David Brooks article in the March 21 Monitor titled “Greenlands closing after 89 years” demands that I pass on a story. In 1980, I bought a new mowing/snow throwing John Deere tractor. When moving to Concord almost 40 years ago, it came along. After a few years in Concord, the local John Deere dealership lost interest in helping me maintain it and was always wanting me to trade-up for a newer high-tech model. It was then that I discovered Greenlands when it was in the Page Belting Co. building. They were willing to help me with parts and repairs while assuring me that my now older John Deere was better than the new models and worth keeping.
About 20 years ago, my tractor’s engine failed. Josh and the Greenland guys happily removed my engine and took it to the Sanel Machine shop on South Main Street, where it was rebuilt with surgical precision and it ran better than ever. About 10 years ago, the transmission died and even Deere, who used to always advertise that they kept parts forever … didn’t anymore. Greenlands helped me install a used one I found on eBay and then Mike at Greenlands helped me find the parts to fix the old one. I was off and running again. Nine months ago, they came to my garage to help me with another eBay parts rescue … that finally failed. End of tractor but not end of story.
I did the math. That John Deere tractor over the 45 years never missed a season of grass or snow and saved me over $100,000 in property prorated maintenance costs. Josh, Dave, Mike and the rest of the Greenlands crew kept me going for over 30 years. I bought many other small engine items from them over the years and the products, advice and guidance was always top notch.
I was glad that David Brooks’ article about the closing emphasized the hard work involved in keeping an excellent service oriented place like Greenlands going. He commented that a now “throw-away society makes people less interested in repairs.” The folks at Greenlands just wanted to keep me going.
When COVID-19 hit five years ago, Greenlands was one of the first businesses in Concord to set up barriers in their store to protect their customers and staff. They’ve always been customer first.
Back in 1980 (same year I bought the Deere), singer Larry Sparks sang a hit bluegrass song written by Allen Hammond called “John Deere Tractor.” It’s been re-sung by the Judds and then again a few years ago by Billy Strings. Like my old tractor, the song gets rebuilt. I went and listened to the song as Dave from Greenlands trucked away my old Deere for the last time. Deciding not to morn too long for an inanimate object, I bought a new tractor from Greenlands last June.
I’m sad they’re closing, but I’ll always remember the invaluable coaching and service they’ve given me over many years. I’m not removing the Greenland sticker on the new tractor!
Nick Perencevich lives in Concord.