Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor?

   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #21  
Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular!:thumbsup:
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #22  
Brian
I'm curious what type of company you work for or type of equipment you repair that requires $150,000 + worth of tools & equip. and that doesn't even include a truck???? Thanks,Jim
He is a full service mobile equipment mechanic. Here is his shop (from the outside):
241269d1323586143-f-450-update-8-mos-imag0013.jpg

Aaron Z
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #23  
It's called runaway inflation. You think it's bad now, wait another couple of years until the just before the end of *****'s term. I have a sneaking suspicion we're going to find out what it felt like in pre-WWII Germany, and not so long ago in Argentina. Hyperinflation is a pension and savings killer.
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #24  
He is a full service mobile equipment mechanic. Here is his shop (from the outside):
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=341842"/>

Aaron Z

I know where that picture was taken but don't remember taking it.

The cost of tools adds up fast. Then figure solvent tank, drill press, 12-ton press, hydraulic hose fitting press, welder, generator, air compressor. Now fill it with nuts, bolts, hose ends, fittings, miscellaneous other hardware, chemicals, etc. It gets to $150k without trying very hard.

Brian
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #25  
Too true - in most trades, you can scare/scar your bank balance pretty badly just buying a few bags full of quality fittings.

Rgds, D.
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #26  
It's called runaway inflation. You think it's bad now, wait another couple of years until the just before the end of *****'s term. I have a sneaking suspicion we're going to find out what it felt like in pre-WWII Germany, and not so long ago in Argentina. Hyperinflation is a pension and savings killer.

And who do you suppose will be getting all the blame laid on them?..."what goes around comes around"
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #27  
And who do you suppose will be getting all the blame laid on them?..."what goes around comes around"

With the liberal media calling the shots, it would be Bush for sure. Ken Sweet
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #28  
I'd be WAY surprised if your figure wasn't low, and you had quite abit more in a mobile shop like that.

I know where that picture was taken but don't remember taking it.

The cost of tools adds up fast. Then figure solvent tank, drill press, 12-ton press, hydraulic hose fitting press, welder, generator, air compressor. Now fill it with nuts, bolts, hose ends, fittings, miscellaneous other hardware, chemicals, etc. It gets to $150k without trying very hard.

Brian
 
   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #29  
That is a bit hefty but you pay for the convenience of not taking the tire in for repair. If you feel uncomfortable taking off a large wheel and
tire, or have a injury that precludes you from doing such a job, than by all means have it done by a professional.

In my area, if you bring in the tire and wheel, they charge by the "inch", that is, if you have a 28" rim you will pay $28.00 plus the cost of the patch and or tube, to patch a tube is around $3.50 . But I still think $275.00 is a lot of money especially living only 2 miles from the shop.

NOTE: $1.00.00 per inch/ rim is for a dry tire. Loaded are $2.50 a inch
 
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   / Why does it cost so much to repair a tractor? #30  
I'd be WAY surprised if your figure wasn't low, and you had quite abit more in a mobile shop like that.

You may be right. I should really sit down and do a serious inventory. Especially on the replacement cost of my tools. My Snap-On man says I easily have a $100k invested. It's easy to lose the concept of what it's all worth when it's been bought over 25+ years. I was buying shop tools when I worked for dealers knowing I'd be out on my own someday. There's things like $10k worth of toolbox, almost another $10k in a scanner, then you start adding up the value in each drawer. There's probably $2000 worth of PitPal oil and aerosol racks. When you start adding up the Fastenal racks and fastener inventory I bet $10k isn't an unlikely estimate either. Then another close to $10k in the Weatherhead machine, cabinet, hose ends, and fittings, and don't forget hose. I think I'm going to sit down now, lol.

I really had to start tracking my miscellaneous expenses like brake cleaner, solvent, rags, hand cleaner, grease etc. I found I was only recovering a quarter of my costs.I've gotten better but I'm still only up to half. I used to not charge mileage on short trips either, it seemed petty until I started adding it up. $16-20 a tag adds up pretty quickly so does fuel when you consider I spend $60-80 a day on fuel.

Brian
 
 
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