Am I being picky on this?

jhortonvt · Mar 27, 2005

I bought a 4310 last December, and this weekend I got my 300cx FEL, (I didn't really need it until now so I let the dealer store it).

My problem is -and it's a small one but just something that kind of bugged me- the loader decals are almost all crooked, and they left some of their white tracking and shipping stickers on.
For instance the long JOHN DEERE decal on each loader arm is shifted by about 2 inches on either arm, and the 300CX decal at the base of the mast is at two totally different angles. And then I spent about 30 minutes with a razor blade and WD-40 removing the shipping stickers.

I couldn't imagine a new car-and we all know these cost more than alot of cars- being delivered like that. I know it's a tractor but you all understand the passion we have for these beauties.

So I guess I'm just venting a little when it comes down to it. I have the address of the facility in Ontario and I was thinking of writing a letter asking for a decal kit so I could redo them on my own, but I don't know if their applied there or at the dealer. Anybody know?

Oh and the other thing is there are alot of scrapes on the box and various places on the framework of the loader. So much so that my wife asked if it was used. The inside of the box is pristine so it wasn't, but am I out of line to ask for some touch up paint?

JDGREEN4ME · Mar 27, 2005

Sounds like some poor quality control. I don't know if you are being picky or not. I will say that the "out of line decals" would bother me also. As for who puts the decals on all of the stuff I have ever seen delivered when I've been at my dealer had them on already.

texastomtom · Mar 27, 2005

Being picky isn't necessarily bad.

I had a different machine at first that was a demo 990 that the dealer used to get me interested in buying a tractor... ( i wasn't even looking for one )

Well it got me interested and obviously I wound up buying.
However,,,, to your point,,, The demo had the stickers all messed up on it including the safety stickers.. I told him before I bought that if my tractor came in looking like that I would not be interested.

When my tractor came in and he delivered it - everything was striaght and perfect and washed and in just right condition.........

tom

Maybe I was lucky - maybe he had to redo some - I don't know - but he knew I would only take delivery of it in proper condition. If it had been messed up I would have given them the opportunity to make it right prior to signing any papers..

It is either in new correct condition or it is not...

Tom

Cliff_Johns · Mar 27, 2005

Looking at tractors on the lot quite a bit, I never noticed this problem and yes, it would be annoying. Admittedly, a tractor is a tool and not intended to look good as its primary purpose, but that''s just wrong.

Cliff

jcmseven · Mar 28, 2005

J:

You are NOT being picky on this. These tractors and loaders are very expensive machines. The purchase of one of them is as financially profound as buying a car, or more so. To have a misaligned decal would not only drive me insane, but also represents an unacceptable quality issue on a very pricey loader. I would attempt to handle this through the dealer. They have a way to get an instruction sheet on the removal and replacement of decals on equipment and should be able to handle this for you. My father's 335 garden tractor (still a $6000 + piece of equipment, had a similar issue. The decal kit came in and was replaced, no problem. I would accept nothing less than slightly better than perfect on your loader.

John M.

Dave4410 · Mar 28, 2005

Why not just ask your dealer to switch the loader for a new one? I think he gave you the defective loader because it was pre-sold and can't imagine he would put it on a tractor for display in his showroom. It should be as presented in the brochure and owner's manual. Put it to him that way and I'd bet he'll cooperate.

dicker · Mar 28, 2005

Good morning

I may be way off on this one and I had to think about it for a while before I responded, but it certainly would not be one of my priorities to get the decals changed.

I am not saying that it wouldn't bother me, but at the same time I would not make a special appointment with service. I may tie it into my 50 hr. service or down the road when a warranty issue crops up.

Richard

DJLX · Mar 28, 2005

That would be bother me also especially the decals. My loader had shipping labels all over the bottom of the bucket which after 6 hours of dirt work are gone /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
What I don't like are the safety labels/operating instructions all over the place like I'm going to read them while operating everytime. I know that they probably have to do it for legality reasons but how would you like to have them plastered all over your shiny new SUV? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

dmp437 · Mar 28, 2005

In the automotive realm decals and emblems are using applied using jigs so that they are the same every time. It's an important part of "brand management" for everything to be uniform. I would have hoped that JD would have followed suit.
I would certainly complain about it. With no complaint there is no record (ISO 9001 procedure) that there is a problem and nothing is done about it. If there are complaints the assembly procedure is altered to eleiminate them (or should be).

KennedyDiesel · Mar 28, 2005

For future reference, a pressure washer does a nice job in some cases as does a heat gun to soften the adhesive.

Av8r3400 · Mar 28, 2005

( ... but how would you like to have them plastered all over your shiny new SUV? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )

Have you looked in a new SUV lately? There are more "dummy" stickers in there than on my 'Bota. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

DJLX · Mar 28, 2005

Granted my SUV is 7 yrs old and over 200k miles. I saw the sticker of a tahoe and it was like over 45k so I promptly left.
Guess I could have bought a new SUV but I own a tractor instead /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

rockyridgefarm · Mar 28, 2005

I think you are being a little too picky.

I would ask for the touch up paint and either new decals or ask them to do them at the 50 hr service.

Shipping stickers and scratches are features.

I had all of that. I also had a machine that had been checked over VERY thoroughly, every bolt torqued to spec by the dealer and then the machine was dynoed. I will take proper mechanical setup any day.

jhortonvt · Mar 28, 2005

Rocky,
I do agree, I would rather have the shop spend it's time on proper setup than stickers, but I would also rather they let me put the decals on myself if they are going to be sloppy about it.

beenthere · Mar 28, 2005

I'd say something to my dealer, but also think my dealer wouldn't need that kind of feedback. He would, IMO, have detected the stickers off kilter, and made them straight.
However, I think your reminder of the crooked ones and an invitation (in the form of a question) to set them straight or help you set them straight, would be in order. He may not know, as someone he hired to 'do it right' - didn't.

I'd ask " How can I get these labels straight on my new FEL, so it makes the Deere product look as good as it should look? " Hopefully, the response will be favorable.

755inNY · Mar 28, 2005

Too picky? If the decals bother you and do not meet your expectations, I would not call it too picky. It is especially not too picky to expect better from John Deere. The scratches are hard to avoid during normal shipping. The dealer should offer you a can of touch-up paint so that you can blend in the scratches.

The decals will forever bother you and will detract from your enjoyment of an otherwise fine product. Ask the dealer to address the problem.

Jeff

darinah4710 · Mar 28, 2005

If it were me I would demand the stickers be replaced or replace the loader. When I spend $4000.00 on a loader for a 23000.00 tractor I expect it to look like 27000.00 not a assemble at home project. The chips on the bucket would upset me also, but they will appear soon enough anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I think you are inline by being picky. After all, if we wanted it to look used, we would have bought used, and saved a lot of money.....

Shadow_River · Mar 29, 2005

It's not an issue at all. Tell them you want them removed and replaced correctly. When it comes to dealing with these types of issues never let the dealer even think there is an option. Establish up front just what you expect from them and don't even let yourself think there is an option . You will get better service if you hold your ground right from the start.

azzxx

John Deere 5520 Cab MFWD, John Deere 2040 & MF 265

rdln · Mar 29, 2005

I think being bothered by UPC stickers is being picky, But they should have been put in a more inconspicuos spot.

Dave4410,

 It should be as presented in the brochure 

If you want a funny stare, go to Arbys, order a beef and cheddar and open the wrapper while still at the counter and ask the cashier why yours doesn't look like the picture on the wall /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jhortonvt · Mar 29, 2005

Well I called my dealer today and they were very receptive. I am going to stop by later this week and get some touch up paint (F.O.C.) and they are going to call John Deere about getting a new set of decals. I didn't have to push in the least, all I really did was ask where the decals were applied (they said at the manufacturer), she asked why, I said a few were crooked and she took the ball and ran. I was relieved and pleased with the way they are handling it. It's a good feeling /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif