Not too happy with my dealer

[jmt1271]

Took my 3520 in to have a couple of issues checked. The main prob was the squealing from the 3 point when left lifted with an implement. It often drops and inch or so when this squealing occurs. Shop manager said he let the tractor run for half a day(which scares me a little) and then tells me Deere says this squealing is normal. I disagree, the sound it makes is not normal, and the dropping can be a safety issue.

I admit, I was a little concerned when I left the tractor at the dealer. I was dealing with the shop manager, and as soon as he cranked the tractor I had a bad feeling. Within 3 seconds of firing it up, he had it a full throttle. Maybe I am paranoid, but I think this practice shows ignorance/negligence on the operators part.

Bottom line is this. I didnt complain, just told him I would be by tomorrow to get my tractor. I knew better than taking it to a dealer in the first place. I will try and diagnose and correct the problems myself on my own dime.

 

[jmt1271]

Shop manager called me back and said they were going to replace the rock shaft control valve(?). He said he didnt know what else to do. I bet if they R&R the hyd fluid and filter the prob would be solved. Thats what I am gonna do. Any thoughts?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Yeah, running at full throttle right after startup isn't something I would do, and no way you need full throttle to test the 3ph controls. Any other dealers you can try? Or anyone else at this dealer?

 

[jmt1271]

Well, I intentionally made sure I dealt with the shop manager because of past experiences with dealers in general. But it made no difference. I am sure there are good dealers out there, but for the most part, people just dont care about customer service anymore. They couldnt care less how I treat my equipment, they are going to treat it how they see fit. If you point out to them that you think it should be different, they just label you a "hard to deal with" type, know what I mean? The only way to get good customer service anymore, IMO, is to deal with very small dealerships in which you are actually served by the owner of the business himself. These are the people whose weekly income is directly affected by your satisfaction, and as a result, they make sure you are satisfied.

I am sure everything will be alright, but it just reinforces my fear of leaving anything with a dealer. As long as the general population allows this type of service to be accepted, its not going to change.

 

[AKfish]

This is another chapter in the book of "Business Relationships 101". Unfortunately, many business people don't read the book or in some cases, don't even eat the pages!

This chapter is better known as "Human Math". It's a pretty straightforward equation. It reads "Consideration + Respect = Trust" and of course "Trust = More Individual Sales + Word of Mouth Sales".

And the final calculation: "More Sales = Successful Business".

My JD owner's manual specifically warns against operating the tractor until the tractor has warmed up for a couple of minutes before operating at full RPM. I'm willing to venture that all the JD operator's manuals recommend similar operating procedures for the various models of tractors and other equipment that JD manufactures.

My guess is that the Shop Manager has not bothered to read too many books at all....

Might be time to invest your energies and your dollars with another dealer!

AKfish

 

[jmt1271]

I agree AK. I picked this dealer because of my dealings with the salesman and looking around the shop. I thought they were a better shop than this. I am going to call the owner and talk to him. Hopefully, there wont be any more problems.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

The issue you discribed is the rockshaft control valve. I just went threw the same issue with my 3320. Small amount of debris get stuck under the valve seat and as the valve closes the seat gets damaged. My dealer also replaced the saftey valve as well. Best of luck.

Matt T.

 

[jmt1271]

Yeah, they called back and said they were replacing the RCV. Will the hydro fluid have to changed as well? If not, should I change it as soon as I get it back?