2210 Hyd. Leak / Deere Warranty Policy!

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Hi,
I have a 2210 that has developed the "common" toplink plate hyd. oil leak that is related to the 3PH operation, which causes the seal to loosen and fail.
I called my dealer they informed me that I have to pay for pickup/delivery! I called JD Cust Service and they said the same thing, but did open a case and asked for time to call Nelson's (the dealer) and do some investigation.
I know that others have had this fixed "100% for free" including pickup/delivery. Also that Deere issued a detac # in March and was also considering a recall to fix all 2210's.

Question....how loud should I yell? And at who? To me this is a design defect that should not cost me a dime to fix. If this costs me anything at all it will be my last Deere, after 40 years of them being in my family, I should not have to pay for their mistakes.

Advice welcome!
Fred G

MikePA · Jun 16, 2003

I called my dealer they informed me that I have to pay for pickup/delivery! 
I researched this once before and the big 3, JD, Kubota and NH, all state that pickup and delivery are not covered under warranty work. The people who have had it fixed at no cost, have 'better' dealers.

 Question....how loud should I yell? And at who? 
You should yell at the dealer, probably the salesperson you dealt with. How loud is up to you. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 To me this is a design defect that should not cost me a dime to fix. 
IMHO, warranty work is warranty work. Design defect, part defect, etc. they are all the same. The manufacturer doesn't reimburse the dealer for pickup and delivery regardless of the reason for the warranty work. Covering p/d is up to the dealer.

bigpete · Jun 16, 2003

Fred,

Mine happened so soon after delivery that I stated my expectation was a "no-cost" pick-up and delivery. Transportation costs are clearly disclaimed by all Deere dealers, then they have discretion to waive transportation fees.

I don't know your dealer and your sitiation, i.e. how many hours you have on the tractor. I think your dealer is your only level of appeal. You just bought a $14,000 MSRP tractor and it seems reasonable that the dealer at least include your pick-up and return on a piggyback load. Unfortunately, a successful path will be closer to "negotiating" than "demanding." If you are still within 30 days, or so, of delivery, perhaps you have the right to return the tractor for a full refund and/or exchange. I would use that as a last option. Good luck.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Hey Fred,

The first time I walked into my dealer, one of the owners (I didn't know it at the time) made a point of telling me about their policy of free pick-up/delivery for all warranty work. This is the same owner that gave me $1200 back after I realized (via TBN) that I was due some discounts/rebates on attachments.

My point is--go right to the top--the worst he(she?) can say is no. His answer will help you decide where you buy your next tractor and if he's a good business person, he'll realize it.

Good Luck

Bob

MikePA · Jun 16, 2003

My point is--go right to the top 
My personal opinion is to allow the salesperson to resolve the issue. If they can't or wont, then work up the food chain. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Mike,

I agree--I assumed that when Fred said he called his dealer that he had already been down that road.

Bob

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Guys,

Thanks for all the responses. My 2210 is 3 months old but has just 25 hours. The problem didn't start right away because it's related to 3ph use and I didn't use the 3ph much until I started mowing about a month ago.

If not for the fact that there is a detac #, a rumored recall and a reinforced plate to replace the original, I might agree that I should pay for p/d. However, Deere knows there's a problem - it didn't take a year for this to show up, 2210 owners who use the 3ph had the problem at 5 hours or lower.

When I first got the tractor it had to go back for a couple of issues. The salesperson punted me over to service and the service guys were not real interested in helping me. I researched 3 dealers and had heard good things about Nelson's but so far they are below average IMHO. Same response from service when I called them this morning about my new problem.

I will admit I'm more disappointed in Nelson's than Deere. The "Deere lady" did say the dealer can waive the p/d charge for warranty at their discretion.....guess I need to work on the dealer.

Again, appreciate the feedback.

Fred G

bigpete · Jun 16, 2003

Fred,

If he's absolutely solid on the transporatation cost, you might consider a couple of angles. First, you may ask that he agree to reimburse you for the transporatation charges if Deere does issue a recall or if the problem is not resolved in the first visit. Second, you can request a nominal pick-up fee (less than what he usually charges) which will cover some of his unreimbursed costs, and because of all of the conditions surrounding your problem--not the least of which is the fact that the tractor is essentially new and the leak occurred very close to the first use on the 3-Point. Make sure you remind him that you are not through buying tractors in this lifetime and his help in the matter will go a long way to loyalty. My dealer and I saw eye-to-eye that this was our problem, not just mine.

EJohnson · Jun 17, 2003

Would anyone happen to know what the Deere detac# is for this particular issue?

I'm currently waiting to take delivery of a new 2210 (my first tractor, by the way), and I'd be interested in finding out from the dealer if my tractor has already been retrofitted with the reinforced plate.

Thanks.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2003

I recieved my 2210 two weeks ago. I now have 19 hours and have used the 3pt for about half with BB. No leaks as of yet. Maybe they have fixed on newer ones.