Lesson Learned, Be Advised

[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!