the same; "A Massey what? Japanese made? Sorry, no parts."

Things were looking dim.

Then one evening I was looking around on the internet and I stumbled on to a site that had a cross-reference chart. I discovered that my Massey was actually manufactured by Hinomoto! The Massey dealer hadn't mentioned this! Once I knew this, it was a short jump to find your web site. I used the list of dealers to find someone to help me out.  On the first call I made, the dealer not only new exactly what I was talking about, but had a running engine in a parts tractor that cost me less than the crank would have from the Massey dealer. 

I guess my story is somewhat different than most "grey market" tractor buyers, but the point is, sometimes they don't need a Japanese name to be a grey market tractor!