onsite service repair

[Abe460]

I've been trying to search the forums for a thread on this, but keep getting an error if I don't use every search criteria. I don't know who might have posted it so there's no way to search using the user name field...not to mention the random question.


My tractor started making a noise so I cut it off and now it will not start. Don't know a thing about diesel engines. I need someone to take a look at it, but pretty sure I can't afford it. Does anyone know the current rates for a call out? Maybe I could get a second mortgage.

Thx, Abe

 

[jaybrad]

I'm sure you'll hear prices that are all over the place, but if you were ~ 2,000 miles to the northeast (central Maine), the dealer where I bought mine charges $80/hr, including travel time.

I hope that Gustav settles down before it gets to your area.

Jay

 

[Jason537]

What is your tractor?

 

[zionview]

We have a couple independent tractor mechanics in the area. Getting one of them on site isn't too bad of a transaction. Getting a dealer mechanic on site(and on the clock) is a horse of a more expensive color. If you can find a good independent, they don't seem to mind if you haul the tractor there yourself, in fact one prefers it . As for the dealer, if you haul it there, you're taking away a profit center, since they have the investment in trucks and CDL drivers. My independent is a former International Harvester mechanic with a good reputation. He overhauled a diesel for me for slightly over one-third what the dealer wanted. It runs better than when we bought it!

 

[DEWFPO]

You could try to look in the yellow pages for an independent diesel mechanic that works on tractors. He'll most likely be more reasonable. Also, it will be cheaper if you can haul your rig to the mechanic(dealer or not) than if they have to come out.

Have you checked all the usual suspects : Fuel, water in the filter, plenty of engine oil, hydrostatic fluid, etc.. Has the tractor been maintained to manufacturer's recommendations? Any warning lights on the dash? Is the battery at 12.7 volts or better?

Year and model of tractor?

DEWFPO

 

[LBrown59]

You could try to look in the yellow pages for an independent diesel mechanic that works on tractors.


DEWFPO

My next door neighbor is a diesel mechanic

 

[Jason537]

I am as well that why I posted,. and I happen to work on a lot of MF tractors among other brands.

But if he doesn't want to answer how can anyone help him,..

 

[Abe460]

I am as well that why I posted,. and I happen to work on a lot of MF tractors among other brands.

But if he doesn't want to answer how can anyone help him,..

Would have answered, but due to hurricane (previously mentioned) gustav I had some issues.

Trouble was caused by water in fuel. Caught in filter and filter was clogged with some white paste kinda junk. beginner's luck...or screw up.