Dealer How upset should I be at my dealer?

[Jason977]

Due to my general disdain for dealers and their service departments, I'm afraid I may blow this out of proportion, so I figured I'd run it by y'all first. I brought home my 3520/ 300cx & 4n1 two weeks ago. The dealer had to install the loader, bucket, and 3rd SCV for the 4n1.

First I was disappointed at the poor job they did cutting out the housing for the 3rd SCV lever. Not sure what tools they used, but it is jagged, crooked, and all over ugly. I figured since it's cosmetic I would let it go, and clean it up sometime when I get around to it.

I've always been a little concerned with how loosely the rear uprights of the loader attached because they moved around quite a bit, but I assumed that was a compromise for ease of disconnect. Today while working with the loader, they pulled up off the mounting posts to where there was about a 1.5" gap underneath them. Long story short, the mounting posts that attach to the frame of the tractor were swapped left to right and did not engage or lock into the uprights properly. I installed them correctly tonight, and it's amazing how well they lock into place This time they got torqued to spec, too. When I removed the bolts, they were all over the place.

What should I do? The mounting posts are a little beat up, but I don't really think they need to be replaced. I'm actually more worried that I may have weakened the *cough*Chinese castings on the loader, but I can't really see any signs of stress in the "pockets".

Thoughts?
It's just a tractor, chill out?
No harm, no foul?

 

[AKfish]

Well, you should definitely (politely) notify them the the mounting posts were incorrectly installed. However, the damage does not appear to be extensive enough that the loader arms would have undue sloppiness or play. Expecting a replacement or a nominal refund would likely be expecting too much - IMO.

That said, doesn't JD offer the 3rd SCV (rear or forward mount) as an option to be purchased with a new machine? I'd have to believe that the plastic housing for that option would have a part number and the slot would be OEM with a scale alongside the lever, etc.

What you might angle for is to have your dealer order the OEM 3rd SCV housing - free of charge - for your troubles...

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[kennyd]

You definitely need to talk to the service manager and/or the owner of the dealer. At the very least you should bargain for a free 50 hour service or the parts to do it yourself.

 

[Birdmayon]

The job they did on that lever slot is CRAPPY. I would not be happy at all, and I'd let them know it. And the mistake with the loader is also pretty close to inexcusable. Got any other dealers near by?

I'd be very civil with them, but firm, and make sure they fix that lever set-up. And I'd definitely mention the loader frame, and show them pictures. Someone needs a talking to.

 

[EddieWalker]

Whenever you do any work on just about anything yourself, you need to document what they did wrong. Did you take pictures of there mistakes? That would be the first step. Then I wold have done like you did and just fix it myself and to my standards. It's sad, but there are just too many people out there that have no concept of what quality or craftsmanship is all about.

As a contractor, I run into this all the time from the various trades. AC guys can fix and install the units just fine, but try to find one who can make the lines look nice and seal up the holes in a house after they are done. Same with electricians, plumbers and especially cable/satelitte tv guys. They do what it takes to make it work and not one bit more to make it look nice. It makes me money to come back and clean up their messes, but it's also sad how common this is.

I don't think I'd even bother to complain about it, you're probably just waisting fuel going down there. But the next time you need something from them, I would bring the pictures of the sloppy job they did and how they got it wrong before spending any money with them. It should at least give you some barganing room for what you are there for.

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[Willl]

If it was my brand new $20,000+ tractor, I'd be very pissed.

First; instead of hacking your cover all up, they should of ordered this correct cover (#11).

Second; that loader mount may or may not give you problems again.
But what if it does ?.
I'd remount those posts the way it was and tell them to fix with new parts. Period, end of story. Would not except anything less.

Again, you paid how much $$$$ ?

Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

 

[Willl]

Scratch that $20,000, I did a 'build your own', yikes

How many hours on it ?

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I dont think you're over reacting...you paid for a new tractor...you should get a new tractor. If you bought a Pre-Loved unit, then, sure you'd kinda have to deal with stuff like this.

I'd push for the new correct SCV Cover AND New Mounts (Make sure the loader frame side is ok too...IF you dont get anywhere with it locally, Call Deere and escalate it that way.

On a new piece there is absouletly no reason for this....regardless of size, color or dealer...

 

[Gizmo2]

First, it is not just a tractor, it is YOUR tractor and YOU paid for it. Get what you paid for.
Trade off negotiations never really work right, suppose the mountings now have hairline cracks that cannot be seen by eye, what happens when and if they finally do become apparent in the future, YOU will buy another set. With all the stuff, stay honest and hold your values. Suppose the loader came off and hurt someone? Would you be asking the same questions? I should stop here with my comments but, what else may be wrong that you are unaware of? Suppose the dealer had a new mechanic that assembled or checked out your tractor before delivery and the dealer later discovered the new mechanic did not perform as well as expected and had made many mistakes on yours and other tractors. Believe me, have the dealer correct the issues you'll be glad you did. Remember, it is not your fault it isn't correct.

 

[Dyer retired]

First I was disappointed at the poor job they did cutting out the housing for the 3rd SCV lever. Not sure what tools they used, but it is jagged, crooked, and all over ugly.

I'm with Spudland_Dave, you should expect to start out with a new tractor that looks like new! If you don't let them know your displeasure with this poor quality of work, they will only be reinforced to keep doing it. The cutout doesn't look like any work that the Service Manager at the local Dealership here would let out of the shop. I was wondering if this was done by a new mechanic, but I've seen kids coming out of High School Votech programs do better work than that.

I also agree with EddieWalker that a photographic journal is a good idea for problems down the road and hard to dispute.

Let us know what you decide and how you make out. Dyer, retired