Piranha Bar manufacture location?

[The Evil Twin]

I searched and searched but the only thing I came up with is:

"Tractor accessories, loader bucket tooth bars (yes, we are the sole manufacturer and designer of the Piranha), and backhoe attachments. Everything we sell is 100% engineered, built using USA made steel and shipped from Knoxville, Tennessee."

That leaves it open to if they are shipping blanks to wherever and having stuff made overseas and shipped back. I basically got the same reply from an inquiry with them. Almost confirms my suspicion. Anyone have a definitive answer? I just can't buy stuff these days without knowing who is getting my money.
Thanks!

 

[DustyRusty]

I searched and searched but the only thing I came up with is:


That leaves it open to if they are shipping blanks to wherever and having stuff made overseas and shipped back. I basically got the same reply from an inquiry with them. Almost confirms my suspicion. Anyone have a definitive answer? I just can't buy stuff these days without knowing who is getting my money.
Thanks!

I suggest that you buy from someone else. You are not entitled to knowing who is getting the money. You pay them for the product, and they deliver the product. If you don't like that arrangement, then shop elsewhere. It's your money, do what you want with it. When you buy a car the manufacturer doesn't tell you exactly what comes from what country or who the manufacturer of a particular part is. It is called proprietary information that you are not entitled to. If they choose to ship US steel to China to have it machined and returned, that is their choice. Did you question Kubota about where each part on the tractor is sourced from?

 

[The Evil Twin]

Gee....thanks for that helpful information.....
It's not "proprietary", by the way. Not sure where you got that from. The AALA of 1997 requires automobile manufacturers to list the country of origin for parts content =/> than 15%.
Hopefully some truly helpful information will follow.

 

[PaulR]

Damn.
I get it. I buy local and USA made whenever I can, but I'm thinking you might have a little too much time on your hands. Just my .02.

 

[Freeheeler]

If you are talking about Bxpanded, they make all their own stuff, I don't think they outsource any manufacturing. I ordered a backhoe quick attach and ripper from them and noted they were in Knoxville. Guy told me I could save on the shipping and just pick it up at their manufacturing site. It's right down the road from me and they have a great set up. Sometimes their products can take a while to get because they do all their own work, but it's quality stuff and US made. I don't know the owners personally and I don't have any stock in their company, I'm just a satisfied customer who has seen their site. I don't have a piranha bar, but they do seem to be very popular with the folks on OTT.

 

[19thSF]

If you are talking about Bxpanded, they make all their own stuff, I don't think they outsource any manufacturing. I ordered a backhoe quick attach and ripper from them and noted they were in Knoxville. Guy told me I could save on the shipping and just pick it up at their manufacturing site. It's right down the road from me and they have a great set up. Sometimes their products can take a while to get because they do all their own work, but it's quality stuff and US made. I don't know the owners personally and I don't have any stock in their company, I'm just a satisfied customer who has seen their site. I don't have a piranha bar, but they do seem to be very popular with the folks on OTT.

What you said!
My Piranha Bar was worth every penny I paid for it.
Bob

 

[ve9aa]

I don't have your answer, but the more time goes on, the more I wish (more) stuff was made in the USA and Canada. I try to buy domestic when I possibly can. Sometimes it's hard to tell. I understand your concerns.

Would you believe even some Harley-Davidson parts are made off shore?
I mean, that's almost the epitome of "American made" isn't it? (Harley)
(yes, I own one and am proud of it though I bet my 2004 bike has more American parts than a 2022 bike.

 

[Old_Paint]

What you said!
My Piranha Bar was worth every penny I paid for it.
Bob

X3. My only suggestion is that they put it in more suitable shipping containers. That bugger is SHARP on the edge.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Thanks folks! I was hoping it wasn't outsourced to an enemy of freedom. Gotta be careful these days.
@ve9aa I hear that! But for now, all we can do is be as vigilant as we can. I remember when HD added EFI to their bikes. My friends dad was quite surprised when I pointed out the Mitsubishi EFI controller under the seat.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

That leaves it open to if they are shipping blanks to wherever and having stuff made overseas and shipped back.

I can't see that being cost effective at all. Shipping to China both ways just to save on the cost of cutting the blanks?

Nope. Not buying it.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I can't see that being cost effective at all. Shipping to China both ways just to save on the cost of cutting the blanks?

Nope. Not buying it.

I was hoping not. But considering India buys Chinese steel, makes manhole covers and ships them to the U.S....... you never know. One would think it would be cheaper to make a 300 lb steel disk here instead of having it travel 7000 miles.

 

[Mlarv]

I went and picked up my tooth bar from the factory. They do all their own machining in house. As for where they source their steel, I am not sure.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

I was hoping not. But considering India buys Chinese steel, makes manhole covers and ships them to the U.S....... you never know. One would think it would be cheaper to make a 300 lb steel disk here instead of having it travel 7000 miles.

Very different case. With your scenario, they are buying cheap Chinese "steel" in bulk form. Garbage, at a very low price. The shipping isn't bad because they are neighbors. ALL of the manufacturing is done cheaply in China, and the finished product makes the long boat trip to the final market. Standard stuff.

In the scenario you describe, they start with expensive American steel, pay to form it into blanks, then ship it the long haul to China, where minimal machining is done, then it takes the long boat ride back here.

That makes zero sense.

But it's moot, since Mlarv verified they do it in-house.

 

[The Evil Twin]

As long as it's not coming from China. Thanks for the confirmation everyone!

 

[B737]

I have never seen a company get so much undeserved flak and scrutiny than BXpanded, from OTT.

 

[CGMKCM]

 

[Dave Ogren]

I ordered the Ripper and Quick Change Adapter from BXpanded and drove to Knoxville, Tenn. to pick up. I saw the plant and its equipment. Their parts are made there. Very friendly and knowledgeable on the BX23.
While I was there I learned about their under tractor guard for when your mower deck is off. They were so backed up they only had 1 in stock, which is now on my tractor.
Honest company, Great products, American made,

 

[bird dogger]

I have never seen a company get so much undeserved flak and scrutiny than BXpanded, from OTT.

They (BXpanded) probably agree with ol' P. T. Barnum and like it!

P. T. Barnum once said to a newspaper man—“I don't give a damn what you say about me, just so you spell my name right.”

 

[B737]

I searched and searched but the only thing I came up with is:
That leaves it open to if they are shipping blanks to wherever and having stuff made overseas and shipped back. I basically got the same reply from an inquiry with them. Almost confirms my suspicion. Anyone have a definitive answer? I just can't buy stuff these days without knowing who is getting my money.
Thanks!

have you ever given Kubota any of your money?
those scoundrels!

 

[The Evil Twin]

The fact that a lot of folks find it amusing/ silly that some people care about where their dollar goes explains a lot about how we got where we are.