$200.00 to transport 30 miles for servicing?

[Diamondback]

Hi all. Been lurking round here for the last month or so simply soaking up some of the vast knowlege available on this fantastic site. On to the question.

I purchased a used Kubota L35 this February in great condition with 290 hrs and have really enjoyed the machine. It now has a tad over 300 hrs so I called the closest Kubota dealer (15 miles each way) to have them do the service. Since I don't have a suitable trailer yet I asked if they could help.

The service manager said they have a flat bed hauler and a trailer but only use the equipment to deliver new machines. I told him I would pay for the service if they were willing to do it. He put me on hold and when he came back said they would do it for two hundred dollars (in addition to the cost of servicing of course).

Now, maybe I'm a little out of the loop but $200.00 for 30 miles round trip sounded pretty high. Please let me know if I'm wrong.

Kinda makes me wonder about the dealership now. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[deerhunterf350]

Ouch, $6.67 per mile. I should go into the Transport business. That sounds steep, most indepdent haulers are getting $1.75 - $ 2.25 per mile in our area.

Even though you didn't buy from the dealer, figure they would be resonable on transport charges , so they could make some money on the service.

That would make me wonder about the integerity of the dealer. How many things will they find "That should be replaced since you have it here, It could go out in the next couple hours of use" kind of thing.

Dan

 

[Diamondpilot]

Rent a car haul trailer from Uhaul. They run $30 a day in my area. Another option is ask around for a private individual to do the maint. at your place. That is if you dont feel you are up to doing the maint. yourself.

I would stay away from that dealer. It sounds like he will rob you at any chance he gets.

Chris

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I believe my dealers rate is $60 round trip...

 

[McDenny's]

That seems a little high to me, I think you could hire a ramp truck twice, once to deliver, and once to pick up, and it would still be cheaper. I would look into renting a trailer, or start asking around. Just remember, if you hire someone, and something happens to your tractor, they will cover it. If you find a "friend" to haul it for you, and you only have "homeowners insurance" like me, it wont be covered by your policy if something happens along the way to the dealer. Just something to think about.


Dennis

 

[George2615]

I agree. Rent a trailer or call a friend who owns one and give him a few bucks for gas. $200. for a 30 mile round trip seems high, especially since the dealer was going to do the work and charge you retail anyway. Most will have you pay a flat fee hookup price plus so much per loaded mile.
The dealer figures he has to halt work on whatever he's working on at the time, travel to your place, load and secure your tractor then haul it back to his shop, unload, perform service, reload and secure and deliver back to you. Thats 2 trips to your house, fuel, lost time, vehicle and trailer usage, and his time. All of which costs him money so I'm sure he thinks his price is justified.

 

[thcri]

My dealer charges me $50.00 to pick up and return. That is pretty good and only does this for people that buy from him. Otherwise he charges more.

 

[mjarrels]

My dealer charges $1.00 per mile... recently had service... $32.00 for two round trips including loading and unloading... I too expected a huge bill for transportation but it did'nt happen.

mark

 

[thcri]

I don't think enough can be said about having a good dealer.

 

[Ductape]

Back when i hauled small equipment on a ramp truck.... retail on such a job would have been $100 each way. $300 is high. Find a friend with a trailer... or worst case scenario, call a bunch of towing services in your area who could move it on their ramp truck.... tell them you are flexible on times, and they can work it in when they are in your area. You may be surprised how much they are willing to work with you.