I've read many threads on this site about folks having repair issues quite like the OP's. What I have noticed to be fairly common is that folks aren't assertive enough from the beginning, allowing the dealers to set the pace. At some point one has to step up and give an ultimatum. Clearly there's the issue of how the repairs are going to be made (I'm with IT in that I just cannot handle other people working on my equipment- while under warranty yes, but afterwards I'll look to do it myself); and then there's the issue of transport costs (if any- I can't haul my NX so I have to eat transport costs).
I make it clear up front on how long I think I can go without my tractor. There has to be an agreed upon timeframe. Just stating an approximation and not giving one's acceptable range is pretty much an open-ended arrangement.
I'll also agree with those stating that lots of this equipment and repairs are likely things that dealers have yet to become well-versed with. And, just think about this, would it be a good sign if dealers had a lot of experience with many repairs? Would I want a tractor that is a great training tool for repairs? So, like for me when I go to work on many things that I work on that are first time repairs- I'm not exactly the best at anticipating repair times. I doubt that dealers are going to be open about this as it would make them look like they aren't really capable of working on your equipment, so, I figure they might fudge the truth a bit while they scramble to become more up-to-speed on doing a given repair.
At any rate, the aim by all is to resolve the situation. I would doubt that dealers like being in the situation of having angry customers running about. Whether confidence is gained or lost should be judged when there's been a resolution and one has been allowed some time to recover from some of the emotional trauma. It could be the ONLY time there's an issue, so best to keep communications civil. We are, after all, working with 1st world problems here (things could be MUCH worse).
