Help! 3 problems and just 11 hours in. Warranty? Insurance? Me?

[sunnyside360]

Check the Owner's Manual -- may be in warranty section. I'd look now for you but all my manuals are out in the barn and it's raining.

 

[aczlan]

Try (309) 765-8000 or https://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/html/secured/corporate/general_feedback_deerecom.html

Edit: better number

John Deere equipment is more than just a purchase, it's an investment in quality. That quality goes beyond our equipment to your John Deere dealer's parts and service support. This support is needed to keep you a satisfied customer.

That's why John Deere has initiated a process to handle your questions or problems, should they arise. The following three steps will help guide you through the process.
Step 1
Refer to your operator's manual
A. It has many illustrations and detailed information on the safe and proper operation of your equipment.
B. It gives troubleshooting procedures, and specification information.
C. It gives ordering information for parts catalogs, service and technical manuals.
D. If your questions are not answered in the operator's manual, then go to Step 2.
Step 2
Contact your dealer
A. Your John Deere dealer has the responsibility, authority, and ability to answer questions, resolve problems, and fulfill your parts and service needs.
B. First, discuss your questions or problems with your dealer's trained parts and service staff.
C. If the parts and service people are unable to resolve your problem, see the dealership manager or owner.
D. If your questions or problems are not resolved by the dealer, then go to Step 3.
Step 3
Call the John Deere Customer Communications Center
A. Your John Deere dealer is the most efficient source in addressing any concern, but if you are not able to resolve your problem after checking your operator's manual and contacting your dealer, call the Customer Communications Center.
B. For prompt, effective service, please have the following ready before you call:
The name of the dealer with whom you've been working.
Your equipment model number.
Number of hours on machine (if applicable).
Your 13-digit serial number which you recorded on the inside front cover of this manual.
If the problem is with an attachment, your attachment identification number.
C. Then call 1-800-537-8233 and our advisor will work with your dealer to investigate your concern.

Aaron Z

 

[Gator6x4]

If I may play the Devils advocate for a moment. The amount and type of damage described indicates to an outsider a high degree of operator participation in the damage that occurred. I look for the dealer and John Deere to resist paying for repair. A terrific amount of engine lugging and noise had to come from the back of the tractor while the PTO shaft was being twisted. The question I have is, when the engine lugging and noise started why not stop and investigate? Also all rotary cutter owners manuals I have read advise to check the slip clutch before each use. Granted the unit was new, but some responsibility must be placed on the operator for not insuring the cutter was ready for use, prior to using.

 

[gocards1177]

If I may play the Devils advocate for a moment. The amount and type of damage described indicates to an outsider a high degree of operator participation in the damage that occurred. I look for the dealer and John Deere to resist paying for repair. A terrific amount of engine lugging and noise had to come from the back of the tractor while the PTO shaft was being twisted. The question I have is, when the engine lugging and noise started why not stop and investigate? Also all rotary cutter owners manuals I have read advise to check the slip clutch before each use. Granted the unit was new, but some responsibility must be placed on the operator for not insuring the cutter was ready for use, prior to using.

I see your point but I have two arguments: one is that there was no lugging, no warning. It was instantaneous. Working fine then everything just stopped and when I restarted the tractor the vibration was there. Secondly I've read through my manual this morning and I see only two places where it recommends adjusting the clutch. They both say the same thing and neither is very specific. They say, "friction type clutches will seize if left unused for a period of time, especially in humid or damp conditions. Slip the clutch using the following procedure".

So I guess the question is does "a period of time" mean the two weeks from delivery to when I first used it? I'm not sure. Does "a period of time" include the above two weeks plus the time between when the dealer took delivery from the factory until they sold it to me? Probably. Maybe I was wrong to assume the clutch was adjusted prior to delivery. Maybe they should have recommended/reminded me to adjust it before use since the manual doesn't say that explicitly as far as I can find. When I was talking to the service manager on Tuesday he said that the clutch setting unused even a few days can cause seizure with rust. As a novice I wish someone had said that earlier.

In contrast to some buyers' experiences on here, my delivery was brief. It was a low man on the totem pole whom I'd never seen before, unloaded my tractor, asked if I had questions, and left. My salesman had said he could come out any time if I had questions. I had read the manuals and was familiar with my l3800 so I didn't take his offer.

 

[smstonypoint]

I've read through my manual this morning and I see only two places where it recommends adjusting the clutch. They both say the same thing and neither is very specific. They say, "friction type clutches will seize if left unused for a period of time, especially in humid or damp conditions."

To refresh my memory, I checked what the manual for my cutter (TaylorWay) says about checking its slip clutch: "On a new unit or one that has been stored between seasons, perform the following check......."

Steve

 

[LD1]

I bet somewhere it also has a list of dozens of other things to check prior to each use. Like tire pressure, ALL fluid levels, belt tensions, etc.

Would a warranty be voided unless an owner can. Prove they did ALL or the checks every time???

 

[Tx Jim]

Until your local service manager denies the warranty repair of the cutter I just recommend a "wait & see" attitude.

 

[AKfish]

Until your local service manager denies the warranty repair of the cutter I just recommend a "wait & see" attitude.

I think that's what my folk's used to say to us kids.... "Don't howl if you ain't been hurt"!

AKfish

 

[gocards1177]

I think that's what my folk's used to say to us kids.... "Don't howl if you ain't been hurt"!

AKfish

My mom and grandpa used to say "don't borrow trouble". I'm going to give my dealer another day to call me first. Will wait for now.

 

[AKfish]

My mom and grandpa used to say "don't borrow trouble". I'm going to give my dealer another day to call me first. Will wait for now.

There ya go... :thumbsup:

AKfish