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

[Little Red Tractor]

Historically, I've done the work myself. Every tractor before the current Kubota was an older machine to begin with, so I didn't worry about inadvertantly messing up a warranty on something. With the new tractor, I'm rethinking this. It went in for its first service and I was not unhappy with the price. I may do the next one myself; but leave those major milestone services to the dealer (since I trust the shop and the the shop manager). If I didn't trust the shop, I'd just do it myself, keep the records myself and deal with things as they crop up.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Like most folks here I do my own work unless it is so technically challenging I cannot i.e. a computer issue.

My neighbor is getting a free 50 hour maintenance from our local dealer. He has to get it there and they will have it for a week. That disincentives bringing it in for me.

 

[ericm979]

I do all my own maintenance. My dealer's 3 hours away. The ship me the filters. But I'd do it even if they were close. So far with two tractors the hardest things have been changing a PTO shaft seal and some hydraulic hoses (all on the used former machine). I used to rebuild and modify motorcycle engines. Tractor maintenance is easier.

 

[PILOON]

Since there is no dealers for Mitsubishi I do it all myself.
Except for tire work as that is more than I can handle.
So far it has worked for me but then I have all the manuals for my model which helps.
Fortunately being a former licensed aircraft mechanic I'm very well tooled plus I am a fairly competent welder. Also a 'tool junky'.

 

[Fielding]

Maintenance I like to do because it lets me know everything that is going on with the tractor.

But big repairs are sometimes more cost effective at the dealer.

 

[NCL4701]

At some point there’s a good chance something on my computer laden DPF tractor will exceed my capabilities. So far, I had them put on rear remotes. Might could have done that myself but for the cost, I preferred they do it and no issue trailering it 25 miles and back.
If it’s within my realm of competence, I do it.

Routine maintenance I do myself. Replacing a blown hydraulic hose, I did myself. The coolant leak I fixed. The hydraulic leak I fixed. I figure a little bit of wrenching is just part of the deal with equipment.

I’m glad I have a good dealer if I need them. I support them by buying parts there since they’re competitive on pricing. No reason to have them do routine maintenance.

 

[rScotty]

I'd do whatever you can by yourself. If it is beyond my skills, I'd take it to an independent tractor mechanic as opposed to a dealer. I have had much much better luck with independent shops. In my experience, in general they seem to be more competent, honest, straightforward and easier to deal with.

I'd agree with the independent mechanics generally being better. After all, whether the independent shop succeeds or not simply comes down to how good his service is. Nothing more. It doesn't get any more basic than that.

But beyond the quality of service, opening an independent fixit shop is a great path up for kids who don't have financial backing.
It gives them a chance to create something, learn, and make a living.
Maybe we can preserve that if manufacturers begin to listen to the "Right to Repair" movement.

There is an arguement on the dealer's side that has appeal too. Simply stated, if owners have the right to repair their own machinery the dealer will miss out on potential profit. That's also a valid path, and there are lots of middle class people with investments, stocks, and a 401K who stand to benefit from a dealer's success.

But I'm for the independent and Right to Repair.
rScotty

 

[rlipeles]

I never took my John Deere 790 to the dealer for anything, did it myself no matter what it was, but now its pretty beat up. So for my L3301 I am thinking its best to have the dealer do everything, but got to pay pickup and delivery back, to say nothing of the sky high charges, but want to keep this one in immaculate shape. Is it worth it?

Can you separate the jobs that you can do and then have the dealer do the rest. That will save you some $$.

 

[RancherGuy]

Since age 16 with my driver's license and my car, I look at repair costs and happily invest in the tools to do the job if those tools can be used more than once. Never has that cost plus parts exceeded having someone else do the work.

Today with all of my vehicles, I ask "how much time to prepare trailer, load, haul, drop, talk" to have a dealer do warranty or maintenance? Then I have to repeat that to pick it up. Often doing it myself is less than half the time for warranty work.

I also know that the mechanics at dealers rarely have much experience. I had a fuel tank replaced under recall, only to find later that the fuel inlet in the tank jammed with metal shavings. Another incident: I sold a tractor with 200 hours. The buyer paid the tractor dealer to inspect my tractor to be assured all was good. It passed with flying colors, even though the left brake was completely worn out (prior owner drove it with parking brake on). The buyer still got a good deal.

A few years ago I told my teenage grandsons that over my lifetime, I estimate with all of my self-learned maintenance and repairs of vehicles and equipment, I have saved well over $200k.

And when I do it, I bolster my confidence to address anything and everything that needs fixing or repair. I also know that the job is done right, and I save time, and my stuff lasts much longer than expected.

 

[Reddogs]

Can you separate the jobs that you can do and then have the dealer do the rest. That will save you some $$.

Reading through the manual and seeing where everything is, so we shall see..