erkme73
Silver Member
Since early last year, I have noticed a decrease in speed and power. Having no other point of reference other than my memory, I just figured I wasn't remembering properly. By September of last year, it got to the point that I really felt something was wrong. I spoke with the service manager at the local dealer, who recommended a full fluid/filter change - which I DIY'ed using their parts.
As I drained the hydraulic fluid, I found some gnarly metal filings and shavings stuck to the magnet - some that were over an inch long and looked like wires or drill bits:
The managers response (after discussing with his technicians) was that this was "normal" and nothing to be concerned about.
I replaced all the fluids with OEM, and found no difference in the performance. As time went on, it became more apparent that something was afoul. In January, I contacted the dealer again about service.
My 5-year powertrain warranty expired at the end of February, so I brought the tractor to them before the deadline. They've had it ever since.
That service manager is no longer there - and based on under-handed comments by the new advisor - it was because of advice like what he gave me. The new advisor warned me that they were backed up several weeks with other units ahead of mine. I was not in any hurry so I told them to take all the time they needed. So long as the tractor was checked in before the end of the warranty, it didn't matter how long it took to diagnose or repair.
Today I get a call from the advisor... The pump is bad, she said. It was only generating about "60 psi". I cannot believe that it's only generating that little pressure. It still hit decent speeds, and while slow, it was still reasonably strong. In any case, she said she wasn't sure whether the pump is covered under warranty, and has reached out to "India" to get clarification.
TL;DR:
Should the hydraulic pump be covered under a factory 5-year powertrain warranty? Is this a difficult and or expensive repair to DIY or at a non-dealer shop?
Given that they gave me the "all clear" - in writing, no less - that the shavings were normal, does that offer any recourse?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
As I drained the hydraulic fluid, I found some gnarly metal filings and shavings stuck to the magnet - some that were over an inch long and looked like wires or drill bits:
The managers response (after discussing with his technicians) was that this was "normal" and nothing to be concerned about.
I replaced all the fluids with OEM, and found no difference in the performance. As time went on, it became more apparent that something was afoul. In January, I contacted the dealer again about service.
My 5-year powertrain warranty expired at the end of February, so I brought the tractor to them before the deadline. They've had it ever since.
That service manager is no longer there - and based on under-handed comments by the new advisor - it was because of advice like what he gave me. The new advisor warned me that they were backed up several weeks with other units ahead of mine. I was not in any hurry so I told them to take all the time they needed. So long as the tractor was checked in before the end of the warranty, it didn't matter how long it took to diagnose or repair.
Today I get a call from the advisor... The pump is bad, she said. It was only generating about "60 psi". I cannot believe that it's only generating that little pressure. It still hit decent speeds, and while slow, it was still reasonably strong. In any case, she said she wasn't sure whether the pump is covered under warranty, and has reached out to "India" to get clarification.
TL;DR:
Should the hydraulic pump be covered under a factory 5-year powertrain warranty? Is this a difficult and or expensive repair to DIY or at a non-dealer shop?
Given that they gave me the "all clear" - in writing, no less - that the shavings were normal, does that offer any recourse?
Any feedback would be appreciated.