This is ridiculous - No alternators in the US!!!

CompactTractorFan · Nov 22, 2011

I can't believe this...

We had the BX picked up by the dealer on 11/09/2011 to fix the electrical problems outlined in this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/224040-dead-battery-bx25.html

They determined that it was the alternator and they would repair it under warranty. The parts had to come in, but we were supposed to have the tractor back today or tomorrow.
So we get a call this morning (11/22/2011) saying that there are NO alternators anywhere in the USA. We will have to wait for it to come in on the boat from Japan which will be at least a week.

I can't believe that for one of Kubota's best-selling models, they don't have a simple part like an alternator ANYWHERE in the USA...

NOTE, this does not reflect on our local dealer. They have been very good through all this and were apologetic. We have had a few parts replaced before and they all were readily available.

Heywood Jannockitov · Nov 22, 2011

Alternatively, you might consider altering your tractor with an alternate make of alternator.

CompactTractorFan · Nov 22, 2011

Heywood Jannockitov said:
Alternatively, you might consider altering your tractor with an alternate make of alternator.

That might be possible, but it's still under warranty...

Bugsyinc · Nov 22, 2011

Try Marshalls machinery: Marshall Machinery

Call 570-729-7117 or e-mail

Toll Free: 1-800-626-9222

New Parts:
frank@marshall-machinery.com

Used Parts:
jamie@marshall-machinery.com

CompactTractorFan · Nov 22, 2011

Bugsyinc said:
Try Marshalls machinery: Marshall Machinery

Call 570-729-7117 or e-mail

Toll Free: 1-800-626-9222

New Parts:
frank@marshall-machinery.com

Used Parts:
jamie@marshall-machinery.com

Thanks, but the dealer called all over the US to no avail...

zzvyb6 · Nov 22, 2011

It's a Japanese tractor with Japanese parts. Really, what did you expect, and why, since we are on the subject, do you think the US manufacturing sector has disappeared (along with the Middle Class jobs that accompanied it)?

Gee, the water I use is pumped out to a tank truck that drives it to another continent. Now my well is dry and I can't understand why. I just don't get it.

Don't worry, you are not alone. Enjoy your thirst. They are printing more water as we speak.

wrooster · Nov 22, 2011

CompactTractorFan said:
Thanks, but the dealer called all over the US to no avail...

The dealer did a minimal effort search by calling their distributor, who replied, "we don't have any right now". That does not mean that there are none available in the USA. It means that there are none in that particular distributor's computer inventory. If I had a nickel for every time a dealer said, "you can't get that...".

Do some legwork for them, you'll find an alternator in short order. Follow the path of the guy who posted some contacts above, and start there. Don't stop.

See also
https://www.google.com/search?q=1G825-64010

Wrooster

wrooster · Nov 22, 2011

zzvyb6 said:
It's a Japanese tractor with Japanese parts. Really, what did you expect, and why, since we are on the subject, do you think the US manufacturing sector has disappeared (along with the Middle Class jobs that accompanied it)?
Gee, the water I use is pumped out to a tank truck that drives it to another continent. Now my well is dry and I can't understand why. I just don't get it.
Don't worry, you are not alone. Enjoy your thirst. They are printing more water as we speak.

You seem more than slightly bitter. The OP has a problem with a specific alternator, can you help out or not?

Wrooster

radioman · Nov 22, 2011

there are parts for BX, but they may not have one in stock for warranty use. If a dealer KNOWS of a alternate brand that will work, they cant install it due to legality issues of warranty part. If something goes wrong down the road, they can just point out the "3rd party" part.

MessickFarmEqu · Nov 22, 2011

I thought to myself that this was impossible, but I looked and we've never sold one. If people don't need them there is not much stock around.

PHILIP8N · Nov 22, 2011

Tell them to air frieght it. Try to push the cost on them, it wont be that much, it is small and light. If nothing else, split it with them, or pay all yourself if you need it that bad. Philip.

Mac in PA · Nov 22, 2011

Is there something special about Kubota alternators that they cannot be repaired?

If you really need the tractor and can't deal with the down-time I would check with an electrical shop that repairs starters and alternators, even if you had to pay for the repair.

Otherwise 1 week to receive the part is not too bad.

Mac

wrooster · Nov 22, 2011

Mac in PA said:
Is there something special about Kubota alternators that they cannot be repaired? If you really need the tractor and can't deal with the down-time I would check with an electrical shop that repairs starters and alternators, even if you had to pay for the repair.

This is good thinking, and not a repair approach that a dealer would typically contemplate.

Wrooster

bp fick · Nov 22, 2011

NEW KUBOTA ALTERNATOR D902 D902E ENGINES UTV on eBay!

Probably not mainstream for your dealer to do the warranty work, but those alternators are certainly available.

kevinj · Nov 22, 2011

I do believe that my dealer would pull one off a lot model to get me going, he has given a loaner unit when in for warranty work also.

bp fick · Nov 22, 2011

kevinj said:
I do believe that my dealer would pull one off a lot model to get me going, he has given a loaner unit when in for warranty work also.

Thought of that as well. There's probably a dozen sitting outside doing nothing. One of them can do the waiting for the backordered part.

jonyyuma · Nov 22, 2011

That has to speak well of the alternators not failing very often. Not surprised that E-bay has them listed?

CompactTractorFan · Nov 22, 2011

wrooster said:
The dealer did a minimal effort search by calling their distributor, who replied, "we don't have any right now". That does not mean that there are none available in the USA. It means that there are none in that particular distributor's computer inventory. If I had a nickel for every time a dealer said, "you can't get that...".

They actually called multiple places across the US...

CompactTractorFan · Nov 22, 2011

MessickFarmEqu said:
I thought to myself that this was impossible, but I looked and we've never sold one.

jonyyuma said:
That has to speak well of the alternators not failing very often.

Well, that's good news...hopefully we will never need another...

CompactTractorFan · Nov 22, 2011

radioman said:
there are parts for BX, but they may not have one in stock for warranty use. If a dealer KNOWS of a alternate brand that will work, they cant install it due to legality issues of warranty part. If something goes wrong down the road, they can just point out the "3rd party" part.

Yeah, this is probably the case...Not much to do now but wait...