Won't get fooled again

[marimus]

I make the beer, you make the cheese; we need each other.

Hmmm, perhaps we can sample this beer you make

 

[irvingj]

DC3- (nice airplane!) It seems as simple as different dealers' policies.

When I bought my M-F, it was clearly spelled out that purchase price did not include 50-hr service, whereas the loacl Kubota dealer generally does include that.

I was a bit disappointed, but found that performing the 50-hr srvoice is not that bad-- just another learning experience!

Certainly can't hurt to ask!

 

[Deano]

I completely disagree with you - When I do my 50 hr or 100 hr.. etc.service myself it is as the other poster said about a 1 hr. job and we don't do this for a living and by doing it myself I know the fluids and filters were actually changed and what was supposed to be greased actually got greased. There have been posters who posted here that fluids were not changed as prescribed and when they questioned the dealer he said they never do that...so there is much to be said in favor of doing it for yourself and then you know..regardless of what a dealer says..our saving money it important to us too.

Great point! I have a brother who is a Dodge mechanic and the horror stories he tells of some of the mechanics "skipping" items that they perceive as "not important" to get the job in and out and still get the going shop rate.

Deano

 

[Diamondpilot]

You can negotiate anything you want. My neighbor got his tractor delivered with a Pizza and a cold 6 pack. Him and the delivery guy talked over the tractor and ate the Pizza and drank the beer out of the FEL.

When I bought my new truck I negotiated 4 oil changes, 2 tire rotations, ect.

As for the tractor I do all my own maintenance. Same thing with every car, truck, boat, ect I have ever owned except for this current truck.

I also think the price is in line with shop rates around here. Especially if they transported the tractor for you. Shop rates are $60-$100 per hour hence I do my own maintenance.

Chris

 

[Big Bri]

While i would not want to pay that much for a 50hr service (did mine myself) i can see where the cost comes from. you have to figure that the shop guy who did the service is making $20 hr, the owner is going to have to pay him his 20, his Social Security, Employment tax, Health Ins., Unimployment Tax, and lets not forget Workmans comp insurance. on top of all that there other shop related fees. Paper towels, gloves, and oil dry. They also have to heat and cool the shop, have lights going, air compressors, and god knows what other tools. as well as insurance for the shop. All of this cost money.
In my small retail store (i own a music store) we charge $60 an hr for labor on repairs, and i pay the repair man $15hr. every now and the someone might question the labor cost but when you tell them the the tools to fix the the problem cost money (and they break) they start to understand.

 

[Dutch445]

I think many of us are accustomed to thinking of oil & filter changes in relation to cars and pickups and those prices. So while I don't think your dealer charged too much, I do think dealers should realize that you're going to be surprised (shocked?) and should give you at least an estimate up front before doing the job.

That sounds like a common problem. I don't think equipment dealers
publish pricing as openly as auto dealers. There's no bulletin board
advertising LOF for $24,95 etc. And your point about auto service pricing,
vs. equipment servicing is valid, many expect an oil change to cost similar
to what they pay for their vehicle. And why not? just a filter and couple
quarts of oil right?

I do think dealers drop the ball though in not communicating a price for
a service up front. If when the appointment is made you are told
"oh by the way, this service runs about $350, including transportation",
maybe there'd be less sticker shock when you get the bill. Then, if you
wanted to rethink, and try the service yourself, you have the
chance before it's done in the shop.

 

[ovrszd]

Great point! I have a brother who is a Dodge mechanic and the horror stories he tells of some of the mechanics "skipping" items that they perceive as "not important" to get the job in and out and still get the going shop rate.

Deano

And I have a Son that's a certified mechanic at a multi-brand dealer and the horror stories he tells of customers that pick and choose which broken part of their vehicle they want to fix and then complain about the results is staggering!!! Goes both ways huh.......

 

[ovrszd]

Glad Messicks chimmed in. Figured you would back the dealer.

He's not backing the dealer, he's offering an experienced opinion about the charges. I appreciate Messicks comments and always consider them honest.

 

[Hammsman]

I too am sometimes hit with sticker shock on what things cost, but find by asking upfront about cost and then checking with other reputable people to perform the same service, and finding all to be about the same, I at least do n't feel I am being ripped off, just surprised at the price. I do most of the service myself and reflect on how well I am being paid to do so.

 

[chipsndust]

That sounds like a common problem. I don't think equipment dealers
publish pricing as openly as auto dealers. There's no bulletin board
advertising LOF for $24,95 etc. And your point about auto service pricing,
vs. equipment servicing is valid, many expect an oil change to cost similar
to what they pay for their vehicle. And why not? just a filter and couple
quarts of oil right?

I do think dealers drop the ball though in not communicating a price for
a service up front. If when the appointment is made you are told
"oh by the way, this service runs about $350, including transportation",
maybe there'd be less sticker shock when you get the bill. Then, if you
wanted to rethink, and try the service yourself, you have the
chance before it's done in the shop.

Why wouldn't you ask the dealer for cost estimate before having them do the work?

I always ask my dealer for a price estimate before having them do any work. Some things I can do myself, some things I can't. Either way, I want to know the dealer cost up front.