OP
MoyockHeel
Member
I finally have some info to provide as an update. Here's what's happened since my last post.
The tractor was delivered to dealer on 1/9 for an appointment with the NH rep on 1/15. I heard no update on status, so I stopped by the dealer on 1/16. I spoke to the dealer service mgr. He said, "they found a cracked piece of plastic in the hydraulic system near where the tubing comes together." Not a very technical explanation. He said it was causing air to enter the system, and causing the noise I was hearing. That remains to be seen. They were waiting for the part, so as of today, it is still there. I've looked at schematics and cannot determine the part they may have been talking about. When the service report comes out, or I speak to the dealer on Monday asking for an update, I'll find out the exact part. They are also to change to the colder spec fluid, but that is on back order and will do at my house upon delivery.
A service technician indicated the noise was very evident when they had it in the shop. Whether he meant the lift noise or the HST activated noise, I did not get to ask.
In the meantime, I sent a certified, return-receipt-requested, letter including my issues log, to the home office. I requested a loaner tractor on all future warranty visits to the dealer. I requested that if the tractor is repaired, I want an unlimited extended warranty on the hydraulic/HST system, due to unknown damage that the noise making defect may have caused, and could possibly cause future problems after warranty expiration. If that is unacceptable to them, I've asked for a new replacement tractor, and if that is unacceptable, I've asked for a full refund.
I have spoken to a rep at the home office. I registered a complaint with him, regarding lack of urgency in responding to my problem. He had already received my DVD from the area NH service rep, but had not looked/listened to it yet. I received verbal assurance that the problem would be addressed, but no guarantee that I would be satisfied. I expressed my displeasure with lack of customer satisfaction even remotely being a goal for NH, or the dealer. I explained the options I prefer, as indicated above.
By sheer determination, I have obtained phone numbers for all the pertinent people. If I am not satisfied with the outcome, which includes no response from the person at the home office I spoke to last, I will ask to speak to that person's supervisor, and register my complaints there. I am holding on to the attorney's letter option until these steps are completed, but have that lined up, with a phone call.
Does the fix I'm being told about sound like a reasonable response? I have believed, since gaining input from this forum, that the problem was some sort of cavitation of the hydraulic pump, cause by a restriction or something, but I don't understand the intermittent nature of the noises. Also, I'd like to know if excessive wear could occur during cavitation, or any other problem that may cause long term issues. This investiment was supposed to last me the rest of my life. I don't want expensive repairs, that are not my fault, to be a part of that investment. Any opinions on possible damages are appreciated, and I'll give more data, ASAP. Thanks, folks.
The tractor was delivered to dealer on 1/9 for an appointment with the NH rep on 1/15. I heard no update on status, so I stopped by the dealer on 1/16. I spoke to the dealer service mgr. He said, "they found a cracked piece of plastic in the hydraulic system near where the tubing comes together." Not a very technical explanation. He said it was causing air to enter the system, and causing the noise I was hearing. That remains to be seen. They were waiting for the part, so as of today, it is still there. I've looked at schematics and cannot determine the part they may have been talking about. When the service report comes out, or I speak to the dealer on Monday asking for an update, I'll find out the exact part. They are also to change to the colder spec fluid, but that is on back order and will do at my house upon delivery.
A service technician indicated the noise was very evident when they had it in the shop. Whether he meant the lift noise or the HST activated noise, I did not get to ask.
In the meantime, I sent a certified, return-receipt-requested, letter including my issues log, to the home office. I requested a loaner tractor on all future warranty visits to the dealer. I requested that if the tractor is repaired, I want an unlimited extended warranty on the hydraulic/HST system, due to unknown damage that the noise making defect may have caused, and could possibly cause future problems after warranty expiration. If that is unacceptable to them, I've asked for a new replacement tractor, and if that is unacceptable, I've asked for a full refund.
I have spoken to a rep at the home office. I registered a complaint with him, regarding lack of urgency in responding to my problem. He had already received my DVD from the area NH service rep, but had not looked/listened to it yet. I received verbal assurance that the problem would be addressed, but no guarantee that I would be satisfied. I expressed my displeasure with lack of customer satisfaction even remotely being a goal for NH, or the dealer. I explained the options I prefer, as indicated above.
By sheer determination, I have obtained phone numbers for all the pertinent people. If I am not satisfied with the outcome, which includes no response from the person at the home office I spoke to last, I will ask to speak to that person's supervisor, and register my complaints there. I am holding on to the attorney's letter option until these steps are completed, but have that lined up, with a phone call.
Does the fix I'm being told about sound like a reasonable response? I have believed, since gaining input from this forum, that the problem was some sort of cavitation of the hydraulic pump, cause by a restriction or something, but I don't understand the intermittent nature of the noises. Also, I'd like to know if excessive wear could occur during cavitation, or any other problem that may cause long term issues. This investiment was supposed to last me the rest of my life. I don't want expensive repairs, that are not my fault, to be a part of that investment. Any opinions on possible damages are appreciated, and I'll give more data, ASAP. Thanks, folks.
