Barlows question

[crazyal]

Does anyone who has bought a tractor from Barlows know if they offer a discount on repair parts? I have to replace the loader valve on my Kubota and it's pricey. Tomorrow I'll call around to since the local dealers charge full retail and don't want to budge on price.

 

[diesel85]

How long ago did you buy it from them?

 

[Clint S]

Definitely call around. For autos I have found dealer price fluctuates from dealer to dealer. For example $1000 fuel pump assembly at dealer 1 was $880 at dealer 2 $750 and dealer 3 and $540 at dealer 4 (online). The kicker is there was only 1 left in THE ENTIRE COUNTRY and I physically got the same part from dealer 4 that I would of got from dealer 1. Literally the same part as every dealer said "there is one left and it's in California''.

 

[Jchonline]

Did you check Messicks?

 

[crazyal]

It's been a number of years, about 8 would be my guess. Messicks has their price on-line and is about the same as the other on-line places. I haven't found the retail price on-line so I have no clue how much of a discount the on-line places are offering. None of the places on-line have it in stock so it looks like a rarely replaced part.

 

[diesel85]

Have you thought of getting the loader valve rebuilt at a local hydraulic shop?

 

[aczlan]

This is for your L4240 correct?
Is this a cable operated valve, or do the hoses go right up to it? It looks like you're bucket and rear remotes have 10 gallons per minute available to them.
If the the hoses go right up to it and it is mounted on the loader frame, you might look at something like this for $280ish: 2 Spool Compact 1 GPM Joystick Control Valve | Directional Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

This one would also do the trick for $180ish, but it does not have regen on the bucket circut so your dump times would slow down: 2 Spool Compact 1 GPM Joystick Control Valve | Directional Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Another similar one for $330ish, this one also does not have regen on the bucket circuit: 2 Spool 14 GPM Prince LVR Joystick Loader Valve | Directional Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Aaron Z

 

[firebird93]

i've bought three tractors from barlow's and what few parts i have purchased (which has been very few) i think they charged listed price. their parts guy amazes me though. when i go in there he calls me by name first and last and remembers where i'm from and i'm in there maybe once a year and from the next county over.

 

[crazyal]

The loader valve is mounted directly to the transmission so nothing aftermarket will work. I haven't removed the valve body (it's going to require things like the fender to be removed) but one of the two spools is binding. I was able to remove just the spool on the tractor but nothing was visibly bad. When reinstalled it's still stiff and when the bucket dump is in float mode fluid is flowing and forces the bucket all the way down. At the same time hydraulic pressure in the value will not allow the spool to move until the engine is shut off. I'm assuming that the spool and housing are machined to mate together so I don't think there's anything to rebuild. Since it was working just fine then all of a sudden it wasn't I'm guessing that the housing broke. The other spool is as smooth as can be.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

My dealer gives a 10% favorite customer discount. You have to ask though. Of course 10% off too much is still too much. Some folks I know swear that parts retail price gives the dealer 50% markup. My parts guy denies that. I have found parts that have an after market replacement that works are usually around 2/3 less that dealer OEM branded items. Its that way on Parker QDs. It is obvious that a lot of parts are not unique o Kubota, just need to find the actual manufacturer.

The BX FEL control is linked by multi piece rod linkages. The valve is virtually inaccessible w/o spending an hour getting other things out of the way. Those linkages are getting worn and sloppy (1500 HRS) and the valve leakdown is increasing. Contemplating just getting rid of it all and getting valves from Surplus Center. Petty well have it figured out, just waiting or one of the links to fail so I can justify the time and cost. I will then do rear remotes at the same time clustered together where the FEL joy stick is now.

Ron

 

[crazyal]

I don't know about your BX25 but I can't see how that's easily possible with the Grand L. The loader valve is mounted directly to the transmission. There's no hydraulic lines that supply it and looking at the picture it's just a machines surface and o-rings for the supply and return. So to add aftermarket spool valves would mean using the power beyond for the rear remotes and then trying to fit it in under the fender. If the loader lever was optional and mounted near the loader bracket it would be much easier.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Some folks I know swear that parts retail price gives the dealer 50% markup. My parts guy denies that.

Yea, that's not even in the ballpark.

Now on the manufacturers side... we'd all have our suspicions

 

[crazyal]

The good news is Messik's is running a 10% off sale for Christmas. I placed the order using the normal stock order so I'll be waiting a couple weeks but between the sale price and not paying extra shipping charges they saved me money. Just wish they were closer to me.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Yea, that's not even in the ballpark.

Now on the manufacturers side... we'd all have our suspicions

No, I did no believe it either.

My dealer has 3 parts counter guys. Sure they do a lot of business; but I have been there when I was the only one. They work their butts off researching parts, ordering specials, keeping stock up and just schmoozing guys like me. They know everybody by their first name. They probably go off campus with some of heir recommendations. I is amazing how much they know about their parts; but they have been there a long time. Good help is worth keeping but drives the overhead up. But, that brings in repeat business. That is all expensive overhead. That is why I go 40 miles instead of 12.

Ron

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

...
I is amazing how much they know about their parts; but they have been there a long time. Good help is worth keeping but drives the overhead up. But, that brings in repeat business. That is all expensive overhead. That is why I go 40 miles instead of 12.

Ron

+1. I know exactly what and _where_ you mean.

Z.

 

[SDT]

Yea, that's not even in the ballpark.

Now on the manufacturers side... we'd all have our suspicions

Agreed.

Not even close.

SDT

 

[SDT]

Does anyone who has bought a tractor from Barlows know if they offer a discount on repair parts? I have to replace the loader valve on my Kubota and it's pricey. Tomorrow I'll call around to since the local dealers charge full retail and don't want to budge on price.

My experience is that most (all?) tractor dealers charge retail price for replacement parts unless one is a VERY good customer.

SDT

 

[Tractor Seabee]

+1. I know exactly what and _where_ you mean.

Z.

The only redeeming thing about the closer dealer is their pricing on new tractors. They are always below the surrounding market. The size of their shop is not commensurate with the volume of heir sales.

Ron

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

i've bought three tractors from barlow's and what few parts i have purchased (which has been very few) i think they charged listed price. their parts guy amazes me though. when i go in there he calls me by name first and last and remembers where i'm from and i'm in there maybe once a year and from the next county over.

My experience is that most (all?) tractor dealers charge retail price for replacement parts unless one is a VERY good customer.

SDT

I've bought a "Few" new tractors from Barlows and as Firebird says Gary (That knows all) is the greatest (Maybe I'm the one saying that parts guy. He does know my name and recognizes me but he came from being a service person so has a few steps above us old way in the past (Wayne Supply) Caterpillar and USAF parts guys. I don't get any discount on parts. I bought a fuel lid and later priced it at Messicks online and Messicks was about half the price I paid. Buying new and used tractors then Barlows is for sure the way to go but parts for price savings.....................

 

[Turbys_1700]

If the part is Kubota only sourced you will pay retail list. All manufacturers work the same way. You can save on common parts that are outsourced. Thankfully Kubota and most other manufacturers build good quality products that don't need major repairs frequently. Economies of scale results in higher prices that seem unreasonable to us. I can go to AutoZone and get a water pump for my old Buick for $30 with a limited lifetime warranty. I am sure thousands of those water pumps have been built. Not going to happen on a tractor.