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Once again our group managed to have a blast in KY, had a nice visit with some of the AGCO people, they didn't like my comment about the "legacy edition" AGCO tractor, I told them I figured with all the oranges they have been receiving through the grassroots efforts they probably through that together right before the show. Putting a sticker on the side and an emblem on the front will not keep your customers I told him. The biggest thing is their dealer network, in our area its just not big enough, they did agree with that. One of them got asked what did AGCO stand for he said it does stand still mean Allis-Gleaner Company, so will that change too?, I got a dumb stare back. Bottom line when you are making sales of the orange in North America almost 4 to 1 over your other tractors and are going cut that out of production you have some serious issues with decision making in the management department. I had to laugh to at the apparel they were selling, and although I did break down and buy a one-zee for my youngest,I told them that this was a joke. It has an AGCO tractor on it stating future driver/farmer with the letters L.L.T.F.F. Long live the family farm slogan is over now that orange will not be sold as a major tractor no more for those of us who still care. Oranges were being placed all over the Challenger line by some of my other fellow IL A-C guys that were down there and we met up with, but they would disappear as fast as they were brought out. GOOD EFFORT LUKE!!! They was more interst in the Gleaner than the White, I mean M-F combine, but who can you believe and who do you trust on the silver staying around forever. I saw one poster advertising Heritage Line Parts, a far cry from what the used do for that just a few years ago, unless dealers really make a stink over this, I am afraid this could be the end. Those there representing AGCO, are not in the decsion making process, some did kinda care, others were there for just "antother farm show". A bunch of us were dicussing Buhler buying out the A-C name from the A-C energy company and branding onto their tractors, I would think that might put some pressure on AGCO's descion. Good thing for the hospitality of the people of Louisville and the great night life and entertainment the city has to offer, to get your mind off of the most pathetic display I have ever seen before at that show by that company. We have a small operation but I can asuure most that if we need parts and service from a dealer(mainly our R-52) it will come from there, any thing else we need for our orange will be bought through aftermarket or other sources, T.H.E. company has quite a selection out of Mt. Pleasent, and others who advertise on here as well maybe our only hope.As orange is faded away I'm sure you will se parts availibility slowly fade too, with prices increase. Start supporting your Aftermarket replacement parts people now, help them guys survive, and forget about the giants, who could give a damn about the little guys.
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Thank you for supporting the cause and bringing oranges to the show! I could not make it this year, but would have loved to. AGCO will have a wide awakening this year in the American market, but maybe really don't care. I agree, the writing is on the wall for Gleaner as it is losing its twin brother to cancer (the Richenhagen kind). I too, hope that Versatile buys the Allis Chalmers name and maybe the Gleaner combine and Hesston hay tools. These are way too good of brands to trust with this bunch. Versatile may be in the hunt, I have heard they are on the verge of securing a large tillage company in NA to complement their line. I was recently at an AGCO dealership where the AGCO TM was present, and it sounded like He was really putting on the heat for the dealer to order new MF's. They said no, not now! Are they feeling a pinch?
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