Gray Market Tractor Myths
Gray Market Tractor Facts |
The myth
spinners would say all gray market tractors have non-standard PTO shafts,
all gray market tractors are hard to find parts for, and that mechanics
will work on no gray market tractor from Japan. These over generalizations
are an unfortunate fabrication. These misconceptions are widespread,
because sellers of used domestic tractors do not want competition, because
some misinformed mechanics and tractor sellers really believe these
myths, and because with some models there truly are difficulties. Most
used gray market tractors do not have the problems myth spinners tell
us, but there are imported used tractors from Japan which can cause
problems for buyers. Best-Used-Tractors knows a lot
about which import tractors are a pleasure to own, and which could give
problems after their purchase.
MYTH #1
Parts
on Import Versions Differ from Parts on Domestic Versions
The vast majority
of parts on gray market Japanese tractors are interchangeable with their
domestic counterpart tractor models. Honestly, on all makes there are
a few differences, and on a smaller quantity there are more differences.
However, Best-Used-Tractors has so many sources of gray
market tractor parts, that we can help our buyers connect with sources
for even the more difficult parts. We do suggest that our buyers purchase
the easy parts access models.
MYTH #2
Gray Market Tractor Parts are Difficult to Locate
There are gray market tractor sources all over the country. Dealers and
consumers who are not aware of those sources do indeed have trouble finding
parts. Some import tractor suppliers have lots of sources for gray market
tractor parts. Best-Used-Tractors has a huge list of
gray market tractor parts suppliers, so those who buy from us have little
significant parts difficulties. We even list a few of those sources on
our gray market tractor parts page.
MYTH #3
You Can't Find a Mechanic to Work on Gray Market
Tractors
Mechanics work on the domestic versions of these tractors in every corner
of this country. Mechanics all over are already working on Japanese tractors.
That is why so many mechanics already work on gray market tractors too.
They are already familiar with most of the domestic versions of the same
parts. There is a small percentage of mechanics who are afraid to work
on gray market tractors, but any mechanic who is well connected in the
parts world has no fear of working on gray market tractors. Best-Used-Tractors
can help any mechanic with the parts and manual sources that help him
to work more confidently on gray market tractors.
MYTH #4
All Gray Market Tractors have Non-standard PTO Shafts
Non-standard PTO shafts are rare. Out of hundreds of Japanese tractor
models there are only a handful that run in a reverse direction such as
the Kubota 6000. A few more have a different number of splines than on
standard PTO shafts. But PTO adapters are usually readily available.
MYTH #5
Category #1 Implements Don't Link with Gray Market
Tractors
Although most Japanese tractors imported into the US have 3 points, there
are some mostly smaller units that come over here with only 2 points.
It is easy to convert the 2 point tractors into three point hitch tractors.
Best-Used-Tractors even sells three
point kits for you.
Once the Japanese
tractor has a three point hitch it can be mounted with standard category
1 implements. Best-Used-Tractors, for your convenience,
also sells compact implements.
MYTH #6
Gray Market Tractors are Unsafe to Operate
[ROPS] Most older used domestic tractors are sold without a ROPS. Gray
market tractors are no different. They are typically sold without a roll
over protection structure. In the US only new tractors are required to
be sold with a ROPS (except when employees will use the tractor). Tractor
buyers therefore have the responsibility of getting a ROPS if they prefer
one on their tractor. Although some Japanese manufacturers make ROPS,
a less expensive alternative is one made by your local certified welder.
Non-certified ROPS may be legally vulnerable, but they certainly are a
lot cheaper.
[PTO SHIELDS] Many
gray market tractors come to the US with PTO shields, but some do not.
It is however, incredibly easy to fabricate a PTO shield for extra protection.
Again that may be legally vulnerable, but tractor owners will be better
protected no matter how the shield is made.
[SAFETY
STICKERS] A lot of gray market tractors come with safety stickers in Japanese.
But there are some sources in this country for all the necessary tractor
operation safety stickers.
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