Do you take it to the dealer for maintenance or do it yourself.

[5030]

Depends on the depth of the service with me. Routine stuff I do here but if it entails things like valve adjustments or mechanical things that are involved and complex, I have my dealer's service shop handle that.

 

[greenrider1]

I've always done my own maintenance and repairs on everything I own, simply because I trust my own work better than having someone else do it. I also find it enjoyable and it saves me money. It helps having my own lift, although I don't use it for the tractors, and proper tools for the job. Good mechanics seem to be harder and harder to find these days, and even the good mechanics don't have the time to spend going over your machine like it's their own. They're in the business to get it done quickly and make money. Most dealerships, whether they sell/service tractors or automobiles, don't have their best mechanics doing simple tasks like changing oil, mounting/balancing tires, brake jobs, etc. At least if the mechanic screws up, the dealership should warranty their work.

 

[hube2]

I used to be in the same place as some where I did everything myself, now I try to find good people to do the work simply because it gets done faster and I don't really have the time or energy. For example I have a place for my cars run by father and son, I would not go anywhere else. Not sure what I'm going to do if the father decides to retire and the son moves on, but I'm pretty sure he will be sticking around. When I bought my tractor one of the primary deciding factors was the shop at the dealer. It also helps that I know my way around a wrench and I pretty much know immediate when someone is trying to ******** me.

 

[jyoutz]

On my tractor and vehicles, I change fluids and filters, and battery. I grease when needed. Everything else goes to a service shop. I no longer have the patience or interest in doing complex repairs.

 

[brutus54]

Back in 2015 my neighbor behind our property told us that they were moving. He offered us a piece of property and 1989 Ford 1720 tractor. He said you can't buy the property without buying the tractor, or you can't buy the tractor without buying the property. I wanted both and paid less for both than the with tractor would have cost. I asked when was the coolant was changed, hydraulic fluid, front and rear differential oil etc. His reply was are they leaking? Bought a Ferris Z turn and when it was delivered I asked about changing fluids on the tractor. They didn't charge for transportation to and from dealership and went through the entire tractor and changed all the fluids..I change oil, filters,belts and hoses as needed but wanted the fluids done correctly the first time. I have doubled the hours since I got it and it's now at 1400.

 

[TractorTYMe]

I do all my own service, but in supporting my dealer to help his business, I buy most of the things I need from the dealer as far as fluids etc and attachments.

 

[mainegolfur]

I do all my own maintenance and repairs that I can handle. I haven't had to have anything major worked on yet. Had my loaded rear tires start leaking around bead. Got one to stop other side had to go to tire shop.

 

[JohnDeereJoey]

... After knee replacement I am past the point of being able to get underneath a tractor or wanting to dispose of large quantities of fluids.

I'm in a similar position...(mostly) age related health issues makes it tougher and tougher to crawling under/on top of vehicles...

As stubborn as ever, I'm going to go down fighting and continue as long as possible. Focusing somewhat on making things easier, I purchased a 4-post capable of safely lifting my F-450 Crew Cab with 8' box, a quality oil changer, and I'm now looking at fuel storage/dispensing units so I don't need to lift fuel cans.

Will this pay off financially? Not likely. But it keeps me active doing things I enjoy!

 

[kenmbz]

I had the dealer do the first change of fluids while I watched.
Now I can do myself.
Anything under warranty if dealer.
I try to do the rest, but I know I have limitations.

 

[North to Alaska]

My dealer, actually any dealer, is over an hour away for me. I do all my own maintenance and so far my own warranty work. Takes too much time (time = money) and energy to take it to them.
My warranty work consists of replacing third function joy stick and a broken knuckle arm.