Dealer How upset should I be at my dealer?

[Jason977]

To be honest, I didn't know that JD even had an OE housing for use with 3rd SCV lever. I've seen the installation instructions for the retrofit kit, and I was expecting it to be cut out, but with more care than that. Thanks for the link, Will, I will have them order that.

And yes, it's more like 25 g's after you order the 4n1, etc. It's got less than 12 hours on it, had it for 2 weeks.

I'll contact the service manager (of this "Gold Star" dealer) today and lay everything out. I may also go ahead and contact JD corporate and see what they want to do. They may want to replace the parts as a CYA measure in case they were weakened. Or at least get a written warranty for those parts for the life of the tractor. Good suggestion on the 50hr service parts, that would be a nice bonus.

Funny, my biggest concern with this whole purchase was dealing with the dealer: Post

 

[Runner]

Dyer,

I don't think you're overreacting one bit. I had the same type thing happen on a much smaller scale:

The tech at my dealer let a wrench slip while installing my power beyond before my machine was delivered and scratched the fender cap. I did a pre-delivery inspection of the machine at the dealer (hoping to catch just this type of thing...) and noticed it. I mentioned to my salesman that I wanted a factory finish on that fender, not spray painted or touched up. Then, to make sure they understood, I talked to the owner of the dealership and told him the exact same thing.

When it was delivered, sure enough, they had just spray painted it, complete with bubbles, drips, runs and overspray all over the place. I made them order me a new fender cap.

Just to give an example of this dealer's attitude, there's this story:

After delivery, I tried mounting my front weights and found the bracket had been installed backwards. No big deal, two bolts, I changed it and carried on. Later, my salesman asked me if I was happy with the tractor and I mentioned (very nicely) that I had to fix the bracket. His response was "we were busy". That pretty much described the attitude and is why I won't go back there for anything now. Well, one of the reasons....

 

[WTA]

I have a different brand of tractor but have been gong through the same crap recently on mine. My dealer has some really sad excuses for mechanics and I think my 25 years of experience allows me to say that.

My tractor is back there for the second time now for the same warranty repair. It's their 5th attempt at the same repair though.
Just like the first time I let them take it I cave it to them washed waxed and looking like it just came out of the showroom. The first time they did not give it back to me in that condition. This time they most certainly will and it had better be running right. I'm done playing games. I've been a mechanic longer than all of their mechanics combined and I know what kind of service I should be getting.

To me even having one single scratch on your machine that wasn't there before or on a new part they install is unsat as we said in the Navy. Anyone working on someone elses stuff is responsible to do the job correctly and give it back in the same or better condition than it was received in. That work ethic has been lost by way too many shops these days.

 

[Jason977]

I sent an email outlining all the problems I had with the assembly to my salesman, asking him to forward it to the service manager. No response yet. I also used JDs online form to submit a short version of the story. I got a response that I had sent it to the wrong department, but that he would forward it on for me. He also told me to continue working with the dealer, and they should be able to take care of me directly. At least I feel good knowing I have a record that I contacted JD about the problem.

 

[BIGWES]

Jason let us know how everything turns out. I had checked
with a dealer in Spring and Conroe when I was shopping for a tractor
because I had a trade in. I ended up buying in Crockett.

Im with the others. For the money you pay, you darn sure should
get better service than that. I would recommend talking face to face
with the owner of the store. Hope everything turns out OK for you.

 

[jd670]

Small world!!! That is exactly what my 300cx loader did on my new 3320. The mounting arms look the same way, smashed or rounded at one end and the loader masts pop up or come off. It's at the dealer right now for this problem. They picked it up Tuesday morning and still have it. It took me getting kinda pissed at them before they would even come out and get it. I used this dealer when I bought my 4210 and they were fantastic. Now, they seem to give me the run around about things. Can't figure what's up with them. Like others have said, I might call corporate if this doesn't get taken care of.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Was there a blacksmith shop nearby that performed the work or was this by the trained technicians ?
The dealership owner should be called and shown the cobbling job. If he is serious in providing future service and sales he will correct this horrible attempt on an installation of simple parts.
WOW............................................................................................

 

[ddivinia]

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?

On the 3rd valve - that is tough. It could have been done better, but it could have been done a lot worse.

The FEL installation - that is a different story. You need to let somebody know about it.

D.

 

[deerchop]

I'm with will, I would be pissed to. You don't spend that much money for scratches and hacked up plastic. Take it to them, NO, Make them come get it and replace the parts. My 3520 is 2 years old and the loader supports are in better shape than yours and I use it constantly. Don't let it go or it will make you mad every time you get on it.

 

[CurlyDave]

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.

I agree completely.

The dealer is responsible for what happens in his shop.

He owes you new loader arms, a new cover, and free installation of these items, only this time he schedules it so you can watch. Or he sends his mechanic to do it at your place.

My dealer frequently makes "house calls", since many customers don't have a trailer.

Be polite, but firm.