Jeffersonville, OH | jd8850 - 8/8/2026 22:38
It was a good move by Agco and it wasn't.
Yes they make money on their own parts/service but the V12 hurt their sales.
The 2 track that has the best resale is the last ones made that had C 15 16 and 18.
Regarding a company making their own engine and making more money-- whose side are you on?
The truck companies?
Or the farmer/ owner operator?
I guess I want what's best for the farmer and owner operator.
And that is not V12 engines and Cummins Paccar
You're not wrong about the C18, but I do also think the V12 wouldn't have been as bad if compared to something other than the C18. There is NOTHING else in agriculture like the C18 in those, and there likely never will be again.
Now, not saying AGCO didn't fumble the V12, it shouldn't have had 4 turbos EVER when one could have been made to work effectively, maybe a VGT to help with emissions, but still simpler. The folks I have who own them that never had a C18 unit say they run well, and pull like they expect a 500hp tractor to pull...but if you owned a C18 you hated them, which I understand. Most of the complaints I have heard on the V12 is about the packaging and serviceability, which are EXTREMELY valid complaints, if you've never seen one you wouldn't understand LOL I do believe there were some failures too, but I don't think they were every tractor or anything, other than the other complain I've heard about the drive belt system.
We had an 1150 Versatile with the old KTA...and I've driven a lot of 500hp newer Versatile's with the QSX, and while they both pull the same implements, the 1150 just has something about it....I imagine a computerized QSK would be even more noticeable like the C18 was.
So, 100% you're right, the C18 was a machine, it was dependable, pulled like a locomotive, and kept money in owners pockets...not arguing. BUT, the V12 isn't "as bad" as everyone says when compared against options in other tractors that AREN'T the C18. I am pleased with the change to MAN either way...would I prefer the C15 and C16, maybe, but the MAN seems to be a well designed, and so far is a performer again, at least as good as everything short of a C18. I've heard some folks think it pulls like their old C18 too, I haven't ran both, so I don't know. I have ran an 1151 and 1162 and was very pleased with the performance pulling what we were.
So, not trying to disagree because you didn't say anything incorrect, but lets say I'm just trying to add context to the discussion? AGCO did learn that not ALL vertical integration is good, or maybe, just not what the market needs.
Chris |
Part II - The Secret That Made Caterpillar Unstoppable
