dealer tweak this and that?

[BrettW]

OK,
I just read on another forum about a good dealer calling all the time with the news that they fixed or found additional issues with a tractor, quite a few of them. So here is my questiion.
Do I need to take my 2003 B7800 in for "regular" checkups?
I plan on doing the grease/engine oil, filter basics, here. What am I going to miss due to my lack of machine knowledge?
It is a bit of a pain to drive into Charlotte pulling a trailer and tractor for a "check-up".
thanks, brett W

 

[btolle]

I doubt that the dealer will do a "check up" without being paid at least one hour's labor.

Unless you have a specific concern I don't know what he would check that you can't check yourself.

The Operator's Manual has a maintenance schedule in it. If you follow that and check what it says to check you should be fine.

I prefer to do my own maintenance so I learn more about my machine and what to watch for in the future.

For instance, when I pulled my air filter I found that it was much dirtier than I expected so now I check it every 25 hours or so even though the book specifies a longer interval. If the dealer would have changed it and not said anything I would not know to be checking it more often than the book says. Local conditions and/or specific chores may require more frequent cleaning or other maintenance.

Common sense is your friend. Look for any loose bolts, missing pins, etc. Feel of the various parts, grab things and shake them to be sure they are not loose. Put a little oil or grease on things that look like they need it. Be sure to look under the tractor for any signs of leaks or drip or loose bolts, etc.

Bill Tolle