Lesson Learned, Be Advised

[rutwad]

Well, I have been hesitant to even post this because it is not likely to happen to most if any. But it is something to consider for anybody that is about to purchase a tractor, or anything else I guess.

I was recently able to demo a new tractor. Not sure how much time I actually put on it versus the hours it had, but when I finished using it only had 3.5 hrs. I parked it overnight on concrete. The next day I noticed fresh oil under the tractor, and with a quick look I determined that it was indeed coming from the new tractor.

I wasn't going to mention anything b/c it is not an issue with any particular tractor or engine, but I though it is something for buyers to be cognizant of. Who knows what would happen if I purchased the tractor without demo'ing? What if I had it for a couple of weeks before noticing the oil? Then the new tractor would be back in the shop for warranty work. Not something I would like to deal with. And sometimes dealers further away may offer a better price for a new tractor. But what happens if you get a new tractor from 500 miles away and you discover a leak?

So for me, I will demo any tractor before purchasing. Even though I may be familiar with and like a certain model, I still want to run the exact tractor that I am purchasing to ensure there are no issues prior to me paying.

Just thought I would pass along

 

[Giles]

I had a similar incident---While searching for a used tractor, I found one that had 156 hrs. and looked showroom new. I was checking it out from the dealer that sold it new. The FEL would not even raise the front of the machine at wide open throttle! The dealer had no comment, just showed me another tractor that I wasn't interested in.
Later, I noticed the tractor was sold---wonder if that person saw what I did?
On another tractor that I checked out, it was showing 195 hrs. Unbroken paint, on the engine drain plug, suggested that the tractor had not been serviced since new!
Buying anything, even new, warrents a thorough check out:thumbsup:

 

[oldballs]

Even if you think the dealer is compentent and the tractor is brand new, you need to get into the OE manual and start checking everything you can possibly think of....and some that you don't even think of.... because you might be surprised that some major set up errors are present. For example some tires way over fill (like X3), some fluid levels way over filled to the point of running out when operated, some fluid levels way under filled to the point of just barely lubricating, some zerks with no grease, mowing deck not properly aligned. Those are just some of the things that I recall from a couple years ago. Heads up new owners.

 

[Deadman]

Every GREAT tractor is only as good as the workers who assembled it........:confused2:

 

[sweettractors]

Well, I have been hesitant to even post this because it is not likely to happen to most if any. But it is something to consider for anybody that is about to purchase a tractor, or anything else I guess.

I was recently able to demo a new tractor. Not sure how much time I actually put on it versus the hours it had, but when I finished using it only had 3.5 hrs. I parked it overnight on concrete. The next day I noticed fresh oil under the tractor, and with a quick look I determined that it was indeed coming from the new tractor.

I wasn't going to mention anything b/c it is not an issue with any particular tractor or engine, but I though it is something for buyers to be cognizant of. Who knows what would happen if I purchased the tractor without demo'ing? What if I had it for a couple of weeks before noticing the oil? Then the new tractor would be back in the shop for warranty work. Not something I would like to deal with. And sometimes dealers further away may offer a better price for a new tractor. But what happens if you get a new tractor from 500 miles away and you discover a leak?

So for me, I will demo any tractor before purchasing. Even though I may be familiar with and like a certain model, I still want to run the exact tractor that I am purchasing to ensure there are no issues prior to me paying.

Just thought I would pass along

I don't know the particulars of this dealers setup situation, however, most dealers don't final prep a tractor until just before delivery. This leak would have been caught then by any competent dealer worth his salt. Ken Sweet

 

[BigD23]

A good "heads up" for all...Thanks!

Don

 

[Z-Michigan]

Oh no! An oil leak! Darn BP! Call the White House!

Not intending to be offensive, but an oil leak is often, even usually a very minor item, something as simple as a slightly loose drain plug or oil filter. Sure, it would be preferable not to happen, but I don't think it's any indictment of the tractor, brand or dealer if it does happen. Generally fixed in minutes with no harm at all done.

There are various other minor problems that could come up. With my first new tractor, the shift knob kept coming off. Did I send it back and demand a refund? No, I had them fix it the first time (not realizing how extremely simple it was to fix), and the second time I got out a screwdriver and fixed it myself - permanently. No big deal.

A tractor is a piece of heavy machinery, not a Lexus, not a Japanese camera. Be ready for minor tinkering, even with brand new machinery from the best brands. If that doesn't sound like you, consider hiring out all the work on your property.

 

[Z-Michigan]

A few thoughts to add:

What if I had it for a couple of weeks before noticing the oil? Then the new tractor would be back in the shop for warranty work. Not something I would like to deal with.

When my first tractor (which was Green, incidentally, and the last US-made green tractor in its class) needed that extremely tiny warranty fix, the selling dealer picked it up, fixed it at their shop in a day or two, and returned it, all at their expense and with no real hassle to me.

And sometimes dealers further away may offer a better price for a new tractor. But what happens if you get a new tractor from 500 miles away and you discover a leak?

A good reason not to buy from a dealer that's too far away. I've decided not to buy if a quality dealer for the brand isn't within their radius of free pickup/delivery for warranty repairs. Each person should make their own decision balancing the desire for a particular brand/model, the lower price from a far-away dealer, and their mechanical skills.

 

[Willl]

Never really tried to ask to demo a tractor from my dealer, kinda thought he/she laugh in my face. I'm just an average home owner.

Do you by a lot from this dealer ?

 

[rutwad]

Never really tried to ask to demo a tractor from my dealer, kinda thought he/she laugh in my face. I'm just an average home owner.

Do you by a lot from this dealer ?

No, first time actually.

Z-Mich, I would be worried what else was loose if they did not even tighten the oil plug or filter. But this appears to be coming from the crankshaft seal.

 

[smfcpacfp]

I am not sure what lesson we are to learn from your demo?

 

[Opti-Mist]

Tires are generally "overinflated" for stability in shipping. Dealers doing the PDI check list will catch all that stuff, and go over it with the buyer. As a buyer it is my responsibility to review the PDI check list to ensure the delivered product has been properly inspected - because it's my money!

 

[Bird]

So for me, I will demo any tractor before purchasing. Even though I may be familiar with and like a certain model, I still want to run the exact tractor that I am purchasing to ensure there are no issues prior to me paying.

I can't say that's a bad idea, and I'd also want to "demo" one if I were buying a used machine. But I bought two new Kubotas and never heard the engine start on either one until the dealer (the same salesman that I dealt with) delivered them and drove them off his trailer. But I think the guys who did the "make ready" (had to install a FEL on the last one) checked them over pretty well before delivery.

 

[rutwad]

In a perfect situation, I just feel it's better to test b4 you buy if possible. That way if something is wrong, then it is not your worry at all.

 

[Don87]

I can't say that's a bad idea, and I'd also want to "demo" one if I were buying a used machine. But I bought two new Kubotas and never heard the engine start on either one until the dealer (the same salesman that I dealt with) delivered them and drove them off his trailer. But I think the guys who did the "make ready" (had to install a FEL on the last one) checked them over pretty well before delivery.

I purchased my Massey the same way

 

[bstrom]

The only thing I found on mine when it was new was that two of the grease zerks were not screwed in and came off the first time I greased the loader. It's super minor but annoying and it makes you wonder at first if they just checked everything off on the check list without actually doing it. Probably not but it made me wonder what else is loose.

 

[AKfish]

In a perfect situation, I just feel it's better to test b4 you buy if possible. That way if something is wrong, then it is not your worry at all.

I haven't found many "perfect situations" or perfect tractors... and I don't worry about it very much, either.

I bought my first tractor after looking it over and never turning the key! Fellow asked me a couple of times if I'd like to run it around the place. Used it almost 4 years and it never gave me a sliver of trouble.

Bought my new tractor; sight unseen from a fellow almost 4,800 miles away - and 600 hours later it's never given me the slightest problem.

Neither machine leaked or burned oil..

I had a couple of "lemons" - cars and trucks - none of which I could have known from a demo drive. They crapped out after 12,000 miles or so; still on warranty - but a PITA.

Still go with my gut feeling after talking with and spending a bit of time with seller/owner. If they pass muster and the deal is good; I pays my money and takes my chances!! :thumbsup: 'Course I go over the machine with a fine tooth comb and I'm not averse to workin' the tractor a bit if possible.

Can work out or not.. no hard and fast guarantee - IMO.

AKfish

 

[Mike Costello]

When I bought my Kubota, the dealer would not release the tractor to me until a very thorough prep was done. The dealer(owner) then had me meet with the service manager and we went over the prep list item by item. He showed me all the fluid levels and how to check them. All the zerk fittings and how to grease them etc. Finally, we went over all the controls on the tractor and he explained how they worked. When we were done, I signed off on the prep sheet and was given a copy.

Now, I'm no stranger to things mechanical having owned my own automotive repair business, but I found the prep process to be very informative and professional. It was also just plain enjoyable. Mike.

 

[flyingcow]

When I bought my Kubota, the dealer would not release the tractor to me until a very thorough prep was done. The dealer(owner) then had me meet with the service manager and we went over the prep list item by item. He showed me all the fluid levels and how to check them. All the zerk fittings and how to grease them etc. Finally, we went over all the controls on the tractor and he explained how they worked. When we were done, I signed off on the prep sheet and was given a copy.

Now, I'm no stranger to things mechanical having owned my own automotive repair business, but I found the prep process to be very informative and professional. It was also just plain enjoyable. Mike.

Sounds like a good dealer. If your dealer doesn't offer this, a person should ask for this to be done.

 

[ITHINKICAN]

When I bought my Kubota, the dealer would not release the tractor to me until a very thorough prep was done. The dealer(owner) then had me meet with the service manager and we went over the prep list item by item. He showed me all the fluid levels and how to check them. All the zerk fittings and how to grease them etc. Finally, we went over all the controls on the tractor and he explained how they worked. When we were done, I signed off on the prep sheet and was given a copy.

I look forward to that...

We ride motocross - it is entertaining when they do the delivery checklist and know very little about what they are delivering. I will pay careful attention when we take delivery on our new tractor. We hope to have one within 10-14 days.

Thank you for the headsup!