That boot is shot the whole thing looks used. I bet they didnt have the parts in stock so just swapped it for like kind from one of their yard tractors thats been setting in the weather for 4 years.
Kinda like my experience with the local Kubota dealer but non warranty work. Asked them to do ONE thing, check the hydraulic pressures. THey didnt to that but swapped some control valve hoses around and said that was the problem and charged me $150. Still debating whether to load it up and take it back to them or take it 25 miles further to a different dealer.
I looked up the parts diagram on the K web site.
To put in the seal pack they'd have to unscrew the whole tie-rod assembly off the cylinder rod to remove the old and put on the new seals.
The tie-rods consist of 3 parts; 1)the axial ball joint, these are the rubber boots, - 2 #s listed as inner ball and outer(?), 2)threaded rod nut and 3)turn down joint.
They told me they had to order the seal pack - so if the cylinder was in pieces, why wouldn't they keep all the parts together?
When I picked it up yesterday, the mechanic I assume (again I HATE that word) said this is the first time he's seen this prob. With that in mind it seems HIGHLY unlikely some other tie-rods would just be laying around to get mixed up with mine. I have a suspicion they maybe swapped out the
entire steering cylinder with an old yard tractor's because the right also has the same old, dryed up, cracked looking boot with grease seeping out along the threaded rod. Luckily mine is under warranty, but no less the frustrtion and angst. I will take this up with them 1st thing Mon. Believe me, I won't be carrying it to them either. I'm not gonna be without my machine for another week - they'll have to send their service truck here to make it right.
They could have the best mechanic or reputation in the world, but lie to me and you'll never get my business again! If I were you Gary, there'd be no question, I'd take it 25mi further to the other dealer, and make sure they knew you were going!