HST Fan Replacement / 50 hr Service Cost

connor77 · Dec 11, 2010

I'd like people's opinions on what they would pay a relative to help them with replacing a broken HST fan on a BX2660 and also changing engine oil, replacing both fuel filters, changing transmission filter and cleaning metal screen (did not replace transmission oil).

This was a complete replacement of the HST fan and the rubber boot in front of the fan that was damaged - not a glue up job. I rented an engine hoist and we moved the engine. I did not have to take ROPS, floor pan, seat, etc off but it was quite challenging getting to that bolt on the top but we managed to. There were 2 sets of hands up and underneath in order to put downward pressure on a small snap-on wrench (very handy) while the other hand tightened.

Anyway, I'm going to pay this relative so it's not a question about whether or not I'm paying or should even have to pay. What I'd like to know is what would be reasonable based on the above considering the amount of work and also the fact that he is a relative and not a Kubota dealer.

The work was done in my garage with a combination of his tools and mine.

Thanks...

Earl Ohl · Dec 12, 2010

When I do work for relatives it is usually "for free". Sometimes a case of Black N Tan appears a few days later though. I'm lucky & have pretty good relatives that I can count on & they can rely on me as well. To me that is worth more than money. So what I'm saying is that we do each other favors & it works out pretty good for all of us.

kuboman · Dec 12, 2010

Pay him what you would expect to be payed if you were helping him

OrangeRidge · Dec 12, 2010

USD100 gift voucher for a BigBox or Grocery store should do it ......... cash is a no -no
since I find it embarrasses folk

WayneB · Dec 12, 2010

Not sure about the money thing either?

How about a couple Yank - Soxs tickets, or Bruins - Habs tickets or even the Celtics - Heat tickets. Now that is if you can even get them.

You could do a gift card to one of the nice tool dealers? Known he must buy expensive tools.

For a couple of those yankee tickets I will come down and help you too!

Wayne

Jbrink64 · Dec 12, 2010

Earl Ohl said:
When I do work for relatives it is usually "for free". Sometimes a case of Black N Tan appears a few days later though. I'm lucky & have pretty good relatives that I can count on & they can rely on me as well. To me that is worth more than money. So what I'm saying is that we do each other favors & it works out pretty good for all of us.

Yup, that falls into the "standard fee" category. A couple of burgers is the bonus.

connor77 · Dec 12, 2010

He needs the money so beer / tickets wouldn't really do it. He is self employed and has been out of work due to a motorcycle injury. I was just looking for something reasonable where I'm not paying $100 hr which is what the local dealership charges and I'm also not paying him $10 an hr. He expects to be paid - believe me.

He also goes the extra mile with the quality of his work. When taking any nut off he put anti-seize on every one of them and any parts that needed to come off got cleaned and greased.

I feel better about how my machine was put back together when it was done then I felt before I toasted my fan blade.

By the way, cleaning my HST filter - there was virtually nothing on it - my fluid looked brand new as others have mentioned by I found that the filter being virtually metal free a bit unusual? Anyone else find the same cleaning the small metal mesh transmission strainer?

psvines · Dec 12, 2010

connor77 said:
He expects to be paid - believe me.

...

By the way, cleaning my HST filter - there was virtually nothing on it - my fluid looked brand new as others have mentioned by I found that the filter being virtually metal free a bit unusual? Anyone else find the same cleaning the small metal mesh transmission strainer?

Two comments. If you both went into this expecting payment, the details should have been worked out ahead of time. Anyway, ask him what he expects to be paid, if reasonable then pay him.

And my BX2660 screen was also very clean at 50 hours.

Earl Ohl · Dec 12, 2010

connor77 said:
He needs the money so beer / tickets wouldn't really do it. He is self employed and has been out of work due to a motorcycle injury. I was just looking for something reasonable where I'm not paying $100 hr which is what the local dealership charges and I'm also not paying him $10 an hr. He expects to be paid - believe me.

He also goes the extra mile with the quality of his work. When taking any nut off he put anti-seize on every one of them and any parts that needed to come off got cleaned and greased.

I feel better about how my machine was put back together when it was done then I felt before I toasted my fan blade.

By the way, cleaning my HST filter - there was virtually nothing on it - my fluid looked brand new as others have mentioned by I found that the filter being virtually metal free a bit unusual? Anyone else find the same cleaning the small metal mesh transmission strainer?

Then in that case I would have worked that out with him before any work was started. This can very easily become a situation where either he or you end up feeling "used & abused". Maybe you could find out what a mechanic at the dealership gets paid per hour & that would give you an idea of how much to give him. You'll still be saving money & he'll be getting a decent amount.

funwithahoe · Dec 12, 2010

Earl Ohl said:
Then in that case I would have worked that out with him before any work was started. This can very easily become a situation where either he or you end up feeling "used & abused". Maybe you could find out what a mechanic at the dealership gets paid per hour & that would give you an idea of how much to give him. You'll still be saving money & he'll be getting a decent amount.

I have always found that paying a little extra always helps in the long run - What about $25-30/hour?