Martyn , in the last mag was a form for you to place any thoughts + good ideas down on hard copy, that could possibly become a reality, the CAT Co thing is a total " DEAD DUCK " for a few simple reasons that have already reared up on this thread, the one thing I hope Cat will continue to grant us is the chance to make day venues of the Factory's /dealers etc, as a kindness to our club , besides I myself always balance up the price of CAT parts with the price of N.O.E. the service I have had from J.Moore tractor parts for at least 25 years has always been " of the highest " I have never even asked to open a monthly account with this Co, I trust them to send me the correct bits at a fair price, they trust me to pay my bill, we seem happy with this deal, they also help me with any tech, info and advice to a greater level than CAT has ever done, I always stick to people I trust , there is plenty of folk always trying to kick my backside when I have done "the work" for them . so I dont fancy paying over the odds for a few bits of metal, in my last post I said about the HIGH ROLLER who spent millions of $$$$ like I spend 5 pence (10cents) this mans name I would love to print but cannot because of the conflict both the U.S.A. & the U.K. are involved in together.
tctractors.

After reflecting on all the comments in the different threads, I must agree with the conclusion that any further attempt's to strike a better deal between Cat and ACMOC is a "dead duck"!

The suggestion, however, of attempting to forge a stronger relationship with a specialist after markets parts company may be our best course of action, as we would stand a better chance of making any proposal a commercial reality.

John Moore Tractor Parts may be a suitable candidate in the UK, as like TC, I also purchased the parts for my D318 engine at 1/3 the cost of the official prices with excellent service.

As Martin noted, I also receive excellent support and encouragement from my local Finning branch \ parts counter staff, but disappointly this support doesn't appear to continue up to the highest levels of the Finning UK Limited organisation.

Finally, I'm pleased that the BB membership has enjoyed a healthy debate and discission on this topic.

After 1,118 views on this thread, I'm surprised that we haven't received any comments from a member of the ACMOC Board of Directors to this question???

It would be good for the membership to hear of the BoD views \ opinions on this topic?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Thanks for all you comments and observations,looks like ACMOC's BOD are keeping a low profile on this matter.
I have been stocking up with IH parts for my Drotts,got a BD264 in my greenhouse. shame we can't grow spares LOL As far as Cat is concerned will be using the small suppliers who are usually a lot cheaper with no apparent drop in quality.

David,I think we should contact the independant parts suppliers and list them in our chapter 2 mag, for a small fee.I have done that with my two websites for some time now.What are your thoughts on a chapter 2 website? It will cost nothing to set up.

i have also have excellent service and a fair price from john moore on my engine parts,the last time i went to finnings to buy some parts i asked about discount for classic crawlers ,the parts man looked at me in that strange way only parts men can and shook his head:D
martyn .tony and all what day are you going to malvern i would like to try and make it and meet up with you all again cheers graham

Martin,

I'll put together a list of alternative parts suppliers for the May issue of the Chapter 2 magazine.

The idea of a Chapter 2 website, would be a good item for discussion at the AGM, can you put together a proposal?

Just had an email from Caterpillar, they said they will look into the contents I had put in my email and will respond shortly. Long as it don't end in OFF.
Willkeep you posted.

Graham,will let you know soon, Spocket is waiting on Tony on which day he will be there.
Martyn

Martyn & Graham, as I live only 5 min's from the show venue it would be no trouble to be handy at any time to please the mob ,I think the auction is on the first day, I can check on this fact, unless anyone knows better, I have spoken to Sprocket also N.D. over in Ireland this week , Neil D has parked his 627 scraper in the drive to his house ,to do a few wee jobs on her he tells me,I have been asked to repair a D9G next week for a chap in the Cambridge area, it turns the sky into a total black cloud when you punch in the speed,it sounds worth a trip, its good to hear Martyn that you are trying to grow I.H.scrap in your greenhouse instead of that " Wacky Weed ".
see you soon , tctractors