how long does dealer keep tractor for repair

[kilobravo3]

Hi folks. Last week I purchased a used 855. I knew there were a couple of problems with it, so I took it immediately to the dealer closest to me. Tomorrow will be 7 days since I dropped it off, and they haven't even looked at it to tell me what they think is wrong, and how much it will cost. Is this normal? Should I be trying to find another dealer to handle my service needs? I was just curious as to what was normal in your experiences.


Thanks.

 

[bigtiller]

Dealers take a longer time than we are used to. The mechanics at the car dealership are paid by the job while the mechanics at the tractor dealership are paid by the hour.

 

[jdbower]

My dealer's been taking about a week, and scheduling of service apparently doesn't begin until tractor's picked up so the majority of the time is just sitting around the shop. Usually I don't mind, but my dealer has been very receptive when I make requests for preferential scheduling due to my hectic travel schedule. Of course, if everyone does that all the time then no one gets the benefit because everyone is the top priority and no one gets bumped. I'm anticipating many fewer visits since my tough-to-install toys are already on, but if scheduling becomes an issue I'll get a trailer myself to eliminate the pickup scheduling issues. Once work starts, it's over very quickly - my dealer is chronicly done ahead of schedule (a flaw I hope he doesn't have time to rectify).

 

[kilobravo3]

thanks gang....I'm not in any real hurry...I'm just new to the tractor world, and was just seeing what was normal....although I really would like to start using it....guess it will just have to wait til next week

 

[Bulldog160]

Did you buy it from a private party or the dealer in question? I know some of the dealers around here give pref. treatment to their own customers. Once you start using them and show your "loyalty" maybe things will speed up for you.

 

[kilobravo3]

I bought it from a private party, and I certainly understand that a dealer is going to give preference to customers that bought tractors from them. I figured their priorities are with 1.) farmers who can't make a living without their machines, and 2.) people who bought tractors from them...and 3.) ME!. Again, I have no problem with that, but, like you said, hopefully I can establish a good relationship with this dealer....especially since I'm going to need a couple of attachements right out of the gate.

 

[Bulldog160]

There you go. Spend a little money and you and the dealer will be best friends!

I just traded my X585 in on a 2210. The X585 I bought elsewhere. I can easily see a difference even in something as little as amount of time it takes to answer an email. They never treated me badly before just seems a little better/faster now.

Yesterday I needed a new spring for my loader pin assembly and the guy dropped it off on his way home. That never happened before.

The next time you give them a call/email to check the "status" on your tractor, have them get prices on your implements, that way they know your wanting to spend some of that hard earned money.

 

[sandman2234]

Or, to keep from holding on the phone while they look up prices, with a customer standing in front of them tapping their foot, leave your list with them and tell them you will pick up the prices when you pick up your tractor. Make sure you have the person's full name that takes your "wish list".
David from jax