bx22 - 24 month check up

copperhead1967 · Jun 23, 2005

didn't want to hijack the floppy bucket post, so here we are with a post of our very own.
my bx 22 is coming up on 24 months in service in early august., when the warranty period ends.
I have about 350 hrs on it. I have done all the service myself, with receipts from the dealer for parts, fluids so on.
i have a small list of items to be checked/ repaired.

1. broken air cleaner strap. (noticed a fancy new set up on the new bx23) must have been a problem.

2. control for the 3 point hitch speed is stuck

3. mmm deck cutting level knob don't turn. not a big deal since i dont have a mmm.. but.....

4. loss of digging power from FEL.

5. general wear on FEL bucket edge. with 350 hrs should the thing be showing uneven wear??

6. seat is sort smashed down and getting uncomfortable, i go about 205 lbs. so not an overload on my part. (again the bx23 has a beefier seat on it.)

what are things that should definately be replaced, repaired from this list and any other things to watch out for/ have checked when it goes in for the service / check up?
keep in mind the warranty is expiring.

I recently stopped by the dealer and he was more than helpful with my questions, said he'd be glad to look it over.
I got a laugh when he said he would even touch up the paint all over the tractor for me. told him to order in some EXTRA touch up paint. well at least for the FEL and BH.

"TRACTORS are orange, MOWERS are green"

gsxr1100 · Jun 24, 2005

1. I am on air cleaner strap #3. I got the new one but they do break.

2. I agree, the BX22 seat is well, poor.

3. I have had to replace all my hyd couplings and 3 hose due to leaks.

4. I do agree on the FEL loader wear. I am going to have a Ti or inconel plate welded onto it.

I would fix all you can under warranty since they are free and you paid for it when you bought it.

copperhead1967 · Jun 27, 2005

thanks mike,
the dealer seems to be a good guy. so we'll see how things go. the tractor should be going in in a week or two, as soon as the swimming pool is in. I have to put the other projects on hold for a few days.

copperhead1967 · Jul 20, 2005

ok, the tractor went in on tuesday. (7/12). just called on monday (7/11) said they would be out next dayto pick it up. All went well and picked up the tractor as promised. (Looks good so far).
well, I got busy and haven't called for more than a week. called today (7/20) was, told I was "next in the door". (OK, not so good now). I asked how come they took it in so quick if they knew it would sit. I could have put it to use.
"well, we got busy real quick" Ok, well look it over, order the parts, then let it sit until the parts come in was my reply. (dead silence on the pnone.) I figure that the next call will be "we're waiting on parts" well, sure looks like 5 working days is going to be a lot more.
I've been more than happy with the dealership before and have actually sold 2 more BX tractors for them to friends, by referals.
Question is should I be a little teeny bit angry yet?I plan on talking to the owner on my next call. Should I be asking for a free delivery/drop off?

Junkman · Jul 20, 2005

Don't know what it is with people that own tractors that have a warranty claim or service that they feel that they should be entitled to something free every time. Sure, you have a right to expect quick service when it is picked up and returned in a timely manner, but then you are also obligated to let the dealer know what your schedule is so they can plan around it. Just because it sat in their yard waiting to come in for the service doesn't mean that you are entitled to any thing free. The dealer is there to provide service to all of his customers and if you don't tell them that you need it back ASAP, the the person that does, gets his tractor worked on first. Remember the old adage about the squeaky wheel?? I don't believe that the dealer owes you anything beyond the warranty repairs and to ask for free pick up and delivery just because it wasn't done as quickly as you would like is wrong in my opinion..... Just be happy that you are getting the work done properly...Junk

ESM · Jul 21, 2005

I can see why you might be a little upset. You would think that they could arrange their pickup schedule a little better with their service schedule but did you get a time estimate from them when you set up the service? If not, and if you've had a good experience with them up till now then you really can't be overly critical of them. You know what they say about making assumptions.

What I hate most about having anything serviced is having my equipment left out in the weather. I keep everything in my garage or shed. My tractor is at the dealer now and will be at least until the end of next week. I hate the idea of it sitting outside. I know it's not a big deal (it is a tractor after all) just a pet peeve on my part. Hopefully you'll have yours back soon. I'll be curious to see what was done under warranty and what wasn't.

Eric

gsxr1100 · Jul 22, 2005

copperhead1967

I would be upset too. In my eyes I could careless what excuses the dealers state. Yes, things happen but for 7 working days and nothing. That is, you know what in my eyes. You made an appointment and they need to stick to it. If not, they should call you and tell you the lead time for there mess up. If this is normal practice then why even bother with making a appointment for service?

Since they messed up they should give you a discount or a free filters. Both things I stated are a drop in the bucket and are worth it to keep the customer happy.

Junkman · Jul 22, 2005

I have just re read all of his posts and there is no where that the dealer made a commitment to do anything on a specific date other than pick it up, which he did. I still maintain that he should have told the dealer about his need to have the tractor back by a certain date. It isn't uncommon to have the tractor picked up early to be worked on at a later date. If you want it back within a certain time period, you need to communicate that urgency to the dealer. IMHO I still don't think that he is entitled to anything free!!!!!

gsxr1100 · Jul 22, 2005

I agree there is no date on pick-up; but, where do you draw the line? 1 week, 10 weeks or 1 year? In my eyes that dealer is poor on service, period. Why pick up the BX22 and not get to it next week? Gee, how about pickup up my BX22 in July to put a snow thrower on for winter with that utmost speed.

I would never put up with that and never have. Everytime I have needed service on my BX (all warranty) the manager and mechanic are there waiting for ME. My tractor is being worked on with 120 seconds; and that is a fact. The mechanic is also the one helping me unload it! To me that is professional service. Back the same day!

Everything on the list he stated (24 month check up) is not rocket science. All the parts should be in stock and easy to fix. You do not even need the brightest guy at the dealer to do this.

Again this is poor service if he picks up a tractor on Tuesday (as per the appointment) and then it sits…Tues…Wed..Thurs…Fri,,(half Saturday)…Monday…Tues…and then on Wed; that is 60 hours of nothing. The dealer states it is next in the door? What does next mean? After putting a wheel on a push mower or a re-built engine on a MX5000? Also after reading the post, it seems like he did not even look at it or do did anything for a week? Why even pick it up if he is not going to work on it. That is the $1,000 question…….

But that is me and I would not recommend that dealer to anyone in my eyes. If it were me I would step above the service person and go to the manager or owner and complain. That is a joke in my eyes.

Even my Lexus at my last service (timing belt, water pump, cam and crank seal, drive belts, rad fluid, and tensioner) were being work on within 10 minutes of my appointment. That is the basis of an appointment on service...Back the same day too!

For some that is fine service; to me that is a total joke and un-professional in my eyes.

Junkman · Jul 22, 2005

( ...............Even my Lexus at my last service (timing belt, water pump, cam and crank seal, drive belts, rad fluid, and tensioner) were being work on within 10 minutes of my appointment. That is the basis of an appointment on service...Back the same day too! )

I always thought that Lexus was a quality automobile.. with all those defects I would try to keep a happy customer also. Is your Lexus "Lemon Yellow"...... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

gsxr1100 · Jul 22, 2005

LOL!!!

Not defects here my friend. It is called when the timing belt (TB) needs replacing (80Kto 90K) miles you generally do the cam and crank seals ($60). The water pump is not needed, but if it leaks before your next TB interval (around 180K miles), you need to replace the belt yet again. Same with the cam and crank seals. Anything gets on it, you are back to square #1.

This is normal practice here and most times people do not do all this but whine when the belt get ruined since they tried to save some $$$$. Send the few hundred...

copperhead1967 · Jul 22, 2005

wow, opened up a can of worms on this one. still no word on the tractor yet, will try to call on sat morning if they are so backed up they should be working right?
I agree with the why pick it up if it's going to sit comments, which was my point also.
When I stopped in the shop a few weeks back I was told five working day turn around. When I called to have them pick it up they came out the next day. Great service there. My point was look at the tractor, order ther parts if needed, then let it sit.
I've worked for a major cable co. for 14 years and now a thing or two about keeping the customer satisfied. I've seen people try every trick in the book to get something for nothing. They usually get it too. From free cable service to a whole new drive concrete driveway.
I was trying to get a guage on what other members experience when getting service done at the dealer. I've done all the other service up to this point by myself.
I understand that a man making a living with his tractor is going to need it asap, but these tractors aren't cheap and my cash is green too.

tomnky · Jul 23, 2005

At least Yours hasn't lingered longer than mine did last year.

A six week rest, attributed to parts availability so I was told.
Along with the fact ,the Dealer could have gotten it quicker according to the Regional Parts Manager.

I sympathize with You, but I doubt they are too worried at this point. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Av8r3400 · Jul 23, 2005

I must disagree, with all due respect, to the wise, most knowledgeable and well respected Junkman. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think that a word (calm and reasonable) should be had with the manager or owner if available to let them know that you are "disappointed" with the situation. They may not even be aware of it. To have the unit picked up a week ago and not even be looked at, is not (IMHO) a proper situation. If they are a week out on service (common) then it should be picked up then, not the week before.

I don't know if something "free" is warrented, but maybe an apology is in order for your inconvenience.

Junkman · Jul 23, 2005

I agree with every word that you have written. I just don't agree with anyone that he is entitled to any free services. It isn't like the dealer is just trying to tick off a customer. This time of the year all dealers are swamped with repairs to tractors and if the dealer has to decide which tractor to work on, the home owners that buys a tractor very infrequently or the farmer that buys many tractors frequently, he is going to take care of that farmer first, no matter what. Many people think that the dealer is only out to sell to homeowners, when the opposite is true. He is there primarily to sell and service the tractors of the mass user..... the farmer. That is why Ford pick ups are sold by car dealers and the larger Ford trucks are sold by truck dealers. Ford knows that a working truck is much more important to get back on the road than any pick up or SUV. If your home air conditioner goes out on the fritz, is the servicing dealer going to fix yours before he fixes a commercial account. NO .... plain and simple.... If you want and expect immediate service from the dealer, then find one that specializes in selling only to the home owner. Even the local lawn mower repair shop fixes the landscapers machines before he fixes the homeowners machine. When it comes to repairing a machine he sold vs. a machine sold elsewhere, he fixes the one he sold first. Such is life in the real world. If you mess up at work, will you work for a few hours extra for free to make it up to your employer? I dare say that there are very few here that will say yes. When you are working, you expect to get paid for every minute of it, even if you screw up and waste a few of your employers hours with your mistake. The dealer is entitled to get paid for his work just like you are....... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

gsxr1100 · Jul 24, 2005

( I agree with every word that you have written. I just don't agree with anyone that he is entitled to any free services. ) )

I think for his problem (poor service turn around) getting a free oil or hyd filter is not breaking the bank here. Even installing this is not really out of line since it takes a short time to install them. Again if a dealer is going to complain and whine about a $5 filter (retail) and a $12 air filter (retail) and complains since it take 15 minutes to install, select another dealer. Again without customers, the dealership would not service and bad words spread quickly. ......But then again look how long it takes the dealer to just adhere to the service appointment! Asking him to do something for a $5 to $12 item (on the fly) is like standing in a firing line I think!!!! OR you will never see the unit again with his speedy service.

( ( Ford knows that a working truck is much more important to get back on the road than any pick up or SUV. ))

I also disagree with the Ford truck dealer. Everyone’s car is important and trucks are not more important. Just because some person owns a truck does not give him the right to move/ faster (priority service) then a car or SUV. Since I know an owner of a large Ford dealer I will have to ask him this. To me an appointment is that, if they start breaking the rules for some trucks, just “owning” a truck does not give them the right. I also know people with trucks that do ZERO! We all have important things with our auto and a truck does not mean anything. I know car and SUV owners that do more important things then a truck does. Is the truck carrying beer cans or blood for a blood drive?

( (If you mess up at work, will you work for a few hours extra for free to make it up to your employer?))

Mmmmm, well yes I have (over 11 years) and will continue too since I, ME, have messed up in the4 past and I have deadlines that the military and commercial people want there products (engines, anti-ice controllers, gun controls, air machines, etc). Standing in a meeting with everyone from co-workers, directors to VP, some government officials (Navy, Air force, airline CEO’s etc) and saying “I did not get it done since I did not want to stay late”…is unprofessional and boarder line on getting fired. Oh, also all my overtime is FREE for me. As a salary we do not get it and I do not care, since I messed up and being salary means you can make it up another time.

Junkman · Jul 24, 2005

( .......................

I also disagree with the Ford truck dealer. Everyone’s car is important and trucks are not more important. Just because some person owns a truck does not give him the right to move/ faster (priority service) then a car or SUV. Since I know a owner of a large Ford dealer I will have to ask him this. To me an appointment is that , if they start breaking the rules for some trucks, just “owning” a truck does not give them the right. I also know people with trucks that do ZERO! We all have important things with our auto and a truck does not mean anything. I know car and SUV owners that do more important things then a truck does. Is the truck carrying beer cans or blood for a blood drive? )

I was pointing out that Ford Truck Dealers don't service cars or pick ups...... they service only Ford Trucks, so they don't get into this conflict with automobile and pick up truck owners. It is the separation of the product line that makes this work. Possibly if the Kubota dealers were to have a division that catered only to the small tractors and homeowners, they wouldn't get the pressure of who or what tractor comes in next.
I am certain that if the company that you work for sends out to have a part made, they company making that part will give preference to your company over making a part for an individual. I am also certain that if they didn't, your employer wouldn't use them ever again. In life, there are priorities, and the lower down on the totem pole you are, the less important your priorities are to the people that need to deal with them. Like it or not, that is life.

gsxr1100 · Jul 24, 2005

All I know if that it seems most Kubota dealers think they are god. I have never had “we service our tractors first at my Kubota dealer, any of my last JD dealers, my wife MB dealer or my Lexus dealers. You make an appointment or schedule that is the basis of a appointment...keeping to hit. Without it, why even bother with an appointment?????

We have dates that our vendors should adhere too. Nine times out of ten most vendors always have excuses why they can’t meet a date (typical) That is why I also “fluff the numbers” since of this very reason. My next date for a military control is like 11-2005 but it is not due for testing till like 3-2006. In reality they will not have the housing till maybe 1-2006. From a 250 lb bullet of 6061 to 8 lbs finished is a lot of waste and time....

I agree, but this dealer is poor on service and poor on keeping an appointment. I would not use him and tell others not too. Then the dealer will come back and give every excuse in the book. Yes, there are priorities for people but this service on his BX is not rocket science either. ...give the guy $20 worth of filters/fluid and maybe a hat for pete sake! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif keep the guy happy but then again, he might not get the BX back till thanksgiving at this rate...... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

copperhead1967 · Aug 1, 2005

quick update was promised parts would be in on wends 7/27 and tractor would be delivered on friday 7/29. called dealer to check status on 7/29 guess what, waiting on a back-up seal for the front axle. kubota has it on back order. good thing i'm not counting on the tractor to make a living.
no matter what some people may think on this site if you promise something by a certain time it should be done. i'm not too thrilled with the fact that the dealer does't call to tell you there is parts issues also. this is just poor customer service.
almost picked up a shovel taday to start landscaping around the pool...... almost.

gsxr1100 · Aug 2, 2005

so your BX went in on 7-12. Then called on 7-29 and got zero yet. Ha, it takes skill to look at the front axle and see fluid...Amazing how dealers stay in business!

Maybe if they worked on it sooner then would have gotten the parts.