Brand New T4.75 already having major issues

[voltedge]

Hi,
I have progressively moved up in tractor size from the start 20 years ago with my Kubota B Series up through the JD 4105 and now the NH T4.75 Cab. I went all out and ordered the tractor last October after attending the Sunbelt Ag Expo and actually drooling over all of the latest tractors. Well, we just picked up the new T4.75 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was pretty much awesome from the onset, on the surface that is. I finally got my new 3 pt tiller hooked up and attempted to till a trial 1/2 acre vegetable plot on Monday. It worked fine for about 45 minutes, although I hate the manual engaged PTO lever. I had to stop and take a phone call, and when I restarted, the PTO would not restart! Again, I actually hate the manual PTO, heck, my lawn mowers even have an electric engaged system! Why would NH put all of the bells and whistles on this cab tractor and skimp here? Anyway, I am 50 miles to the closest two dealers and they're both backed up two weeks plus. That's not including the wait for parts etc. We are a growing vegetable farm and don't have two weeks to wait, considering that we must get the spring cool weather crops sewn asap before it gets too hot here in N GA. Both dealers agreed that I could and should remove the left side trim panel and check the lever and cable mechanism for any issues. I attached a pic of the unit and I adjusted the cable both ways and it still seems to engage the PTO whenever it feels like it. I got under the tractor and traced the cable to the point that it enters into the trans/case and there is no visible adjustment there. Unfortunately, while under the tractor, I found a fairly messy fluid leak where the diff/trans housings join together. It has blown fluid all over the underside of the tractor, but not enough that it has visible dripping on the ground. It does have fluid accumulated that is ready to drip though. Anyway, for a brand new tractor that msrp was $66k and I paid $52k, I am not at all happy at only 13.6 hours! I ordered this tractor specifically with every available option and this is what I end up with! Is there any type of lemon law such as vehicles on tractors? Anyone else have similar issues and what did you do to resolve them? Thanks for your time and input.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Perhaps the dealer will loan you a tractor to do the tilling with while he works on yours. Little small problems can sometime be aggravating and costly due to down time. Sometime it is better to buy a slightly used tractor that already has all these small issues fixed.

I would be talking to the dealer quickly and see about getting your tractor in and a loaner while he works on it.
Even if a lemon law existed for tractors (I don't think they come under a lemon law) you haven't had enough problems to even be considered a lemon. Lemon laws affect repetitive problems that don't get fixed satisfactorily.

You problems might all be fixed at your farm by a service guy. I would discuss that with the dealer first before hauling it in.

 

[TSO]

I wouldn't call it a lemon yet! It's very likely that these are very minor issues, and this is what you have a warranty for.

Let the dealer fix out and enjoy your new tractor... those are nice looking machines.

 

[voltedge]

I love forums! Always gotta be a smart mouth with something to say about how someone posts. If you don't like it, don't read it and move on. Thank You for your advice.

 

[kf4uda]

I too would check with the dealer that you purchased from and see if they will loan you a tractor to get your work done while they resolve your issues. If you cant get any satisfaction from the dealer, I would contact New Holland and discuss your problems with them.

Good Luck

 

[Gary Fowler]

I love forums! Always gotta be a smart mouth with something to say about how someone posts. If you don't like it, don't read it and move on. Thank You for your advice.

I am not sure who you are calling a smart mouth, me or TSO, but neither of those post seem to me to be quote "smart mouth" post. I would agree with TSO that neither of your problems seem like MAJOR repair items as you claim. It could be just a minor adjustment of the PTO cable and a leaking hose or connection that need tightening and a 1 hour repair at your farm might fix the problem.
They may be major to you since you will be without a tractor for a while if it has to go to the shop to fix unless dealer comes thru with a replacement but that is no reason for you to bad mouth some very good advice which was posted with very good intentions.

 

[TSO]

I think he meant the person who commented about "paragraphs"

Edit: looks like that post was already deleted

 

[ovrszd]

I couldn't figure it out either since I didn't see the paragraphs post. I didn't see anything wrong with you and Gary's posts for sure. Since I sometimes speak before thinking and get myself in trouble I just stepped back rather than jump in and defend you guys. Figured you both could handle whatever was going on. Since it was a negative comment about paragraphs I should ramble on for awhile with no paragraph breaks, but then that would be silly wouldn't it.....

 

[mkr7734]

I love forums! Always gotta be a smart mouth with something to say about how someone posts. If you don't like it, don't read it and move on. Thank You for your advice.

I don't see that here. Just have the dealer fix it. Maybe the OP should of done better homework before his purchase. Did he not know the machine had manual engaged PTO?? Who is to blame for that? I would only work with the dealer that delivered the machine unless you did not get it from either of them. In that case your on your own. JMHO.
Best of luck, I am sure it will get taken care of.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Hi,
I have progressively moved up in tractor size from the start 20 years ago with my Kubota B Series up through the JD 4105 and now the NH T4.75 Cab. I went all out and ordered the tractor last October after attending the Sunbelt Ag Expo and actually drooling over all of the latest tractors. Well, we just picked up the new T4.75 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was pretty much awesome from the onset, on the surface that is. I finally got my new 3 pt tiller hooked up and attempted to till a trial 1/2 acre vegetable plot on Monday. It worked fine for about 45 minutes, although I hate the manual engaged PTO lever. I had to stop and take a phone call, and when I restarted, the PTO would not restart! Again, I actually hate the manual PTO, heck, my lawn mowers even have an electric engaged system! Why would NH put all of the bells and whistles on this cab tractor and skimp here? Anyway, I am 50 miles to the closest two dealers and they're both backed up two weeks plus. That's not including the wait for parts etc. We are a growing vegetable farm and don't have two weeks to wait, considering that we must get the spring cool weather crops sewn asap before it gets too hot here in N GA. Both dealers agreed that I could and should remove the left side trim panel and check the lever and cable mechanism for any issues. I attached a pic of the unit and I adjusted the cable both ways and it still seems to engage the PTO whenever it feels like it. I got under the tractor and traced the cable to the point that it enters into the trans/case and there is no visible adjustment there. Unfortunately, while under the tractor, I found a fairly messy fluid leak where the diff/trans housings join together. It has blown fluid all over the underside of the tractor, but not enough that it has visible dripping on the ground. It does have fluid accumulated that is ready to drip though. Anyway, for a brand new tractor that msrp was $66k and I paid $52k, I am not at all happy at only 13.6 hours! I ordered this tractor specifically with every available option and this is what I end up with! Is there any type of lemon law such as vehicles on tractors? Anyone else have similar issues and what did you do to resolve them? Thanks for your time and input.

It's too early to be calling your machine a "lemon"! I know if what happened to you happened to me, I'd have a tendency to feel and react like you probably feel right now. Keep your cool and work through this. This too shall pass.

There's something to be said about buying a brand new machine and depending on it immediately to do a full range of farm work "right out of the box". Equipment needs some time to work out the bugs. It's the nature of machinery. Because our cars work virtually flawlessly from the git go, we just assume ag machinery should be the same way. Maybe it should but very often it ain't and that's independent of the paint color. Realize the world is not a perfect place. I know you have expectations that if you spend $52K for a new machine it should be perfect. Tell me what manufacturer produces perfect products 100% of the time! There are none.

At this point with planting being critical, ask your dealer for a loaner that will get your job done. Don't expect him to provide you with an exact match to your machine but expect whatever he provides will allow you to get your spring work done. That's critical to your income and that's what pays for your new tractor investment. Then let him make the repairs or adjustments on your tractor while you continue to use the loaner. To get bogged down in an argument will only worsen the relationship with the only guy who can help you. And remember, he did not build your tractor! Your focus needs to be on how you can get your crop planted in this critical time frame. Let the dealer worry about how and when to fix your tractor under warranty while you focus on your immediate task.