I can see where shop mechanics (not only Deere) who are now having to train for weeks to dive into a $350,000 Deere machine with all the latest bells and whistles and computer electronics are worth the big bucks to the Dealers who have to come out in the black at the end of the month.
Problem then is if the computer trained mechanic is the one that puts in the hours splitting a tractor and fixing the simple problem, but the dealer costs per hour are the same. A real dilemma that bites us all (unless we are the one with the computer problem in the big expensive combine or harvester machine).
Well... Yes and no... Normally, the combine guy doesn't jump into fixing the small, compact tractor (unless that's all they've got in the shop) or the lawn mowers or chainsaws, either!
Not all mechanics are created equally - in any given dealership. And they don't all earn the same pay...
As well, the training and the necessary repairs and cost of parts for the "big ticket" machines is an order of magnitude different than is the case for the less complex equipment. Not even in the same ballpark... That said, I would imagine that the cost of inventory for spare parts, etc. for the large HP equipment is also a significantly greater "fixed cost" for the dealership.
I would also venture that the "cost per labor hour" for the dealership is significantly higher for repairs on a 20,000lb tractor or 30,000lb combine than it is for an 1,800lb compact tractor!
Nonetheless, it may well be that this particular dealer charges $145/hr for shop time for anything 75hp and less, etc. And they charge $185/hr for the bigger, more complex machines. Don't know...
What I do know is that this particular dealer in Alberta is about 35% more expensive than Alaska to repair a small, compact tractor!
AKfish
