Tx Jim
New Member
I agree that the frt shaft doesn't telescope as I looked that up at the beginning of this thread. But the frt shaft could still be twisted enough to allow the u-joints to get "out of phase" therefore causing vibration.
Help! 3 problems and just 11 hours in. Warranty? Insurance? Me?
- Thread starter gocards1177
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OP
gocards1177
Gold Member
Well, here's the latest: They picked up my tractor yesterday. I went to the dealer over lunchtime.
For moving the tires, they'll do that for me while it's there but charge "shop time". They charge $75 per hour. The service manager estimated 3-4 hours, which seemed long to me. I verified with my salesman, and he said that's not too far off. He offered to pitch in and go back and help when they move the tires to make sure it doesn't go over 3 hours. I ordered the fender extensions and right hand door kit. For $75 per hour, I'll install these myself - hope I don't regret it.
For the PTO cutting out, they determined it is a defective solenoid. The part should be there tomorrow. Covered by warranty.
For the cutter, apparently I did a number on it. The long shaft was bent AND twisted PLUS the upright housing between the short and long PTO's was twisted. Their theory is it was a combination of the slip clutch not being adjusted and the angle of the tractor being in the ditch. Seems plausible, but I'm surprised. I didn't feel like I was doing anything extraordinary. They're going to see if it can be covered by warranty, but they're doubtful and say it's a long shot. This is my fault for not understanding, but since I paid cash for the cutter, I found out today that it wasn't automatically put under the Deere insurance. I checked with my homeowners and they consider this a "mechanical failure", so they won't cover it. So if they can't get it covered under warranty, I will be out parts and labor, about $700. I don't know how much it will add to my monthly payment, but I will definitely be adding my cutter to my JD insurance.
Overall, I have to say that my salesman has gone above and beyond and made this as painless as he can. He walked me out to my car and I reassured me he was going to try his best to get the cutter fixed under warranty. The service manager is honest guy, but we just met this week so I'm not getting a vibe that he's going to go out of his way to cut me a deal. Everything above is going to be about $1500, and that's assuming that the cutter is fine after they replace the PTO. Live and learn, I guess. And I'm just doing this for fun...
For moving the tires, they'll do that for me while it's there but charge "shop time". They charge $75 per hour. The service manager estimated 3-4 hours, which seemed long to me. I verified with my salesman, and he said that's not too far off. He offered to pitch in and go back and help when they move the tires to make sure it doesn't go over 3 hours. I ordered the fender extensions and right hand door kit. For $75 per hour, I'll install these myself - hope I don't regret it.
For the PTO cutting out, they determined it is a defective solenoid. The part should be there tomorrow. Covered by warranty.
For the cutter, apparently I did a number on it. The long shaft was bent AND twisted PLUS the upright housing between the short and long PTO's was twisted. Their theory is it was a combination of the slip clutch not being adjusted and the angle of the tractor being in the ditch. Seems plausible, but I'm surprised. I didn't feel like I was doing anything extraordinary. They're going to see if it can be covered by warranty, but they're doubtful and say it's a long shot. This is my fault for not understanding, but since I paid cash for the cutter, I found out today that it wasn't automatically put under the Deere insurance. I checked with my homeowners and they consider this a "mechanical failure", so they won't cover it. So if they can't get it covered under warranty, I will be out parts and labor, about $700. I don't know how much it will add to my monthly payment, but I will definitely be adding my cutter to my JD insurance.
Overall, I have to say that my salesman has gone above and beyond and made this as painless as he can. He walked me out to my car and I reassured me he was going to try his best to get the cutter fixed under warranty. The service manager is honest guy, but we just met this week so I'm not getting a vibe that he's going to go out of his way to cut me a deal. Everything above is going to be about $1500, and that's assuming that the cutter is fine after they replace the PTO. Live and learn, I guess. And I'm just doing this for fun...
LD1
Epic Contributor
I'd be really upset if I were you and they didnt cover the cutter under warranty. Thats like buying a new car and the dealer forgetting to tighten the lug nuts.
As to the tires, Yea, I think 3-4 hours is overkill also. And considering (I'm guessing) that you just spent in the ballpark of $50k with them, and are having to deal with the hastle of a defective PTO, and an improperly adjusted clutch on the mower that THEY should have checked before it left their lot......I dont think them widening the tires should cost you a dime. They should eat that cost IMO. Especially since you requested it done initially.
You may like your salesman, but the feeling I get from the dealership in a whole (as you describe) is NOT what I would want from a dealer. There is no way I would be okay paying for anything, since IMO, you are not the one at fault for any of it.
As to the tires, Yea, I think 3-4 hours is overkill also. And considering (I'm guessing) that you just spent in the ballpark of $50k with them, and are having to deal with the hastle of a defective PTO, and an improperly adjusted clutch on the mower that THEY should have checked before it left their lot......I dont think them widening the tires should cost you a dime. They should eat that cost IMO. Especially since you requested it done initially.
You may like your salesman, but the feeling I get from the dealership in a whole (as you describe) is NOT what I would want from a dealer. There is no way I would be okay paying for anything, since IMO, you are not the one at fault for any of it.
OP
gocards1177
Gold Member
Yes I see your points. I have mixed feelings on it. Ill see what they say about doing under warranty.
AKfish
Super Member
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I don't think that you should have to pay anything to get the tires moved out. That was discussed and agreed upon in the initial purchase agreement, yes? If they insist or firmly disagree - maybe they'll install your fender extensions and right door kit for free? It's a new purchase and how 'bout helping you out? Forget that "keep it down to 3 hours business"!
Fixing the MX is a "double-tilt" situation - IMO. You shoulder some of the responsibility for the damage... not all necessarily; the non-adjusted slip clutch played a role there as well.
I'd think that your dealer would meet you half-way on fixing the cutter. They eat the labor and you eat the parts... Best of luck.
AKfish
CliffordK
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3 hours to move tires from one side to the other? Are they doing all four tires?
That's a lot of time, especially for a tractor dealership that should have all the tools and training to do it. I wonder how many hours they would charge you should you get a pair of tires replaced? A full 8 hours?
No doubt they are rolling additional prices into the tire changeover. And taking an hour and a half lunch at their favorite bar.
There should be a dealer service manual from JD that would include a time estimate for each repair. Or, perhaps you could get that information from calling JD directly.
Your salesman certainly won't be spending 3 hours working on the tires when he could be out on the floor pushing tractor sales. That is just a bunch of BS. If it is a small dealership, he may be called to help lift a tire or something, but I imagine they have special equipment to do that too.
You did ask for it to be done at the time of purchase. If you hadn't brought the tractor in for service, then I would have expected a service call, but since you were getting PTO and mower repairs done at the dealer anyway, and this was a prior request, it should be free.
You've got a big mower setup, and a powerful tractor. But, I'll tell you, my brushog will take a lot of abuse. I've done things like trying to use it as a stump grinder (which was only marginally effective). The only real damage I've done to is bending the back plate, which I just bent back into place.
The clutch apparently didn't adequately protect your system, but it sounds to me like the whole system is weak (although, I suppose it is good that you didn't tear out the transmission in the tractor). Or, perhaps the shaft was cut improperly. I would still push for a warranty repair as the mower should take a lot more abuse that you've given it in the first day or two of use.
That's a lot of time, especially for a tractor dealership that should have all the tools and training to do it. I wonder how many hours they would charge you should you get a pair of tires replaced? A full 8 hours?
No doubt they are rolling additional prices into the tire changeover. And taking an hour and a half lunch at their favorite bar.
There should be a dealer service manual from JD that would include a time estimate for each repair. Or, perhaps you could get that information from calling JD directly.
Your salesman certainly won't be spending 3 hours working on the tires when he could be out on the floor pushing tractor sales. That is just a bunch of BS. If it is a small dealership, he may be called to help lift a tire or something, but I imagine they have special equipment to do that too.
You did ask for it to be done at the time of purchase. If you hadn't brought the tractor in for service, then I would have expected a service call, but since you were getting PTO and mower repairs done at the dealer anyway, and this was a prior request, it should be free.
You've got a big mower setup, and a powerful tractor. But, I'll tell you, my brushog will take a lot of abuse. I've done things like trying to use it as a stump grinder (which was only marginally effective). The only real damage I've done to is bending the back plate, which I just bent back into place.
The clutch apparently didn't adequately protect your system, but it sounds to me like the whole system is weak (although, I suppose it is good that you didn't tear out the transmission in the tractor). Or, perhaps the shaft was cut improperly. I would still push for a warranty repair as the mower should take a lot more abuse that you've given it in the first day or two of use.
sunnyside360
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I pretty much agree with what has already been said by the most recent previous three posters above. I will add that this dealer would not last long here in our area preping new equipment in this manner and treating customers like you're being treated. You have a great new tractor and rotary cutter. Good luck with your dilemma.
Tx Jim
New Member
I think 3 hrs to change all 4 tire tread setting is absurd. The dealership does have 2 jacks/stands and air tools don't they?? As far as the cutter drive line malfunction I think the dealers service dept is at fault for incorrect PDI and if they didn't want to repair it at no cost to you I'd suggest calling John Deere.
OP
gocards1177
Gold Member
All good input. I feel like since I went in yesterday the best thing for me to do is wait for them to get everything fixed as see what they say. Then discuss from there. Ill let you know.
Zebrafive
Super Member
Number 1; should be no charge. Initial request was not fulfilled. This should be part of machine set up.
Number 2; warranty, all is good.
Number 3; sounds like you were partly to blame. I think the shaft would have bent even if slip clutch was adjusted properly. It may not have twisted.
Depending on how number 3 turns out would govern how hard I push for number 1 being no charge. If they go above and beyond on the cutter I would let the wheel adjustment cost slide.
Number 2; warranty, all is good.
Number 3; sounds like you were partly to blame. I think the shaft would have bent even if slip clutch was adjusted properly. It may not have twisted.
Depending on how number 3 turns out would govern how hard I push for number 1 being no charge. If they go above and beyond on the cutter I would let the wheel adjustment cost slide.